Corporate Worship: Ministry of the Word

Ministry of the Word is the central event of Sunday mornings at Perkinsville. Ministry of the Word is surrounded by blended musical worship with elements of more traditional hymns and modern songs, greeting and hospitality, collection of the offering, responsive singing, and a quiet time of reflection at the conclusion of worship. The 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services (schedule is adjusted during summer months) share the same flow and style. When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we do so at both worship services. Baptisms, baby dedications, commissioning services, and the adult choir are usually only at the 11 a.m. service. Below are just a few elements that are common to Perkinsville worship.

 

Congregational song. The praise band and choir director lead the congregation in glorifying God and exalting Christ through congregational songs. We usually have both traditional hymns (from the 18th – 20th centuries) and modern praise songs (from the past 10 – 15 years). Our instrumentation includes a grand piano, guitars, bass, keyboard, and drums.

 

Special music. Between the adult choir, solos, and duets, special music provides children of God the opportunity to commit their gifts back to Lord. During this time of worship, the congregation is invited to worship as they silently pray or sing the words of the music to God. Sometimes these songs can used as a harmonious backdrop as worshipers close their eyes and pray to God.

 

Welcome and hospitality. Perkinsville is known for its hospitable and uplifting welcome time. During this time, the entire congregation takes a few minutes to practice the Christian act of hospitality and welcome new and old friends alike.

 

Celebration of tithes and offerings. We always celebrate God’s goodness by highlighting a ministry or mission that is supported by Perkinsville before collecting the offering. During the offering, we worship through giving as we give sacrificially to the mission of the church.

 

Expository preaching. As the ministry of the Word is the central event, Perkinsville’s pastors and special speakers utilize expository preaching to remain faithful to the biblical text before us. Expository preaching is the style in which the preacher communicates not only the text, but the principles of what the author is attempting to communicate (rather than the preacher’s own agenda or opinion).

 

Invitation and Response. Following the sermon, the entire congregation is invited to respond. Response includes singing along, praying, or coming forward to the altar to pray with others.

 

Childcare & Children's Worship

Nursery for children ages birth - 2. The Perkinsville Nursery is open for children ages birth - 2 during both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Sunday. The nursery is located on the bottom level of the church. Please plan to arrive about ten minutes before the beginning of Sunday morning worship to check your child(ren) into the nursery.

Children's Worship (11 a.m. only). Children ages 3 - kindergarten are dismissed prior to the sermon for children's worship every Sunday. Our children's worship teachers teach biblical truths and engage the children with fun activities. 

 

Pew project bags and children's bulletins. If your children are older than kindergarten, or if you prefer for them to stay in the sanctuary, we have pew project bags and children's bulletins available for them. Both the bags and bulletins have sermon-based and Bible-based projects.

 

Video feed. If you prefer to stay with your children in a more private place, we send the service to an upstairs room and to the fellowship hall every Sunday. Specific information regarding these rooms is printed in the bulletin.