Broadway Baptist Church
Visiting Broadway
Are you thinking of going to a church building for a service the first time and not sure what to expect? It can be very daunting for a number of reasons - you may be nervous and wonder if you will fit in. Other questions may spring to mind, such as, what happens while I’m there?
Church services vary, but this is the kind of thing you can expect at Broadway:
When you arrive for the morning service and walk in there may be one or two people standing by the doorway; they’re not bodyguards or going to do anything to convert you so don’t worry! They may say hello or shake your hand and tell you who they are. You may or may not tell them about you – that’s up to you. You might also notice two doors directly left and right. These are the toilets. You will then be directed into the church.
When you go through to the church building there is a counter on each side, there will be another two people standing there – one on either side. They will give you an order of service leaflet and a hymn book in small or large print depending on your needs.
You may want to have a look around or go and sit down. There may be a few people standing around chatting or doing things – this is normal. A screen at the front will show a couple of events and other general information for that week, and will also be used later on for Bible readings and songs.
When the service starts the Deacons and Minister will come out of the vestry. The Deacons are a group of people from the church who help run things with the Minister. The Minister will go to the lectern at the front, say good morning then usually read a few lines from the Bible – there should be one of these in the pews if you want to follow later on. The next thing is usually a hymn to be sung. Usually we stand to sing, but you can remain seated if you want. You don’t have to sing at all. You may want to listen, read the words from the book or on the screen. Don’t worry if you can’t follow the words or the tune – you can be sure there are others there who feel the same. When the song has finished you sit down again.
A prayer is then usually said by whoever’s at the front, or somebody else might come out to do it. Prayer is different for everyone. We don’t kneel down (there isn’t the space to do so anyway), but remain seated, bow our heads and hold our hands together – I mean your own not the person’s next to you! At the end we simply say Amen. Sometimes we might read something together, either from the service sheet or on the screen.
Next is normally a short informational piece – maybe something to do with the Bible or something fun that the children or adults participate in but with some kind of message to it. Then we will sing another song or hymn as before.
A Deacon will then read out a few notices, followed by anyone else who has one. Then the offering is taken. Two people will walk down each side passing the bag along each row. If you wish to make a donation to the church you can, or if not, pass it along to the next person on the row. No-one will mind if you don’t put anything in the bag. The Minister brings down a plate at the front, the four people walk forward and put the bags on it while everybody stands up, a short thank you to God is said and then everyone sits back down again. Children and teachers leave at this point for their lessons and the crèche.
A reading will be then read from the Bible by somebody in the congregation or the Minister, followed by a hymn or song and more prayers for people in need. After another song the minister will give the sermon – usually from the higher lectern (pulpit). This is a talk that can go on for about 10 or 20 minutes and is generally followed by another prayer. We sing one more song and remain standing while the minister finishes up by saying something. Then we sit back down while the minister walks down to the entrance to see people as they go out.
Some music is played at the end and people wait a few seconds before getting up to get out. As you go out you may leave the hymn book on the stands or if you forget they will be collected anyway. You may take the service sheet home with you – you might want it again later if you decide to come to the evening service as well. The minister will probably greet you and ask if you have signed the visitor’s book. From here you can come over to the hall for a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits or perhaps a bit of cake and some chat if you so wish.
Any other questions contact the Minister or speak to one of the Deacons (or even me!)
Leigh Neill (click to e-mail)
Office Address:
166 Broadway
DERBY
DE22 1BP