Prospective Member Host Information

Transcription

1 Prospective Member Host Information This Prospective Member Host Information manual is the property of The Restored Church of God. It is on loan and is not to be copied or distributed without the express written consent of The Restored Church of God. By accepting this manual on loan, you are agreeing to return it upon request. Copyright 2006 by The Restored Church of God All Rights Reserved PM HIM

2 PROPSPECTIVE MEMBER HOST INFORMATION CONTENTS INTRODUCTION SABBATH SERVICES PERSONAL CONDUCT ONTIME SONGBOOKS OPENING/CLOSING PRAYERS SERMONCDS HOLY DAY GUIDELINES COUNSELING ANOINTED CLOTHS ASSIGNED TO AN ELDER PRAYER REQUESTS FEAST OF TABERNACLES

3 INTRODUCTION This material has been prepared for prospective members of The Restored Church of God who are unable to meet with a local congregation. In I Corinthians 14:33, God says that He is "not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Verse 40 says that things ought to be done "decently and in order." It is critical that we establish clear guidelines to help you as a new attendee in The Restored Church of God. Subheads are included to make this an easy, ready reference for your use. There may be periodic additional updates that may be sent to you from the Church Administration Department. These would be sent to replace, amend, expand or update sections of this manual as needs arise. Please keep this material together in a ring binder and strive as much as possible to always work within these guidelines. This material is to serve you-not the other way around. Please be careful not to lose sight of the spirit in which these principles are intended to guide Sabbath and Holy Day services. You may always ask us questions regarding issues that need to be addressed or clarified. The term "host" has been used because it means that one will be holding Sabbath Services in a private home. This was often the case in the first century, as demonstrated by biblical references to the Church in Arc hippus' house (Phm. 2) and "the church that is in their (Priscilla's and Aquila's) house" (Rom. 16:5). In this age, the situation is very similar. We commend your commitment to learning the full truth of the Bible, and we trust that this manual will prove helpful as you strive to honor God in His weekly and annual Sabbath services. In Christ's service, _:p~ c. ~~-4L David C. Pack

4 FOREWORD FROM THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT This manual, in many regards, should be considered your "Bible" for conducting Sabbath services. The information contained herein is not merely a list of suggestions. Rather, it will ensure that services are conducted in a right and proper manner--one that is pleasing and acceptable to God and that reflects the way that He works. Deviation from these guidelines, except under rare circumstances, can create a host of problems. However, following them will produce an orderly and edifying atmosphere in God's Sabbath services. In Christ's service, Jeffrey R. Ambrose

5 SABBATH SERVICES The pattern of our formal services each Sabbath has been an established tradition in God's Church for many years. Whether there is one person alone, five (in a home), or 100 brethren (in a hall) in attendance makes no difference to God. Jesus Christ is "where two or three are gathered together in My [His] Name." When you feel isolated, always remember that He "will never leave you, nor forsake you," no matter how distant you are from our other RCG members spread around the world. Always remember that "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" (I John 1:3). A consistent format also promotes unity, and we know that this pattern has worked for decades (II Thes. 2: 15; 3:6). The overall guiding principle in conducting Sabbath services is that "all things be done decently and in order" (I Cor. 14:40). Here then is the standard format (hymn numbers refer to placement m services, not the songbook page number): Hymn#l Hymn#2 Hymn#3 Opening Prayer Sermonette (when provided by headquarters) Hymn #4 (no hymn if no Sermonette) Announcements (read from Announcement Bulletin; audio announcements from headquarters occasionally provided) Hymn#S Sermon

6 Hymn#6 Closing Prayer You should strive to avoid any interruption of services by turning off the phones-including all cell phones-and making sure that no visitors are scheduled to arrive during this time. Try to think as if you were meeting in a hall with others and hearing from a minister in person. In time, others from your area may join The Restored Church of God, at which point arrangements would be made to meet with them, if possible. You may be able to serve as an example to these future members.

7 PERSONAL CONDUCT The standard of conduct in services, like the format, has also been in place for many years. It is very important to take notes, both to help you be more attentive during services, and for later review. Occasionally, we still see people who are not practicing this important habit. Please build it, and if you have children attending services with you, teach them to do the same. Proper Sabbath attire for men, women and children is another key element of services. Herbert W. Armstrong stressed the importance of coming before God in our best-and certain standards became traditions in the Church. We are told by Paul to "hold the traditions which you have been taught" (II Thes. 2: 15; 3:6). The sloppy, casual style of dress tolerated in the churches of the world does not honor God. Mr. Armstrong warned often from scripture about those who would try to appear at the Wedding Supper without a proper "garment." Appearance is important to God. We are told to even "abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thes. 5:22), while also being told to "let your moderation be known to all men" (Phil. 4:5). Women should dress modestly. This also applies to teenage girls, who must fight the pull of the world around them (with the help of their parents) in order to maintain modesty. Also, teenage boys must fight the tendency to conform to the world's baggy, sloppy, ill-fitting look. Men should wear suits and ties, and women should wear dresses or skirts on the Sabbath, Holy Days and during every service at the Feast of Tabernacles. A final word on this subject is in order. Some have dismissed these standards of dress as an example of "yardstick religion." This term is sometimes used to denigrate those who would hold almost any kind of standards. However, let us be careful that we do not go so far as to make our traditions into a religion in themselves-and thereby unnecessarily alienate people who would otherwise consider coming with us. Strive for balance. Just remember that "balance" is not a license to violate important traditions that serve us well.

8 Another extremely important matter of personal conduct related to Sabbath Services is the need to control our children. While this subject has been addressed in sermons, may it suffice to say that this "present evil world" has affected the childrearing and family practices of God's people far more than you may suspect. Children should not be unruly and should show respect for others at all times. They should be well behaved and attentive to the messages during the service. Parents, require this of your children!

9 ON TIME Services should always be started on time. Most areas, over course of time, tend to drift into laxity in this regard when there is not proper supervision from the ministry. Starting promptly is a practice that will carry over into other aspects of the service, and this small point carries more importance than meets the eye. God is testing us on how important-or unimportant-it is to us that we honor Him, and this honor is demonstrated in part by starting services in a timely fashion. The formality and quality of services begins to break down when this standard is allowed to slip. What time should services start? Typically, services begin between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., and this is often adjusted as the time of sunset changes with the seasons. This general range allows adequate time for prayer, study, and preparation before services. After a starting time is decided upon, make absolutely sure to be punctual.

10 SONGBOOKS Please only use The Restored Church of God Bible Hymnal for Sabbath services. You should have received a PDF version of the hymnal via . You may print copies for use during services. We will send a hardbound version with the Welcome Packet upon your baptism.

11 OPENING/CLOSING PRAYERS (The following is an article that first appeared in the Winter 2004 issue of THE PILLAR, titled "Opening and Closing Sabbath Services With Prayer." Although some of this information does not apply in the case of a prospective member holding services alone, the principles discussed should still prove helpful.) Being called upon to open or close services with prayer causes many to be terrified. If you, as a baptized man in the Church, are ever called upon to do this, here are the guidelines that will help. Carefully apply them! It can create almost unbearable fear and anxiety in grown men. Just the prospect of being asked to perform this service for the first time might make them weak in the knees or cause profuse sweating. Some try to avoid it, making themselves "scarce" prior to the start of services, hoping to avoid notice. They might stand behind someone-anyone-who will prevent them from being seen. What could this possibly be?-what could cause such dread and fear? Being asked to open or close services with prayer! Conversely, there are some men who seemingly cannot wait to be called on. They try to be noticed, hoping to be asked. For them, this is their opportunity to give the prayer of prayers, their moment to shine. If this is their motivation, it could well be their first and last time of opening or closing services with prayer. Thankfully, such cases are rare. But again, being asked to give a first-time opening or closing prayer can be a traumatic experience. But, as an opportunity to serve the brethren, it need not be this way. Why Open With Prayer? Why do we have an opening prayer for services? Is it to make services feel more "religious"? Does it make any difference if there is an opening prayer? Is it a useless exercise void of meaning? Or is it an important, integral part of the Sabbath service? Does it really matter? When assembling together on the Sabbath, we are coming before the great Creator God, the originator and sustainer of all that is. Since His Word clearly instructs us to pray without ceasing (I Thes. 5: 17), it is only right and fitting to open His services with prayer. Yet, this prayer should not be vain repetition (Matt. 6:7), meaningless or simply the mouthing of words. For some, it is all too easy to repeat "our Father" or "Father" more times than an opening prayer should contain. Doing so clearly turns the prayer into "vain

12 repetition." Think of it this way: If you were talking to your physical father, would you repeatedly say "father" or "dad" in every other sentence? Of course not! So strive to avoid doing this when talking to our spiritual Father. Of course, this prayer does not need to be-nor should it be-very long. A short prayer can be very effective if it is done in earnest, believing faith. There are many biblical examples of short prayers that yielded powerful miracles and intervention from God. A prayer of about 45 seconds in length is all that is needed. However, you should expect the prayer you give to make a difference in the service that will follow. What to Pray For The main purpose of this prayer is to ask God to guide and inspire the entire service. This includes both the speaking and the hearing. It also includes the hymns that are sung and the announcements that are given. Every opening prayer should contain three important overall elements. After all, it will set the tone for the service. Start by briefly praising and honoring God. As Ruler and King of the entire universe, give Him the credit and glory He is due. Acknowledge that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. He alone gives us each beat of our heart and every breath we take. Without Him, we would not even exist! Notice I Timothy 1:17: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." But, do not over do it! You would also want to thank God for the opportunity to meet in peace and safety. Express gratitude for the Sabbath day, the meeting hall or home where services are being held, perhaps the weather or any other favorable conditions the Church, local congregation or the brethren around the world have been blessed with. Recall what Paul wrote to the Ephesians: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (5:20). And of course, you will want to ask for God's blessing on the service. It is important to ask God to inspire both the sermonette and the sermon. Ask that He guide and direct the proceedings through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to speak through His human instruments and give them the words that the congregation needs to hear. You usually would also ask that the congregation's hearing be inspired, for their growth, edification or correction and that they would receive the spiritual food that has been prepared and put those principles into practice. As the end of the age draws near, and as Satan's wrath increases and intensifies, the world will become darker and darker. For now, we enjoy relative peace and safety, with little interference from the outside world. But we can expect violence, hatred, intolerance and religious persecution to

13 increase--especially upon the true Church. As this happens, it will be ever more necessary to ask for protection for God's people around the world. Other things might also be mentioned, depending on events in the world or each local situation. How to Pray The purpose of the opening prayer is not to "put on a show" before a live audience. When giving this prayer, you are praying to God, not to the congregation. Completely avoid using religious or "righteous" sounding expressions (such as King James English) or speaking like a soft, syrupy Protestant preacher using melodramatic tones! Also, be very careful of being overly emotional. It will not make the prayer any more effective-rather, it tends to render it "holier-than-thou." Contrary to what some might believe, Jesus never spoke this way. Also, do not pray to Jesus Himself. Some men slip into talking to or thanking "the Lord." Be sincere. Do not give a canned or prepared prayer. Deciding ahead of time what you will say in your prayer prevents God from being able to inspire it. You need not worry about giving the perfect prayer. After all, you are not up for an academy award. A sincere, heartfelt prayer is more important-and more effective! Remember that it is the opening prayer, so be sure to stay within that purpose. Be careful not to digress into things that have nothing to do with services. It is also not the time to give a sermonette; nor is its purpose to give a "witness" or "testimonial" or anything of the sort. A void presenting a false humility. Of course, humility is vital, but it should be genuine-from the heart. Be careful not to bow your head so low that you bang it on the microphone--or worse, the lectern. You don't want to come away with a headache! When there is a microphone, speak into it and not into your tie bar. In the absence of a microphone (as will be the case when meeting in homes or in smaller congregations), be sure to speak loudly and clearly enough for the brethren to hear. Be crisp, confident and bold. Remember this instruction from Hebrews "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" ( 4: 16). If they cannot hear or understand the prayer, it can hardly be effective, nor will the brethren be able to say "amen" to it. Keep your mind off yourself and simply say what you have to say. Use a normal, clear tone of voice, without any theatrics. Be straightforward and sincere, having godly confidence, but without vanity. Be sure to close out your prayer by asking what you have prayed for in Jesus Christ's name. However, avoid using the protestant-sounding phrase "in our Lord and Savior's name." While Christ certainly is our Savior, our

14 focus should be on His coming as "King of kings." But do not "pile on" to the ending trying to out do other prayer men. It is sufficient to close your prayer with the phrase "in Jesus Christ's name." Remember, we are coming to the Father by and through Christ's authority, which the closing of the prayer should reflect. His purpose was to point us to the Father. The purpose in closing the prayer is not to praise and extol Christ, but rather to acknowledge we are coming to God by Christ's permission. Consider the following: If your mother sent you to speak with your father, in talking to him, would you endlessly extol your mother? Also be sure to end the prayer with a crisp, clear and audible "amen." Some men end their prayers with their voice trailing off so quietly, the congregation cannot hear that the prayer is over. Sometimes the only way they know is that they hear the prayer man walking away from the podium! When called upon, do not try to make a "grand entrance." Noise and commotion should be kept to a minimum. When meeting in a home (which is the case for most brethren), move to the front of the seating area or where the song leader might stand and, facing the brethren, firmly deliver the prayer. Of course, this procedure might need to be adjusted, depending on the size of the meeting area and the number of members present. When meeting in a larger venue or a hall-such as at headquarters or at the Feast-rise from your seat during the last song and move quietly to the outside isle. Make your way toward the speaker's area, stopping at the front row of seats. As the last verse is concluding, make your way to the podium as the song leader is speaking your name. This will ensure that you are ready and that a minimal amount of time passes between the announcement of your name and the beginning of the prayer. As the song leader steps aside, take his place behind the lectern and deliver the prayer. When you are finished, leave the area promptly and quietly. The Closing Prayer When giving the closing prayer, follow the same procedures as outlined above. As in the opening prayer, give praise and honor to God. Be sure to express real gratitude for the spiritual food provided. The prayer should indicate that you understood the messages and have benefited from them. Some closing prayers seem totally unrelated to the messages that were given just prior to them. You could perhaps mention one or two points given in the messages and briefly ask God to help all in attendance to apply them in their lives. However, do not in any way summarize, recap or editorialize the messages or add any additional points to them. As with the opening prayer, the closing prayer is not the time for a sermonette. It is intended to ask God

15 to help you and your brethren achieve the main purpose the speaker had in mind. It might be to educate, encourage, motivate, admonish or correct. Sermons are not all the same. Each is intended to bring about a specific purpose or result in the lives of the listeners. Your request in the closing prayer should show that you basically understood what the speaker had in mind. Remember to acknowledge the sermonette when closing services with prayer. While it may be easily overlooked, due to the sermon overshadowing it because of length and impact, it is still part of our spiritual food every Sabbath, and we should thank God for it. There may have been news of a very sick person, a crisis or inspiring news concerning God's Work or Church during the announcements. This may certainly be mentioned in the closing prayer. It is appropriate to ask for God's dismissal and for his protection on the brethren traveling home from services. Some may have a long distance to travel or the weather could be hazardous. You could also ask God to be with those who could not be in attendance. However, when doing this, be careful not to say "for any reason," because some reasons that people have for missing services are simply not valid. If the messages have greatly inspired or moved you, it is not wrong to express this in your prayer. But to avoid creating an embarrassing scene for yourself and the brethren, be sincere and balanced-not overly emotional. As with the opening prayer, the closing prayer should be limited to 45 seconds in length. What If No Baptized Men Are Present? The end of this age presents many unique challenges for God's Church. Our congregations tend to be smaller, with brethren somewhat isolated and scattered around the world. Much like the first-century Church, many of them meet in members' homes. This could mean that services are being held where there are no baptized men present to perform the opening or closing prayer. Since women (I Cor. 14:34) and (as the established tradition of the Church) unbaptized men are not permitted to give opening or closing prayer, what should be done in these situations? In these circumstances, those present should remain standing after the hymn, and, in their minds, quietly give the opening and closing prayer. In the case of an unbaptized man meeting alone for services, he could ask the prayer out loud. Remember, these guidelines are primarily intended to help baptized men in the Church give the opening or closing prayer. They contain the principles around which a short, effective prayer can be constructed. Sincerity in the

16 love of God and the brethren are the key ingredients that make our prayers effective. Recall Christ's words: "But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). Opening and closing prayers are an integral part of our formal Sabbath services. The prayers are a verbal offering to God and should be offered to the glory of our Father and His Son. If you are called upon to open or close services with prayer, look on it as a blessing and an opportunity to serve. And be sure that your prayer is one to which the whole congregation can sincerely say, "Amen."

17 SERMON CDS All sermon CDs will be sent directly to you as the lone prospective member in a given area. CDs will be sent every week, generally one or two in each mailing. CDs will always be designated to be played in all congregations on the same Sabbath, so that the entire Church stays "on the same page" as much as possible. Usually, this means a two-week delay (in the United States) from the time that a sermon is given at headquarters. Sometimes a three-week delay may be required for international mailing. (Note: Sermons are posted on the Host page of the website on the Thursday evening before the Sabbath they are to be played. If you prefer this method of receiving the sermons, and do not require the CDs to be sent to you, please let us know.) SERMON CDS SHOULD NOT BE PLAYED UNTIL THE SABBATH FOR WHICH THEY ARE DESIGNATED. Of course, re-listening to sermons AFTER they are heard on the Sabbath is fine, and can be very helpful to do on a regular basis. Whenever there is a sermon shortage or mix-up of some kind, playing a previous sermon from Mr. Pack would be just fine, as would playing an older sermon from another RCG minister. It is wise to have an older sermon or two ready for the occasional emergency situation that always seems to find a way to arise. Though one may begin alone, as the only RCG member in a certain area, this may very well change as the Work expands and the Church grows. As this happens, headquarters will determine who should serve as host and where brethren will meet for services. This might mean a shift in who receives the CDs, and we ask for your understanding if such a change occurs.

18 HOLY DAY GUIDELINES Holy Days are very special occasions to God. They teach us His plan of salvation, and each is a commanded convocation (an event involving mandatory services). If you hold weekly Sabbath Services alone or in a small group, try to meet with the congregation nearest you on the Holy Days, if possible. Church Administration (CAD@TheRCG.org) can assist in making such arrangements. Every Holy Day will have two services, with the exception of the Day of Atonement, which has only one. A sermon CD will be sent for each of these services. Offertory messages will also be sent with the Holy Day sermons and are played during the sermonette time of the first service. Please use checks and/or money orders whenever possible when mailing Holy Day offerings to headquarters. In this age of dishonesty and thievery, the avoidance of sending cash through the mail system is one more assurance that God's offerings will reach His headquarters safely and securely. We also ask that you continue to clearly designate on your check or money order to which Holy Day your offering applies, and to use the special green HDO envelopes provided by headquarters. Make sure to correctly fill out the information requested on the front of the envelope. Also, remember to be timely in mailing your offering the very next business day after the Holy Day. If you have any questions regarding your Holy Day offerings and how or when to send them, please contact the Business & Accounting Office (Accounting@TheRCG.org). A meal period naturally falls between the two services, so be sure to plan and prepare for this part of the day. Remember that you may use your second tithe to enjoy a fine restaurant meal on the Holy Days, if you so choose.

19 COUNSELING People reqmnng counsel about spiritual problems, baptism, marriage, or other weighty issues, should always come or be sent to a minister or elder. (Of course, being a prospective member means that you are now attending services and working toward baptism. Within a few months, you should be contacting headquarters or your local minister to begin counseling.) This does not mean local brethren cannot listen to and encourage fellow members. Certainly they can, and this is a fine and Christian thing to do in many cases. However, non-ordained individuals must not fall into a pattern of informal counseling on a local basis. Those with questions, or a need to counsel, should contact the local church elder closest to them, or a minister at headquarters if necessary.

20 ANOINTED CLOTHS If a member is in need of God's intervention to heal an illness or injury, he or she may simply call the nearest RCG elder--or call or headquarters (CAD@TheRCG.org)-to request an anointed cloth, following the pattern established in James 5:14 and Acts 19: This is a cloth that has been anointed with oil and prayed over by a minister, and it is sent with an instruction sheet explaining how to apply it. Please keep in mind that Church members should reserve this for a condition that is somewhat serious, and/or that has been a problem for some time. Also, please be aware that anointing does not apply to emotional or spiritual problems, but rather only to physical illnesses or injuries.

21 ASSIGNED TO AN ELDER Though it was Mr. Pack's hope that all new brethren would be able to reach him for as long as his schedule could allow, this is no longer possible. He is a shepherd and has repeatedly mentioned that he loves working with the brethren. He wrote, "Circumstances will some day lessen this role, I suppose, but I'm going to give it up only in stages and very slowly as I am forced to." He is finding himself with less and less time to do things on a one-on-one basis, because the needs of serving the Church at large and the needs of the Work as a whole are taking nearly all of his time. Routine needs can be directed to elders who will be assigned to specific areas of responsibility. Whenever an area is assigned to an elder, the hosts of that area will be notified by headquarters.

22 PRAYER REQUESTS If a prospective member would like to request that others in the Church pray on his or her behalf (usually done in the case of illness or injury), he or she should contact headquarters by phone or (CAD@TheRCG.org). We will announce prayer requests of a serious nature at headquarters, and/or include them in announcement bulletins, so that brethren can add these requests to their prayer lists. This broader announcement to the entire membership will only be done at the specific request of the individual needing prayers. (Keep in mind rare exceptions may arise due to unusual circumstances.) Again, remember that, though prayers are private matters between God and each individual, we do not generally announce prayer requests for family members with whom God is not directly working at this time. In the present age, God promises to heal only those who are striving to obey His laws, who are in the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12), and-generally-only those who know that the true Christ can heal "by His stripes" (I Pet. 2:24).

23 FEAST OF TABERNACLES Feast of Tabernacles information will always be sent from headquarters to the entire Church at the same time. Any new people who come with RCG after this information has been sent (in any given year) will automatically receive the Festival Packet. We ask all brethren to stay, if at all possible, at the approved accommodations-which almost always will be within the same complex at which services are being held! We are small enough that saving thousands of dollars each year in this way-because we can avoid expensive hall rentbecomes a large annual offering to the Work of God! Finally, all must clearly understand that God commands them to attend the Feast (Deut. 14:22-26; Lev. 23:34-43). You are expected to be there. Since in many cases you are not reporting to a minister who would be telling you this, and this is speaking primarily to scattered brethren who get used to meeting alone, who get used to the comfort of being alone, but who most need the Feast and the fellowship it provides-it is incumbent upon headquarters to tell you that you are commanded by God to be at the Feast. Some have skipped the Feast because they thought their child might get sick, others believed they could only drink water from their own well, or believed the distance was too far, etc. These are not valid reasons, but rather are excuses-born of faulty thinking-to practice disobedience to God. Only in very rare circumstances of poor health, a baby being born or a dire emergency can there be an exception. Those who are facing financial difficulties should contact the Church Administration Department. On a related note, RCG members should not distribute their excess second tithe to other brethren independently. Providing second tithe assistance is a function of headquarters. All excess second tithe should be sent to headquarters.

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