WHAT TO EXPECT

What should you expect when you attend one of our services? Variety! We are people just like you. We come in all sizes, shapes, colors, ages, backgrounds and life experiences.

Music -Music is a major feature of our worship, before, during, and even after the service itself. Almost every church will use a piano and organ, but instruments also may range from guitars, horns, keyboards and drums.

Whatever the accompaniment, inspired singing is the order of the day. Any given service may include traditional hymns, contemporary compositions, or deeply reverent worshipful choruses. No matter what combination is presented, our music is more than performance: they are avenues of worship.

Worship -The service may include quiet times of waiting in God's divine presence. Other times may be noisy with collective praise in spontaneous expressions of love and adoration to God. Our services are geared for participation. We typically worship as we live, with enthusiasm. Despite the spontaneity and excitement, a certain properness and order will always be followed. Whether a quiet and reserved person or a happy shouter, no sincere worshiper need feel out of place in our church.

Prayer -There is usually a special time in our services that is devoted to prayer. Needs from inside and outside the church family are made known and a time of corporate prayer is offered. At times, specific prayer may be offered for the sick. They will be invited forward to be anointed with oil and prayed for. This pattern is adapted from the scriptures of James 5:13-16 and Mark 16:18 which tells us to call for the sick, lay hands on them, anoint them with oil, and believe for their healing. There is nothing magical about the oil; it is simply a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, the laying on of hands is done respectfully and orderly. It is an outward form of solidarity.

Giving -During the service, tithes and offerings will be received. This too is an act of worship as we respond in obedience to God's instruction to give a tenth (tithe) of our income to His service. The first tenth of income and offerings declares that God comes first. It recognizes His blessing, expresses faith, and seeks His guidance in every matter in life. The ministries of Willow Oak Assembly of God are supported solely by free-will giving and guest visitors are not asked to give, nor should they feel obligated.

Spiritual Gifts -A unique aspect of our worship is the operation of spiritual gifts. One may speak out in an unknown tongue, a Spirit-guided language other than that of the congregation. Another, or perhaps the same person, will then give the interpretation. On occasion, the spirit may prompt someone to speak out in prophecy. In any case, the operation of these spiritual gifts is orderly and confirms Bible truths.

Challenging Messages -The sermons presented at Willow Oak Assembly of God are fervent, inspiring, and practical. They may be presented in a variety of ways in order to be the most effective in communicating the truth of God's Word. At times, there may be drama, multi-media or object lessons involved in the preaching. Following the message, there is usually an invitation to come and pray. This gives people the opportunity to respond to what they have just learned and heard from God's Word. The front of the platform area is oftentimes referred to as "the altar." This area is no more special than any other part of the church, except for the fact that this is where people come to commune with God. Many times, people at the altar area may demonstrate a deep emotion of crying or laughter. We respect the individual's free response to God's presence in their lives.