A church service generally includes a reading of
scripture verses and possibly a
psalm. If the church follows a
lectionary, this will identify the readings to be used, and if there is a
sermon, this will often relate to the scripture
lections assigned to that day. Bible services are devoted primarily to the reading and explanation of biblical texts. Styles of service vary greatly, from the Catholic, Lutheran,
Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Reformed (Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist), and Anglican traditions of liturgical worship to informal worship characterized by certain free church traditions, common among Methodists and Baptists, which often combine worship with teaching for the believers, which may also have an evangelistic component. , Nigeria Often services include the singing of
hymns. Vocal music is traditionally sung by a
choir or the
congregation (or a mixture of the two), usually accompanied by an
organ. Sometimes other instruments such as piano, classical instruments, or modern band instruments may be part of the service, especially in churches influenced by the
contemporary worship movement. Some churches are equipped with state-of-the-art
multi-media equipment to add to the worship experience. The congregation may sing along in
hymnals or words to hymns and worship songs may be displayed on a screen. More liturgical denominations may have the words to specific prayers written in a
missalette or
prayer book, which the congregation follows. Though most of the services are still conducted in church buildings designed specifically for that purpose, some services take place in "store front" or temporary settings. For those unable to attend a service in a church building a burgeoning
televangelism and radio ministry provides broadcasts of services. A number of websites have been set up as "cyber-churches" to provide a virtual worship space free to anyone on the internet. Church services are often planned and led by a single
minister (pastor) or a small group of
elders or may follow a format laid out by the dictates of the denomination. Some churches are "
lay led" with members of the congregation taking turns guiding the service or simply following format that has evolved over time between the active members. More commonly, an
ordained minister will preach a sermon (which may cover a specific topic, or as part of a book of the Bible which is being covered over a period of time). Depending on the church, a public invitation follows whereby people are encouraged to become Christians, present themselves as candidates for baptism or to join the congregation (if members elsewhere), or for other purposes. Many congregations begin their church services with the ringing of a
bell (or a
number of bells); a current trend is to have an introductory video which serves as a "countdown" to the beginning of the service.
Eucharistic churches have usually
Holy Communion either every Sunday or several Sundays a month. Less liturgical congregations tend to place a greater emphasis on the sermon. Many churches will take up a collection of money (
offertory) during the service. The rationale for this is taken from , , and . But some churches eschew this practice in favor of voluntary anonymous donations for which a box or plate may be set up by the entrance, or return-address envelopes may be provided that worshippers may take with them. Offering through the Internet has become a common practice in many evangelical churches. Some churches offer
Sunday school classes. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, members of the congregation may leave the service and return later if they wish, for example worshippers with children may often take a break and return later. Following the service, there will often be an opportunity for fellowship in the
church hall or other convenient place. This provides the members of the congregation a chance to socialize with each other and to greet visitors or new members. Coffee or other refreshments may be served.
Types of church service in
Helsinki, Finland Church services take many forms, and set liturgies may have different names. Services typically include: • Regular Sunday services: these have a place in most
Christian traditions.
Holy Communion may be celebrated at some or all of these; often it is included either once a month or once a quarter. A few denominations have their main weekly services on Saturday rather than Sunday. Larger churches often tend to have several services each Sunday; often two or three in the morning and one or two in the late afternoon or evening, as well services on Saturday which anticipate the feast or designation of the following Sunday. Some churches hold religious services conducted through internet technology, for the benefit of those who cannot attend for health or other reasons, or who may want to preview the church before attending in person. • Midweek services. Again, Holy Communion can be part of these, either on every occasion or on a regular basis. • Holiday (feast day) services. Treated like a regular Sunday service, but made more specific for the day. •
Weddings. These are normally separate services, rather than being incorporated into a regular service, but may be either. •
Funerals. These are generally held as separate services. •
Baptisms. These may be incorporated into a regular service, or separate. •
Confirmation. This is often incorporated into a regular Sunday service, which will also include communion. It was traditionally the
first Communion of the confirmee, but more recently, children are invited to communion in some denominations, whether confirmed or not. •
Ordination of clergy. New bishops, elders, priests and deacons are usually ordained or installed during a solemn but celebratory ceremony on Saturday or Sunday, generally open to the public, either by their own superior or by another approved senior minister with ordination powers. The service is held either at the area headquarters church or cathedral or at another church agreed upon by those to be ordained and the ordaining ministers. Ordination of bishops or elders may require consecration by more than one individual and have a more limited audience. •
First Communion. Children may celebrate Communion for the first time. • Opening of new churches or church buildings. • Dedication of new
missionaries or those about to be sent on new missions. == Places of worship ==