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</style><title>Guide to a Typical Christian Worship Service</title><div class="original-url"><br><a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/church-worship-service-700490">https://www.learnreligions.com/church-worship-service-700490</a><br><br></div><div id="article" role="article" style="text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" class="system exported">
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<div class="page" style="text-align: start; word-wrap: break-word; max-width: 100%;"><h1 class="title" style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.95552em; line-height: 1.2141em; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: start; display: block; max-width: 100%;">Guide to a Typical Christian Worship Service</h1><div class="metadata" style="text-align: start; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.45em; margin-top: -0.75em; max-width: 100%;"><div class="byline" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: inline !important;"><span style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: inline !important;">
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<a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/mary-fairchild-699909" data-trigger-link="true" data-tracking-container="true" style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: inline !important;"><span style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: inline !important;">Mary Fairchild</span></a>
</div></div><span class="delimiter" style="margin: 0.07em 0.45em 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; content: ""; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: block !important;"></span><div class="date" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; font-size: 1em !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-style: normal !important; display: inline !important;">Updated January 17, 2019</div></div><figure style="max-width: 100%; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.5em; font-family: -apple-system-font; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65); margin: 0px;">
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<img src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/jj1z8B099eFjQSpDGGM1jITVacU=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Worship-Service-freely-75296-58c1972c5f9b58af5cd27d21.jpg" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/ZTJnKQOrJYmZJ71uWaIJfAW9vJg=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Worship-Service-freely-75296-58c1972c5f9b58af5cd27d21.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/DI3Z1DXNHdOVAxob0cG_Nh33W3E=/417x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Worship-Service-freely-75296-58c1972c5f9b58af5cd27d21.jpg 417w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/5Sz4wFzC1gIdx8l2wXZNLqtCI84=/534x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Worship-Service-freely-75296-58c1972c5f9b58af5cd27d21.jpg 534w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/jj1z8B099eFjQSpDGGM1jITVacU=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Worship-Service-freely-75296-58c1972c5f9b58af5cd27d21.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 417px) 417px, (max-width: 534px) 534px, 768px" alt="Worship Service" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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Michelle Jimenez / Freely Photos
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If you've never been to a worship service in a <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-the-church-700486" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">Christian church</a>, you are probably feeling a little apprehensive about what you will encounter. This resource will walk you through some of the most common elements you're likely to experience. Keep in mind that every church is different. Customs and practices differ widely, even within the same <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/christian-denominations-700530" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">denomination</a>.
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/U6HfaxmdgJya87NRiNayfTcsfDs=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/-wPsVPd7ha-QCrWGM5EwG15Up18=/1478x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 1478w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/5Nn9q4hVqJYRWQ67niqt8TbkC1o=/2656x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 2656w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/BVjhRh3KoDYEgUIRPs5WvoqmbbA=/5014x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 5014w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/gYkoCpue_fG6W-E628cw4ip3M5k=/5014x3489/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/gYkoCpue_fG6W-E628cw4ip3M5k=/5014x3489/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Close up of hands clasped on open Bible" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="Tetra Images / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/U6HfaxmdgJya87NRiNayfTcsfDs=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/-wPsVPd7ha-QCrWGM5EwG15Up18=/1478x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 1478w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/5Nn9q4hVqJYRWQ67niqt8TbkC1o=/2656x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 2656w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/BVjhRh3KoDYEgUIRPs5WvoqmbbA=/5014x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-hands-clasped-on-open-bible-562612565-59f0d43b054ad90010342690.jpg 5014w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Tetra Images / Getty Images</span>
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The typical length of time for a church service is anywhere from one to two hours. Many churches have multiple worship services, including Saturday evening, Sunday morning and Sunday evening services. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm service times.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Praise and Worship </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/phPx9KjhU8on08EhBrx0dE6vtHg=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/4E7w5f5cNV1jlB2OslKz4AJB8I4=/671x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 671w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/A_lLkkazVuAFOKasjwKLhdkqS34=/1042x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 1042w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/h3GGP9vOETMJwloHu8SXryoxaIk=/1786x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 1786w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/k7JNAvUxSxR3_r9cE1iZ5lwORP8=/1786x1122/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/k7JNAvUxSxR3_r9cE1iZ5lwORP8=/1786x1122/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Praise and Worship" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="<p>Bill Fairchild/ThoughtCo</p>" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/phPx9KjhU8on08EhBrx0dE6vtHg=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/4E7w5f5cNV1jlB2OslKz4AJB8I4=/671x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 671w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/A_lLkkazVuAFOKasjwKLhdkqS34=/1042x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 1042w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/h3GGP9vOETMJwloHu8SXryoxaIk=/1786x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praise-and-Worship-58b5c8ba5f9b586046caf1fa.jpg 1786w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><p style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">Bill Fairchild/ThoughtCo</p></span>
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Most worship services begin with a time of praise and singing worship songs. Some churches open with one or two songs, while others participate in an hour of worship. Twenty to thirty minutes is typical for most churches. During this time, a choir arrangement or a particular song from a solo artist or guest singer may be featured.
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The purpose of praise and worship is to exalt God by focusing on him. Worshipers express love, gratitude, and thankfulness to God for all He has done. When we worship the Lord, we remove our eyes from our own problems. As we <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/be-more-confident-in-god-4100634" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">recognize the greatness of God</a>, we are lifted up and encouraged in the process.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Greeting </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/cp4VSJ20ruUXEyqvUFxorFqvHjs=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/PgcXs-tWcVFYBIwvSbkX86G_sNk=/755x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 755w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/AgHksLDu0yaslXGjPfwycNtIVug=/1210x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 1210w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Ck55yxp1z2YwbRDpwWTQktc-z4g=/2122x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 2122w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/epN0fGQDofyI0evXICZcvsXR7t8=/2122x1415/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/epN0fGQDofyI0evXICZcvsXR7t8=/2122x1415/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Worship Service Greeting" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="Brand X Pictures / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/cp4VSJ20ruUXEyqvUFxorFqvHjs=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/PgcXs-tWcVFYBIwvSbkX86G_sNk=/755x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 755w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/AgHksLDu0yaslXGjPfwycNtIVug=/1210x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 1210w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Ck55yxp1z2YwbRDpwWTQktc-z4g=/2122x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BrotherlyLovePhilia-58b5c8b53df78cdcd8bbc94f.jpg 2122w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Brand X Pictures / Getty Images</span>
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The greeting is a time when worshipers are invited to meet and greet one another. Some churches have an extended time of greeting when members walk around and chat with one another. More typically, this is a brief time for greeting the people directly around you. Often new visitors are welcomed during the greeting.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Offering </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Sn4gGkB0VRwQ9xN0lqTNd_j24NM=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/DR2MU_yMn5QsPh1zQ9latzTYNt4=/755x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 755w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/2bRALgDQvruamgECl20tb-j_UDI=/1210x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 1210w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/E-0uaT6NpmAmFGIrFZ3JEyZNZ0g=/2122x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 2122w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/kfhNPisilqWHKD8LCNXdHY46mpY=/2122x1415/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/kfhNPisilqWHKD8LCNXdHY46mpY=/2122x1415/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Worship Service Offering" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="<p>ColorBlind/Getty Images</p>" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Sn4gGkB0VRwQ9xN0lqTNd_j24NM=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/DR2MU_yMn5QsPh1zQ9latzTYNt4=/755x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 755w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/2bRALgDQvruamgECl20tb-j_UDI=/1210x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 1210w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/E-0uaT6NpmAmFGIrFZ3JEyZNZ0g=/2122x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Offering2122x1415-58b5c8b03df78cdcd8bbc90a.jpg 2122w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><p style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">ColorBlind/Getty Images</p></span>
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Most worship services include a time when worshipers can give an offering. The receiving of gifts, <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/what-does-it-mean-to-tithe-700700" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">tithes</a>, and offerings is another practice that can differ widely from church to church.
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Some churches pass around an "offering plate" or "offering basket," while others ask you to bring your offering forward to the altar as an act of worship. Still, others make no mention of the offering, allowing members to give their gifts and contributions privately and discreetly. Written information is usually provided to explain where offering boxes are located.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Communion </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/8_UJfx3YuZ6VUM65c3EJX5bfgCo=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/EitQPL2bbbsGrGvAECtDCe-4pkg=/605x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 605w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/GonsvlCowrnUPA68RtTommfYabg=/910x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 910w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/xjISBTJyu3uY002zejUVbwhVDxE=/1521x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 1521w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/v0-EqvvEuEtL371nXhhyAr7h3Ug=/1521x1157/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/v0-EqvvEuEtL371nXhhyAr7h3Ug=/1521x1157/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Communion Bread and Wine" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="Gentl & Hyers / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/8_UJfx3YuZ6VUM65c3EJX5bfgCo=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/EitQPL2bbbsGrGvAECtDCe-4pkg=/605x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 605w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/GonsvlCowrnUPA68RtTommfYabg=/910x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 910w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/xjISBTJyu3uY002zejUVbwhVDxE=/1521x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BreadAndWine1521x1157-58b5c8ac5f9b586046caf172.jpg 1521w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Gentl & Hyers / Getty Images</span>
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Some churches observe <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-communion-700655" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">Communion</a> every Sunday, while others only hold Communion at determined times throughout the year. Communion, or the Lord's Table, is most often practiced just before, just after, or during the message. Some denominations will have Communion during praise and worship. Churches that don’t follow a structured <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-a-liturgy-700725" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">liturgy</a> will often vary the time for Communion.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> The Message </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Jbjwzyl0QgCzRPXMUyy-CSeljeo=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/syOeZVQr-VzE31ZMz4shNEuc2BU=/725x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 725w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fed1suhDCTg9c-M7qeXqG1A36tA=/1150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 1150w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Z-0R7H7le-kC2nY3FBTzO1wFCiA=/2003x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 2003w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fPCnpmCYVn3Qh8J5vkEjPiPwvaI=/2003x1498/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fPCnpmCYVn3Qh8J5vkEjPiPwvaI=/2003x1498/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Worship service" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="Rob Melnychuk / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Jbjwzyl0QgCzRPXMUyy-CSeljeo=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/syOeZVQr-VzE31ZMz4shNEuc2BU=/725x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 725w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fed1suhDCTg9c-M7qeXqG1A36tA=/1150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 1150w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Z-0R7H7le-kC2nY3FBTzO1wFCiA=/2003x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WorshipService-58b5c8a83df78cdcd8bbc63d.jpg 2003w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">Rob Melnychuk / Getty Images</span>
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A portion of the worship service is dedicated to the pronouncement of the <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/spending-time-with-god-part-two-701252" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">Word of God</a>. Some churches call this the sermon, the preaching, the teaching, or the homily. Some ministers follow very structured outlines without variance, while others feel more comfortable speaking from a free-flowing outline.
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The purpose of the message is to give instruction in the Word of God with the goal of making it applicable to worshipers in their daily lives. The time frame for the message can vary depending on the church and the speaker, from 15 to 20 minutes on the short side to one hour on the long side.
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Continue Reading Below</p>
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Altar Call </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/hcC3fyzPY71WBj47vCcUzVeuwyg=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fuqjmP6IHtPTkY08KImDnMh8Lt8=/725x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 725w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/uQY6b3A3YafccBLkc5UuJollw0g=/1150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 1150w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/5wh-5oUvHmwXTkp_BKmDWQNwEm4=/2000x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 2000w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/_M9u9qOi_-QvvlEk8GA6Oai-s9Q=/2000x1759/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/_M9u9qOi_-QvvlEk8GA6Oai-s9Q=/2000x1759/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Altar Call" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="<p>Luis Palau Association</p>" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/hcC3fyzPY71WBj47vCcUzVeuwyg=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/fuqjmP6IHtPTkY08KImDnMh8Lt8=/725x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 725w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/uQY6b3A3YafccBLkc5UuJollw0g=/1150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 1150w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/5wh-5oUvHmwXTkp_BKmDWQNwEm4=/2000x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LuisPreaching2000x1759-58b5c8a43df78cdcd8bbc4f3.jpg 2000w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;"><p style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.4em; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">Luis Palau Association</p></span>
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Not all Christian churches observe a formal altar call, but it is common enough to make mention of the practice. This is a time when the speaker gives the members of the congregation an opportunity to respond to the message.
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For example, if the message focused on being a godly example to your children, the speaker may ask parents to make a commitment to strive toward certain goals. A message about <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gods-plan-of-salvation-700502" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">salvation</a> may be followed by an opportunity for people to publicly declare their decision to follow Christ. Sometimes the response can be expressed with a raised hand or a discreet look toward the speaker. Other times the speaker will ask worshipers to come forward to the altar. Often a private, silent prayer is also encouraged.
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Although a response to a message is not always necessary, it can often help solidify a commitment to change.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Prayer for Needs </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/0IhLt0oXM0xGlgQJXstfizCbZjk=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/z2efBVTAbB52E6QPx_VrKi6hWBs=/578x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 578w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Q7cnwCn1UKtHSjP_bpW6bAzXWCg=/856x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 856w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/a18JP164HWZLXcNWnBwboz4h8Ro=/1415x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 1415w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/W1oAv4vdGrJN6U07j6M6s1kpcIE=/1415x1252/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/W1oAv4vdGrJN6U07j6M6s1kpcIE=/1415x1252/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Praying for needs" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="digitalskillet / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/0IhLt0oXM0xGlgQJXstfizCbZjk=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/z2efBVTAbB52E6QPx_VrKi6hWBs=/578x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 578w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Q7cnwCn1UKtHSjP_bpW6bAzXWCg=/856x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 856w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/a18JP164HWZLXcNWnBwboz4h8Ro=/1415x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Praying-For-Needs1415x1252-58b5c89f3df78cdcd8bbc4b0.jpg 1415w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">digitalskillet / Getty Images</span>
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Many Christian churches like to offer an opportunity for people to <a href="https://www.learnreligions.com/basics-to-prayer-701334" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" style="color: rgb(65, 110, 210); max-width: 100%; text-decoration: underline;">receive prayer</a> for their specific needs. Prayer time is typically at the end of a service, or even after the service has concluded.
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<span style="max-width: 100%;"></span> <h2 style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.43em; max-width: 100%;"> <span style="max-width: 100%;"> Closing of the Worship Service </span> </h2>
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<img data-srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/453h8iZf5J3QtD8_AnIM7o94gZY=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/8fuGg2xkPWgMeRMdbCJcEwprfPo=/358x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 358w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/KI8fvXluuhaOIQhADSJ9JmG6y2E=/416x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 416w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Fe7u2Qy3B7fLncFY0z7IHlTZVEI=/532x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 532w" data-src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/tZ4ljLXlE7NawulWteMKgidfp2w=/657x532/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg" src="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/tZ4ljLXlE7NawulWteMKgidfp2w=/657x532/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg" data-placeholder="blurry" alt="Pastor preaching" data-click-tracked="true" data-img-lightbox="true" data-owner="George Doyle / Getty Images" data-caption="" data-expand="300" data-tracking-container="true" srcset="https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/453h8iZf5J3QtD8_AnIM7o94gZY=/300x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 300w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/8fuGg2xkPWgMeRMdbCJcEwprfPo=/358x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 358w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/KI8fvXluuhaOIQhADSJ9JmG6y2E=/416x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 416w, https://www.learnreligions.com/thmb/Fe7u2Qy3B7fLncFY0z7IHlTZVEI=/532x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PastorPreaching-58b5c8995f9b586046caed91.jpg 532w" class="" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0.5em auto; display: block; height: auto;" data-unique-identifier="">
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<span style="max-width: 100%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;">George Doyle / Getty Images</span>
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Lastly, most church services end with a closing song or prayer.
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