Visiting Robroyston Church
It can be really uncomfortable walking into a new church – especially if you’re new to the whole church thing. But even if you’ve been a regular elsewhere it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect – churches from different traditions and in different places each tend to have their own unique flavour. As a result, you probably have some questions: What should I wear? What should I bring? What will it be like inside? Can I bring my family? This section is intended to put your mind at rest, but if you have any questions that aren’t answered here please send us an e-mail.
What should I wear?
The church is friendly and informal, so you can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, and jeans are certainly not out of place. The church building is modern and centrally heated so there shouldn’t be any problems with the cold!
What should I bring?
You don't need to bring anything – except yourself! If anything, you might consider bringing a Bible. Don't worry if you don't have one since we have some available in the church. For continuity and accuracy we teach from the English Standard Version (ESV) but for personal reading you might find The New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible easier to underdstand. If you would like to purchase a Bible they are readily available from online retailers from as little as £4.
What happens when I walk in the door?
The church in Robroyston are generally quite a friendly bunch so you will probably be welcomed immediately you walk in the door. But the real social stuff happens after the service over some light refreshments – please stay with us and give us the chance to get to know you, even if you are only visiting. Most people generally turn up a few minutes before the service starts at 11am, but if you are a committed Christian we would encourage you to join with us for prayer at the slightly earlier time of 10:30am. There is no seating allocation so please grab a seat wherever you feel most comfortable – back or front.
Can I bring my family?
People of both genders, young and old are most welcome. If you have young children, the church runs a crèche which is available most Sundays in the adjacent room. Children up to the age of eleven are encouraged to come along to our special Children's Church which takes place during the service in the bungalow next door. Teenagers are also welcome at Sunday worship, and after the service there will be an opportunity for them to get to know our youth worker, Tanja. In addition to our Sunday services there are a number of other activities on offer for men, women and children and teenagers.
What happens during the service?
The service normally starts with some notices and then an opening song. This is followed by a short children's talk and a prayer. There is generally another song (often specifically geared towards including children in our worship service). At this point the offering plate is passed around (this is intended for Christians who regularly attend this church) and there is a time of prayer during which someone intercedes for local, national or international people and events. After some more music young people upto the age of eleven are invited to our children's church where they receive fun and relevant Bible teaching suited to their age group. The minister then delivers a message from the Bible to the remaining adults and young people. After he has finished, the minister will pray before the final song and closing benediction. The service is normally over by about quarter past twelve and is followed by light refreshments. Please linger and give us the opportunity to get to know you.
What is the music like?
Singing is something Christians do as part of their worship of God. Through singing we aim to adore, exult and celebrate all that God is, all that He has done and all that He will do. The music is a mixture of modern worship songs and classic hymns played with a contemporary twist – in an attempt to reflect the rich diversity of people and tastes inherent within our church. The music is amplified and led from the front, not as a performance or concert, but to make more comfortable and to give confidence to those who are not used to singing or just don't like the sound of their own voices – but please don't feel embarrassed if you don't want to sing.
What is the teaching like?
The teaching is uncompromisingly biblical, and you will almost certainly feel challenged. I'm sure you know people who think the Bible is a largely irrelevant collection of fairy tales from a bygone era, that it is out of touch with contemporary life and culture. On the contrary, the Bible is our highest authority for faith and life. We believe that, even today, God speaks to believers through His Word. It has a lot to say about contemporary issues and can greatly benefit both us as individuals and our society as a whole. Check out our teaching by listening to the sermons online.
What about prayer?
We are convinced that God still hears prayers and that things change when God's people pray. The church leaders meet together regularly to pray, and as a church community we gather every Sunday morning at 10:30am and ask God to intervene in our church, our city, in our nation and in our world. Please give us the opportunity to pray for you, whatever your situation. If you would like someone to pray with you or just to know that someone is praying for you please contact us by phone or e-mail – you don't even have to leave your name or contact details!
Should I contribute to the offering?
As part of our worship service the offering plate is passed around. As Christians we believe that all we have comes from God, and we also believe that how we use our money reflects the state of our hearts. Financial giving, then, is an act of worship – our response to what God has done for us. If you are a visitor please do not feel embarrassed to pass on the plate without contributing.
