What the Bible teaches about worship...
As mentioned before in the welcoming sentiments, we strive only to mirror the church of the first century, using God's word as our guide. The scripture teaches us that there are five elements to the order of worship for "true worshippers" of God. Singing, prayer, communion, giving, and teaching are those elements. The brethren at Pikeville seek to obey the doctrine of Christ and to follow the pattern that has already been set before us.
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Singing
The first thing you will notice is we follow the example in scripture and have a cappella singing. We use our hearts as the instrument and our voices to praise God just as the Christians did in the first century. Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 are almost parallel verses and tell us to speak to ourselves, to teach and admonish one another with hymns and spiritual songs, to sing with grace, and to make melody in our hearts. When Christians worship as the New Testament prescribes you will not find the use of mechanical instruments, soloists, choirs, or praise teams. Just a congregation that honors God with their heart, using their lips and their voice.
(Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15)
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Prayer
We know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much"(James 5:6). You will also find that prayer is included as one of the acts of worship. A proper New Testament church has a strong practice of prayer. It is our direct line to God the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son, our savior and mediator. We do not use vain repetitions, chants, and rituals. Christians bow our heads together, and pour out our hearts to God.
(Acts 2:42; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6)
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Lord's Supper or Communion
The Bible teaches that Christians came together on the first day of the week to break bread. This is a remembrance of the body and the blood of Christ that was given for our sins. To Christians, the bread is the body of Christ and the fruit of the vine is the blood. Both were given for the remission of sins. The Lord's church practices this memorial EACH and EVERY first day as prescribed in the New Testament by Jesus himself and continued by the apostles and first century Christians.
(Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Giving or Offering
In the first century, Christians gave of their means enabling them to support those in need. We practice the same. Paul told the churches in Galatia and in Corinth to "lay by in store" so that the work of the church can function, be established, and to be of use. We give back a portion of what God has blessed us with cheerful hearts and not of necessity.
(1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
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Teaching or Preaching
Our Bible classes and sermons, serve to teach the Word of God in a plain and simple manner, so that we may learn what the will of God is, and how to apply it to our own lives. It also serves as means of edification, growth, and hope as we look forward to that great day that the obedient children of God all be with Him for eternity.
(Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17)