The Basics of Baptist Church Services

Baptist church services are known for being among the most simply scheduled and basic types of services available in Christian churches today. There are generally three main portions of the Baptist service, which do not include things like communion, etc. The main parts of the Baptist church include hymns, prayer requests and the actual sermon. Many people prefer this simpler style of service, so it is important to understand a typical service in a Baptist church.

Hymns

One of the major parts of the Baptist church services of today is the singing on hymns. The typical service will both open and close with a few hymns from the traditional Christian hymn book, as well as a few that are sang by those who want to sing before the sermon itself. Hymns are the Baptists way of allowing God to hear them worshipping in front of him, and there is often a chorus of church members and several individual singers who grace the church with their hymns.

Prayer Requests

Prayer requests are a part of the Baptist church services that are almost more important than in other Christian services. During this portion of the service the different members of the church that are present can speak up and ask for them, their close family and friends, or anyone in general to be remembered when the prayer is said (directly after prayer requests). A deacon of the church takes these requests and it can sometimes take up to twenty minutes to take everyone’s requests. Baptists feel this is important because prayer is the personal communication with God.

Sermon

The actual sermon itself comes between the singing/prayer request and the end singing. The sermon’s topic is chosen by the preacher or pastor (not bishop or father), and can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour. Baptist preachers are known more for going with what they feel they need to say rather than a manuscript of a written sermon in front of them. The sermon is often very emotionally charged and quite exciting, and it is an integral part of Baptist church services just like it is with any other type of church.