An Explanation of Our Services

We have three public worship services weekly. Each one is designed for a specific purpose. The New Testament church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). One of God’s gifts to His churches is His shepherds. In Ephesians 4:11, we learn that the shepherd (or pastor) has a three-fold responsibility: to evangelize, to pastor, and to teach.

God has mandated the preaching of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 20:21). We believe that a service should be designated for this purpose. Usually, Sunday morning is set aside for this important ministry. This service, due to our broadcasting ministries, has the potential for reaching the greatest number of people. Our members know that they can bring lost people to hear the gospel proclaimed at this service.

As pastor, the shepherd gives godly counsel, exhortation, encouragement, and edification. Our Wednesday evening service is designed with these goals in mind and with a special emphasis upon prayer. As a church family, we petition the throne of grace for God’s blessing, help, power, and provision for His work here at Glen Iris and abroad.

The teaching ministry of the shepherd is vitally important for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry. Establishing believers in sound doctrine is best achieved by an expository teaching ministry. Sunday evening is devoted to this purpose.

Sunday School, held prior to the morning service, is dedicated to Bible classes for all ages. In Sunday School, we systematically study through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation approximately every ten years.

Certainly, this three-fold mandate cannot be accomplished in one service a week. Our goal here at Glen Iris is to have a well-rounded ministry based upon the New Testament pattern. Our Lord instructed His church to “occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13).