Blind dates are awkward, aren’t they? Before you know it, you can go from excited and nervous to uncomfortable and embarrassed. We don’t want your visit with us to feel like that. We want to help answer common questions: Where do I go? Where do my kids go and will they be safe? What will the worship service be like? What will people be wearing? Will it be weird?
To answer some of these questions before you arrive, here’s what you can expect
When & Where?
Sundays: Class @ 9:30am, and Worship @ 10:30am & 6pm
Wednesdays: @ 7pm
The East Side Church of Christ
252 Wildwood Ave SE
Cleveland, TN 37311
What to expect
We are a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, loving church family that believes our gathering times should be about worshiping God, reading & understanding Scripture, enjoying the company of one another, and welcoming our guests. You will notice that our worship is very simple and uncomplicated–just like we envision the worship of the first-century church. On Sundays we sing hymns, listen to the Bible being read and explained, take communion (Lord’s Supper), pray, and give for the sake of the Kingdom. Our Bible class lasts about 45 minutes, and our worship service usually lasts about an hour.
Is there a dress code?
No. We only ask that you dress modestly. On Sundays, you may notice a broad spectrum of attire, from jeans & polos to suits & ties. It seems most of our members dress business casual. Above all, however, we want to meet you, regardless of what you’re wearing. Come as you feel most comfortable for worship and you’ll fit in with all other like-minded people here.
What about my kids?
We have classes for all ages during the Bible class hour on Sundays and Wednesdays. We also have a nursery and cry room available for your little ones if you need to take them out during worship.
Will I be pressured to say anything, sign up for anything or be singled out in any way?
Nope. As our guest we want you to feel comfortable and in control of what you experience you want to have.
- You won’t have to wear a name badge or be singled out in any way.
- You don’t even have to sing along if you don’t feel comfortable.
- You’re not expected to give when we receive the offering.
We have visitor cards in our pews you can fill out in case you have questions, need prayer or are interested in any of our events or resources. This card is only used to help us serve you better and keep you informed of events, activities or help you with any next steps you may want to explore. You will not be spammed. Scouts honor.
What if I’m not sure about Christianity or church? What if I have been away from the church for a long time?
Perfect. We believe that everyone should have a safe place to speak, learn, and enjoy before they have everything figured out and can have someone to them explore their faith at their own pace.
What Does the East Side Church of Christ Believe?
The Bible
We believe that every word of the Bible is inspired by God; that God’s word is inerrant, infallible and without contradiction in the original autographs. The 66 books that comprise the Old and New Testaments have been faithfully preserved throughout history as God’s complete revelation to mankind, and are our final authority in faith and life. For that reason, we believe for everything we do and believe to be out of faith, we must have Bible authority.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32, 2 John 1:9
God
We believe that there only ever has been, and ever will be, one true and living God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Word (the Son, Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. These three are equal in every divine perfection, infinite, without beginning, unchanging, and possessing all power, knowledge, and glory. They execute distinct but harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence and redemption.
Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:5-6
God the Father
We believe in God the Father; an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through obedience in Jesus Christ. As Creator of life, He is Father to all men; but He is spiritual Father only to His saints.
Luke 10:21-22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; 8:14-16; 1 Timothy 1:1,2; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ; God’s only Son. We affirm the full divinity and the full humanity of Jesus. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, and ascension into heaven. He is the one and only mediator between God and man, perpetually interceding for His people, and will one day return.
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5, 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30-31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9-10; ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 1:1; 7:25; 9:28; 1 Timothy 3:16, Jude 1:5
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who has been sent from the Father and Son to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The words that the Spirit communicated from Jesus give life. For this reason, we believe Scripture is not only of supernatural origin, but Scripture has supernatural power. The Holy Spirit does not give men and women miraculous abilities today like He once did, nor is there any evidence that He works independently and directly upon the human heart or mind to bring about conversion.
John 6:63; John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; John 16:13; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; 3:16; 6:19; 13:8-12; Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:11-13; Hebrews 4:12
Salvation
If man is to be saved from sin, he can only be saved by God’s grace. But God will not save us against our will. Every accountable human being has chosen sin, and God has now invited every accountable human being to choose salvation. Therefore, the fact that salvation is even an option for us is grace. Grace is the basis of our salvation, obedient faith is the means by which we accept salvation, and baptism is the occasion at which we receive salvation. There is only one baptism applicable today, and it involves immersion in water for the forgiveness of sin and entrance to the kingdom.
John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:4-6; Colossians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 5:9; James 2:26; 1 Peter 3:21; 2 Peter 3:9;
The Church
Jesus came to earth to establish His Kingdom, the church, which He accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Jesus established only one church, His body. God automatically adds those who are saved to the church. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and this is ultimately accomplished by means of the church. Since there is only one church, denominationalism is contrary to God’s Will. Therefore, the church of Christ should never be referred to as “another denomination.” We believe that God has provided for the local church qualified elders to shepherd her members in doctrine and life, and equip every saint for the work of ministry.
Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Luke 19:10; John 16:13; 17:20-21; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 40-47; Acts 2:38, 40-47; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 4:4-6; 4:11-12; 5:19-23; Colossians 1:18, 24; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 10:23-25
Christian Conduct
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; and that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions. We believe it is the duty of every Christian to pursue a life of maximal holiness, purity, and conformity to the Word of God in thought and deed. We affirm the Biblical view of marriage as a lifelong and exclusive relationship between one man and one woman, and reject any view that condones sexual conduct outside the covenant of Biblical marriage.
Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6; John 14:15, 23-24; Romans 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Ephesians 5:1-33; Colossians 1:9-10; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:9-12; 1 John 2:3-6
Worship
The only way to worship God in a way that pleases Him is to worship in spirit and in truth. When engaging in worship we must do things with God and his exaltation in mind. Worship in truth means to worship God according to the directives we find in His word (the New Testament). As with every area of the Christian life, worship must be offered in a way that God authorizes. Worship that is unauthorized by God is unacceptable to Him.
John 4:23-24; Acts 2:42, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:2