What to Expect/Who We Are

If you’re new to the Rome area or searching for a church home, we would like to invite you to visit with us here at Oak Hill. Here is some information about us so you will know what to expect.

We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we are dedicated to teaching its principles.  We try to do everything through the filter of loving God with everything we have and loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Luke 10:27).

We are motivated by a deep love for God and a genuine concern for all people. Love is the badge of all true disciples (John 13:33–34), and the prerequisite for all service (1 Corinthians 13:1–8). The work of Jesus’ church has three parts: teach others about Jesus (Mark 16:15–16), encourage each other to be faithful to Jesus (Romans 14:19), and help others in the name of Jesus (James 1:27). We believe the Bible teaches that sinners are saved by faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9–10), and that Christians must remain faithful after conversion (1 John 2:6; Revelation 2:10). As to doctrine, the church of Christ seeks to return to simple New Testament Christianity and unite all Christians into one body (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:4–6). We believe that the New Testament is the only rule for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Peter 4:11), and that it must authorize all that is taught and practiced (Colossians 3:17; Revelation 22:18–19).

Meeting together to worship is important to us, and we know it’s important to you, so here is what you can expect. In our worship services, we strive to conform to what the early Christians did, as it is recorded in the New Testament. The word worship means “to adore” or “to pay homage.”  The New Testament describes five specific acts of worship for the Lord’s church.  These are:

  1. Prayer – Prayer is an important way that we pour out our thanks and requests to God. The early church was a praying church (Acts 2:42). Prayers are to be understandable, fervent, reverent, and with God’s holy will in mind (1 Cor. 14:15). We pray in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:12; 1 Tim. 2:5) to the Father (Matt. 6:9ff).
  2. Singing – This singing is to speak, teach, and admonish (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is to be done with the whole heart (Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 14:15). The common term of singing, psallo, just authorizes us to sing. It is also a historical fact that instrumental music was unknown to the church for its first 300 years! For these reasons we sing together without the accompaniment of musical instruments or clapping, offering up a unified voice and collective song to God.
  3. Giving – The early church supported good works through the generous giving of its members every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1–3). This giving is to be done cheerfully and lovingly (2 Cor. 9:7). We are instructed to give as we have been prospered (1 Cor. 16:2).
  4. Teaching – The Bible is the only book God ever wrote, and our faith in God comes from His words (Rom. 10:17). It is the preaching of His gospel has the power to save us (Rom. 1:15–16; 1 Cor. 1:18). Since the power is not in us, but in God’s message, we “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor. 1:23), we try to teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), and we do it whether it’s popular or not (2 Tim. 4:2). The goal of each sermon and bible class is to make us “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
  5. The Lord’s Supper – Humans are quick to forget, so memorials are important. Every first day of the week, Christians are to remember the Lord’s body and blood through the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). Jesus Himself instituted this to help us remember His great love and sacrifice and to remind us to examine our own lives (1 Cor. 11:23–29).

You will find all of these items of worship included in our praise to Him at Oak Hill.

Other Activities

Worship is very important, but it’s not the only important thing in the Christian life. We love each other, we love to be together, and we love to help others. So, in addition to our worship services, we offer a lot of activities for all ages and life stages.  These include Bible classes, small group studies throughout the week, active youth and seniors ministries, missions, a benevolence program, community outreach, and a supportive group of believers.

You will not be embarrassed

When you come to worship with us at the Oak Hill Church of Christ you won’t be singled out or embarrassed.  Visit the Welcome Center on your right when you first enter the building to receive a gift and to get help finding a bible class or the restrooms. We simply want to share the world’s greatest message:  God loves us so much that He gave His Son for us, and we all need Him to be saved.

Come and join us at the Oak Hill Church of Christ!

We are Family

The importance of “family” is very transparent at Oak Hill.  As a church family, we understand that it is our role to support and encourage one another.  Our big family (Oak Hill) loves and supports the individual families that make up our church family.  How do we do that? Never lose sight of our goal:  Glorify God!   If we keep that as our focus everything else will come together.

At Oak Hill, we have four geographic groups designed to meet the needs of the members.  Whether the need is due to sickness, death, daily struggles, or even loneliness, our Care Groups are ready to help each other.  Also, Care Groups are designed to build up and encourage one another…..to share in the joys and accomplishments of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. – John 13:34

Bible curriculum, also, is vital.  Teach Bible.  What does the Bible say to the husband, to the wife, to the children?  What does the Bible say to those who are older? It is necessary to remember that each of us is an example to someone.  The question is, what kind of example am I?  And each of us is learning from someone.  The question is, who am I choosing to learn from?

In our Family Ministry, we engage in a lot of different programs that allow for Christian fellowship.  We have Family Ties get-togethers with family fun and enjoy at least 3 big church-wide fellowships about three times a year.  We have small socials, big socials, and everything in between.

At Oak Hill, we strive to draw closer to each other and closer to God.  We study together, pray together, serve together…  We are family!