
What is the Church of Christ?
By Robert Prater on May 22, 2025
If you’ve ever driven past a sign that says “Church of Christ” and wondered what exactly that means, you’re not alone. Whether you’re new to the area, exploring faith for the first time, or just curious about what makes us different, this blog will give you a simple and sincere introduction to who we are and what we believe.
At Mannford Church of Christ, we do our best to follow the example of the early church in the New Testament. That means our focus is on worshiping God, growing in our understanding of Scripture, and building an authentic community without the distractions of tradition or show. Our goal isn’t to be flashy or fancy. We simply want to be faithful.
What to expect in a typical service
Our Sunday morning gatherings center around worship, prayer, Biblical teaching, and communion. One thing that might stand out is that we sing a cappella—that means no instruments. Instead, our entire congregation lifts their voices in harmony together. This style of worship follows the New Testament pattern (Ephesians 5:19) and helps us focus on praising God from the heart.
We also participate in the Lord’s Supper (or communion) each Sunday. This is a time of reflection and remembrance as we pause to honor Jesus’ sacrifice and consider our walk with Him. It’s not a ritual or a routine—it’s a meaningful moment to center our hearts.
Our teaching is Bible-based, straightforward, and always aimed at helping you grow in your understanding of God’s Word. We don’t follow man-made creeds or doctrines. Instead, we look to the Bible as our only guide.
Who leads the church?
Unlike some denominations, Churches of Christ are autonomous. That means each congregation is self-governed and makes its own decisions. Here in Mannford, we’re led by a group of elders who serve as shepherds to the congregation. Alongside them are deacons and ministers who help with different areas of service. Everyone works together to create a loving, Christ-centered environment.
What if my life doesn’t look “churchy?”
You’re in good company.
Walking into a new church can feel intimidating—especially if your life hasn’t been picture-perfect. Maybe you have tattoos. Maybe your family situation is a little complicated. Perhaps you’ve been out of church for a while and don’t know where to begin. That’s okay. In fact, that’s exactly who Jesus spent time with.
We believe the church is a hospital for the broken, not a museum for perfect people. You don’t need to clean up your story before you show up here. Come with your questions, doubts, and past—we’re just glad you’re walking through the doors.
What should I wear?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and we get it. The short answer is to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
If it helps ease your anxiety, here’s what you’ll likely see on a typical Sunday. Many men wear jeans and a polo or collared shirt. Some wear t-shirts, and that’s perfectly okay, too. Women often wear a blouse with jeans or a casual dress, but you’ll also see everything from sneakers to sandals to Sunday best.
There’s no dress code and no pressure. Come dressed up, dressed down, or somewhere in between—we’re happy you’re here.
There’s something for the whole family
We want every member of your family to feel welcome and supported. On Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM, we offer Bible classes for all ages. During our 10:30 AM worship service, we also provide a nursery option for infants and toddlers and age-appropriate teaching for children so they can engage with God’s Word in a way that fits their stage of life.
Whether you’re a young parent, an empty nester, or just exploring faith on your own, we believe you’ll find people here who will walk with you, pray with you, and encourage you along the way.
You’re always invited
We hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect at Mannford Church of Christ. Our hope isn’t to impress you—it’s to welcome you into a community of real people learning to follow Jesus together.
You don’t have to have all the answers or be in a perfect season of life. You just need to show up. We’ll be here, ready to greet you with a smile, worship with you, and walk beside you as we grow in Christ.
We meet every Sunday and would love you to join us—just as you are.