FAQs
DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND?
Membership is not required — we are an open church and guests are always welcome! Being an “open” church, we may have people attending who are new in the faith. Some will not always keep each of God’s laws as they should, and some will not believe everything we teach.
We pray that all may be strengthened through the services we render and come to a closer walk with God. We request that you neither be judgmental nor base your standard for obedience on what you see your brother do. Christ is our standard, not weak and sinful men.
ON WHICH DAY DO YOU MEET?
The Church of God International observes Saturday as the Sabbath as the day of worship. There are seven days in the calendar week. The week begins with Sunday (first day) and ends with Saturday (seventh day). A day begins in the evening and ends the following evening. When this knowledge is applied to our calendar we see that the Sabbath actually begins Friday evening and ends Saturday evening. Friday night is welcomed as time to slow down, a chance to be with the family or maybe catch up on some reading.
Saturday brings a chance to sleep in, worship as a family, study, and devote a little extra time to prayer and meditation. The church does not legislate do’s and don’ts for resting on the Sabbath other than emphasizing the statements in Scripture and the example of Jesus (see Mark 2:27-28 and Isaiah 58:13-14).
BESIDES THE SABBATH, WHAT OTHER DAYS DO YOU OBSERVE?
The Church of God International observes the annual Biblical festivals (holy days) revealed by God in the Old Testament (Leviticus 23) and upheld by the apostles and disciples of the New Testament church.
The festivals are: the Christian Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Day of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day.
Observing these festivals reminds us of God’s plan of salvation for mankind and point us directly to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
HOW ARE YOUR SERVICES CONDUCTED?
Our worship service usually consists of a few hymns and opening prayer, announcements, an occasional sermonette (a 10 to 15 minute message) or special music, a sermon (45 to 60 minutes long), and then a closing hymn and prayer.
In Manila, the service is broadcast live on our Facebook page and YouTube channel at 2:30 PM. Every first Sabbath of the month, a bible study is held instead of a service and is also broadcast live on our Facebook page and YouTube channel at 2:30 PM
In provincial churches when a minister is not available, a pre-recorded message or live webcast may be offered.
There is no altar call or offering taken during the weekly service. If you come from a church with a highly formal service, you will find our liturgy more relaxed, edifying, and intimate.
The teaching of the Bible and the preaching of the Word are vital to Christian growth and are central to our services. We encourage everyone to bring a Bible and follow along with the message.
DO YOU TAKE UP OFFERINGS?
Tithing and giving offerings are personal expressions of worship — how one goes about giving is up to the individual.
Donations are also used for “feeding the flock,” providing congregational support to our group for such things as building rent and ministerial expenses. No collections are taken during regular weekly Sabbath services.
However, since there are commanded offerings associated with annual festival observance, offerings are collected on the high days during the year. Those wishing to give small donations locally to help with day-to-day expenses are welcome to do so.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
The Church of God International does not have a dress code per se. We recommend that whatever is worn should reflect attention to cleanliness, neatness, and modesty.
Since the old and young are meeting together, variety is expected and encouraged. Many church families do attend services wearing what traditionally are known as “church clothes” — suits and ties/barong/long sleeves shirts for the men and dresses for the women. Others, perhaps influenced by contemporary leanings, prefer to come more casual.
God will be pleased if you wear the “best that you have” as you worship the best that you can.