Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of church is this?
Vine Street Christian Church is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a Protestant denomination of approximately 800,000 members in the United States and Canada. It is one of the largest faith groups founded on American soil.
This brief video introduction to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) may be just what you are looking for:
What do Disciples believe?
Like most Christians, Disciples affirm that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all. Beliefs and practices associated with Disciples include:
- Open Communion: The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. Since the supper is the Lord's (and not the church's) the table is open to all who receive Christ's invitation.
- Freedom of belief: Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
- Baptism by immersion: In baptism the old self-centered life ends, and a new life of trust in God and service to others begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
- Belief in the oneness of the church: All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Dialogue and cooperation with other Christians is an essential aspect of being disciples of Jesus Christ.
- The ministry of believers: Both ordained clergy and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
For more information, go to http://www.disciples.org/discover
How can I learn more about Vine Street Christian Church?
If you have any specific questions, send us an email or call us at 269-5614, and we will be happy to talk with you. Periodically, we hold “Q&A Buffets,” Sunday lunches following the 10:45 a.m. worship service. These small group meetings are open to anyone seeking to learn more about this community and its faith.
Where can I bring my children?
A nursery is available for infants and toddlers, staffed by loving caregivers who have served the Vine Street community for many years. At an appropriate point in the 10:45 service, the children will be invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for the children’s conversation. This is a short lesson that ties into the scripture readings for the day. At the conclusion of the children’s conversation, small children (ages 4 through 1st grade are invited to attend an Extended Session in the Children’s Wing. During Extended Session which is guided by volunteer parents, the younger children may sing songs, do crafts, have a snack, read, play games or, if weather permits, play on the playground. Children from grades 2 through 6 are invited to Children’s Worship led by Hope Hodnett, Director of Youth Ministries. Children in grades 7 through 12 remain in the sanctuary during worship.
How should I dress?
What you wear is not as important as having an attitude of worship. Some of our members dress more formally, others more casually.
How do I participate in the worship service?
As you enter the sanctuary, one of our members will hand you a bulletin that outlines the order of worship. You participate in worship by your presence, your singing, praying, and listening, by greeting others with the peace of Christ, by offering your gifts to God, by receiving the ministry of others during communion and by ministering to others. All hymns are listed in the bulletin by name and number, and hymnals can be found at each pew. Certain readings have regular and bold text; this indicates that a worship leader will read the regular text and the other worshipers the bold text. You will also find Bibles in the pew racks.
May I participate in Communion?
Each Sunday, we gather around the table of Christ to give thanks for God’s love for all people and all of creation. We believe that it is Christ who invites us to his table, and therefore we welcome all who receive his invitation to eat and drink the Lord’s Supper with us.
Where is Houston Hall and the Fitzpatrick House?
Most of us don't know why they are named Houston Hall and the Fitzpatrick House, but we still use these names and that can be confusing for visitors! Houston Hall is the fellowship hall immediately below the sanctuary. The Fitzpatrick House is the house that sits behind the sanctuary. The Fitzpatrick House is where many of the adult Sunday School classes meet. The Vine Street location of the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Middle Tennessee is also located in the Fitzpatrick House.