At the West Oaks church of Christ, we are non-denominational. It is our wish and purpose to wear no other name than Christ’s, and to be known simply as Christians (Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16) , members of the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18) – the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16). Collectively we refer to ourselves as the church of Christ, the Lord’s church, or some other scriptural description, not in an attempt to be “sectarian,” but on the contrary, to identify ourselves as the church belonging to Christ.

If you have seen our meeting place, it is evident that we place little emphasis upon luxurious surroundings. While as individual Christians we seek each others association socially, the church is not a “front” for a social club or agency, and therefore the Lord’s treasury is not used to promote social functions. Our aim is spiritual (1 Peter 2:5; 1 Tim. 3:15). Therefore, we stand opposed to church-sponsored recreation, a sponsoring church arrangement, and church support of human institutions (orphan homes, hospitals, old folks homes, colleges, etc.).

We strive to be the same church described in the New Testament. It is our purpose to be completely identified with the Christians of the first century. We believe this is possible to all who will learn, believe and be guided by the plain teaching of the word of God. Jesus declared such to be the “seed of the kingdom” ( Luke 8: 11)

The Bible is our only book of rules. Therefore, we have no man-written creed books to follow. We are governed in faith and conduct by the Bible alone. While recognizing and heeding the guiding principles of the Old Testament, we seek to conform to the rules and patterns of the New Testament ( 1 Cor. 10:4; Heb. 1:1,2; 1 Peter 4:11). We accept the Bible as being both verbally inspired and infallible in content ( 2 Peter 1:20,21; 1 Cor. 2: 11-13). We do not neglect, avoid, or shun any scripture for “ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” ( 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

The entire assembly joins in singing gospel songs. There is no choir or special groups, but simple congregational singing. Since we find no evidence (i.e. commands, examples, inferences) in the New Testament that the early church used mechanical instruments to accompany their singing, we do not use them in our worship. We are simply told to sing and make melody in our hearts and to teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. ( Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

Like the church in the time the New Testament was written, we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week ( Acts 20:7). The supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine as memorials of the body and blood of Jesus ( I Cor. 11:20-36).

We do not take up a collection every time we meet, but only on the first day of the week as we have the example in I Corinthians 16:1,2. Should you attend our Sunday service when the collection basket is passed through the entire assembly, you are not expected to give. This is the responsibility of our members, not our guests.

We are trying to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent, to do Bible things in Bible ways and to call Bible things by Bible names. We are interested in honoring God, in following His Son, Jesus Christ, and in learning, applying, and teaching His word. We are Christians who desire that all men be saved just as God does ( 2 Peter 3:9).

When you visit our assembly, you will be warmly received. We hope that you will come to know us and to count us as your friends. At your request, we will gladly study the Bible with you in the privacy of your home or ours.