Nanaimo Church of Christ

Sunday Morning

What to expect

Simple worship meant to glorify God, remember Jesus, learn from Scripture, and encourage one another.

Bible-centered teaching

Teaching is rooted in the inspired word of God and explained in plain language. You do not need to know church vocabulary to follow along.

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 17:11

Congregational singing

Our worship includes congregational singing. You are welcome to sing with us, listen quietly, or learn the songs over time.

Read: Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

Communion every Sunday

Each week we remember Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection through communion. If you are visiting, you can simply observe and let the moment pass without pressure.

Read: Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Children welcome

Children are welcome in worship, and classes are available for different ages. Families do not need to have everything perfectly quiet.

Read: Mark 10:13-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Not sure what to expect?

Ask before you come.

If something about Sunday feels unclear, send a question. We can explain it in plain language.

New to Church?

Explore Christianity honestly.

These cards are for people who are new to church, returning after a long time away, or trying to understand Christianity for the first time. Each one starts with a simple answer and gives you a few Bible passages to read for yourself.

Who is Jesus?

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God. He became man, died for sin, was buried, rose again, and is Lord.

Read: John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 24:1-12

Start here: read one Gospel, such as Mark or John, and notice what Jesus says and does.

What is the good news?

The center of Christianity is not self-improvement. It is the good news that God gives grace through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 5:6-11; Ephesians 2:8-9

Start here: ask what Jesus has done, then ask how the Bible calls us to respond.

Can we trust the Bible?

We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God. It teaches, corrects, trains, and points us to Jesus and the new covenant.

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:1-2

Start here: bring your questions. Careful reading is welcome, not discouraged.

Why does God allow suffering?

Christianity does not pretend pain is small. It points to Jesus, who suffered, died, rose again, and calls his people to love and carry burdens together.

Read: John 11:17-44; Romans 8:18-39; Revelation 21:1-5

Start here: you do not have to hide grief, doubt, or hard questions.

What happens during worship?

Sunday worship includes Scripture, prayer, singing, communion, teaching, and fellowship. These practices help us glorify God, remember Jesus, and encourage one another.

Read: Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Start here: follow along at your own pace. Participation is invited, not forced.

Can I just observe?

Yes. You can sit, listen, and take things in. You will not be asked to introduce yourself publicly, give money, or pretend to believe something you are still exploring.

Read: John 1:35-39; Matthew 11:28-30; Acts 17:10-12

Start here: come, listen, and ask one honest question afterward if you want.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably. You will see everything from jeans to dress clothes. Scripture puts the emphasis on humility, love, and the heart rather than appearance.

Read: James 2:1-5; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Colossians 3:12-14

Start here: wear what helps you come without feeling distracted.

What about my kids?

Children are welcome. We want children to learn Scripture, see faith lived, and grow around the church community.

Read: Mark 10:13-16; Ephesians 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Start here: ask a greeter about classes, or keep your children with you in worship.

Do I need to give money?

No. Giving is for members and regular participants who have chosen to support the work of the church. Visitors should feel free to let the moment pass.

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Start here: receive hospitality without pressure.

What is baptism?

In the New Testament, baptism is immersion in water. It follows faith, confession, and repentance, and is for forgiveness of sins as we are united with Christ.

Read: Acts 2:37-41; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-27

Start here: if baptism is new to you, we would be glad to open the Bible and study it together.

How do I become a Christian?

The New Testament calls people to hear the good news, believe in Jesus, confess him as Lord, repent of sins, be baptized into Christ, and live faithfully.

Read: Acts 2:36-41; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 3:27

Start here: talk with someone. You do not have to sort through this alone.

What if I have doubts?

Doubt is not unusual, and honest questions can become part of a deeper search for truth. Jesus met questioning people with patience and a call to believe him.

Read: Mark 9:20-24; John 20:24-29; Jude 22

Start here: name your real question. We would rather talk honestly than give a shallow answer.

Want to learn more?

You can ask one question at a time.

You do not need a polished question. Send what you are wondering about, and someone will follow up.

Start Here

A simple path for learning more.

If you are curious but not ready to attend, these short guides give you a starting point. Read slowly, ask real questions, and do not worry about having everything figured out before you come.

1

Begin with Jesus

Christianity begins with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He gave himself for sin, rose again, and calls people to follow him.

The best first step is to read one Gospel account. Mark is short and direct. John is reflective and helps explain who Jesus is.

Read first: Mark 1:14-15; John 3:16-17; Matthew 11:28-30

2

Understand the big story

The Bible tells of creation, sin, God’s work with Israel, the new covenant of Christ, and Jesus’ death and resurrection.

That means Christianity is not mainly advice for being nicer. It is the message of God’s grace through Jesus.

Read first: Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 3:23-24; Hebrews 9:15

3

Ask what faith is

Faith is the foundation. If we believe Jesus is Lord, the Bible calls us to confess him, repent of sin, and be baptized into Christ.

You can bring questions and still take a sincere next step. The New Testament often shows people learning as they go.

Read first: Hebrews 11:1-6; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:26-39

4

Learn in community

Christianity is personal, but it is not private. The Lord joins his people to his body, the church, where Christians learn, pray, worship, and serve together.

Visiting a church is one way to see faith lived in ordinary people, not just explained in a book or video.

Read first: Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 4:8-10

Need a starting place?

We can help you choose what to read.

Tell us what you are curious about, and we can point you to a simple Bible passage or conversation.

Before You Come

Questions are welcome.

You do not need to know how to pray, own a Bible, agree with every Christian belief, or have a polished spiritual life before visiting. Many people begin with curiosity, pain, doubt, or a simple sense that there may be more to life.

When you come, you can listen quietly, follow along, or ask someone afterward. We will be glad to help you find a Scripture passage, explain something unfamiliar, or talk through what Christianity teaches.

Helpful first readings

a quick introduction to Jesus’ message and compassion.
who Jesus is and why Christians call him the Word of God.
three stories about God seeking people who are lost.
the first gospel sermon after Jesus’ resurrection.
hope, suffering, the Spirit, and God’s love.

Two people talking over coffee at a table — Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Study From Home

Free lessons are available.

If you want to learn before visiting, start with a home Bible study course or ask us to study Scripture with you.

Home Bible Study

Life Together

Church is more than a Sunday service.

Youth gatherings, Scripture studies, prayer, meals, service, and small groups happen throughout the week. Life Groups can meet in different homes or shared spaces depending on the season, host, and needs of the group.

A group placing their hands together in encouragement — Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Life Groups

Small groups meet throughout Nanaimo for conversation, prayer, Scripture study, and encouragement. Locations are coordinated privately so hosts are not asked to publish home addresses online.

Youth Group

Teen gatherings happen during the week. Time and location can change by event, which keeps this ready for a future Events system instead of hard-coding a schedule.

Shared Meals

Meals and informal gatherings create space to know people beyond a quick Sunday greeting. Visitors are welcome to ask what is coming up next.

Serving Nanaimo

We want our life together to reflect Christ through prayer, practical care, hospitality, and faithful service in the city.

During the week

Looking for a group or youth info?

Ask what is happening this week. Group locations and times can change, so we can help you find the right next step.

You’re welcome here.

The basics, all in one place.