What to Expect

It’s not always easy to visit a new church. But we want you to come and worship with us anyway. We hope this section will introduce you to what you can expect when you do.

Those who worship at Hillcrest can typically expect:

  • Ample parking on our lot behind the church.
  • Ushers eager to greet you as you approach or enter the church.
  • No set dress code as worshippers from all walks of life may be dressed in business casual attire, more formally in a suit and tie, in cultural attire, or even in khakis or “dressy” jeans. The focus at Hillcrest is on the God we serve rather than the clothing we wear. Come as you are and join us in praising and worshipping the living God!
  • Opportunity for your children to worship with you or in Children’s church.
  • Nursery for your infants and preschoolers, if you desire.
  • Church members who will be glad to chat with you for a few minutes after service and help answer any other questions you may have.

The format of the worship service includes:

  • Worship through Praise and Song (Our worship leader, praise team, or church choir normally leads the entire body in corporate singing.)
  • Welcome and greetings from the pulpit and from fellow worshippers (We do not ask our guests to stand to say anything, but we will acknowledge you and make sure you receive our welcome packet.)
  • Corporate Prayer with time for Meditation and Intercession
  • Offertory Prayer and Praise with time for Giving our Tithes and Offerings
  • Reading of the Scripture
  • The preached Word of God
  • Time to Reflect on “What thus saith the Lord”

Finally, the preaching at Hillcrest is Gospel driven. We are intentional about preaching the (unedited) Word of God to the masses. Our expectation is that the Scriptures will stir up within all hearers—men, women, and children—a desire to conform to God’s way of living rather than our own. Sermons usually last about 30 to 45 minutes and are packed with material for further reflection. On a regular basis, our sermon outlines contain study questions to help foster “at home” Bible study among congregants. For those who are interested, audiocassette or CD editions of the worship service are available for purchase right after service.