How to Attend a Pentecostal Church Service

People often like to try new religious experiences throughout the years. One type of service you may consider attending is a Pentecostal church service. The Pentecostal Church may be somewhat different than what you're used to. If not prepared, you could be taken aback by what you experience once you arrive to the service. Here is how to attend a Pentecostal church service.

Instructions

1. Dress nicely for a Pentecostal church service. There is no need to go overboard. After all, a Pentecostal church service does not have a dress code. Depending on the time of year, men could wear a pair of dress pants and a nice button up shirt, sweater or sport jacket and women could wear a nice dress or pair of pants and a blouse. You'll find that people dress for a Pentecostal church service as they do for practically any other Christian service.

2. Bring a Bible with you to a Pentecostal church service. Most Pentecostal churches do not have Bibles available for all parishioners. A Bible will help you keep up during the sermon.

3. Be prepared to stand for awhile and to sing. Praise and worship at some Pentecostal churches can last as long as an hour depending on the church and if it is a special service, such as Easter Sunday. During this time, you will be standing. Feel free to join in with other parishioners in clapping and singing. The music at a Pentecostal service may be more upbeat than what you're used to hearing at your church.

4. Bring a few extra dollars for the collection basket. Since you're not a member of the church, you won't be required to give a specific amount in an envelope. While you don't have to give money to the church, it's polite to do so when you're attending a different church.

5. Be ready to sit for a longer sermon than you're probably used to hearing at your church. A Pentecostal minister may preach for anywhere between 40 and 60 minutes depending on the preacher. Chances are that if you've never been to a Pentecostal service, you may find this hard to follow. This is why it's especially important to bring a Bible. Many parishioners like to take notes during the sermon and some even do so directly in their Bibles.

6. If there is communion during the Pentecostal church service, feel free to partake in it. The Pentecostal church does not share the beliefs regarding communion of the Catholic or Orthodox church. Therefore, all parishioners are welcome. Most Pentecostal churches will simply pass out the bread and wine/grape juice through the pews. If you don't feel comfortable, you can simply set the communion down.

7. At the end of the service, some Pentecostal churches may invite parishioners to walk to the alter for prayer. They may also offer to anoint you with oil. If you feel comfortable, join in line with other parishioners and make your way to the alter. If not, simply exit the church as the end of the service.