Many questions get asked by our visiting guests, new arrivals in the area, and even friends and neighbours of our members. Here’s a list of questions that may help you get to know NTCG Dudley better.
Q1. What should I expect on my first visit?
A1. Coming to a church for the first time can be very daunting – especially if you don’t know anyone. From the moment you enter the main entrance of our church, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of our Ushers and Greeters Ministry team who will give you a guest pack and help you to your seat. We ask that you complete the first-time visitor’s card and hand it back to an Usher or drop it in the offering basket. This is so that we can keep in touch with you. If you prefer not to do so, we understand.
We strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at NTCG Dudley, so you can expect a great Pentecostal style worship service, be greeted by friendly people, grow closer to God, and find a church family that is with you for life. During the service, we usually welcome all our visiting guests, but will never ask you to stand up, point you out as a new guest or ask you to say anything.
We share announcements and church news; pray for the sick and those in need or experiencing difficult times; we read the Bible and talk about it through the sermon; and we collect an offering to further God’s work in the church and local community.
Finally, we invite all our visiting guests to join us after service for refreshments, meet the Pastor and other members of the congregation.
Q2. What do people wear?
A2. There is no dress code. At NTCG Dudley, you’ll find many different styles – from jeans to suits. What is important is that you to feel comfortable. What you wear doesn’t matter to God, and it doesn’t to us either!
Q3. Will I be contacted after my first visit?
A3. On your visitor’s card you will be asked if you want to be contacted or visited. If you tick ‘Yes’ then someone will contact you to make the necessary arrangements. We wouldn’t normally contact you without your expressed permission. However, if you are a regular visiting guest, then we would follow up, if for example, we had not seen you for a week or more – just to see if everything is all right with you.
Q4. On my first visit, can I take Communion?
A4. Yes! At NTCG Dudley we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Communion) usually on the first Sunday each month as a tangible reminder of God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ. Communion is not reserved for only church members; anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is welcome to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us, whether they are a church member or not.
Q5. Who are your Leadership Team?
A5. Visit the Leadership page on our website to learn about our leadership team.
Q6. What kind of Christian education / spiritual growth activities do you offer?
A6. At NTCG Dudley we have Sunday School classes from 10.am – 11.am every Sunday morning, for adults, children and young people (up to 17 years old). There is also a session call Kidz Kingdom for children 3 – 12 years old from 11.15am – 1.pm, supported by responsible adult members of the church.
We also have Bible study every other Monday from 7.30pm – 9.pm where we focus on studying a specific book or theme in the Bible.
Every New Convert undertake a 12-week orientation course, which covers basic teachings about the Christian Faith and preparation for their water baptism.
A variety of opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship outside the above activities frequently take place in groups such as the Women’s Discipleship Ministry, Men’s Lifebuilders Ministry, and Youth and Discipleship Ministry.
You can also register with our Leadership Training Centre at our national headquarters in Northampton – https://ntcg.org.uk/education/ where you will find a wide variety of course for practical ministry and personal enrichment. These courses are delivered via distance learning and face-to-face contacts.
Q7. How do I get involved?
A7. You don’t necessarily have to become a member before you can participate in any activity of the church. Attending Sunday School and Bible Study classes is open to everyone. Some activities by the men, women and youth ministries are also open to everyone who wish to take part. However, when you’re ready to become an active participating member, you’ll want to regularly attend worship services and participate in fellowship with other members, so they get to know you.
Q8. How long is the church service?
A8. Our Sunday morning service starts at 11.15am and finishes at 1.pm 1.45 hours). If you also want to attend Sunday School, which runs from 10.am to 11.am, then you can expect to be in church for longer than 2 hours. Evening service is a bit longer – it runs from 6.pm – 8.pm and is less formal than the morning service.
Q9. Is there a wheelchair access?
A9. Yes, we have two, one at the front and one at the rear just in case of a fire.
Q10. Is there an accessible toilet?
A10. Yes, we do have an accessible toilet, suitable for a wheelchair user.
Q11. Are there baby changing facilities?
A11. Yes, baby changing facilities are available for use throughout the service.
Q12. Where do I park my car?
A12. We don’t have a car park at NTCG Dudley; but there is plenty of on-street parking around the church.
Q13. What public transport can I get to the church?
A13. Bus No. 8 from stops outside the church on Holly Hall Road. This bus runs from Wolverhampton Bus Station to Wollaston Farm, via Dudley Town Centre, Marry Hill and Stourbridge. Bus No. X8 run from Wolverhampton to Birmingham via Dudley, Blackheath and Bearwood. Other buses that run nearby include Nos. 6, 226 and 81.
Motorways: M5 and M6 are within 10 – 20 mins from the church. The nearest rail station is Dudley Port, about 3.5 miles from the church.