How We Worship

All are welcome for worship at Millbrook. We’re not just saying that.

In 1964, as the Civil Rights Movement roiled church and state alike, Millbrook voted to make explicit what most members already felt strongly about: “Motion was made and carried that the Millbrook Baptist Church adopt the policy that if any person of any race should come to our church for worship, that he be ushered in and seated.” That statement bespeaks Millbrook’s commitment to open its doors to anyone who walks through them to worship with us.

Diverse Leadership

Our conscious effort to include all ages – not just in the pews, but also in worship leadership – may be the most distinctive feature of worship at Millbrook Baptist Church. We ask children and youth to read scripture for our services as regularly as we ask adults.

We strive to honor and use the gifts that many women, men, girls, and boys equally bring to our worshipping community.

At Millbrook Baptist, it is not uncommon to hear a kindergartener reading the Gospel Lesson or listen to a sermon by an ordained woman. These are fantastic ideals common to the rhetoric of many churches, but Millbrook Baptist asserts its freedom to achieve them. Worship at Millbrook is genuinely the worship of the people.

Worship services at Millbrook Baptist Church in Raleigh NC

Relaxed Reverence

Some people ask about clothing. Worship is also casually liturgical at Millbrook Baptist Church. That means we follow the lectionary for scripture readings and observe the seasons of the liturgical calendar. At our indoor services, an acolyte lights the candles when worship opens. Our ministers and choir members wear robes. Such features feel formal to some, but as the worship of the people, we’re aiming for participatory and authentic. Consequently, we only ask that you wear clothing that helps yourself and others honor God. For some that’s more formal. For others it’s casual but clean. For some it might be whatever they’ve got that day. We don’t police others’ clothing or make a show of our own.

Our church also enjoys outdoor services when the weather is nice. Most of those services are held on our campus. Sometimes we worship in local parks or a church member’s green space. Again, since our worship is a communal event, we only ask that worshipers wear clothing that helps themselves and others honor God. Attire at our outdoor services tends to be more casual, befitting the great outdoors.

Images from Worship