FAQ

What are your Services Like?
Everything we do in our services is designed to bring the congregation into an atmosphere of worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. We follow a planned pattern but may occasionally rearrange things to better facilitate worship. We use praise choruses, Hymns, and worship songs. Our music does not just sing "about" God, we want to communicate "with" Him. Because worship is an expression of the heart, we use various instruments of worship that aid in that expression.

The message that is taught during our services consistently comes from and stands on the Word of God. Our minister is a teacher who speaks clearly to the issues of life and seeks to openly expose all believers to the relevance of the truth found in God's Word.

Isn't the Christian Church just another denomination?
No- the Christian Church is a collection of independent congregations who desire to see the restoration of the church of the New Testament. Specifically, in the Book of Acts, there were no denominational creeds that isolated and separated one body from another. They did not elevate ritual and tradition above the Word of God, neither did they isolate themselves from their brothers and sisters in Christ- especially when they disagreed.

We desire to reproduce in life, doctrine, and practice the unified church found there in God's Word. Therefore, like the Word displays, we have no formal governing body over us. We are locally governed and under the spiritual supervision of congregationally selected men (Elders) and work together to solve our problems according to God's Word and to build disciples of Jesus Christ.

Unlike denominations, we call for the unity of all followers of Christ. This was the ideal of Jesus for His church (see John 17:21). This is not a call for one church, but a call to One Name, One Purpose. This unity should not only be in spirit, but in reality. It is the Holy Spirit who leads all believers to unity. True unity in the faith is about purpose, strength and practice (see I Corinthians 1:10-13). Denominational creeds, rituals and traditions, when made a test of fellowship, have not brought this about. In Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul issues a call not for one body, but for one faith. We firmly believe that a man may be our brother without being our twin. Therefore we declare that "we are not the only Christians, but wish to be known as Christians only."

Why do I need the Church to have a relationship with God?
Throughout the Bible the most frequently used illustration that the Word of God offers to describe His relationship to His children is that of the family. God desires to be to the believer, as a Father to His child, as a husband to his bride, as a loving parent to the family. Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ are called children of God, sons, and daughters. The church is called the family of God, the Bride of Christ, and the household of faith. Just as God created the physical family to be responsible for the physical development and emotional welfare of all within, so God created the church to be responsible for the physical development of spiritual maturity and emotional health of all believers. Because the church is God's design, it is therefore impossible to have a healthy relationship with God (our heavenly Father) and not be an active part of His family- the church. I could never have a healthy relationship with you if I refused to associate with your family.

It is very unfortunate that so many have never experienced healthy families as God designed. Satan has truly taken toll and perverted that which was created beautiful. It is also unfortunate that so many have been wounded through an imperfect church. That does not mean the church is irrelevant. Just like any household, the church, the body of Christ, is made up of imperfect people. An ungodly world deceives many into abandoning the physical family when things get rough through divorce. Likewise, an ungodly world deceives many into placing false expectations and abandoning the church (our spiritual family) when those imperfections are revealed. Just as divorce never heals anyone but always brings brokenness and destruction, so abandoning the family of God cannot bring healing but always results in unforgiveness, bitterness and destruction.

Why is baptism by immersion so important?
There are many different ideas within the church today about the significance of baptism as it relates to salvation. While we do not desire to elevate the action of baptism itself above any other aspect of God's commands in scripture, neither do we elevate the traditions of men above the clear commands of the Word of God. [Col 2:8-12] Throughout the New Testament the word baptism means "to dip or immerse." It never means pour and it never means sprinkle. The idea behind baptism, by immersion then, is a specific and literal identification in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus [Romans 6:1-4.] Moreover, baptism is a clear command throughout the teaching of Jesus as well as the early church. Jesus Himself was baptized [Matt. 3:13-16] Jesus commanded baptism [Matt. 28:19] The Holy Spirit commanded baptism [Acts 1:8/2:38], Peter commanded it [Acts 10:48]. Paul taught the Galatian church that through baptism we are "clothed with Christ" [3:27]

Do you want to know more about baptism by immersion?

How often do you celebrate the Lord's Supper?
We celebrate the Lord's Supper or communion every Sunday simply because the New Testament invites us to do that. Paul reminded us of Jesus' words in I Corinthians 11:25 that "whenever" we celebrate this memorial we are to do so in a worthy manner. This does not prescribe a specific time, but grants the church freedom to follow their hearts. We also see in Acts 20:7 the church came together on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread. This apparently was their custom in which they shared the emblems of our New Covenant together at that time. In Acts 2:42 we see that the early church "devoted" themselves to the Apostles teaching (study of God's Word) fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer."

To devote implies a high priority. We dare not suggest that those who participate in this celebration in less that a weekly observance are wrong for doing so- we do suggest that all believers have the freedom to celebrate as they see appropriate. The Christian Church chooses to celebrate weekly because the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a beautiful thing. We desire to worship Jesus with a regular observance of the symbols of our covenant with Him that brings eternal life purchased by His blood (John 17:3).

Do you have other questions? Please contact us.