True Life Church
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True Life Church |
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What position do you take on the following?
What is your position on divorce? Divorce has become as commonplace in the Christian community as it has in secular society. The fact that the Christian couple is not always willing to remain married and apply the Word of God in their marriage shows a lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. Sadly, this is an epidemic that has consumed the church. The Bible says that God hates divorce. Divorce is, in most cases, avoided whenever possible. The Bible does not teach that divorce is the unpardonable sin and any Christian who is, or has been, divorced should not remarry or is unqualified for future ministry. I personally do not recommend divorce, except in cases of abuse, and do my best to help couples avoid this option. I have developed a series of teachings on marriage and the family in an attempt to help marriages stay together or become strong and healthy.
What is your position on homosexuality? God has chosen to make this issue very clear in His Word. In Romans chapter one, the apostle Paul says, “21…although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” “24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves…” “26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions…” (Rom 1:21-28). Regardless of how our hearts cry with compassion for those who may be close to us or even family who is living the homosexual lifestyle, the scripture is still clear. It is a sin and an abomination to God. Even though the current philosophical and cultural worldview promotes homosexuality as a legitimate and healthy lifestyle, this behavior is a choice which is the result of the fallen nature of man. All the rhetoric in the world will not change the truth that homosexuality is destructive to the individual, the family and society. Demonstrating the truth, in love, is the only way the person in bondage will ever find deliverance and salvation in Jesus Christ.
What is your position on the ‘Gifts of the Spirit’ (e.g. tongues, healing, etc.). There are several points of view on the operation of the gifts in the church today. Most of these views have evolved over the years to believe the gifts are no longer needed after the completion of scripture. This view is not based on scripture but opinion and speculation. Many feel the gifts were used by God to kick-start the church and eventually ceased to exist. This view is known as the cessationist view of the gifts. I personally do not believe there is scriptural support that God planned to cease using the gifts. The scripture teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8) Whether the gifts are practiced and allowed to operate in a local church is up to the leadership and doctrine of that particular church. I personally believe God still uses healing and miracles to confirm His Word.
What is the church’s responsibility in family traumas, such as child and wife abuse, abortion, homosexuality, sexual immorality, substance abuse, etc.? The church is there to be a support and guiding light to any trauma that might occur. The church should not hesitate to call the proper authorities when needed to help or report when necessary or required by law. When the church has the proper trained and qualified staff to minister to a family member, we should do so with appropriate confidentiality. People with issues such as abortion, homosexuality, sexual immorality and the like will be ministered to as the need arises.
How do you view the role of the Board of Directors in the church? Depending upon how the board of directors is set up within the church, it is usually done so with the purpose to help administer the business affairs of the church. These are usually men and/or women who have business experience and are able to give wise and sound advise in the business and financial realm. I believe the board of directors can be a strong asset to the church.
What are your views on a woman in ministry leadership positions in the church? I believe God has called and anointed women in ministry. Even though this is a highly volatile subject in some circles, the Bible is full of examples of God choosing and using women to fulfill His purpose. The scriptures used to limit the ministry of women are most often taken out of context. Women are a blessing and a powerful asset to any ministry and should be involved in ministry.
What do you believe and practice regarding the ministry of healing? I believe God still heals the sick today as Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry. Proper instruction prepares believers in how to minister to the sick while at the same time teaching the sick how to believe God for their healing. Teaching and developing believers who desire to learn how to pray for the sick is an important need within the church.
How do you relate to those within your church who have a different view of spiritual gifts? I do not believe a person must believe the way I do about spiritual gifts. A person must make their own decision on how they will respond to the charismatic gifts. Over time, and with proper teaching, many of those who were originally concerned about the gifts or rejected them will become more comfortable, and in many cases, begin to flow in the gifts.
What is your view on the “spiritual warfare” movement? What is your view on corporate prayer and intercession? I believe spiritual warfare is a valid, biblical subject. It is a subject that is not well understood and most often taught incorrectly. With proper teaching and practical application it can accomplish dynamic results that benefit the body of Christ. I believe corporate prayer and intercession are strong tools causing unity in the body of Christ. When the body of Christ pray together much can be accomplished.
What are your views on demonic activity in the lives of believers and nonbelievers? What should the church do to minister to these needs? Jesus told the disciples to cast out demons. Being knowledgeable and available to deliver the demonized is the responsibility of every believer. The church should teach the believer what, when, how and where to minister to a person with demonic problems. There are those who feel a special call to this ministry and will spend more time learning and preparing for the deliverance ministry.
Was Christ’s death on the cross absolutely necessary? Why or why not? Yes, without a doubt. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the core of Christianity. Jesus came to pay the price for the sin of man - the guiltless for the guilty, the sinless for the sinful. Without the atonement, there would be no redemption for mankind. The death, burial and resurrection is absolute.
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us? The resurrection of Jesus from the dead revealed that Jesus conquered death and the grave. Death has no power over Him because their was no sin in Him. Scripture tells us that, as we were buried with Christ through baptism into death, we were also raised with Him into everlasting life. As believers, we have eternal life with Christ because of His victory over death, hell and the grave.
Give a biblical view of baptism and explain its purpose. We are baptized in obedience to Christ’s command. When we are baptized we are acknowledging the death of our fallen sin nature, what Paul calls the old man. This action, by faith, represents our understanding of our death with Christ on the cross. Paul says we were buried with Him through baptism into death and raised with Him to life.
How does a person become a Christian? What is your view on once saved always saved? A person is born again when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. A person who gives their life to Jesus and continues to live for Christ never needs to fear losing their salvation.
What should be your involvement in church oversight (services, departments, committees, staff, facilities, etc.)? Proper church administration is important in order to have an effective and smooth operation. The different teams working together allow and enable the church to grow in a healthy manner. It produces strong leaders and strong ministries. Departments and committees should have appropriate leadership in place and meet with the pastor or selected committee when necessary to report. Staff and other permanent ministers will meet regularly to advise of the status of current projects.
What is your view of the church government (elders, line of authority, congregational government, and so on)? Biblical church government is necessary and, when properly administered, very effective. Scriptural church government allows and enables the church to grow in a healthy manner. It produces strong leaders and strong ministries. The most effective church government is the style of church government practiced by the apostles in the book of Acts. This style is known as elder leadership, with the pastor recognized as the senior elder and visionary of the church.
How do you view the role of elder(s) in the church? Describe the relationship between the senior pastor and the elders. What scriptural passages support this view? How would you deal with conflict with an Elder? The role of elders is very important for the spiritual oversight of the church. The elders, along with the pastor who by position is the senior elder, work together as a team to spiritually oversee and guide the ministry of the church. We first see the appointment of elders in the church in Acts 14:23 where Paul and Barnabas appoint elders to continue to pastor the local church. We also see the gathering of apostles and elders in Jerusalem to discuss an important issue. After the discussion is complete James, the senior elder and pastor of the church in Jerusalem, stood up and made a decision based on the discussion by the apostles and elders and his interpretation of the scripture. This is the example and guideline used today by those who follow the elder principle. If there is a conflict between an elder and myself, I would attempt to work out the difficulty between us. If this did not work, I would invite the other elders into the discussion and have them help determine the correct solution. If the conflict did not involve me personally, I would try to work with the to solve the problem. If I could not resolve the issue, I would ask the elders to intervene.
What are the motives and methods for church discipline? Whose responsibility is church discipline? Church discipline is sometimes necessary. Jesus and Paul both give instruction on how to accomplish this in a way that will correct the problem and hopefully, bring the violator back into right-standing with Christ. In Matthew, Jesus tells us to first speak to the individual alone. If that does not work, then take two or more to discuss the issue. If that still brings no solution, the church is to be informed. Rarely is the last action necessary. But, if it is, it must be done delicately and with care. Paul in 1 Corinthians 5 tells us there are times when the unrepentant believer must be removed from the church in the hope they will repent and return to Christ. We must always remember the goal is to see the person repent and brought back into right-standing with Christ. Church discipline should be administered by the spiritual authorities in the church. This would include the elders and pastor.
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