Not everyone wants to learn about what a church believes during the process of visiting, but sometimes you may want to know a bit more about the group of believers that you’re going to be meeting with before you arrive at the building. We understand! To help assist visitors with more in-depth questions, we’ve put together our questions page with work done by our pulpit minister Keith Kilmer to give you more information about what our church believes and why.
Is everyone welcome to attend your church?
Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend! We view the church not as a place for those who “have it all together,” but as a place where compassion should be shown to all. We recognize that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace.
Where are the instruments and the band?
We get this question a lot! We understand that singing without instrumental accompaniment is rare these days, but this is actually the only way that church sang for almost the first thousand years of its existence! In fact, the term “a cappella” is a Latin phrase meaning “as in the chapel.”
We refuse to judge the sincerity or the salvation of those who practice other forms of worship. However, we are committed to maintaining the practice of pure vocal singing because we feel it has a solid Biblical basis and historical precedent – we also love that it sounds beautiful and allows everyone to participate!
What is the Lord’s Supper? Should I participate?
Each Sunday, according to the example provided by the early church, we take the Lord’s Supper (a.k.a. Communion). Jesus instituted this ceremony and it allows us to reflect on his sacrifice as we take a cup of grape juice (a reminder of Jesus’ blood) and a small piece of a cracker (a reminder of Jesus’ crucified body). This simple act helps to “center” us spiritually by focusing our minds on Jesus as we examine our own lives. The Lord’s Supper is also a “proclamation” to others in the assembly who might not be familiar with Christ’s sacrifice.
We practice “open communion” meaning that we don’t exclude anyone from participation. However, we also understand that the Supper was instituted for followers of Christ and has deeper meaning and significance to those who have confessed his name and been baptized into Him.
What do you believe about the Holy Spirit?
We believe that the Spirit comes to dwell in a person at the time of their baptism. The Spirit has worked in different ways throughout history according to the unique needs of each time period. The Spirt might not work in the same miraculous manner that he did in the 1st century, but that does not mean that he is not alive and active today. Among the things that the Spirit does today: helps us in prayer, produces godly character in our lives (the “fruit” of the Spirit), and gives us gifts (talents or abilities) that we are to use to benefit the larger body of Christ.
Why are people baptized by immersion in your church?
Because the Bible commands it. Baptism must picture three realities: death, burial, and resurrection. The Greek word translated as “baptism” in our English Bibles literally means “immersion.” This is the only mode of baptism found in the New Testament.
What if I have not been baptized or was baptized by sprinkling or pouring? Can I still become a member?
We only require what the Bible requires for membership – no more and no less. The practice of baptism in the New Testament is what brought a person “into Christ” and “added them to the church”. Since baptism by immersion was the only form of baptism practiced in Bible-times this is what is required.
How do I become a member? What do you require?
If you are not a baptized believer, the first step would be to talk to an Elder or a minister about setting up a time and place to study and learn what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian. If you are a baptized believer wanting to move your membership from another congregation we encourage you to talk to an Elder who will set up a time to discuss membership with you.
The Bible sure seems to be a high priority. Why is that?
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the ultimate authority and our only source of Truth.
I’ve heard some churches of Christ believe they are the ones going to Heaven. Do you believe that?
No! This has been a stereotype from times past. It is true that some may have been guilty of being overly exclusive and sectarian. Churches of Christ are hardly alone in this as others have often fallen into the same trap. Nevertheless, we strive to reject these sectarian impulses and affirm one of our earliest slogans – “Christian only but not the only Christians.”
What is the role of women in your church?
We understand God’s Word to teach that men and women are equal in regard to worth and value but complimentary in regard to roles. These complimentary roles are evident in the home and in the church. In each case men are to demonstrate humble and gentle servant leadership. It is true that the Bible instructs wives to submit to their husbands’ Christ-like leadership (Ephesians 5:24) but what is too often missed or ignored is the “mutual submission” spoken of just three verses earlier (Ephesians 5:21).
Due to our desire to be faithful to our understanding of Scripture, women do not serve as elders or preach in mixed worship assemblies at Robinson Avenue. That’s not to say that women aren’t involved in ministry – women are essential to our work and there are myriads of opportunities for involvement. We don’t know where we would be without the tremendous contributions of our ladies.
Do you all have to agree on what the Bible teaches?
While we believe that the Bible is clear about its central message (salvation through Jesus), you would be hard-pressed to find any two church members who agree about everything the Bible teaches. When it comes to doctrinal disagreements we are committed to the following: appealing to Scripture as our source of authority, continuing to love each other, and submitting to the godly leadership of our Elders. Another of our cherished slogans is: “In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; in all things, love.”
Do you believe in missions?
Very much so! The church exists because of missions! Just as others once had a vision to plant a church in Springdale, we have a vision of seeing the Gospel spread to other places. We support many missionaries on foreign and domestic mission fields.
Who are you trying to reach?
Anyone and everyone seeking life in Christ! “Whoever is thirsty let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” – Revelation 22:17
Got More Questions? Let us know!
Your message has been sent to our minister, Keith Kilmer.
