FAQ

Anyone who wants to can participate and share what they believe God has given to them for the assembly. While there is no preescreening or censoring, we encourage all who participate, to do so in a kind and polite manner. Respect and good manners are expected to be reciprocated, staying away from bones of contention. There is always space allowed for dialog after any brother's sharing.

While the elements of gatherings are identified (worship, prayer, etc.) in Scripture, a particular format is not prescribed. However, for us, a beneficial format has developed over time. Presently, our Sunday gatherings consist of three parts. The first is essentially all ministry to the Lord and one another, except teaching, where we endeavor to conclude with the Lord's supper. The second part is a break where we have informal fellowship and refreshment. The last part we dedicate to ministry of the Word where brothers give a message from the Lord to the assembly. While this is the normal meeting, there are times where the Lord brings alterations for a specific purpose, so it is not law.

The Lord Jesus is the Head of his body. We strive to allow him His this rightful place as Lord in the gathering; therefore, no man occupies an office known as 'pastor.' We do of course have members functioning in the biblical role of pastor and elder and overseer. We have an article available that describes this further. In our Sunday gatherings, we have no official leader or program. We look to the Lord to work in each one present to bring out what He intends for that time.

The assembly does not have a designated or preferred Bible text or translation. The brothers and sisters are encouraged to read and study all versions and word study aids (2 Tim 2:15). Periodically there are discussions as to what text or version in a particular passage is believed to be the most accurate. We look to the Lord to grant us wisdom, understanding and guide us as an assembly into all the truth (John 16:13).

We are not part of any denomination, group or sect. We do not identify ourselves by any name, teacher, doctrine, practice or tradition. We do not see ourselves as special or unique but simply meet as brothers and sisters in Christ under our Lord's name (Matt 18:20). We seek to have fellowship with all Christians.

The Lord invited all to come to Him. Therefore, we say, all are welcome.

Yes, we regularly take the Lord's Supper as one loaf and one cup.

No, there are no salaries. No paid positions.

We do not have a band. Members who have ability and desire to serve in this way provide musical accompaniment during times of worship in song. If there is nobody to play in a meeting, we sing acapella.

Yes, we have a weekly on-line prayer meeting and periodically brothers and sisters open their homes for fellowship.

We are open to the Lord to meet wherever He would have us meet. We have no intentions however to purchase or own property.

We acknowledge that God has made us male and female; and as long as we are in these earthly bodies we honor this distinction. Men were created to lead and women created as helper. This applies to the assembly setting as well. Sisters, just as the brothers, pray, sing, give testimony, etc. The difference, however, according to the Apostle Paul is that authority falls upon the men. So, men do the teaching and decision making for the assembly. They also do the correcting when necessary. Women function in all other ways in the assembly.

We keep things to do with money very simple since there are no paid positions or ownership of anything collectively. Therefore there is no general fund or church bank account. All services brothers or sisters supply to the assembly are on a volunteer basis and they do so as providing for themselves in their ministry. We encourage members to be thankful in regards to those giving in service and to remember those in need. A box is supplied so that gifts can be given anonymously. They who bear the responsibility of tending the box serve the church in making sure the gifts reach their destination. Envelopes are left with the destination writen on the outside. At times we will take collection for an agreed upon purpose. Everything is done in agreement; there is no one acting independently. We have some recordings on money if you want to learn more.

We have not incorporated under any designation nor do we intend to. Many religious organizations choose to incorporate to facilitate tax-exempt donations, acquire property, compensate staff, and limit individual liability. We, however, deliberately avoid collective ownership, do not disburse salaries, and rely on God concerning personal liabilities. Regarding the tax implications for our members, as contributions are not made to an institutional entity, this consideration is not relevant. We maintain a firm conviction that the church and government should remain entirely separate entities, without any intermingling. Consequently, it is highly improbable that we would ever pursue 501(c)(3) status.

We do not categorize ourselves as either non-charismatic or charismatic. We simply identify as the Lord's church. The lordship of Jesus Christ is an essential doctrine we hold to, but we do not align with any other specific doctrinal label. We give praise to God for any spiritual gifts bestowed upon members of our community, and we similarly praise Him in their absence.