Q. Why Do We Meet On Wednesday Nights instead of Sundays?
A. The Scriptures are clear that every day is the Lord’s day, and no one day is more important than another (see Colossians 2:16). The reasons we choose to worship on Wednesday rather than Sunday are grounded in our belief that the family is the most important unit within the Church. Sunday morning is the best morning of the week for families to share together, particularly those with small children This allows parents to teach and share the Lord with their own children in the warm setting of their own home (for example, after a leisurely breakfast). To further assist families, we have Kid’s Church and Sunday school on alternating Sunday Mornings. Our children’s programs, however, are designed to support parents in their responsibilities—not replace them! Q. Why Is No Collection Taken During the Service? A. The Bible teaches the principle of tithing: the regular giving of ten percent of our income. If all of the members of a church tithe, there is no need for collections. If you wish, we have a container where we deposit our tithes and offerings. Being a steward of what God has given us is basic to Christian growth. So that we do not offend our visitors, we do not “pass the plate” or make a “pitch” for money. A guest is to be provided for, not imposed upon!
Q. Why Don’t We Have a Full-Time Pastor?
A. Every person in the Body of Christ is equal in God’s Eyes—we only differ in our individual gifts and ministries. By not having a paid ministerial staff, each member has to do his part to ensure that the family of God within the local church is successful. This also serves to build up each individual as they learn to realize the full potential of their gifts. This attitude of shared responsibility has brought us many opportunities for growth, and has fostered the sense of family we all share.
Q. What is Our Vision?
A. To-date, we have planted a fellowship in Gary, Indiana, have pioneered Harvey House, a facility to train male ex-drug addicts and Tabitha House, a facility to train female ex-drug addicts in the ways of the Lord, in order to send them back into their inner city neighborhoods as missionaries. The vision for both Harvey House and Tabitha House came through our ministry at Branden House, a state-run drug rehabilitation facility where we have seen thousands of conversions. Simply stated, our vision is to see each person involved in a ministry. We believe that God has pre-ordained “good works” to be done through each person’s life (Ephesians 2:10). God is calling each of us to share our faith and to serve somewhere, whether it is by ministering to senior citizens, prison inmates, the terminally ill, children, street people, the homeless, foreign students, in health care or at abortion clinics. The list is endless! Our goal is to provide an environment where everyone can be all he or she wants to be in Jesus Christ!