Westwood Church of God
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Embrace the Grace!
 |
Frequently Asked QuestionsAnd the answers that go along with them!!!
There are a lot of questions about Westwood Church of God, and about the Church of God itself. Hopefully you can find something to help you answer those questions! If you have any other questions or concerns not addressed on this page, feel free to contact us, and someone will get back with you! Beliefs Q. What kind of Church of God are you? A. When Westwood Church of God was founded, we were originally affiliated with the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana. Since about 1993, we have been an independent congregation made up of people who come from many different denominational backgrounds. Still, we adhere to the doctrines and beliefs as originally presented through the Church of God Reformation Movement, Anderson, Indiana, and while we are now independent of any formal denominational affiliation, we are most closely related to the Anderson, Indiana Church of God. We work with many other area congregations of various denominations in presenting that message to our world. That message, in its simplest form, is that Jesus is the only way to salvation; if Jesus is your Savior, then you're part of His Church, the only Church He has; all believers in all denominations in all parts of the world are in God's Church, and pressing forward together, we have the chance to help change the world! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. Is the Church of God Charismatic and Pentecostal? A. Yes! and, no! Yes, we are charismatic if by that you mean people and congregations are empowered by the Spirit for the edification, or building up, of the church and its mission in the world. Yes, we are Pentecostal, if by that term you mean the Holy Spirit was given to the early Church and continues to come, empower, and call the Church to a ministry of being servants. No, if you mean by "charismatic" or "Pentecostal" that we place an emphasis on speaking in tongues as the sign of a Spirit-filled life or the freedom for persons to speak in tongues at their own discretion in public worship. In that respect, we are not a Pentecostal congregation, but we do recognize that other denominations often express their worship in ways differing from ours. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. Does the Church of God believe that people have to be baptized in the Church of God in order to go to heaven? A. No. While we believe Scripture does not include baptism as a requisite part of the acceptance of salvation, we do believe baptism is not "optional," or not just some quaint tradition. Baptism is a first step in the life of the Christian convert. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior it is expected that he or she will have the desire to take the first step of following Jesus Christ in baptism (Mark 1); however, believers who have been baptized in other Church groups will find their baptisms honored at Westwood Church of God. Those who have been baptized as infants are encouraged to appreciate the act of faith on the part of their parents, but also to bear witness to their own decision for Christ through the believer's baptism. We rejoice in the provision of God for the salvation and eternal life of persons whom we shall never know, persons who are active in hundreds of other Christian groups. It will be a joy to get acquainted with all those persons in Heaven! But we recognize that we're already in the same family and doing the same work together! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What does the Church of God believe about Baptism, Communion, Foot Washing, and Infant Dedication? A. Ordinances are worship and faith disciplines which have specifically been ordained by Jesus in His instructions to His followers. We believe the ordinances are rich experiences for believers, and that they are symbolic of something that is happening withinin the believer as a direct act of God's Spirit. The symbolic act is a witness to an inner reality. These symbols affirm and remind us of what God has done in Christ. ' Baptism, by immersion, is a first step for the new believer. The term "baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptizo," which means "to immerse." Immersion of believers is the only form of baptism that is indicated in the New Testament. Through baptism, which symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the new believer witnesses to the world that there is a new spiritual dimension in his or her life. Baptism is also a witness to the Church that the new believer is a part of its fellowship and work, and to family and friends that he or she is now an active participant in the Christian community (Mark 1; Matthew 28; Acts 2:38). The Lord's Supper, often called Communion, is an affirmation of oneness in Christ. In sacramental congregations it is often called the Eucharist, a reference to the thanks offered over the bread and the cup (1 Corinthians 10:16). The Lord's Supper and Communion are both terms used by Paul in his writings (1 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Corinthians 10:16, KJV). Church of God congregations frequently share the elements of the Lord's Supper. The bread and the cup are symbolic of the grace experienced in the life of the believer. At Westwood Church of God, grape juice and unleavened communion bread are used in this observance. Foot Washing is an ordinance practiced by the Church of God. It is an act symbolizing the servant ministry of all Christians to each other and to the world. Men assemble in one room and women in another, and even children are encouraged to participate. Persons wash each other's feet, sing hymns, and give personal testimonies of God's blessing on their lives. Participation is not considered a "test of faith." Rather, it is a spiritual experience which Christians are encouraged to observe and join. While a physical act, washing the feet of a fellow believer is a remarkable spiritual blessing, echoing the words of Jesus Himself: "If you know these things, blessed [or happy] are you if you do them." (John 13:17) Infant dedication is not considered an ordinance, but it is consistent with the instructions of Jesus. He said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14). Parents are encouraged to present themselves with their infants for a time of dedication in public worship, an act which is reminiscent of the presentation of Samuel by his mother as told in the Old Testament, and Jesus by His parents as told in the New Testament. It is a time for the Church and the parents to acknowledge the child as a gift from God, commit themselves to raise the child in awe and respect of God, and ask God's blessings upon the body, mind, and spirit of the child. Infant baptism is not practiced in the Church of God. Infant baptism is usually an act on the part of parents by which they believe saving grace is imparted by God to the child. Later in life the child is asked to confirm that decision by the parents after receiving instruction in the faith. We believe a child is innocent and already in the grace of God. Later the child, in some stage of his or her growth and training, will come to a time when he or she responds to the conviction and leadership of the Holy Spirit and will have an opportunity to accept Christ as Savior. It is at that time the child, youth, or adult will be baptized. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. Does the Church of God believe in Divine healing? A. We believe that, in a broader sense, all healing is divine. Thus we encourage consultation with medical professionals in matters of physical health and with other professionals in matters of emotional and relational problems. We believe these professionals can most certainly be used by God to bring health to ill and injured persons. In addition to the healing that comes through natural processes and the informed use of medication and surgery, we believe that at times God directly intervenes in the life of individuals to initiate and complete healing. We put into practice James' instructions to the young Church: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (James 5:14). In many congregations, including Westwood Church of God, persons often request that the pastor anoint them, and the congregation of believers gather around them, lay hands upon them and pray for them, whether it be for physical, emotional, or relational healing. We do not make demands of God, nor do we arrogantly instruct Him about the way healing should take place. We submit our petition and await His gracious action in our lives and in the lives of those whom we love, praying always that His will is done. We do not believe that everyone is healed in the way that we would expect and hope, or even that it is in the best interest for everyone to be healed. In praying for healing, we enter into a trust relationship with God; we trust that He will do the best thing for His kingdom and our lives. We believe He knows what is best, even though, for the moment, we may not be able to comprehend it (Job 9:10; Psalm 145:3). Our prayers are not only for our hope of healing, but a testimony to others that we believe that the Lord will indeed hear our prayer and answer it according to His will. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What does the Church of God teach about stewardship? A. Stewardship could be defined as the responsible use of all of our resources, recognizing that all good gifts come from God. It has implications for the use of our abilities, the use of time, and the way we earn and spend our money. Christian stewardship includes the practice of giving the first ten percent of one's income directly to the Church for mission and ministries -- we call this the "tithe." We believe tithing is taught in the Old Testament (Malachi 3:8-10) and the principle and practice is sustained in New Testament teachings (Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 16:2; and 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). It is the foundation for a more complete financial stewardship. While many persons of the Church of God are tithers, tithing itself is not looked upon as a means by which one manipulates God in order to obtain material or financial success. It is a spiritual discipline which is a reward in itself. Many Christians not only give the first ten percent of their income (tithe) to the church, but also give additional offerings to help build church facilities and help meet the needs of the congregation, both locally and abroad. It is only by the grace of God, and the Church's faithful giving, that we can hope to meet our obligations and expand the work of the Lord. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What about weddings? A. We believe a wedding is a worship service of the Church. A marriage should always be entered into with discretion, wisdom, and a recognition that it is a marvelous gift from God, to both the couple and the families involved. We believe a marriage best begins with a wedding that is a worship experience, and with both parties committed to Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives and home. Currently, weddings performed by the pastor at Westwood Church of God are those persons who are active members of the congregation, or who have a prior personal relationship with the pastor. Since marriage between a man and a woman is not only a physical and legal union, but is also a spiritual union (for which the pastor is partly responsible), a personal knowledge of the couple is necessary. A time of counseling with the pastor will be scheduled with the couple, to offer answers to questions as well as spiritual guidance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What does the Church of God teach about the Second Coming of Jesus? A. The Church of God believes that Jesus will come again, but we have no idea about the date and time (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37). Our eschatology (knowledge or study of last things) emphasizes that when Jesus comes to receive His bride, the Church, all things of this world will end, and those who have believed on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will go with Him to live eternally. Our view of the kingdom of God of is that it is a present reality. We believe that when Jesus came to earth He launched His kingdom (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; Luke 17:20-26), and His kingdom is in the hearts of men and women who give Him their allegiance. We are aware of the diligent study by many premillennial scholars and the optimism of postmillennial Christians; however, we are by definition amillennial. In our study of the Bible we do not discover any teaching about an earthly reign of Christ in a governmental or military sense. Scriptures speak of last things in figurative language (Revelation 20) and we believe they often refer to spiritual rather than temporal realities. We, for the most part, find little doctrinal compatibility with groups who see the establishment and success of the nation of Israel as essential to God's plan (Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:26-28). Teachings which give attention to repeatedly setting dates for the expected return of Christ, to observing natural and other phenomena as indications of the imminent appearance of Christ, and to identifying contemporary historical personages as embodiments of the anti-Christ are likewise foreign to our understanding of Scripture. At Westwood Church of God, we have many individual viewpoints upon the "Second Coming." Having so many members with varied Church and denominational backgrounds, it is impossible to find everyone in agreement on every detail. With persons who feel strongly about these points of view, we "agree to disagree," and explore other ways of experiencing and expressing our oneness in Christ. Despite how the eschatology is interpreted, we all work and pray for Christ's coming (Revelation 22:20-21). We also recognize that the study or discussion of such matters is not a simple matter, not something that can be boiled down to a sentence or paragraph. There is just too much for us to fully know, but the lifelong journey of discovery and learning is a worthwhile pursuit and is a means of strengthening our faith in Christ and His Church. We feel the principal task of Christians (whether worshiping at Westwood Church of God or another congregation or denomination) is to be involved in God's redemptive plan -- sharing the gospel rather than speculating about the nature and timing of last things. Most Church of God congregations accept a range of opinions and beliefs on "last things." No matter how things "turn out," we see the great need in our world for people to have an active and effective relationship with Jesus Christ, living for Him daily, and looking for the day when "our faith will be made sight." We merely ask for mutual respect for one another, and when disagreement arises, prayerful consideration of others is always encouraged. Jesus Christ, and our relationship to Him, should always be our primary focus. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. What is the of the Church of God Reformation Movement? A. The Church of God Reformation Movement was begun in the 1880s by Daniel S. Warner, and other like-minded saints who believed in the oneness of God's Church. The Reformation Movement claims no special recognition, but was formed to be a movement among all believers everywhere, regardless of denomination. We firmly believe that God has only one Church, and that Church is made of born-again believers all around the world, regardless of their denomination. Denominational barriers serve to divide God's family, and create enmity between the children of God. The Church of God Reformation Movement, and its message (as we believe in and preach) stresses that more can be accomplished by working for the Lord together, than by separating ourselves within smaller groups. Each congregation, and its uniqueness, is vital to the success and advancement of God's kingdom, and we are privileged to be part of His work, no matter where we might go to church. We believe that it matters less what the name over the door of the church building says; rather, what is important is the name written over our hearts. We truly believe in the unity and interdependence of all believers, and desire to work together to make an impact on our society, now and in the years to come. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Membership Q. How does the Church of God view membership? A. We like the way the Church of God identifies its members. No one person decides that another will or will not be admitted to membership in a local group. Neither congregations nor congregational leaders vote on who shall be received as members. Westwood Church of God believes that when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, God places that person into the Church. (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:18). Salvation is the sole criterion for membership in a congregation of the Church of God. The first preachers and lay workers of this Reformation Movement sang passionately about that type of membership: We reach our hands in fellowship to every blood-washed one, while love entwines about each heart in which God's will is done. We also like what the Church of God says about maintaining membership in the church. One maintains membership by participating in the worship services and fellowship of the congregation. Amazingly, in a culture that seems to thrive on lists and membership statements, the Church of God group has effectively carried on an expanding ministry in about ninety countries and established strong congregations that are involved in both person-oriented spiritual ministries and community-oriented social ministries. We like that. And so, if you go to a Church of God congregation in Lawrence, Kansas, Las Vegas, Nevada, or in Bangor, Maine, and you say, "I'd like to join the Church," don't be surprised if the pastor or some layperson says something like, "My friend, if you are a Christian, you are already a member of God's Church, and that is good enough for us. We invite you to worship with us. We will help you get acquainted and find your place in the life and work of the congregation." At Westwood Church of God, we have a motto: You're only a visitor one time. After that, you're part of us! In some of our congregations we refer to each other as "brothers" and "sisters" in the Lord. Other congregations encourage the use of first names. These are ways of expressing our commitment and love for each other, both as friends and as children of God. We think you will like that. When it comes to the business aspect of the congregation, there are certain requirements for voting privileges. You must be 16 years of age or older, consistently worshiped with the congregation for at least six months prior to the voting, and possess a definite Christian relationship within the congregation. We believe that a person can be associated with a congregation, but only salvation makes you part of the Church, or of the Christian fellowship found in Christ.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. How does a person join the Church of God? A. 1. If you are not a Christian (that is, not saved, not born anew, not a disciple of Jesus Christ), then you will want to confess your sins in prayer, ask God to forgive your sinful way of living, and invite Jesus Christ to come into your life as Savior and Lord. You may be able to do this alone, but many persons have found that the assistance of a thoughtful and mature Christian is helpful during this time (Matthew 11:28). When you accept Jesus Christ as Savior, you are born into the Church. You are a new creation in Christ (John 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Through the cross you have become a member. 2. If you are a Christian (that is saved, born anew, a disciple of Jesus Christ), then let the pastor and other people in the congregation know you are a Christian, and begin worshiping and working with them. Then say to family, friends, and acquaintances, "I am a member of the Church of God." Your witness at this point is important to you and to the Church. It is entirely because of the cross that you are a member of the Church, not by signing a book or by being re-baptized. Practical Perspectives on Membership a. A person who has been a member of a denomination may wish, for his or her own purposes, to bring a letter to the pastor; however, you are not required to bring a letter. Your personal affirmation of faith, your participation, and your Christian character will demonstrate that you are a part of the family of God. b. A consistent demonstration of Christian character is appropriate before a person is recognized for responsible positions of leadership in the life of the local congregation. c. There is room for differences of opinion in the fellowship. Perfect agreement on minute details of doctrine and practice is not required and, quite frankly, is impossible in most cases. An open mind and an open heart are characteristic of a vital group of Christians. d. Congregations seek to carry on financial and property matters in a fashion consistent with common business practices and state laws. Therefore, each congregation defines voting membership in terms of age and gives indication of how long a person is expected to have been worshiping with the local group. Voting membership is identified to meet requirements of incorporation laws; among the requirements are a personal witness to a Christian experience and a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of the Church of God. Each congregation has a Constitution and By-Laws, which help govern the business practices of that congregation. A copy of the By-Laws is available to each member of the church upon request. e. A person removes himself or herself from membership in the Church of God when he or she is no longer committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, or when his or her lifestyle is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus and other clear teachings of the New Testament. A person removes himself or herself from membership in the congregation by the same means, or by ceasing to be an active member of the congregation. Most people do not have to be told of this; it is obvious to both the individual and the congregation. Many congregations have adopted a discipline process to counsel persons whose lifestyle is in question. f. As lofty as the goals of the Westwood Church of God, or especially the Church of God as a whole, might be, we have not always succeeded in being as open to fellowship Christians from other traditions as we would like. We have sometimes failed by "preaching" more than we "practiced." Still we are seeking the ideals expressed and have been blessed as many thousands of others have said, "That's the way I see it, too." We are fortunate at Westwood Church of God to have a wonderful and active relationship with the various denominations in our area, and to have the opportunity to frequently unite in work and worship with one another; still, there is much more left to be done. We ask that you be patient with us in our failures, and work with us as we all learn to accept persons on the basis of their faith in Jesus Christ, first, only, and always.  |
|