Who are the leaders of the church?
We are led by a Board of Elders who have been affirmed by the congregation and are subject to reaffirmation on an annual basis. Elders are men who meet the biblical standards of Acts 6:3, 17:11; I Timothy 3:1 – 7, II Timothy 4:1 – 5, 19 – 25; Titus 1:5 – 9; Hebrews 13:20, 21, and I Peter 5:1 – 5.
We also have a Board of Deacons who oversee the physical and financial aspects, both property and personal (benevolence, etc.) of the church. They are also affirmed by the congregation and subject to reaffirmation on an annual basis. Deacons must meet the biblical standards of Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8 – 13.
Deaconesses, mature women appointed by the Elders and confirmed by the congregation, assist the Elders in visitation, preparation for Communion Services, decoration of worship center, Baptismal Services, and oversight of facilities/needs for small children and babies
How is the church organized?
This church is autonomous, meaning that there is no higher human authority outside of the local congregation. We choose our pastor(s), leaders, approve an operating budget and make any decisions related to facilities, property, and programs. We have annual and quarterly business meetings where decisions are made by the membership.
What is the role of women in the church?
They are full members with all rights, responsibilities and opportunities with the exception of Elder and Pastor(s). We believe the Bible teaches that these roles are reserved for men.
Does the church have a Statement of Faith?
Yes, it is a 10 point statement that we believe is clearly Biblically based. The focus is on the Bible as the Word of God as the ultimate authority in faith and life, salvation only through faith in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, and our expectation of His return to establish a 1,000 year kingdom with a new heaven and earth to follow.
What does the church believe about baptism and communion?
We believe that both are commands given by the Lord Jesus and therefore should be obeyed by all believers. Neither will lead to salvation, nor are they related to local church membership. These ordinances are for those who have been saved. Communion is observed several times a year and baptism, preferably by immersion, is done whenever there is a request.
How is the pastor chosen?
When it is necessary to call a pastor (s), a process is described in the printed Policies Manual of the church. The “objective” (biblically defined) qualifications are listed in that document. Basically a committee is formed, investigation of potential candidates is done and a recommendation is then made to the congregation, who makes the final decision. We believe that the Head of the church, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate authority in who is to be the pastor (s) of this church and that His will is to be sought and obeyed in the process.
How does someone become a member of the church?
The process is described in the Membership Policy of the church. The church is both an organism (body of Christ) and an organization (non-profit corporation). We believe that membership in the “organism” is clearly described in the Bible as receiving Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. The basic requirement for individuals of any age to become members of the “organization” is that an individual must have become a member of the body of Christ. An application is made which includes personal information (name, address, baptism, etc.), and an account of the conversion experience. The individual must also agree with our Statement of Faith and commit to the church and its ministry.
Can members be dismissed from the church?
We cannot remove/dismiss anyone from membership in the body of Christ. Inability to maintain an active role in attendance and service for a period of one year, without communicating with the church, will cause the Elders to investigate the circumstances and could result in removal from the organization. Unrepentant behavior that is in violation of the Scripture could also result in removal after investigation by the Elders.
Who can vote at meetings?
Only the vote of active members over the age of 18 will count in corporate matters. However, we encourage those who are not members, but call our church “home” to participate in the discussions and decisions since they are part of our family.
Are there committees in addition to Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses?
Yes, at present there are two standing committees: Missions and Finance. Their membership is composed by individuals nominated by the Boards of Elders and/or Deacons and confirmed by the congregation. To more effectively accomplish the ministry, additional standing and/or committees may be appointed with their composition, duties, responsibilities and length of service determined by the congregation at their establishment.
What associations does the church participate in?
We are part of the Northern Mountain District of the Evangelical Free Church of America, about 30 churches located in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana. As such we send delegates to their Annual Meeting and Conference as well as participate with other area Free Churches in special events. From time to time there are Spokane area events that are sponsored by area evangelical churches and we participate as our resources allow. We also participate in a VBS, jointly sponsored by 3 or 4 local churches.
What is the Evangelical Free Church of America?
It is an association of approximately 1,400 autonomous churches nationwide who have voluntarily agreed to participate in various activities like missions, education and church planting. Their association is based on a common Statement of Faith.
What opportunities are available for personal growth and service?
We provide Sunday School for all ages, sponsor an AWANA program that utilizes adults in leadership positions, there are “women’s Bible Studies, weekly prayer meeting, monthly men’s fellowship and work times, music opportunities – both vocal and instrumental, and various group activities to increase the “body” aspect of belonging to a local church.
We are led by a Board of Elders who have been affirmed by the congregation and are subject to reaffirmation on an annual basis. Elders are men who meet the biblical standards of Acts 6:3, 17:11; I Timothy 3:1 – 7, II Timothy 4:1 – 5, 19 – 25; Titus 1:5 – 9; Hebrews 13:20, 21, and I Peter 5:1 – 5.
We also have a Board of Deacons who oversee the physical and financial aspects, both property and personal (benevolence, etc.) of the church. They are also affirmed by the congregation and subject to reaffirmation on an annual basis. Deacons must meet the biblical standards of Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8 – 13.
Deaconesses, mature women appointed by the Elders and confirmed by the congregation, assist the Elders in visitation, preparation for Communion Services, decoration of worship center, Baptismal Services, and oversight of facilities/needs for small children and babies
How is the church organized?
This church is autonomous, meaning that there is no higher human authority outside of the local congregation. We choose our pastor(s), leaders, approve an operating budget and make any decisions related to facilities, property, and programs. We have annual and quarterly business meetings where decisions are made by the membership.
What is the role of women in the church?
They are full members with all rights, responsibilities and opportunities with the exception of Elder and Pastor(s). We believe the Bible teaches that these roles are reserved for men.
Does the church have a Statement of Faith?
Yes, it is a 10 point statement that we believe is clearly Biblically based. The focus is on the Bible as the Word of God as the ultimate authority in faith and life, salvation only through faith in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, and our expectation of His return to establish a 1,000 year kingdom with a new heaven and earth to follow.
What does the church believe about baptism and communion?
We believe that both are commands given by the Lord Jesus and therefore should be obeyed by all believers. Neither will lead to salvation, nor are they related to local church membership. These ordinances are for those who have been saved. Communion is observed several times a year and baptism, preferably by immersion, is done whenever there is a request.
How is the pastor chosen?
When it is necessary to call a pastor (s), a process is described in the printed Policies Manual of the church. The “objective” (biblically defined) qualifications are listed in that document. Basically a committee is formed, investigation of potential candidates is done and a recommendation is then made to the congregation, who makes the final decision. We believe that the Head of the church, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate authority in who is to be the pastor (s) of this church and that His will is to be sought and obeyed in the process.
How does someone become a member of the church?
The process is described in the Membership Policy of the church. The church is both an organism (body of Christ) and an organization (non-profit corporation). We believe that membership in the “organism” is clearly described in the Bible as receiving Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. The basic requirement for individuals of any age to become members of the “organization” is that an individual must have become a member of the body of Christ. An application is made which includes personal information (name, address, baptism, etc.), and an account of the conversion experience. The individual must also agree with our Statement of Faith and commit to the church and its ministry.
Can members be dismissed from the church?
We cannot remove/dismiss anyone from membership in the body of Christ. Inability to maintain an active role in attendance and service for a period of one year, without communicating with the church, will cause the Elders to investigate the circumstances and could result in removal from the organization. Unrepentant behavior that is in violation of the Scripture could also result in removal after investigation by the Elders.
Who can vote at meetings?
Only the vote of active members over the age of 18 will count in corporate matters. However, we encourage those who are not members, but call our church “home” to participate in the discussions and decisions since they are part of our family.
Are there committees in addition to Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses?
Yes, at present there are two standing committees: Missions and Finance. Their membership is composed by individuals nominated by the Boards of Elders and/or Deacons and confirmed by the congregation. To more effectively accomplish the ministry, additional standing and/or committees may be appointed with their composition, duties, responsibilities and length of service determined by the congregation at their establishment.
What associations does the church participate in?
We are part of the Northern Mountain District of the Evangelical Free Church of America, about 30 churches located in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana. As such we send delegates to their Annual Meeting and Conference as well as participate with other area Free Churches in special events. From time to time there are Spokane area events that are sponsored by area evangelical churches and we participate as our resources allow. We also participate in a VBS, jointly sponsored by 3 or 4 local churches.
What is the Evangelical Free Church of America?
It is an association of approximately 1,400 autonomous churches nationwide who have voluntarily agreed to participate in various activities like missions, education and church planting. Their association is based on a common Statement of Faith.
What opportunities are available for personal growth and service?
We provide Sunday School for all ages, sponsor an AWANA program that utilizes adults in leadership positions, there are “women’s Bible Studies, weekly prayer meeting, monthly men’s fellowship and work times, music opportunities – both vocal and instrumental, and various group activities to increase the “body” aspect of belonging to a local church.