Getting to Know

ChrisTopher

Belief Questionnaire

Notes:

*The questions have not been answered formally. I tried to give you as much information about me as I can. This means some answers are very long while others will be very short. Thank you for your consideration.

**I would never glorify sin but simply must show how far God has brought me

1. Share your Testimony:

Please see testimony page.

2. Have you had any former marriages? If so, please explain.

I have never been divorced. Grace was my first and only (forever) wife.

3. Explain your formal training that you have had for a Senior Pastor position.

I have worked under the leadership of seasoned Pastors. Often working in close proximity to them as they would teach me some of the things regarding the Pastorate. I worked as an assistant/ associate pastor in three churches in preparation. I have also served as Staff Evangelist which has allowed me to be apart of Pastoral duties. I have Pastored a church and planted another church. I also Pastored Calvary Baptist Church in Crestline, Ohio.

4. Tell us about your Pastoral experience(s), list where and when.

Please understand that I was in a helps ministry which is why I was at these places for under a few years each: Crossroads Baptist Church FL (Pastor Campbell), Emmanuel Baptist FL (Pastor Campbell), Eastland Baptist FL (Pastor Green), Milan Friends Independent Bible Church (Pastor Campbell) Norwalk Baptist OH (Pastor Forman) Evangelist, Venice Road Baptist Church (Pastor), Calvary Baptist Church (Pastor Stacey Shiflett), Calvary Baptist Church (Pastor).

I have had unique ministry in that I go to a church and build a soul winning program and youth group. I then train others to take over the ministry and go to the next church in need. As you can see I have worked with the same Pastor at different churches. I still have a relationship with these men.

5. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

I have never been asked to leave.

6. List all affiliation, ministerial associations, and religious organizations which you actively support, or of which you are currently a member

Local Church(home), Truth and Life Radio

7. Tell us about your wife.

My wife is a wonderful and brilliant woman. She is without exception the most wonderful woman in the world. She is perhaps the most patient person I have ever met. She gives a great deal of thought to any task before she does things. She is hard working and a wonderful mother to six boys. She is diligent in their training and has brought them along to be kind and loving. She is loving and giving. She is selfless. Godly. I could go on….

8. What is your personal view on the role of women in the church?

My view is simply put, the Bible view. Women are not to usurp authority over the man. They are to be meek, quiet (not one to gossip), and keepers. They are to help train young ladies and children to follow the Bible mandate. They can teach other ladies(encouraged) and children but not teen boys. Leadership over men as designed by God is for the Man.

9. Tell us about your children.

My children are very young and full of energy. Six boys and the oldest is 10 and one girl.

10. What priority does your family hold in your daily activities? How do you maintain this priority?

They are second to God. I give my children daily time and my wife comes before all others. I will not sacrifice my family to save yours. However, my wife understands ministry and is not one to demand attention for no reason.

11. Are you ordained? If yes, by what church?

I have been Ordained by Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk, Maryland.

12. What is your education background? (List all colleges, training institutes and seminaries attended.)

Baptist Theological Academy, Bible Believers Baptist Institute, Cape Fear Comm. Coll., Ambassador Baptist, Andersonville Theological Seminary - currently

13. Would you leave behind any negative situation or causes for rumors that might affect your new ministry?

14. What other work experiences do you have which might be useful in this ministry?

I have been in upper management of several major companies. GM, Sales Manager, and Regional Manager. I have been to many leadership seminars, trainings, and corporate events on developing people. I have developed training seminars, schedules, task outlines, among many others. I have developed business, marketing, and sales strategy programs that were successful when implemented.

15. Concerning personal finances:

A. Do you currently carry health insurance? Life Insurance?

Yes

B. Do you presently have a retirement plan?

C. Do you presently own your own home?

D. Is your financial house in order?

My Financial House is in order.

16. Do you feel a Pastor should take time off each week? Why? How much?

Absolutely, one day a week. God says 6 days shall a man work. However, I also believe ministry is seven days a week 24 hours a day.

17. Do you have any health problems, physical or mental handicaps? If so, what is their nature?

18. Have you ever been accused or convicted of child molestation or abuse?

Church Policy and Role of a Pastor

1. What do you feel are the necessary qualifications of a pastor?

As defined in the books of Timothy and Titus- A pastor must be blameless. A pastor must be in good standing in his marriage and family. A pastor must be patient, hospitable, and apt to teach. A pastor must be mature and called in his life and in his faith. Not greedy or covetous. Kind and loving. Finally, a pastor must be able to preach. Of course, there are more things listed but these are imperative.

2. What do you think are the normal duties of a pastor?

To study and pray continually. To pray for the people of the church daily. To visit the widows and fatherless. To love the people through conversation, prayer, and visits. Preach, Teach, Disciple

3. How would you differentiate between the ministerial and the administrative duties of a pastor?

The pastor will make a place for creative planning in his work schedule. As someone said, "no one can organize others until he has successfully organized himself." The pastor should have a definite sense of time stewardship. A worthy program and effective promotion demand creative study and planning just as good sermonizing and planned worship. However, at the helm is the need to be constantly in the Word and in preparation for feeding the flock.

4. How do you feel that a church should be governed?

As the Pastor is to answer to the Lord, it is right that he should direct and lead the flock. However, it is important that the body of believers be heard and given great consideration. It is imperative that godly deacons be in place to give sound wisdom to the pastor and in helping to decide what is right (according to scripture) in a difficult choice. Though we could go into much greater detail, this summarizes. The constitution should be strictly adhered to and necessary changes made when needed.

5. On what basis (and with what qualifications) should church officers be selected?

Per constitution, The committee should select candidates that hold a close relationship with Christ and should mirror qualifications found in Scripture. The deacons should determine the final selection of certain positions (lesser). The Pastor and deacon’s recommendation should be highly considered and the people given a vote in regards to higher positions.

6. What do you feel is the role of deacons, deaconesses, and trustees in the church?

It is the role of such to adhere to the constitution in removing as many “distractions” as possible for the Pastor. The Pastor is to be given to study and prayer. They are to set the example in Christian life and to encourage the church in faithfulness. To see that a high spiritual emphasis is maintained in all areas of ministry. To uphold the hands (as found in Exodus) of the Pastor.

7. How do you feel about ecumenical movement and the World Council of churches?

To be avoided at all cost! Study the Billy Graham movement and the ending result

Doctrinal Information

1. God:

A. Who or what is God?

John. 1:1- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

He is the creator. The Alpha and Omega. He is encompassed of three equal, yet different (though the same) parts: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. He is Holy, Holy, Holy.

B. What do you believe about the Trinity?

A friend of mine put it this way (I agree): You and I live in a three-dimensional world. All physical objects have a certain height, width, and depth. One person can look like someone else, or behave like someone else, or even sound like someone else. But a person cannot actually be the same as another person. They are distinct individuals.

God, however, lives without the limitations of a three-dimensional universe. He is spirit. And he is infinitely more complex than we are.

That is why Jesus the Son can be different from the Father. And, yet the same.

The Bible clearly speaks of: God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit. But emphasizes that there is only ONE God.

If we were to use math, it would not be, 1+1+1=3. It would be 1x1x1=1. God is a triune God.

Thus, the term: "Tri" meaning three, and "Unity" meaning one, Tri+Unity = Trinity. It is a way of acknowledging what the Bible reveals to us about God, that God is yet three "Persons" who have the same essence of deity.

Some have tried to give human illustrations for the Trinity, such as H2O being water, ice and steam (all different forms, but all are H2O). Another illustration would be the sun. From it we receive light, heat and radiation. Three distinct aspects, but only one sun.

No illustration is going to be perfect.

But from the very beginning we see God as a Trinity. In the book of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, God says, "Let us make man in our image…male and female he created them." You see here a mixture of plural and singular pronouns.

When Moses asked God for his name, God replied, "I am" - eternally existing.

Jesus used the same phrase numerous times.

"I am the light of the world..."

"I am the bread of life..."

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Abraham is someone mentioned in Genesis, thousands of years before Jesus came to earth. Yet, Jesus said of himself, "Before Abraham was born, I am." The Jews understood fully what Jesus was saying because they picked up stones to kill him for "blasphemy" - claiming to be God. Jesus has always existed.

This came up time and time again. Jesus was so clear about his unique relationship with the Father. This is why, “the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.”

For all of eternity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have always been in relationship and communication with each other, yet not as three gods…as one God.

2. Jesus Christ

A. Who is Jesus Christ, according to your understanding?

There is not enough time in a day to define this question so in short: He is my redeemer, savior. He is the Word, John 1:1. He is the Son of God. He is God. He is my Lord and my King. Yet by Him I have been made a joint heir unto God the Father.

B. Did Christ have a human father? Explain?

He had a step-father. But could not have a Father as the sin nature would have thus been passed down to him.

C. Was Christ sinless?

Yes

D. Why did He die on the cross?

Being Sinless, he had to take our sin and in doing so take the punishment for our sin which was death.

E. Did He actually rise bodily from the grave?

Yes. He had to in order to conquer the wages of sin he took upon himself to die.

F. What is the significance of His resurrection?

In the resurrection he overcame death and thus sin and so in him we might have life upon belief. Because He lives I can face tomorrow!

G. Do you believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth? If so, when do you think this could happen?

Absolutely, 1 Thessalonians 4:16! This could happen at any moment seeing that all scripture is fulfilled up to this. It will be pre-trib as we (believers) will not see His wrath. And again after seven years to set up his millennial reign.

3. Holy Spirit:

A. Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is the third part of the Eternal God-Head first mentioned in Genesis1:1 as “God” then in distinct form in Genesis 1:2.

B. What is the function of the Holy Spirit in salvation?

Convicts, reveals sin, causes the person to understand the Word, upon salvation He baptizes, and He comforts

C. What is the function of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Convicts, reveals sin, causes the person to understand the Word, He comforts. He prays for us because we don’t know how to pray. Romans 8:26

D. If you are familiar with the following expressions, what do they mean to you?

1. “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”

Matthew 3:11- and other verses all pointing to the residing of the Holy Spirit in the Temple (our bodies-1 Corinthians 6:19) upon salvation. Who begins the cleansing, by the Word, that we might walk in the Spirit.

2. “Filling of the Holy Spirit”

We are filled and sealed upon salvation. However, we can quench the Holy Spirit which hides from the world our “filling”. Often when it is spoken of in the bible it is speaking of those whom show the Spirit to others by their walk with God. Thus, allowing the Spirit to control them.

4. Man:

A. Express your views on how man came into being.

God created man on the sixth day. He created him by the dust from the ground and breathed life into him.

B. Is man basically good or basically evil?

All our righteousness is as filthy rags. We are but a few days and full of trouble. Evil!

5. Salvation:

A. What is salvation?

Salvation is being brought out of (sin) death (consequences) into life by Gods grace through his Son (Jesus Christ) sacrifice. Which is dying on a cross, three days preaching in Hell, Bodily resurrection (thus conquering sin). Salvation is confessing Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. There is a repentance from sin that must take place.

B. How can a person gain salvation?

Understanding you’re a sinner. Understanding you are separated from God because of sin. And knowing Christ paid the penalty of your sin. Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead.

C. How did individuals who lived and died before Jesus Christ’s physical birth gain eternal life?

They lived by the Law and made appropriate sacrifices to cover their sin. Yet, they also had to believe(faith) that God would

redeem them.

D. What does it mean to “believe in Christ”?

To believe “in His” death, burial, and resurrection unto repentance

E. What condition other than believing in Christ are necessary for salvation?

Nothing, though you must repent from your sins when believing in Christ.

F. Under what condition can a believer lose his eternal life?

We are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto that day

G. What is the basis of forgiveness of sins committed after having received Christ?

Christ died to take away all our sins–not just part of them, but all of them: past, present, and future. This is why you shouldn’t fear that you will lose your salvation every time you commit a sin. If that were the case, you and I would lose our salvation every day–because we sin every day. Your salvation does not depend on you and how good you are. It depends solely on Christ and what He has already done for you through His death on the cross. The Bible says that Christ appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:26). Does that mean it doesn’t matter whether or not you sin? No, of course not. Sin is serious; it is an offense to God, and it breaks our fellowship with Him. Sin also compromises our witness for Christ. The Bible is clear: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). But you cannot live the Christian life in your own strength. You need God’s help–which is why He has given His Holy Spirit to you. When you sin, confess it immediately, and then seek the Holy Spirit’s help each day to live as you should. With that said, Hebrews 10:26-33

6. Eternal Destinies:

A. Where are believers who have died?

To be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord

B. Where are unbelievers who have died?

In hell awaiting judgement

C. Can an unbeliever be saved after death?

It is appointed unto men once to die and after this the Judgment. No

D. What is your concept of:

1. Heaven:

A permanent dwelling in the presence of my Lord. Peace

2. Hell:

A place of torment separated from God eternally while awaiting judgement and the everlasting lake of fire

E. What is the destiny of an individual who in his lifetime has never heard about Jesus Christ, whose knowledge of God comes only through nature and conscience?

Romans 1:20-21

7. Satan:

A. What do you understand the scripture to mean by terms such as SATAN and the DEVIL?

He is the fallen Angel (Lucifer) who has now become the accuser of the brethren. As a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour.

B. What do you believe the Bible teaches about demon possession?

A believer cannot be possessed by both the Holy Spirit and a Demon. However, one such can be persuaded and influenced by a Demon. Multiple Demons can possess an unbeliever

8. Bible

A. The Bible is often said to be the inspired Word of God. What do you interpret the phrase “inspired Word of God” to mean?

God controlled the mind, heart, hand to pen His Words through different men as He so choose. He moved them in the original writings and in the KJB giving it as a pure writing.

B. Is all the Bible inspired and free from human error in the original writing?

Yes

C. What other divinely inspired writings has God given to man?

There are no other divinely inspired writings outside of the Bible

D. Are there traditions not in the Bible that Christians have to obey? Explain.

No. We are to follow God. Though standards are a good ideal many are not in the bible and thus are not required. Christ addressed the Pharisees and said, you make your followers twice the child of hell by your traditions

E. What is your position concerning at the King James Version and modern translation?

I am King James Only. I believe God inspired the King to translate English in preparation for what he was going to do in and through America. The King James is accurate and has used words that clarify and keep from confusion certain important matters. Other translations have perverted the Word and many of their translators were very wicked people. It has been preserved for the English speaking people against many attempts to remove it. It holds the only true translation from the Hebrew Masoretic, Greek Received Texts.

9. Baptism and Communion:

A. What is the significance of communion?

Christ told us to do it in remembrance of him until he returns. He reminds us of his giving and what he endured for us. We are to be “clean” to partake. It helps us to be constantly reminded to walk in the Faith

B. How often and under what circumstances should communion be observed?

The Bible says, “as oft as ye do” meaning there is no set time though perhaps the more we do it the more we are reminded to walk in our Faith.

C. Do you feel communion should be “open” to all believers or “closed” to only the believers of a local assembly?

I am for closed though not opposed to close. However, it is likely that if a person does not have their own home church in which they can partake then I am persuaded that they are likely not walking right with the Lord. Thus they may condemn themselves if they do not repent before taking of this memorial. That said, it is between the person and the Lord concerning their “walk”. I believe the Church should decide but I would recommend closed or only with others active in a “like belief” church (i.e. visiting vacation family, pastors, evangelist or others).

D. Who should be baptized?

Anyone who repents and believes on the name of the Lord

E. What does baptism do?

It signifies a death to the old self (with Christ) and a resurrection (with Christ) into a newness of Life

F. What mode or modes do you feel acceptable?

Full Submersion (I have never seen a half buried dead man)

10. Explain your views on a Christian’s giving and stewardship.

Hebrews 7:12 does away with the requirement of a tenth. As explained in the verses prev. However, there is a command to lay up on the first day in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Then it is explained 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

11. Please define and explain your view of the following terms:

A. Fundamentalist:

One who believes and sticks to the Fundamentals (basics) of the Faith

10 Fundamentals of the Faith:

1. Deity (God) of Christ. Colossians 2:9, John 10:28-30. Jesus Christ was and is God. Any time there is a reference to Jesus, remember that He is God.

2. God is a Trinity. (three in one). I John 5:7, John 1:1,14. It is very difficult to understand how God can be three and one at the same time. God is only one but has three offices.

3. The Bible is God’s Word. II Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12. Every time the Bible is studied, the Christian should remember it is the Word of God and it should be reverenced.

4. Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:18, Isaiah 7:14. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and did not have an earthly father. If Jesus had an earthly father, He would have had a sin nature and would not have qualified to be our Savior. Jesus’ Father was and is God.

5. Salvation is only through the death (shed blood) of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:13, Colossians 1:14. It is essential that each person understand there is no salvation at any time except through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

6. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. John 14:17, John 15:26. The Holy Spirit of God dwells within each saved person, giving him eternal security and access to God.

7. The Local Church. I Timothy 3:15, I Corinthians 12:14-27. The body of Christ is revealed through local New Testament churches. When studying the Bible, a church should be seen as Christ’s body, not just individual members.

8. Second Coming. I Thessalonians 4:16-17. Just before Jesus left the Earth, He promised his apostles that he would return for them. John 14:1-4.

9. Eternal Security of the saved person. Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 4:30. God has secured the saved person by writing down his name in Heaven and sealing him with the Holy Spirit of God.

10. God created Heaven and Earth. Hebrews 11:3, Psalm 33:6-9. God spoke the world into existence by His power.

B. Evangelical:

Cross denominational movement within Protestant Christianity. I am not one of these.

C. New Evangelical:

These are those of a contemporary movement that have moved even further from the truth and have even left far from the fundamentals of the faith. I oppose them.

D. Liberal:

Those who do not adhere to strict bible walk. Those that oppose the bible in faith, works, and spirit amongst others

E. Calvinism:

An ideal that Christ has chosen whom He would save and no one else can be saved. Goes against the Bible as God is not willing that ANY should perish.

F. Lordship Salvation:

Anyone who believes in this finds themselves constantly doubting salvation. It is foolishness and leaves out the idea taught in scriptures regarding forbearance.

12. What is your position on divorce? Would you marry divorced people? Should divorced people hold positions of leadership in the church?

Divorce should be avoided at all cost and reconciliation should be sought if possible. There are two examples of rightful divorce given in scripture and thus remarriage would be possible. I would marry those who fall into these areas. In these examples, and only in these examples, (specifically 1 Corinthians 7:15) the Bible clearly states that the brother or sister is not under bondage. Under Bondage to what? The law. Which states that one should not divorce and remarry, or it is adultery. Thus, if they are not under bondage then they are free in the Lord indeed. Therefore, they can serve in any position in church except deacons and Pastoral. Are we to put into bondage that what the Lord has set free?. The rest of this passage clarifies to the point that God has called people in these situations and let them serve. (v.28)

Positional Information

1. Explain in your words the difference between doctrinal and personal preferences. Please use 5 to 10 examples to illustrate.

Let me first say that these answers are not necessarily my own opinions but rather, I have answered the question exactly how it is asked. I choose differences that stood out the most:

The Bible is a Divine Revelation given of God to men, and is a complete and infallible guide and standard of authority in all matters of religion and morals; whatever it teaches is to be believed, and whatever it commands is to be obeyed; whatever it commends is to be accepted as both right and useful; whatever it condemns is to be avoided as both wrong and hurtful; but what it neither commands nor teaches is not to be imposed on the conscience as of religious obligation.. Doctrinal issues are those that are clearly stated in the bible. Personal Preference is that which you decide to adhere to in order to keep yourself in check with God.

1. Dress - The Bible teaches modesty and coving nakedness; personal preference would be how some take it to the next step and say women should wear dresses and skirts and never pants. My wife always follows the highest standard as to not be a stumbling block to anyone.

2. Drinking - The Bible speaks clearly on not touching alcohol; personal preference might include not going to a restaurant that sells alcohol.

3. Women Working Outside of the home - Bible teaches women are the keepers at home, not to usurp authority over the man, subject to their own husband… It does not teach that working is wrong. This would constitute a personal conviction

4. Playing cards - we are to be fragile with Gods money but does playing cards without gambling wrong? Again this would be personal conviction. We should abstain from all appearances of evil.

5. Education - Christian, Public, Home? The Bible only says we are to bring them up in the admonition of the Lord.

2. Do you or your family practice personal separation from “wordly amusements” and habits? Explain your practices. How would these differ from your “professional” practices, those you would address from the pulpit?

We avoid some places such as movie theatres, public beaches, clubs, bars (emphasized) and the likes. We believe that being at these places can lead to setting things before our eyes that should not be there. When lust is conceived it bringeth forth sin. There are things that can be done with extreme caution and still be enjoyable, but I will not risk for little to no reward. I preach the Bible. We are bought with a price therefore Glorify God with them! I would preach to abstain from all appearance of evil and that each believer should decide where and what these are. There is a great deal of evil in this world. If it is not a command in the Bible I will not preach it as such however I may advise against it.

3. Explain your position concerning separation? In relation to the world? In religious circles?

We should be separate as the Bible teaches: we are in this world but not of this world. Again, there are things we should avoid that would mar the name of Christ. We should only mingle with like faith because otherwise there would begin confusion. People would become tossed about with all winds of doctrine. Think of a horse and a donkey. Both do the same things and look similar yet when cross bred the mule is no longer able to produce. This is a result of “confused” genes.

4. What is your position concerning Church finances?

I believe they should be well within budget and purposed. I believe that the finances should be left to the deacons to evaluate as it can become a distraction to the Pastor. The Pastor should simply oversee to make sure things are proper as he is responsible to God and man on the matter. Also, I prefer the Pastor, or his wife, should not know the giving of individuals in any way except in certain circumstances such as appointing a leader in the church.

Sermon Preparation and Outreach

1. How much time do you set aside for sermon preparation?

6 hours daily four-five days a week

2. Do you have a preferred method of preaching?

Expository Topical Series. Line by Line Precept upon precept means going through the verses regarding a topic (precept) which would require at least a mini-series. But it also depends upon the service. On wed night I believe it is more of a bible study which would be more of an Expos preaching. A wise man taught me to preach Sunday Morning to the Heart, Sunday Night to the Mind, Wed to the intellectual

3. Summarize your philosophy of Christian Education.

Christian Education is becoming more important with the times as the government can no longer be trusted to educate. I believe young people have determined their paths and what they believe by the age of 12. Therefore, we must ensure we give them proper instruction on history, bible, economics, amongst others.

4. Summarize your philosophy of Pastoral Ministry.

“Being ordained is not about serving God perfectly but about serving God visibly, allowing other people to learn whatever they can from watching you rise and fall. You probably won't be much worse than other people, and you certainly won't be any better, but you will have to let people look at you. You will have to let them see you as you are.” To make disciples of Jesus Christ, baptize them, and teach them to walk in the obedience of faith (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 1:5) To equip and empower disciples to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16) Prayer and the Ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4) Vision & Leadership Nehemiah (2:11-18) Pastoral Care & Encouragement (Acts 20:28; Matthew 10:5-8; Proverbs 18:1-2,13-14)

5. Summarize your philosophy of Children’s Ministry.

What once was taught in the school house is no longer. Therefore, it has become crucial to teach the rudimentary basics to children through a children ministry. Also, this is great for reaching the unchurched. We can speak to them at their level and communicate the Love of God while instilling Biblical characteristics

6. Summarize your philosophy of Youth Ministry.

Youth Ministry has also become more needed with each passing day. Our teens are put into a world of God hating, immoral, and lust driven culture that causes a great deal of chaos in the mind and hearts. These issues are not able to be dealt with at a reasonable pace from the pulpit therefore a youth ministry is essential to the development of todays teens. They need a safe environment to express themselves and surround themselves with pure minded friends who desire God.

7. Summarize your philosophy of Adult Ministry.

The purpose of the Adult Ministry is to provide a comprehensive ministry that continues to reach Adults in the area, to enhance their lives, to encourage them to grow in the Lord, and to challenge them to serve the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength.

8. Explain your focus on Missions.

My focus on Missions is very encompassing. In short, I believe a great deal of emphasis should be given to missions. We are to train and send missionaries, support national pastors as missionaries, and be active in mission trips to involve ourselves in “the work”. Missions isn’t only abroad but also local. Our own neighborhoods and work places. But above all there should be specific prayer given daily regarding missions

9. Explain your focus on visitation.

James 1:27 explains the heart of a believer. We are all to visit those in affliction. Pastors and Deacons should regularly visit those in the congregation to “meet them where they are”. At home or hospital will often be a place to help people more quickly then in church where the mask has covered their pain. Many times, people will not open up about problems outside of their homes. On the point of soul-winning, I believe it should be done regularly and by all in the church. It keeps us “working” out our faith and grows the church both physically and spiritually. For the lost, it is often their only hope of salvation. Being in their home where they don’t have to be tough and uphold their imagine. They will often listen to the whole gospel. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

10. Explain your focus on formal discipleship programs? Please include any specific materials you use/ recommend.

IFB churches swelled in size from 1970-1990 then the great loss began. I believe this happened as a result of a lack of discipleship. I have used and highly recommend the use of “Continued” through striving together publications. This would be required before any lead role leadership position. Also, Starting Point class should be required before anyone joins the church. This would lay out everything we believe as a church and cover the covenant, so members would be in full agreeance upon joining.

11. What importance do you give to being involved in community activities?

Community outreach is very important and members individually as well as the church should be involved in their community. We are the light of this world and without His light through us they perish

Miscellaneous

1. What is your convictions concerning the sign gifts and Charismatic movement?

An interesting observation regarding these miraculous sign gifts can also be made in terms of the time and placement of these events in the Bible. The biblical miracles are concentrated in three key time periods: the ministry of Moses and Aaron, the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, and the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. These three time periods represent the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel of Jesus (as proclaimed in the New Testament writings). These miracles were first expressed to witnesses and were then recorded in writings.

Today, the written Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments form the evidence for our faith in Jesus Christ. While God continues to perform miracles, there is not the same need to provide miraculous sign gifts through particular spiritual leaders.

2. What do you feel about the practice of speaking in tongues?

Speaking in tongues in the Bible days is and was that men could hear in their own language regardless of what language was being preached at the moment. Modern Speaking in tongues is simply the ability to learn to speak in a foreign language. The interpretations is a gift of being able to translate a language which is much more difficult than speaking. God is not the author of confusion so if there were not an interpreter around then there would be confusion in the babble. This was not some babble that no one understood. A good example of the interpretation would be Greek and Hebrew to KJV. The words are not exact and not even in the same order which would require a great deal of knowledge from the Spirit to convey the exact same message. Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

3. Have you ever spoken in tongues?

Only as a baby, haha, NO

4. Would you be willing to participate in cooperative religious worship service sponsored by Protestants, Roman Catholics and Mormons? Why or why not?

No, I believe that would confuse and God is not the author of confusion

5. Where would you suggest a new convert go to seek Christian fellowship?

Church and church activities.

6. What Christian individual of the 20th century do you admire most?

Adrian Rogers

7. How would you feel about a racial/minority family attending or joining our church?

I would encourage them to come. I would love to see a multi-ethnic congregation

8. What attitude do you have toward Jewish people?

Sympathy because they reject Christ though they were chosen of the Lord. I hope many will accept Christ before it is to late

9. In your opinion, does God condone prejudice and racism?

10. What Scripture passage do you feel are relevant to your answers to (7),(8) and (9) above?

Proverbs 22:2, Proverbs 24:23, Acts 10:34-35, Acts 17:26, Romans 10:12-13, Galatians 3:28, James 2:9, 1 John 2:11; There are more

11. What attitude do you have toward the Rock Culture and modern young people?

It is of the devil. It is designed to motivate feeling based motives. Drums in the bible are used for battle. This idea is why they should never be in the church. It provokes feelings of anger, anxiety, and power all of which have no place in the worship of God.

12. What is your attitude, position and/or conviction concerning the following?

A. Movies:

Though there are a number of good Christian productions in the works I believe going to a movie theatre means supporting a wicked and perverse Hollywood. There are a few productions that would be “only in theatres” of a Christian development that would possibly be okay to see but I’m not sure even then would be a good idea. Most of these movies will be on dvd and so it would be wise to wait until you can watch them at home. This is a matter of Christian walk with God. Therefore, the believer should make a determination if the action will Glorify God?

B. Appearance/attire:

We represent Christ. Act, Appear, Attitude, and so on should reflect Him in us. The bible does not spell out what dress should be because every culture in the world is so vastly different in dress. It says there should be a distinct difference between the sexes and it should be modest. Therefore, you should be able to tell if it’s a man or woman and it should in no way reveal nakedness! The thigh is referred to as nakedness in the Bible (Exodus 28:42- And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach). Loins meaning the stomach should be covered. Women must be dressed in a way that is not a stumbling block to men. This would include tight clothing and revealing outfits. The issue of shorts for either is a matter of coming to the knee. You should always try to appear decent and in order as this is how our Lord is.

C. Dance:

The Bible says David danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6. This is not the dancing found in the dance halls that pleases and excites the flesh but rather this was an excitement that could not be contained. Does It Glorify God? Where it is done matters as well.

D. Christian Music:

Christian Music inside the church should be for the purpose of Worshipping God and Should be that always. You cannot worship God with the beating of the drum as that was a war sound as defined by the Bible

E. Contemporary Music:

Most Contemporary Music has a shallow and often wrong interpretation of scripture. I believe this is mostly become of a lack of born again believers singing and writing the music. I find this as an attempt by Satan to lure Christians away from the worship of sound music. In Exodus 32, we find the first “contemporary” worship service, as Joshua says he hears the sound of war yet Moses was told of God that they were in worship. And God was angry.

13. How would you counsel a Christian who seemed unable to gain victory over a besetting sin in his life, for example, lasciviousness? What passage of scripture would you employ?

To make themselves less vulnerable would be the first step. Remove the things in your life that lead to temptations. Limit access when you are alone and make sure to have an accountability partner. Be in the Bible and prayer throughout the day. Memorize scriptures pertaining to the desire or sin. In the given example I might take them through these verses and require them to memorize these: Romans 8:8, Proverbs 4:14-15, Galatians 5:16, Romans 13:14, Titus 2:11-12, Matthew 5:27-28, 1 Peter 1:14-15, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 2:4-5. I would likely make visitations unexpectedly to their residence to make them more conscience and accountable just for simple visit. Never condemning but always loving but with sincerity and fear of the Lord.

14. Is there any other information about your doctrinal position, or about yourself, which you think would be helpful to us in assisting our mutual interest?

I hope that I have given a clear idea of who I am. I have several aged Pastors who I talk to daily to help me make wise moves. They are all committed to holding me accountable to sound doctrine and clear testimony for Christ. I am a soul winner and disciple leader. I have a lot to learn and always seek wisdom of those who have gone before me in all matters of life. I desire godly Deacons who can help me to learn in areas which I lack. I am not perfect nor am I close to it, but I strive to walk closely with the Lord. I desire to know when I am wrong or misguided on a matter so that I can correct it as soon as possible. I try to lead in a way that people want to follow and not by force of any kind. A leader does not push, pull, drag, force, or otherwise. He simply demonstrates his teaching through a humble life. He encourages others to desire the way he desires. I want Men of God who will grow old with wisdom to pass unto me. Ones who will hold my hands in Battle and encourage me but never fearful to correct something out of line with the Bible.

God has burdened my heart for the poverty stricken areas. Much of my ministry has been in the ghettos of large cities. I have been blessed to lead many to the Lord. I have an ability of God to reach these people and they respond well. I have also, worked internationally with Pastors in India, Pakistan, and Myanmar in training Pastors and reaching the lost.