• Aug. 21, 2006
Every day feels like a week
I miss my husband SO much! I feel incomplete without him. Not to mention that the boys have been disobeying. They know that something is amiss. It feels like he died in a way. My husband and I are thr type of people that we could work together every day and never get sick of each other. He will be back this week sometime.
Everything is going so good here. I got a membership at the children's museum so that is nice to be able to go there anytime for free now. I enrolled Grant in the afternoon kindergarten class but I am not enrolling Eli. I have peace about this. Grant started soccer and I noticed that in a group setting he does not pay attention to the coach and he really doesn't have many social graces. I think it will be very good for him to listen and pay attention in a group setting and then we can homeschool from 1st grade on.
I LOVE OREGON! It is so nice here. My boys love having things to do. I felt like I had a thousand things to write about but now my mind is blank. I really need to write here more often because I am always thinking of things I need to write about but I never have time to sit down and do it.
I did want to do this church survey that I read so I will do that right now. I will do it based on our church in CA since we haven't found a church home here yet.
Church Questionnaire
08/21/2006
1. How important are the following sources of authority in the worship and teaching of your church congregation? Explain.
· Scripture: The Bible, God's Word, is our source of life guidance and our final authority in a faith-filled Godly lifestyle.
· Historic creeds and traditions:
· the Holy Spirit: The "Promise of the Father" is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is the restoration of the original relationship with God (lost in the garden), and the empowering and resourcing of each believer for a faithful witness and service through His gifts.
· Human reason and/or psychology: God first, but God has also given us doctors and medicine. Be led by the Spirit in everything.
· Personal experiences/testimonies: Very important because it testifies what God is doing.
· Christian-themed books or articles: We have cell groups (small groups) and most of them use christian-themed books)
2. How much does your congregation, in its sermons and education, emphasize the following personal practices? Explain.
· Family devotions: I have never heard that taught or encouraged
· Scripture reading and study: All the time
· Fasting: Very important
· Keeping the Sabbath: never talked about
· Abstinence from alcohol: never talked about
· Abstaining from premarital sex and/or premarital cohabitation: never talked about
· Displaying religious icons, symbols, objects, or pictures in the home: never talked about
***They never talk about these things because it is understood that we don't them.
3. Which ONE of the following three statements BEST describes your congregation?
A. Our congregation has [explicit/definite] expectations for members that are strictly enforced
B. Our congregation has moderately clear expectations for members, but the enforcement of these expectations is not very strict
C. Our congregation has only [implicit/vague] expectations for members that are seldom or rarely enforced.
I would say it is inbetween A & B
4. Regarding your above answer for #3, do you believe your church is biblical in its level of expectations and enforcement? Why or why not?
Definitely. They don't allow people who are willingly living in sinful situations serve in the church. They don't entertain sin and as far as enforcing they really didn't have to because our church just promotes God's best. People who aren't trying to live their lives for God don't feel comfortable at our church because they don't understand it. One of my friends who is kind of a wishy washy christian came to our church and she couldn't get out of there fast enough. Our church makes you want to grow closer to the Lord and you can't do that if you are knowingly sinning in your life.
5. Which ONE of the following statements BEST describe your church?
A. Our congregation is working for social and political justice.
B. Our congregation welcomes innovation and change.
C. Our congregation clearly expresses its denominational heritage.
D. Our congregation encourages the public expression of speaking in tongues.
E. Our congregation's programs and activities are well-organized and fun.
F. Our congregation has a strong ethnic, racial, or national heritage that it is trying to preserve.
G. Our congregation focuses on miracles and God's healing powers.
H. Our congregation helps members deepen their relationship with God.
I. Our congregation is a moral beacon for both its members and the community.
J. Our congregation encourages acceptance of homosexuality.
K. Our congregation has inspirational and uplifting worship services.
L. Our congregation practices discipleship and accountability.
If I have to choose one I would say H
6. What is your church congregation's view or practice regarding salvation? How does one become a Christian? Are there any necessary requirements that need to be met?
Salvation is through Jesus Christ. The only necessary requirement is to live what you believe.
7. When do you receive the Holy Spirit, according to your church? When you are saved.
8. What does your church teach regarding baptism? That it is critical. It is following God's word. Jesus was baptized and we should be also.
9. Does your church take Communion/The Lord's Supper? How often? Who can participate?
10. What does your church teach about the fate of non-Christians? They are going to hell
11. What does your church teach about tithing/monetary contribution? It is a command from God.
I loved our church so much in CA. I really hope we can find a church that is as good if not better here in OR.
