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In
my last two writings, I've used this corner to answer
the question I’m often asked, "so what kind of church is
Genesis Community Church?" My answer is, "Genesis is a
non-denominational, Spirit-filled, evangelical
congregation." Lets review the definition of these terms
as I've used them so far:
Non-denominational: while we are not a member church of one of the
many well-known, mainline denominational churches, we
are accountable and in relationship with several church
"associations", namely, Covenant Life
Ministries, Pastor John Johnson, According to Pattern,
Sr. Overseer Earl Johnson, and Association of
Interdependent Ministers, Pastor Tom Arnold. Additionally, I and GCC are
accountable to and governed by a local Board of
Directors, a Board of Trustees (which manages our
business concerns), and a national board of pastors.
Spirit-filled: we embrace the person of the Holy
Spirit as the one who empowers and guides us through
daily life. While all Christians have the Holy Spirit
indwelling them, it is by personal invitation that
Christians can be subsequently filled or "baptized" in
the Spirit. When we yield totally to His presence,
accepting by faith His total infilling, the Holy Spirit
then empowers us and gives to us spiritual gifts by
which we can serve our community and the body of Christ.
Evangelical: while it isn’t possible to find
agreement among Christian leaders and theologians about
the exact definition of the term "evangelical", I agree
with the one offered by George Barna, president of
the Barna Research Group; "Those included in this
segment meet the criteria for being born again; say
their faith is very important in their life today;
believe they have a personal responsibility to share
their religious beliefs about Christ with
non-Christians; believe that Satan exists; believe that
eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not
works; believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on
earth; and describe God as the all-knowing ,
all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and
still rules it today."
Born-again: one is not "born again" on the basis
of characterizing themselves as such, but based upon
their answers to two questions. First, "have you ever
made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still
important in your life today?" Second, "where will you
go after death . . . after you leave this earth?" An answer such as "when I die, I will
go to Heaven because by faith in Christ's sacrifice on
the cross I've received the forgiveness of my sins, and
with my mouth I've confessed Jesus Christ as my Lord", would define one as
"born-again."
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