Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you have Sunday School?
Sunday Morning Gatherings, Community Groups and LifeSchool are our alternatives to Sunday School.
Sunday Morning Gatherings are mid-sized groups for study and fellowship that take place during 9 and 11 a.m. worship services; currently they are offered for women (all ages), singles (post-college), couples (30s-40s), and men and women ages 50 and older.
Community groups typically comprise 10-12 people and get together in homes on an agreed-upon evening for fellowship, study and prayer. We believe Christ-centered community happens most effectively in this way, with group members building deep relationships and investing in one another's lives.
LifeSchool features classes on a wide variety of topics each fall and spring.
Do you have a children's program and will my kids be safe there?
Yes, absolutely. Our nursery care and Kingdom Kids ministry take place in a safe and secure area, under the supervision of highly trained volunteers and staff members. Children are checked in and accounted for in our electronic database, and given a nametag to physically identify them. A parent or guardian must show a corresponding ID slip in order to claim their child(ren) following the service.
Why don't you take up an offering?
Rather than taking up an offering during Sunday services, we place offering boxes at the sanctuary exit doors as a means for attendees to engage in a final act of corporate worship as they leave. Of course, you may also make an offering as you enter or anytime during the service; by mail (to the address at the bottom of this page); or by secure online giving. As an organization, CCC practices Biblical stewardship, with 10 percent of every dollar received going to another local ministry or an international mission. Click here to give securely online.
Can I be baptized at Christ Community Church?
Yes, if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are welcome to be baptized as a public profession of your faith. We baptize by immersion in either our indoor or outdoor baptistry, depending on weather conditions. For infants and young children, we do dedications rather than baptisms.
If you are interested in being baptized or having a child dedicated, please email Derrick Shields.
How can I learn more about and/or become a member of CCC?
Our Getting Started and Going Deeper classes offer an in-depth look at the history, values, ministries and other aspects of Christ Community Church. When you complete this two-part series, we invite you to become a member if you decide this is the local church body God has called you to be a part of.
How can I become a Christian?
That's a great question – the most important one you could ever ask, in fact! Jesus said that anyone who enters into a personal relationship with Him is a friend of His and has eternal life. To learn how you can begin this new life as a follower of Jesus, click here. And of course, we would be happy to discuss these matters with you in person. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with a member of our pastoral team, simply call the number below.
Is CCC an independent or denominational church?
CCC is part of the Free Methodist Church, an international denomination based in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, many people who attend CCC remark that we don't have the feel of a denominational church. We think that's because the FMC is more passionate about building the Kingdom of God than some of the lesser details that sometimes get in the way in denominational churches. The FMC has a mission “to love God and people and to make disciples” and a vision “to bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.” We consider two primary advantages to being a part of this denomination: 1) We are accountable to godly leadership; and 2) We are part of a worldwide body of believers. We don’t live in isolation, but share in the work of Free Methodists throughout the world. To learn more about the Free Methodist Church, please visit www.fmcusa.org.
What Is our understanding of the role of women in ministry?
The role of women in ministry is one of the most controversial issues in the evangelical church today. On one hand, several New Testament passages seem to clearly support the idea that God has reserved for men roles of authority in the home and church (e.g., Ephesians 5:22-23, 1 Timothy 2:12). On the other, the Bible proclaims that men and women are “one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28) and offers numerous examples of women who held positions of significant authority and influence (Judges 4:4, Romans 16:3).
The Free Methodist Church has long held the belief that ministry roles should be determined by calling and spiritual gifts, not gender. As a result, women are free to serve in any role of leadership in the Free Methodist Church, including ordained ministry.
As Free Methodists, CCC stands in agreement with that position, but with open hands. We hold this to be a minor doctrine over which Christians equally devoted to the authority of God’s Word may disagree. In the end, we take a “both/and” approach to this issue. We challenge men to embrace their role as servant-leaders in the home after the example of Jesus Christ, and we believe that true servant leadership should result in the empowerment of all believers to faithfully serve in ways that are consistent with their calling and gifts, regardless of gender.
If you would like to further explore the biblical rationale for women in ministry, please check out these resources:
What Is our view of homosexuality and same-sex marriage?
We believe scripture is clear and rather straightforward in its view that a homosexual lifestyle is not compatible with Christianity. Though scripture does not directly address the issue of same-sex marriage (because it didn’t exist), its general view on homosexuality would clearly not allow for same-sex marriage.
At the same time, we recognize that scripture does not “categorize” sin, and we must be careful not to treat this sin any differently than any other. For example, one who engages in a homosexual lifestyle is no more a sinner than a heterosexual who engages in pornography or sex outside of marriage.
We would also emphasize the difference between homosexual temptation and sin. One who struggles with homosexual temptation, but embraces a celibate lifestyle in submission to Christ, is not living in sin.
Above all, we follow Christ’s example to love all people – especially those marginalized by society – with the hope of seeing them saved, redeemed and made whole in His love. Therefore, we graciously welcome all who come into our midst looking for the abundant life that only Jesus offers.
Sunday Morning Gatherings, Community Groups and LifeSchool are our alternatives to Sunday School.
Sunday Morning Gatherings are mid-sized groups for study and fellowship that take place during 9 and 11 a.m. worship services; currently they are offered for women (all ages), singles (post-college), couples (30s-40s), and men and women ages 50 and older.
Community groups typically comprise 10-12 people and get together in homes on an agreed-upon evening for fellowship, study and prayer. We believe Christ-centered community happens most effectively in this way, with group members building deep relationships and investing in one another's lives.
LifeSchool features classes on a wide variety of topics each fall and spring.
Do you have a children's program and will my kids be safe there?
Yes, absolutely. Our nursery care and Kingdom Kids ministry take place in a safe and secure area, under the supervision of highly trained volunteers and staff members. Children are checked in and accounted for in our electronic database, and given a nametag to physically identify them. A parent or guardian must show a corresponding ID slip in order to claim their child(ren) following the service.
Why don't you take up an offering?
Rather than taking up an offering during Sunday services, we place offering boxes at the sanctuary exit doors as a means for attendees to engage in a final act of corporate worship as they leave. Of course, you may also make an offering as you enter or anytime during the service; by mail (to the address at the bottom of this page); or by secure online giving. As an organization, CCC practices Biblical stewardship, with 10 percent of every dollar received going to another local ministry or an international mission. Click here to give securely online.
Can I be baptized at Christ Community Church?
Yes, if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are welcome to be baptized as a public profession of your faith. We baptize by immersion in either our indoor or outdoor baptistry, depending on weather conditions. For infants and young children, we do dedications rather than baptisms.
If you are interested in being baptized or having a child dedicated, please email Derrick Shields.
How can I learn more about and/or become a member of CCC?
Our Getting Started and Going Deeper classes offer an in-depth look at the history, values, ministries and other aspects of Christ Community Church. When you complete this two-part series, we invite you to become a member if you decide this is the local church body God has called you to be a part of.
How can I become a Christian?
That's a great question – the most important one you could ever ask, in fact! Jesus said that anyone who enters into a personal relationship with Him is a friend of His and has eternal life. To learn how you can begin this new life as a follower of Jesus, click here. And of course, we would be happy to discuss these matters with you in person. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with a member of our pastoral team, simply call the number below.
Is CCC an independent or denominational church?
CCC is part of the Free Methodist Church, an international denomination based in Indianapolis, Indiana. However, many people who attend CCC remark that we don't have the feel of a denominational church. We think that's because the FMC is more passionate about building the Kingdom of God than some of the lesser details that sometimes get in the way in denominational churches. The FMC has a mission “to love God and people and to make disciples” and a vision “to bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.” We consider two primary advantages to being a part of this denomination: 1) We are accountable to godly leadership; and 2) We are part of a worldwide body of believers. We don’t live in isolation, but share in the work of Free Methodists throughout the world. To learn more about the Free Methodist Church, please visit www.fmcusa.org.
What Is our understanding of the role of women in ministry?
The role of women in ministry is one of the most controversial issues in the evangelical church today. On one hand, several New Testament passages seem to clearly support the idea that God has reserved for men roles of authority in the home and church (e.g., Ephesians 5:22-23, 1 Timothy 2:12). On the other, the Bible proclaims that men and women are “one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28) and offers numerous examples of women who held positions of significant authority and influence (Judges 4:4, Romans 16:3).
The Free Methodist Church has long held the belief that ministry roles should be determined by calling and spiritual gifts, not gender. As a result, women are free to serve in any role of leadership in the Free Methodist Church, including ordained ministry.
As Free Methodists, CCC stands in agreement with that position, but with open hands. We hold this to be a minor doctrine over which Christians equally devoted to the authority of God’s Word may disagree. In the end, we take a “both/and” approach to this issue. We challenge men to embrace their role as servant-leaders in the home after the example of Jesus Christ, and we believe that true servant leadership should result in the empowerment of all believers to faithfully serve in ways that are consistent with their calling and gifts, regardless of gender.
If you would like to further explore the biblical rationale for women in ministry, please check out these resources:
- http://seedbed.com/feed/was-paul-for-or-against-women-in-ministry/
- http://fmcusa.org/blog/2005/03/10/women-in-ministry-some-hermeneutical-reflections/
What Is our view of homosexuality and same-sex marriage?
We believe scripture is clear and rather straightforward in its view that a homosexual lifestyle is not compatible with Christianity. Though scripture does not directly address the issue of same-sex marriage (because it didn’t exist), its general view on homosexuality would clearly not allow for same-sex marriage.
At the same time, we recognize that scripture does not “categorize” sin, and we must be careful not to treat this sin any differently than any other. For example, one who engages in a homosexual lifestyle is no more a sinner than a heterosexual who engages in pornography or sex outside of marriage.
We would also emphasize the difference between homosexual temptation and sin. One who struggles with homosexual temptation, but embraces a celibate lifestyle in submission to Christ, is not living in sin.
Above all, we follow Christ’s example to love all people – especially those marginalized by society – with the hope of seeing them saved, redeemed and made whole in His love. Therefore, we graciously welcome all who come into our midst looking for the abundant life that only Jesus offers.