Welcome to McDougal Chapel's FAQ's. Sometimes going to church can create more questions than answers. For this reason we have put together this pamphlet to help with those Frequently Asked Questions. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the church office and speak directly with a pastor.
Frequently Asked Questions About:
Baptism
Communion
Membership
Christianity
Child Dedication
Tithes and Offerings
Prayer
What does it mean to be a Christian?
A Christian is a person who has recognized that sin in their lives has separated them from God and that sin ultimately leads to death (Romans 6:23). However, the good news is that Jesus Christ died on a cross as the only way to clean us from our sins and give us a free gift. This free gift is called eternal life (John 3:16).
How do you become a Christian?
Admit to God that you do have sin in your life and ask Him to forgive you of those sins. Accept the fact that when Jesus died on the cross and then rose again three days later. He did this so that you could be forgiven. This is called salvation and means your sins have been taken away.
If you would like to talk to God and have your sins forgiven, here is a sample of a prayer you can use:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally.
Thank you for dying on the cross for my
sins. I open the door of my life and receive
You as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for
forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life.
Take control of my life. Make me the kind
of person You want me to be.
It is important to say that being a Christian does not mean you have to stop having fun. God has designed with unique personalities that does not change when you become a Christian. What changes is that there is a desire to honor Christ with our actions and ultimately our lives.
Why do we have churches?
Contrary to popular belief, the church is not just a building or a place of fellowship. Instead, the church is the people of God. (1Pt.2:9)
The reason that the church exists is so that we can live our faith to its fullest.
(Matt. 22:37-40; 28:18-20)
If this happens, then the church will be making disciples of all nations through evangelism,
baptism and teaching. The church will be helping the people who have called God their King fulfill their ministry obligations.
What is Communion?
Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper) is
simply a way we remember that Jesus died on the cross so that we could live forever (salvation). We look back and thank God for His sacrifice and we look forward to anticipate the day that we will one day meet Jesus.
Two items are used to help with this time of remembrance.
We use bread to symbolize the fact
that Jesus had His body broken and
beaten for us;
We use juice to remember the fact
that Jesus shed His blood for us.
Can Anyone Partake In Communion?
As long as a person believes and understands that Jesus did indeed die on the cross for their sins they can take communion with us.
Why do you have Membership?
There are two benefits to membership at McDougal Chapel.
1. It is a way to help a person’s daily walk
with God. It is amazing how a relationship
is strengthened when two parties (church
and Christian) make a commitment to
each other it.
2. It is a way for a person to have input into
the direction of the church;
Please know that a person who is not a member of McDougal Chapel can still fully benefit from the programming and vision of the church.
Why Do You Have Prayer Time During The Service?
You may have noticed that prayer is important to this congregation. We are convinced that when we pray, the power of Jesus is released. We also feel that we develop a sense of Community when we pray for each other.
Where Does The Money Collected During The Offering Go?
Like most organizations we operate with an
annual budget. This operating budget is set by the members of the church and the leadership has a responsibility to honor it.
When we take an offering it goes to cover the costs of operating the church. It pays for utilities, maintenance, and staff salaries. In addition, as part of the operating budget, we fund various ministries in the church as well as support missionaries who serve in different locations.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is how a Christian makes an outward commitment to following Jesus Christ. It is important to note that Baptism does not make you a Christian but instead shows those watching that you are making a commitment to your beliefs.
The act of baptism symbolizes that you are willing to put away old tendencies and then start fresh in a life that honors Christ.
What is Child Dedication?
Child dedication is how we encourage and empower parents as they raise their children. The dedication process is more for the parent than it is for the children. By dedicating your child you are acknowledging that your child is a gift from the Lord. (Psalm 127:2-5)
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