A few more questions…

Q: Is the church affiliated with a denomination?

Spanaway Christian Center is a non-denominational, full-gospel Christian fellowship. Therefore, it is not affiliated (in the traditional sense), with any one denomination or any single denomination of churches. This distinction allows us the freedom to interact and fellowship with many different kinds of churches - both denominational and non-denominational alike. This 'independent' classification, however, does not mean we are accountable to no one. For though we are self-governed, we are also bound, by covenant relationship, to numerous other ministers and churches that hold similar beliefs, and which hold us firmly accountable for our doctrine and our actions.

Q: To whom is the church accountable for its beliefs and actions?

Being an affiliate congregation of the Fellowship of Christian Ministries International (FCMI), SCC (in particular, its ministers and leadership), has agreed to remain open and accountable to the leadership and member ministers of FCMI for the doctrines, teachings, ministries, actions and activities of the church. Accountability is extremely important to a church and its leadership. For without others calling us into Godly, scriptural account, anyone could fall into deception. Therefore, it is a standing policy - any member of the congregation or the leadership of SCC can at any time, call the church (including its leadership and the Senior Pastor) into account, by contacting the leadership of FCMI (Rev Dr Linnis F Perry, President, linsue1@gmail.com).

Q: Where are the ministers trained or educated?

Since SCC is non-denominational, we have no central ministry training school. However, that does not mean our ministers are uneducated or untrained. In our fellowship, the responsibility for biblical education and ministry training is shared by the individual and their senior pastor. Our senior pastor, Rev Dr Bruce L Bronoske Sr, holds two graduate degrees from two US Dept of Education, CHEA recognized, and TRACS accredited institutions; Faith Evangelical Seminary and Bakke Graduate University of Ministry, and is currently a Professor of Applied Theology (pastoral ministry) at Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, WA.

Others amongst our ministers have studied at various Bible schools and ministry training centers around the area and around the nation. One complested his masters degree program through a California school. Add to the classroom education, years of practical ministry experience (which includes a former senior pastor, a former interim pastor, and a former children's' pastor), along with ongoing training and ministry experience, and the qualifications of the ministers and leadership of SCC can only be considered exceptional.

Q: How are church finances distributed and spent?

SCC is on (what the leadership has dubbed), a "zero-based budgeting system." All areas of the church have been identified and assigned by the leadership, a percentage weight (based on a 100 point = 100% scale) of the budget according to anticipated/projected need. Monthly, following the payment of obligated finances (i.e., salaries, mortgage, utilities, etc.), the remaining finances are divided up amongst the different departments according to those percentage weights. When the tithes and offerings are larger, the amount distributed is larger. Likewise, when the tithes and offerings are smaller, the amount distributed is smaller. In this manner, the budget is never exceeded, and each department shares in both the bountiful and the lean time of the church. Missions is paid out of a separate, pre-established fund where 100% of the monies allotted are distributed each year to missions.

Finances can be a point of contention in a congregation. So we strive to make sure this is not an issue at SCC. Once a year (at the yearly business meeting in the Spring) the books are opened to the membership of SCC for examination.

Q: Does the church support world missions?

Yes! As a congregation, we are very committed to both overseas and home missions. Our support currently encourages missionaries in Macedonia, Taiwan, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, India and Indonesia. And, our home-missions support goes to, Love, INC. (which supplies the essentials to needy individuals and families locally), and the Christian Law Association (which works free-of-charge, in support of churches and ministries that face serious legal challenges to their ministerial rights).

Q: Is the church involved in the community?

Yes! SCC is committed to our local community - its spiritual and practical needs are areas of our ongoing concern. Our targeted involvement includes the schools and the school children of our community (particularly, the Bethel School District area), and their families. We are striving to recognize both the immediate and the on-going, long-term needs of our community, and are attempting (along with other churches of the area) to address these needs. Our involvement includes the practical, as well as the political. For, being of assistance, and being engaged in all areas of our community is our on-going goal.

Q: How is the church ministering to the needy and the poor?

Jesus said, the poor will always be with us. Therefore, as a church, we must be doing what we can to help meet the needs of the less fortunate and needy of our community. We are currently involved with an organization called, Love, INC (i.e., Love, In the Name of Christ), which pools the funds of numerous area churches and consolidates the previously fragmented efforts of the individual churches to become much more effective in meeting the need of our poorer neighbors. We are also involved with other area churches in a concerted effort to assist the children of needy families by collecting and helping distribute school supplies and new school clothing. A percentage of the church's tithes and offerings is set-aside to assist the poor and needy or our area.

Q: Is there a dress code? What should I wear to church?

Without question, the Lord accepts us as we are - there is nothing we can do superficially that will make us more acceptable to Him. When we gather for worship then, there are no inordinate requirements as to what we must wear, or how we must look.

As the Lord's people, however, we must not let what we wear, how we present ourselves, or how we look or act detract from the opportunity for others to truly meet with the Lord, undistracted. The Bible tells us, "take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling-block to them that are weak." (1 Cor 8:9) And, "brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." (Gal 5:13) Therefore, we do have an obligation to those around us. The only guideline we hold is: we must all dress modestly and discreetly, considering others that have also come to worship. When others see us, they should be able to see the Lord Jesus in us. They should never see us simply as (intentional) objects of distraction. The overarching question, therefore, must be; are we simply trying to draw attention to ourselves or do we want them to see Jesus in us?

Q. Will I be accepted?

The Bible tells us clearly, that the Lord loves us, calls us and accepts us right where we are. Yet, the Bible also tells us that God loves us enough that He will not allow us to remain there unchanged. Rather, the Lord desires that we grow, develop and mature, that we may find our peace and fulfillment in Him. Now, this may sound somewhat contradictory. But it is true! For the Lord knows each of us needs His help to correct (to change, to adjust) our lives, and to balance our thoughts, words and actions that they may conform to His will and to His word. For without Him in our lives, the is only pain, emptiness and confusion. But He came that we may have life - in its absolute fullness.

We have all come from different backgrounds - some much rougher than others, some more damaged than others. Therefore, it is NOT where we've come from, but where God has called each of us to go, and what He wants us to be or become that matters. Therefore, the Lord has designed the church to be both a family, and a hospital. Without exception, each of us need help. Each of us needs one another. Each of us needs to know we are accepted for who we are. Yet, at the same time, we need to be encouraged to be ALL God truly wants us to be - all God has created us to be. For true peace and satisfaction comes only from knowing, 1) God loves us, 2) God has a plan for our lives, 3) God has provided us with a family that will accept and love us, and 4) God will not rest from encouraging us to become everything that He has made us to be.

Q: What is the focus & format of the Sunday worship service?

When we gather together as a church family for worship, our focus is on the Lord. For He is the reason we gather together. Therefore, our worship is centered on Jesus and the work He accomplished on the cross. He has given us life - therefore, our worship can be joyful. He laid down His life for us - therefore, our worship is to be thoughtful. He has given us His Holy Spirit as an ever present guide - therefore, our worship should be inspirational. Each time we gather together, each of us should be able to touch the Lord. Each time we gather together, our hearts should be able to commune with the Lord in a very special way. For the Lord has reserved a very special blessing for us when we gather together in His Name.

We also firmly believe that families should worship together. Therefore, we encourage the participation of all members of the church family - from the very youngest to the very oldest - during our corporate worship times. Children enjoy the music. And, they enjoy singing and watching their parents participate in worship. It speaks volumes to our youngest saints about their parents dedication to the Lord, and their commitment to Him.

We also allow time for personal prayer requests, and the exercising of spiritual gifts. It's good to hear the prayer needs of those in attendance. Everyone is encouraged to bring their prayer requests before the Lord and the church family, at the time announced by the worship leader. Spiritual gifts are also recognized as being part of our corporate worship. Therefore, those who are so gifted by the Lord, are encouraged to exercise their gift at the time appointed (and announced) by the worship leader. Those who are visitors or guests, are asked to contact one of the pastors before sharing. This must be considered a safety precaution for the young amongst us.

Q: Can my younger children receive communion with me?

Yes. Although each of us is to understand the meaning and significance of the communion table, we also believe that the children are covered (in most every regard) by their believing parents until they reach the age of reason and accountability - that is, the age when they understand sin and their need for personal salvation, and begin to pursue it. Therefore, we encourage parents to allow their children to partake of communion together with them - as a family. We also strongly encourage parents to teach their children about the meaning and significance of communion. It is an excellent opportunity to be the teacher of our children in spiritual matters, as the Lord's word instructs.