Grace Community of Bowling Green 5908 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104 270.781.2595 www.gccbg.com

Ordination Questions Mike Troyer, Elder Candidate

Following is a compiling of questions that have been submitted for your examination. These questions are seen as a compliment to your Exam which is submitted in writing preceding this examination. As with that Exam, in answering these questions you will want to be clear, concise, and to the point. A selection of these questions will be asked at the public examination scheduled on August 12, 2012. Please plan to have all of the questions answered in writing for distribution to the congregation following the public examination. It will be important to outline your answers with verses – for example you might quote an applicable verse, explain it, and then apply it to the question in view.

1. speaks of salvation in relation to man’s need. This need is often identified as the resultant of “the fall”. In what sense did man fall? What has been affected by the fall?

“Therefore, just as through one man entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

The fall refers to the event when and Eve, who previously were sinless (innocent) and in close relationship with , chose to disobey God and fell from a state of innocence to a sinful state. The effects of the fall are many and they have far reaching implications. Sin has affected every aspect of our being. It has affected our lives on earth and our eternal destiny.

One of the immediate effects of the fall is that mankind was separated from God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had perfect communion and fellowship with God. When they rebelled against Him, that fellowship was broken. They became aware of their sin and were ashamed before Him. They hid from Him (Genesis 3:810), and man has been hiding from God ever since. Only through can that fellowship be restored, because in Him we have become as righteous and sinless in God’s eyes as Adam and Eve were before they sinned. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Because of the fall, death became a reality, and all creation was subject to it. All men die (with the exception of Enoch and Elijah, whom God miraculously took to without death), all animals die, all plant life dies. The “whole creation groans” (Romans 8:22), waiting for the time when Christ will return to liberate it from the effects of death. Because of sin, death is an unavoidable reality and no one is immune. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Not only do we die, but if we die without Christ, we experience eternal death.

Another effect of the fall is that humans have lost sight of the purpose for which they were created. Man’s chief end and highest purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 86:9). To love God is the essence of all morality and goodness. The opposite is the choice to make self supreme. Selfishness is the essence of the fall, and what follows are all other crimes against God. In all ways sin is a turning in upon oneself, which is confirmed in how we live our lives. We call attention to ourselves and to our good qualities and accomplishments. We minimize our shortcomings. We seek special favors and opportunities in life, wanting an extra edge that no one else has. We give attention to our own wants and needs, while we ignore those of others. In summary, we place ourselves upon the throne of our lives, taking away the role that belongs to God. 1 | P a g e

The fall produced in humans a state of depravity. In 1 Timothy 4:2 Paul spoke of those “seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1 Timothy 4:2) and those whose minds are spiritually darkened as a result of rejecting the truth (Romans 1:21). In this state of depravity, man is utterly incapable of doing or choosing that which is acceptable to God, apart from divine grace. “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so” (Romans 8:7).

Without the supernatural by the Holy Spirit, all men would remain in the fallen state of sin. But thanks to His grace, mercy and lovingkindness, God sent His Son to die on the cross and take the penalty of our sin, reconciling us to God and making eternal life with Him possible. What was lost at the fall is reclaimed at the Cross.

2. A sinner’s hope rests in the work of Christ on Calvary; His atonement for our . Please explain your understanding of the atonement: What did Christ’s sacrifice accomplish? What remains for an individual sinner to have His work applied to their life?

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:610)

We may define Christ’s atonement as follows : The atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation. When we think about the atonement there are two things in view the love and justice of God. God is sovereign and man has no ability to know God because of his separation from God due to sin.

The justice of God (or God’s wrath on mankind) required that God find a way that the penalty due to us for our sins would be fully paid. He could not accept us into fellowship with Himself unless the penalty was paid in full. Paul explains that this was why God sent Christ to be a “propitiation” (Romans 3:23, that is, a sacrifice that bears God’s wrath so that God becomes “propitious” or favorably disposed toward us. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, “to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed” (Romans 3:25). In this verse Paul says that God had been forgiving sins in the but no penalty had been paid. A God who was truly righteous could not do that. Yet when God sent Christ to die and pay the penalty for our sins it was, “for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). Christ died for our sins.

Therefore both the love and the justice of God were the ultimate cause of the atonement. The love of God as a cause of the atonement is seen in the most familiar passage of Scripture in the , “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

A key aspect of the atonement is that Jesus’ death on the cross “particularly” satisfied the penalty of death only for the elect, for those who believe. Though Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient for all, it was not efficacious for all. Jesus only bore the sins of the elect. Support for this position is drawn from such Scriptures as Matt. 26:28 where Jesus died for ‘many'; John 10:11, 15 which say that Jesus died for the sheep (not the goats, per Matt. 25:3233); John 17:9 where Jesus in prayer interceded for the ones given Him, not those of the entire world; Acts 20:28 and Eph. 5:2527 which state that the Church was 2 | P a g e purchased by Christ, not all people; and Isaiah 53:12 which is a prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion where he would bore the sins of many (not all).

Four different words or aspects of the atonement can be clearly seen in Scripture, and each one helps us understand the nature and extent of the atonement. These four words are ransom, reconciliation, propitiation and substitute. These four aspects of Christ’s atonement all speak of Christ as having actually accomplished something in His death. A study of these four terms in their biblical contexts leads to the conclusion that one cannot hold to a true universal atonement without also requiring universal salvation. If one holds to an while denying universal salvation, one ends up with a that leaves men not totally free or actually redeemed, a reconciliation that leaves men still estranged from God, a propitiation that leaves men still under the wrath of God, and a substitutionary death that still makes the sinner himself help pay the debt of his sin. All of these aspects of the atoning work of Christ then become nothing more than a possibility that relies upon man to make them a reality.

But that is not what the Bible teaches. It teaches that those who are redeemed by Christ are truly free and their debt has been fully paid. It teaches that those who are reconciled to God are actually reconciled and the wall of separation that existed between them and God has been torn down (Colossians 2:14). It teaches that Christ’s death on the cross was a sacrifice that fully satisfied the wrath of God. It also teaches that Christ was indeed a substitute, a kinsmen , who acted in place of and on behalf of His people. When Jesus died on the cross, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and the Greek word translated “finished” is teleō, which was used to indicate that a debt had been paid in full. And that is exactly what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

The doctrine of limited atonement explains how God can be perfectly just and yet redeem sinful people and reconcile them to Himself. The only solution to the depravity of man was for God to provide a Redeemer who would act as their substitute and suffer the wrath of God for their sins. He did this in the death of Christ, who, having been crucified, completely and totally “canceled out the certificate of debt…having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:1314).

3. The doctrinal foundation of Grace Community Church could rightly be described as reformed. How would you define what it means to be reformed? How critical is such a designation?

A simple definition of what it means to be reformed can be summed up in this way: it is to adhere to the purist teachings of the Bible to affirm the doctrine taught by Jesus, Paul and the Apostles. Scripture is considered the ultimate authority in matters of life and faith and all Reformed doctrine is founded on the Bible. It is my conviction that Reformed doctrine is simply the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles and the totality of the Scriptures.

Reformed adhere to all the foundational beliefs taught in the Bible. These beliefs were the foundation of the early church and are based on the teachings of the Bible as interpreted by the apostles and early . Many of these beliefs were changed or lost as the grew in power and authority from the fifth century onwards. Throughout history there were isolated and often persecuted pockets of nonCatholic believers who held to many or all of these points of doctrine, but they were largely lost until their rediscovery at the time of the . To be Reformed is to confess the five solas:

• The authority of Scripture: (Scripture alone) • The basis of salvation: (Grace alone) • The means of salvation: (Faith alone) • The merit of salvation: (Christ alone)

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• In everything, to God alone be the glory in all things

These are the principles that drove the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and separated it from the Roman Catholic Church. These five points of doctrine are based entirely on the Bible and were the theological driving force behind the newly formed Protestant movement.

To be Reformed is to confess the distinctives of the Reformed faith. In salvation: not . God alone saves. Such monergism implies T.U.L.I.P., the Five Points of from the of Dordt:

• T = • U = Unconditional Election • L = Limited Atonement, or, better, Particular Redemption • I = • P = Perseverance and Preservation of the

These five distinct points of doctrine are also known as the five points of Calvinism as they were first articulated by John Calvin after the Reformation was in fullswing. They are based entirely on the Bible. When people speak of being Reformed these five points of doctrine are most often what they are referring to. Most evangelical (nonReformed) churches do not hold to all of these points. Some hold to two or three (and occasionally even four), but most reject them in favor of Arminian theology which is, at heart, synergistic, relying on a cooperative effort between man and God.

It is important to understand that although the Reformed tradition arose from the Protestant Reformation, the term Reformed was not defined in a vacuum. Instead, it was defined as a biblical response to the excesses and perversions of the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformers, when they returned to Scripture, attempted to carefully and faithfully rebuild the church upon the teachings of the . By affirming Reformed theology, a person is implicitly denying certain other , such as (which Reformed theology rose in opposition to) and Arminian theology (which later rose in opposition to Reformed theology).

It is my conviction that without a reformed faith there is no gospel. God’s doctrines of grace are the truths which form the basis of what it means to be Reformed.

4. Since an elder is to be sound in doctrine and able to give instruction, how do you plan to continue to grow in your understanding of doctrine?

It is a biblical imperative that elders know Bible doctrine so that they will be adequately equipped to judge doctrinal disputes and provide wise, godly counsel and leadership for the congregation. Elders must be men of the Word. The biblical standard for pastor elders is that they be able to teach and defend sound Christian doctrine (Titus 1:9).

The first step, and my foundation, for growing in understanding of biblical doctrine starts with daily reading from God’s Word. All the major Bible doctrines including: Bibliology, , , , Soteriology, Anthropology and Harmartiology, , and are grounded in Scripture.

Second, through listening to God’s word preached. We are privileged to hear biblical doctrines preached on a regular basis at Grace Community Church. The elders provide instruction through preaching, teaching, and discussion. I also listen on a regular basis to preaching from John MacArthur, John Piper,

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Steve Lawson, Phil Johnson, Ligon Duncon, Mark Dever, R. C. Sproul and others. I have found it useful to attend (or listen to sessions from) the Shepherds Conference and Together for to hear men of God preach from the Word.

Third, I gain knowledge through the reading and study of resources which are focused on the foundational doctrines of Christianity. Examples would be: “” by Wayne Grudem and “The Theology Program” by Michael Patton. Through my elder training I have added “An Old Testament Theology” by Bruce K. Waltke and “New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ” by Thomas R. Schreiner to my library. I have also used “Know What You Believe: A Practical Discussion of the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith” by Paul E. Little and “The Moody Handbook of Theology” by Paul Enns.

One of the tools that I have found useful for study is the development of my own topical Bible doctrine notebook. As I read and grow in my understanding of the Bible I add to my notebook so that I can quickly locate passages that are useful for teaching and answering questions.

5. Theology – and theological pursuit – can be an exhausting endeavor. What area(s) of theology do you enjoy studying the most? What area(s) of theology do you enjoy studying the least?

The word "theology" comes from two Greek words meaning "God" and "word." When combined together the word "theology" means "study of God." is the study of what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God, literally Godbreathed, and is indispensable to us because it makes us complete, lacking nothing. To pursue and understanding of theology is to be one who seeks the face of God in order to get to know the creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to embrace Him as Lord. The study of theology helps us focus on Christ as the center of our desires, affections and knowledge. This close knowledge of Christ spreads into all aspects of our lives – and provides blessings and comfort in times of loss. It strengthens us in our weaknesses and holds us up to the end of our lives when we will see Him face to face. Scripture is God’s story and the more we study His Word, the better we know Him.

I enjoy studying all areas of theology because it is how I learn to know Christ more fully. Understanding what the Bible says about the various areas of Christian theology is one of the keys to spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.

In my study notebook I keep notes on the following areas of theology:

Bibliology the study of the Word of God Theology Proper / Paterology the study of Christology the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ Pneumatology the study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit Soteriology the study of salvation through Jesus Christ the study of the nature of humanity Hamartiology the study of the nature and effects of sin Ecclesiology the study of the nature and mission of the church Eschatology the study of the end times / last days

I enjoy studying Christology and Soteriology the most because it is through Christ that we are reconciled to God. Understanding the person and work of Christ is practical as we work to spread the gospel in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the ends of the earth. 5 | P a g e

While I enjoy learning about all areas of theology the study of angels and demons seems to be the least useful on a practical basis

6. Paul says that Christians are justified by faith and not by works, that faith is a gift from God, and that we are not under the law but under grace. These truths combine to declare a Christian to be free to live a life of liberty – no longer under the bondage of the law. This sounds like an invitation for Christians to live in an undisciplined manner. Isn’t Christian liberty dangerous? How does a Christian respond to the reality of liberty and the pursuit of holiness?

Christian liberty can be seen in the Bible in several ways. For example, liberty for the Christian can mean that he or she has been freed from the penalty of sin by faith in Jesus Christ (John 8:3136; Romans 6:23). Also, Christian liberty can refer to being freed from the power of sin in one's life by daily faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of one's character and conduct (Romans 6:56,14). In addition, Christian liberty can mean that Christians are freed from the Jewish law of Moses in that the law only " exposes " sin in one's life, but cannot "forgive" sin (Romans 3:2022).

Christian liberty can appear to be dangerous in that Christians are freed in respect to activities that are not expressly forbidden in the Bible. A Christian can feel free to engage in such activities as long as they don’t cause another Christian to "stumble" or "offend" (Romans 14:1216). Most of these activities revolve around social "do's" and "don’ts”, such as whether or not to wear certain kinds of clothes, make up, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and/or practicing certain things, such as smoking, social drinking, recreational gambling, dancing, or viewing movies or videos. As Romans 14 says, these things may not be strictly prohibited by God's Word, but they can be bad for one's spiritual growth or Christian testimony and can offend other Christians whose consciences prevent them from partaking in them.

Christians who promote such liberties can sometimes fall into a loose lifestyle of undisciplined living, while, on the other hand, Christians who limit such liberties can sometimes fall into a legalistic lifestyle of being defined by what they are "against." It is wise to seek God in prayer and His Word to determine whether or not a particular activity is actually forbidden in Scripture. If it is, it should be avoided. If it is not forbidden, then we should seek to determine how the activity reflects on our reputation as Christians and whether it will help us or hinder us in representing Jesus to unbelievers around us, whether it edifies them or offends them.

The ultimate goal for the Christian should be to glorify God, edify fellow believers, and have a good reputation before unbelievers (Psalm 19:14; Romans 15:12; 1 Peter 2:1112). "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13).

Is Christian liberty dangerous? Clearly, “Yes.” That is why Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free.” Liberty without responsibility is dangerous. What is important to understand is that God’s grace produces obedience in the life of a Christian. We are no longer under the law, we are under grace. It has been my experience that Christians do not enjoy the libery of God’s grace because of fear. Grace is the only antidote for fear. Law or legalism will not help.

7. Please describe your call (desire) to become an Elder. Was this desire present before you joined Grace Community Church?

As I reflect back on my life I know without a doubt that God has been calling me into ministry for many years. My grandparents, parents, and Christian friends throughout the years have provided a strong Christian foundation in my life. I was fortunate to attend a Christian High School and college. As a 6 | P a g e

young man I knew God’s call in my life but I chose to focus more on family and career. However, the call to ministry developed most deeply as I began to understand John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As I began focus more on God’s will rather than my own He began to open doors for ministry. I found great joy and affirmation in teaching Sunday School, in leading bible studies, and in counseling others. It became clear that God was urging me to actively serve Him in ministry.

In 2009, several events occurred which affirmed my desire to become an elder. First, was a strong desire to teach God’s Word. Second, was a desire to minister to others through various bible studies and small groups in which I was involved. Through God’s providence several members at Grace expressed confidence in my desire to seek eldership. This has been affirmed and confirmed over the past two years as I have studied under the elders in preparation for becoming a qualified elder.

It is humbling to have been called to this task which comes with great responsibility. As a sinner saved by grace it is only through the power of Christ that I have been set aside for this work. I clearly see God’s hand in preparing me for this ministry and I am excited as I reflect on the fact that He is not done with me yet. With fear and trembling I look forward with confidence to serving the fellowship at Grace Community Church.

8. What are the particular strengths, gifts, and desires that you will use to shepherd this fellowship?

The Bible spells out at least five duties and obligations of an elder:

1) The elders help to settle disputes in the church. “Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.” (Acts 15:12). The question was raised and forcefully argued, then taken to the apostles and elders for a decision. This passage teaches that elders are decision makers.

2) They pray for the sick. "Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of ;" (James 5:14). Elders are used to pray for the sick. One of the necessities in prayer is praying for the Lord’s will to be done, and they are expected to do this.

3) They are to watch out for the church in humility. "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:14). Elders are the designated leaders of the church, and the flock is entrusted to them by God. They are not to lead for the pay or the reward but because of their desire to serve and shepherd the flock.

4) They are to watch out for the spiritual life of the flock. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17). This verse does not specifically say “elders,” but it is talking about the church leaders. They are accountable for the spiritual life of the church.

5) They are to spend their time in prayer and teaching the word. "So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to 7 | P a g e serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:24). This is for the apostles but as Paul noted in 1 Peter 5:14 he equated the apostles to the elders so it also applies to elders.

The elders should be peacemakers, prayer warriors, teachers, leaders by example, and decision makers. They are the preaching and teaching leaders of the church. While I am not highly skilled in any of these areas I know that God has trained me through opportunities of responsibility in the past, and is continuing to train me, to be a peacemaker, a man devoted to prayer, a leader by example and a decision maker.

Most importantly, I do not take the role of elder lightly. This warning is clear for me: "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." (James 3:1).

9. When you meet new people who come to the church, how will you go about discovering whether they are a Christian or not?

According to Acts 11:26, the followers of Jesus were first called Christians at Antioch because they were “followers of Christ.” They had committed their lives to “walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).

Other Scriptures explain how a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ and begins this relationship. For example, Ephesians 2:89 reveals that a person becomes a Christian by faith, not by following a list of rules or good works: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” A true Christian has faith in Jesus as the Savior.

Romans 10:910 says, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” A true Christian is unashamed to say Jesus is Lord and believes Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

First Corinthians 15:3 says the message of the resurrected Jesus is of “first importance.” Without Jesus’ resurrection our faith is “worthless,” and we are “still in [our] sins” (v. 17). A true Christian lives by faith in the resurrected Jesus.

Paul writes, "But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him… The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God," (Romans 8:9, 16). A true Christian has God’s Holy Spirit living within.

The evidence of a true Christian is displayed in both faith and action. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). James says, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Jesus put it this way: “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12). A true Christian will show his faith by how he lives.

There are a wide variety of beliefs that fall under the general “Christian” label today. However, the Bible defines a true Christian as one who has faith in the death and Christ, who has the Holy Spirit residing within, and whose life demonstrates change consistent with faith in Jesus.

The best way I know how to discover whether someone is a Christian or not is to “do life together.” This includes worshipping together, eating together, playing together, going through trials together, and

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through talking together. A true “follower of Christ” will demonstrate through their words and deeds their obedience to Christ in all aspects of their life.

10. Will you work to maintain the purity of the church? How is that accomplished?

Ephesians 5:2527 describes the need for purity in the church, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

Members of Christ’s church have been delivered from the powers of darkness and translated into “the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). They wear the name “Christian” which means that they are “of Christ,” and are under obligation to be “conformed to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29).

The Holy Spirit is ultimately the one responsible for ensuring purity within the worldwide church body, but God has given us the model for local churches structured under the leadership of godly elders and deacons. Elders must protect the flock (Acts 20:2831), they must refute error (Titus 1:9), they must confront sin (Galatians 6:1; Titus 1:13), and they must judge doctrine (Acts 15:6).

Elders are responsible to preach and teach (1 Timothy 5:17). The preaching of the gospel on a regular basis is the primary way that the elders work to maintain the purity of the church. There is very real power in the gospel and it produces grace and purity in those who hear and understand.

The gospel places demands on believers. If you claim to be a Christian then your life should reflect obedience to Christ in everything that you do. The gospel addresses stubborn disobedience and in some case requires Biblical confrontation and restoration. Matthew 18 and Titus 3 provide guidance for dealing with conflict and disobedience.

Matthew 18:1520 gives the procedure and authority for the practice of church discipline. It instructs us that one individual (usually the offended party) is to go to the offending individual. If he/she does not repent, then two or three go to confirm the situation and the refusal to repent. If there is still no repentance, it is taken before the church. Excommunication is a final step and involves the formal removal of an individual from church membership and the informal separation from that individual. This process is never desirable, just as a father never delights in having to discipline his children. Often, though, it is necessary. The purpose is not to be meanspirited or to display a “holier than thou” attitude. Rather, the goal is the restoration of the individual to full fellowship with both God and other believers. It is to be done in love toward the individual, in obedience and honor to God, and in godly fear for the sake of others in the church.

The gospel must be pressed into people’s lives so that it can become effective. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any twoedged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The elder’s role is not to diminish the spirit but to press the gospel into every aspect of the lives of believers and to confront them with God’s grace. Ultimately, the gospel preached will take people to the foot of the cross where they can find truth and eternal life.

11. The role of the deacon here at Grace has been evolving toward a more biblical expression. How would you define the role of the deacon and what deacon ministry should look like?

In the New Testament, the word usually translated "serve" is the Greek word diakoneo, which literally means "through the dirt." It refers to an attendant, a waiter, or one who ministers to another. It is from 9 | P a g e

this word that we get the English word “deacon.” The first time the word "deacon" is used in this way is found in the book of Acts. “So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables’” (Acts 6:2). The men who were giving themselves to feeding the flock by preaching and teaching realized that it wasn’t right for them to leave those activities to wait tables, so they found some other men who were willing to serve, and put them in place to minister to the church’s physical needs while the elders or pastors ministered to their spiritual needs. It was a better use of the resources they were given, and a better use of everyone’s gifts. It also got more people involved in serving and helping one another.

In a biblical church these roles are still the same. Elders and pastors are to “preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2), and deacons are to be appointed to take care of everything else. In our church, this might include taking on administrative or organizational tasks, ushering, being responsible for building maintenance, or volunteering to be the church treasurer. It depends on the need and the gifts of those who are called to serve.

The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined in Scripture. They are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort. But qualifications for a deacon’s character are clearly outlined in Scripture. They are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a good household manager, respectable, honest, not addicted to alcohol and not greedy (1 Timothy 3:812). According to the Word, the office of deacon is an honor and a blessing . “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).

12. Concerning deacons, 1 Timothy 3:11 refers to women but this text is the source of some dispute among Christians (i.e. some see this as only wives of deacons; others see this as women who are deacons). How would you state your position on this issue?

Scripture is not completely clear as to whether a woman can serve as a deacon or not. The statement that deacons are to be “men of dignity” (1 Timothy 3:8) and the qualification “the husband of but one wife” (1 Timothy 3:12) would seem to disqualify women from serving as deacons. However, some interpret 1 Timothy 3:11 as referring to women deacons because the Greek word translated “wives” can also be translated “women.” Paul likely refers not to deacons’ wives, but to the women who serve as deacons.

Romans 16:1 refers to Phoebe with the same word Paul uses in 1 Timothy 3:12. It is unclear, though, whether Paul is saying Phoebe is a deacon or whether he is just saying she is a servant. In the early church, women servants cared for sick believers, the poor, strangers, and those in prison. They instructed women and children (Titus 2:35). Phoebe may not have had the official designation of “deacon” but Paul thought enough of her to entrust her with the tremendous responsibility of delivering the epistle to the Romans to the church in Rome (Romans 16:12). Clearly he saw her not as inferior or less capable, but as a trusted and valued member of the body of Christ.

While Scripture does not provide much support for the idea of women serving as deacons, but it does not necessarily disqualify them either. I support the position which Grace Community Church has taken to allow women to serve in the capacity of deacon(ess) as long as those who serve remain in submission to the restrictions Paul places on the ministry of women in other passages (such as 1 Timothy 2:1112). In the same way all leadership is to be in submission to the church authority structure and ultimately to our supreme authority, Christ Jesus.

13. One of the men you have been shepherding is proving to be a very godly man and an exceptionally capable leader. You and he have developed a very close friendship. He requests your help in making a decision about a job opportunity. He has a good job where he is, but it has limited opportunities for 10 | P a g e

advancement. He has been offered a job in another state with a lower starting salary but excellent prospects for advancement. His family has left the decision up to him and he wants to do whatever God directs. He is having trouble making the decision and has come to you for help. What will you say?

There are two keys to knowing God's will for any given situation: 1) Make sure what you are asking for or considering doing is not something the Bible forbids. 2) Make sure what you are asking for or considering doing will glorify God and help you grow spiritually. If these two things are true and God still is not giving you what you are asking, then it is likely not God’s will for you to have what you are asking for. The other possibility is that you just need to wait a while longer for it.

Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult. People want God to tell them specifically what to do where to work, where to live, whom to marry, etc. God rarely gives people information that direct and specific. God allows us to make choices regarding those things.

Romans 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The only decision God does not want us to make is the decision to sin or resist His will. God wants us to make choices that are in agreement with His will.

So, how can this man know what God’s will is for his life and family? If he is walking closely with the Lord and truly desiring His will for his life, God will place His desires on his heart. The key is to desire God’s will, not his own. “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4). If the Bible does not speak against what he is considering doing and it can genuinely benefit him spiritually, then the Bible gives him “permission” to make decisions and to follow his heart. I would encourage him to truly seek God’s will with a humble spirit and an open mind. If it is God’s will for him to move then God will reveal His will in due time.

14. A woman in the church confides with you that she is being abused by her husband, who is not a church attender. He is belligerent toward her Christian faith. As far as you can tell there has been no sexual immorality, and you cannot discern any other scriptural grounds for divorce. What would you advise her to do? How would you encourage her?

My first concern would be for her husband’s salvation. The priority here is for his eternal soul. 1 Corinthians 7:1316 says, “And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband…For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?” If it is possible, I would advise her to remain with her husband for the sake of his eternal salvation.

My second concern would be for the strength of her marriage. Peter writes, “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior” (1 Peter 3:12). I would encourage her to remain submissive and obedient so that she might demonstrate God’s love to her husband.

A wife who is being physically abused should get herself and any children out of the situation immediately and find a new temporary home. There is nothing in the Bible to indicate that separation (not divorce) in this instance would be wrong. Although friends and family will likely tell the woman to immediately file for divorce, God places a much higher value on marriage than the world does.

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Once the husband and wife are separated, the abuser has the responsibility to reach out for help. First and foremost, he should seek God. “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:8). No one has more power to heal individuals and relationships than God. He must be the Lord of our lives, the Master of our assets, and the Head of our households.

Both husband and wife must commit themselves to God and then develop a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3). This should be accompanied by intensive Christian counseling. First individually, then as a couple, and even for the entire family, if necessary.

During this time, the wife should let her husband know of her unconditional love and support, and devote herself to much prayer. Although the effort must be made on the part of her husband to make the changes, she should not give up hope if he is at first resistant. However, if he never even takes the first step, she should not consider returning to him until he does.

15. You have been given second-hand information that one of the men in the church has developed a habit of coming home very late – outside of his normal routine/responsibilities. You were also told that his car has been seen, on more than one occasion, parked in the drive of a single woman’s home. What is the first thing that you would do? Would you confront him with this information yourself?

What is described here is an unverifiable sin. This is an offense or potential offense that is known to only one member besides the offender. Additionally, it is a matter in which no evidence can be brought forward as proof.

In cases like this, it may be necessary for the offended person or lone witness to rebuke the offender privately. If the private rebuke is unsuccessful and the offender is not willing to admit his sin to others, no further church action may be taken. These matters must be left with God; it should not be revealed to anyone else (Matthew 18:16, cf. Deuteronomy 19:15; Proverbs 25:810).

Exceptions to this rule concerning silence include the reporting of criminal offenses to the proper authorities when necessary or required by law. Also, if the unverifiable sinful action is of such a nature that it likely would affect a person’s involvement in the church, or poses a danger to others, the member should speak to an elder about it. The elder may have received other information about this individual that would verify the action(s) in question (such as a past history known only to the elder, or a similar report from another church member). If this is the case, additional action will be necessary. In all situations involving unverifiable sins, the individual in question is innocent until proven guilty.

In this case, I would advise the offended person to discuss the matter privately with the offender and to rebuke them, if necessary (Matthew 18:15). The only exception to this counsel would be if some criminal offense was in view in which case it would be necessary, as required by law, to report it to the proper authorities.

16. Missions ministry – expanding the gospel to the nations – is a developing opportunity at Grace. How would you express your own mission conviction? What would you define as good priorities for Grace as this ministry develops?

After Christ’s death and resurrection, He commanded the disciples to share the Gospel, the message of His redemption. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:1920).

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My conviction is that this Great Commission applies to Christians today. Sharing the gospel with people who have never heard the gospel is not a burden but an act of obedience which brings joy and reward in heaven. We should fulfill our mission to share the gospel not out of duty but love: “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf...ow all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:1421).

God’s love for the world is universal in scope; it is not limited. This truth is clearly expressed in the words of Jesus Himself in John 3:16–17, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

Even as God’s love for the world was expressed in a committed action, the sending of His Son to provide redemption for a lost people, so our love for the world is to be expressed in a committed action. My convictions mirror the actions which are summarized in the proposed Missions Philosophy of Grace Community Church:

1. Spiritual Integrity: partner with missions (missionaries, mission endeavor, etc.) who demonstrate in their leadership the character and qualifications required of men in positions of spiritual leadership (1Timothy 3:17). Missions must not be excluded from the ordinary demands of spiritual integrity that God presses on those who would lead among His people. 2. Doctrinal Harmony: partner with missions (missionaries, mission endeavor, etc.) whose doctrinal position is in full harmony with Grace Community Church. Likemindedness in ministry is an essential for gospel expansion (Acts 2:46, Philippians 1:27). 3. Localchurch Centeredness: partner with missions (missionaries, mission endeavor, etc.) whose passion and vision is the work of planting and/or revitalizing of indigenous, nationallyled (local pastor led) churches. We will give great care to examine the integrity of any mission’s local church centeredness. 4. Relational Development: partner with missions (missionaries, mission endeavor, etc.) with whom we have an established, growing relationship or with those who have a desire to develop and maintain a strong relationship with us as a sending and/or supporting church.

Missions is not only a churchbased work. Rather, it applies to the whole life of every believer. In truth, every disciple of Christ should strive to be an agent, a representative of the kingdom of God; and every follower should try to carry the mission of God into every sphere of his life. We are all missionaries sent into the world.

There are many ways we can do this as we are each individually blessed with certain talents and skills to utilize to the glory of God. In Matthew 5:1316 Jesus says that we are the “salt of the earth, the light of the world . . . to let our light shine before men .”

The idea of being “missional” can best be summed it up with the words of the apostle Paul: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God…Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father ” (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17).

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17. You are visiting a new Christian who has just been attending Grace. On your visit you are confronted by her unbelieving husband who challenges you with this question: “How could a God of love condemn people to everlasting hell just because they did not believe in Christ? What about those who have never heard the gospel?” How would you respond?

I would explain that God does not cause any person to go to hell. Man chooses to go there on his own. The progression of those who reject Christ can be seen in the first three chapters of the book of Romans. The wrath of God is revealed against the unrighteous because man rejects the Creator and worships the creation (Romans 1:1820). Men profess to be wise in their own eyes (v. 22) and exchange the glory of God for created things. These people then continue in a downward spiral of sin that is listed in verses 28 31, sins to which all of us can relate. Not only do they participate in these sins, but they also approve of those who do them (v. 32). Not only do men have the creation of the world to see God’s power, but they also have their consciences convicting them of their sin (2:1415). In the end, man is left without excuse that we deserve to die, and we stand condemned in front of God.

Jesus Christ came in the flesh so that “you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30,31). This is another witness to God’s existence and also stands to condemn those men who choose to reject Christ as the Son of God. Because Christ came to pay the price of sin, and He came to “explain the Father” (John 1:18), man has no excuse for rejecting Him. Men choose to go to hell because they reject Christ, not because God causes them to go there. God has paid the price, revealed Himself to all, and now men are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). God allows people to be born to give them the opportunity to believe, but it is man’s responsibility to make that choice. God would not be just and righteous if He did not give man the opportunity to place his faith in the Lord.

This is a very difficult concept for many people to grasp. We can only cling to what we know about God’s nature and character, trust that His sovereignty and mercy do not contradict one another, and believe that everything He does and/or allows will ultimately be for His glory. We submit ourselves to Him in worship and obedience and trust that He “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11) and that His ways are perfect, even when we don’t understand them. “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

All people are accountable to God whether or not they have “heard about Him.” The Bible tells us that God has clearly revealed Himself in nature (Romans 1:20) and in the hearts of people (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The problem is that the human race is sinful; we all reject this knowledge of God and rebel against Him (Romans 1:2123). If it were not for God's grace, we would be given over to the sinful desires of our hearts, allowing us to discover how useless and miserable life is apart from Him. He does this for those who continually reject Him (Romans 1:2432).

In reality, it is not that some people have not heard about God. Rather, the problem is that they have rejected what they have heard and what is readily seen in nature. Deuteronomy 4:29 proclaims, “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” This verse teaches an important principle everyone who truly seeks after God will find Him. If a person truly desires to know God, God will make Himself known.

The problem is “there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God” (Romans 3:11). People reject the knowledge of God that is present in nature and in their own hearts, and instead decide to worship a “god” of their own creation. It is not wise to debate the fairness of God sending someone to hell who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ. People are responsible to God for what

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God has already revealed to them. The Bible says that people reject this knowledge, and therefore God is just in condemning them to hell.

18. You have a new office-mate at work. The first day on the job he says: “Hey, I understand you are a Christian too – I am a Mormon, what are you?” How would you reply? Assuming the need for an ongoing strategy in relation to this man – what would that look like knowing that you are going to be working next to this man?

"If you DECLARE the gospel and don't LIVE IT you will confuse people. If you LIVE the gospel and don't DECLARE IT you will condemn people."

My hope is that God would use me to both declare and live the gospel in such a way that it would bring about opportunities to witness to my new work mate.

There are basically two ways that Christians witness to Mormons. One is to approach Mormonism in an apologetic way. The other is to expose Mormonism in a theological way. The former deals with Mormon history, false prophecies, archaeology, DNA, etc. The latter deals with sin, repentance, atonement, the gospel, etc.

While most people might take the first approach, I would take the second. Talking about Mormonism theologically would force my Mormon friend to dig deep for real answers. The best way to do would be to ask questions. Mormons love talking about their religion. They want to evangelize so I would let him. I would ask him what his message is…why is there a gospel…what is the problem that the gospel addresses? As he responds I would think of related questions to ask that would help him reflect on his answers.

Ultimately, my goal would be to bring my Mormon friend to the point of seeing that Mormonism’s plan of salvation does not save him. Mormons acknowledge that Jesus made atonement for our sins so that we could be forgiven in order to return to God. The key is that Mormon doctrine teaches that a person must utterly forsake all of his or her sins in order to receive atonement. This, of course, is impossible. According to Mormonism, the of sins is not a free gift purchased by Christ for the individual, but something that the individual must earn through personal worthiness by obedience to the commandments of God. This is contrary to the Bible which teaches that eternal life is a free gift of God for sinful men. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:89).

The Mormon “gospel” is a hopeless journey. Mormons are under intense pressure to earn God’s grace, so the realization that they have not succeeded in securing it can be very troubling. As the Bible teaches, the commandments were given by God to overwhelm the sinner so that he would despair of all hope in himself and in his own works, forcing him to flee to Christ that he might be “justified by faith ” (Galatians 3:24). This is what I would try show – using the law, Mormon style.

Once he sees the futility of his own theology, and he asks, “Well, how do you get the atonement?” then the door would be open to share the true gospel of the grace of God with him. This would be the place to declare the truth clearly and openly, proclaiming the difference between Mormon and Christian salvation.

As for my demeanor I would try to be sensitive, meek and kind. Mormons expect that all nonMormons, especially Christians, are out to persecute them. I would try to be compassionate and understanding since most Mormons are born into this lie and have been conditioned to believe it from their childhood.

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The most effective way to share the gospel with a Mormon is to use the theological approach. Using questions and answers to show the impossibility of Mormonism can open the door to share the true gospel of grace.

19. The doctor of a 41 year old congregant has just told the man he has terminal cancer and only a year to live. The man requested the doctor call you and ask you to come to the hospital. He is married and has three children, all under the age of 14. What will you say to him? What will you say to his family?

First, I would sit down with this brother to better understand his situation and to hear him speak from his heart. I would remind him that one of the truly essential elements of faith found in the Gospel is that God is sovereign and that in all things God desires glory for Himself.

An understanding of the sovereignty of God in our lives gives us confidence and strength. God’s sovereignty is defined as His complete and total independent control over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. God is subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. God is in complete control of every molecule in the universe at every moment and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.

Isaiah 14:24 says, “The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, ‘Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand.’” Nothing is random or comes by chance, especially not in the lives of believers. He has a purpose for everything. God has resolved to do what He will do and nothing and no one stands in His way. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:10). We have a powerful, purposeful God who is in control of everything. For believers that should bring great comfort and help to alleviate our fears.

Second, I would inquire regarding his faith. If he is a believer then I would work with him to put together a plan for his care and for the care of his family. If he is not a believer then I would share the Gospel with him and pray that God might use his illness as an opportunity to bring him to repentance and true saving faith.

Finally, for the family, I would in the same way remind them that God is sovereign in all things. No matter the circumstances God is still God, the church is still the church, and the gospel is still the gospel. I would also remind them of God’s promise is that he is “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5).

20. What do you see as the greatest untapped potential for Grace Community Church in ministry development? How will you work to develop this potential?

In my opinion, the greatest untapped potential for Grace Community Church is to develop the next generation of spiritual leaders for Grace Community Church. This includes men who are (or should be) the spiritual leaders in their families or among their friends. It also includes men and women who God may be calling into ministry to serve at Grace, in other churches or ministry settings, or, perhaps, on the mission field.

I am committed to supporting the efforts at Grace Community Church to help train up children through AWANA and other programs, to teach where I am called to teach, to mentor men and couples who seek godly counsel, and to help with biblical leadership training for those who want to learn more about what is means to be qualified to lead. 16 | P a g e

It is very apparent to me that the lack of spiritual leadership in our homes, at school, and in the marketplace is due in large part to a lack of understanding of what it means to be a strong spiritual leader. The qualifications of a biblical leader which are found in 1 Peter 3:27, Titus 1:69, and 1 Peter 5:13 are not only for elders and deacons. They should be the goal for every Christian leader. I am committed to the spiritual growth and nurture of those who will become leaders in their homes, in the church, and on the mission field.

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