Visitor’s Guide to
Christ the Redeemer Church
Welcome!
Visiting a new church can be an exciting experience for both you and the people in the church. It is a time for asking questions and getting to know each other. We have prepared this booklet to assist you in getting to know our church, its philosophy of ministry, goals, and weekly functions. We hope that this is helpful, and we would be glad for you to ask us more questions in person!
We as a church exist to glorify God by:
1) Exalting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek to glorify God in all that we do. We worship the triune God as revealed through His inerrant Word which gives us all that we need for life and godliness. As a church we stand for the glory of God’s name.
2) Equipping the saints with the Bible. We are committed as a community of believers to encourage and equip one another to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We believe that every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts that are useful and necessary for building up the body of Christ. We seek to help each other identify those gifts and use them for the edification of the Church and the performing of good works that God has prepared for His saints to do (Eph. 2:10, 4:12).
3) Evangelizing the world. We believe God is redeeming a people for Himself and that He reaches them through the proclamation of the Gospel. We believe God’s truth in salvation is most accurately represented by the historic Reformed doctrines of grace. We believe that man is dead in his sins and unable to save himself. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. We are committed to the Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that He commanded (Matt. 28:18ff).
4) Encouraging godly households. We believe that God works in covenant with His people mainly through households. We also believe that households are most strengthened through age-integrated worship and activities. We seek to encourage husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, to encourage wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, to encourage fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and to encourage children to honor and obey their parents in the Lord.
Church Ministries
Our church is not about programs. Each activity is intended to equip individuals for ministry through relationships or to provide a context for families to minister together. In addition to Sunday morning worship, we have:
· Discipleship Time – Sunday mornings before the worship service 9:00 to 9:45 for all ages to study the book of Proverbs. Contact Mark Linville for more details
· Sunday Evening Bible Study – 6:00-8:00 at the Zachary home, 3712 Pullman Landing, Manhattan. An informal time of singing, Bible study, and prayer followed by kid’s activities, snacks, and conversation. Contact Chip and Libby Zachary for details
· Apologetics Club – Meeting Tue. nights at the Wilson home, 2488 Woodside Ln., Manhattan, 7:30-9 pm for snacks, prayer, and discussion on defending the Christian faith using books by apologists such as Gordon Clark, C.S. Lewis, Francis Shaeffer, Os Guiness, and Josh McDowell. Contact Nate Wilson for details
· Steering Committee Meeting – 6:00-7:45 Friday mornings at Chip Zachary’s office. For church leaders and potential leaders.
· Church Fellowship Dinner every 1st Sunday of the month following worship. Bring food to share on these weeks, but if you didn’t bring food, don’t worry. Stay and eat; we’ve never run out of food before!
· Ladies’ Book Club – Every 8 weeks, 7:00-9:00 pm on a weeknight. Books are not necessarily Christian, but discussion centers around distinguishing the author’s worldview and comparing it to the Bible. Contact Paula Wilson for more details
· Presbytery Meetings – Meeting with all the PCA elders in Kansas 3x per year. First Friday evening and Saturday morning of April, August, and November. General Assembly – national gathering of the PCA, 2nd week of June. Contact Nate Wilson for more details
· Reformation Day Party – October 31 at the Scenic Valley Inn, celebrating the history of the Reformation of the church. For details contact Paula Wilson
· Spring Church Retreat – Friday evening and Saturday morning before Spring break, Living Waters Ranch. Register with Nate Wilson.
· Want to start something new? Talk with Pastor Nate: 537-9377.
Leadership and Membership
Pastor Nate Wilson is an evangelist with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), and he is working together with the elders of Heartland Presbyterian Church of Wichita to organize Christ the Redeemer Church. While the church is being organized, Nate makes decisions regarding the church with the help of a local steering committee which includes Chip Zachary and Mark Linville. This steering committee will be replaced with a body of elders elected by the members of the church once the church is established.
We strongly encourage everyone who regularly worships with us to become a member of the church, even if you only expect to live in Manhattan for a few years. This gives permission for our elders to exercise spiritual leadership with you, provides a context for you to be held accountable to your Christian faith, and provides a clear basis for you to take communion with us. If you would like to become a member of our congregation, please talk with Nate. Membership requirements are: 1) A credible profession of faith (this doesn’t have to be fancy or scripted) and 2) Christian baptism. If you have been a member of another church congregation, we also require a letter of transfer from your previous church leaders.
Children in the Church
One of the first things most folks notice about Christ the Redeemer Church is all the children! We have a special place in our hearts for children because God does (Matt. 18:3-10). In the Bible, worship assemblies called for children along with the adults (Deut. 31:11-13, 2 Chron. 20:4-13, Ezra 10:1, Joel 2:15-17, Matt. 21:15-16), therefore we believe we should worship God together with our children.
The more that children are separated from their parents and given different sets of experiences and instructions, the more social distance develops between the generations. Children who are kept in worship with adults are more likely to walk faithfully with God when they leave home.
We try to organize worship and church activities so that all ages can participate and learn from the Bible together. We encourage you to try keeping your children with you for at least part of the worship service so they can begin learning to worship in a mature way. We are therefore prepared to put up with more noise and movement from children than most traditional churches will tolerate, so don’t worry if your child is making a little bit of noise or if you have to come in and out of the room to deal with your child. It’s not bothering us; most of us have been through the same thing! However, if your child reaches a point of distracting other people around you, please take the child from the room yourself or bring your child to the back of the room so our child care volunteer can take your child from the room.
Child care is available on Sunday mornings as a training ground to prepare children to join the congregation in worship. Child care volunteers will help your child sit still and listen to bits of the service over the intercom, draw a picture with crayons about the theme of the worship service, memorize some of the songs and liturgy of our church, and walk around as necessary.
We do not have child care volunteers at our Sunday evening Bible study. It is an informal setting where the younger children can read or color in the middle of the floor while we sit around them on couches to talk and pray.
Preparing for Worship
Because we believe in presenting our best to God and because we believe in having our children with us in worship, this calls for some preparation.
· We encourage you to “practice church” throughout the week – sing, pray, and read the Bible or listen to recordings of sermons; don’t wait for Sunday!
· It is wise to go to bed early enough Saturday night that you can be at your best on the Lord’s Day to worship God.
· Make Sunday special! Prepare special food, decorations, books, and music ahead-of-time so that you and your family will look forward to the Lord’s Day.
· Dress for church in such a way as to show respect for God. For some people this may mean a coat and tie, and for others, it may mean choosing a clean T-shirt. The important things are to demonstrate honor to God and to keep from being a distraction to other people. We will all give each other the benefit of the doubt when it comes to dress.
· Bring whatever you need to be comfortable in worship – a water bottle or coffee mug, paper and pen/crayons, quiet toys for children, a pillow to sit on… just don’t fall asleep on us J!
· We encourage members to give financially to the church. Jesus encouraged His followers not to neglect the principle of the tithe – giving 10% of your increase to God (Num. 18:24, Matt. 23:23). Write checks ahead of time and slip them into “Treasure Box” on the back table.
· If you would like to bring a snack to share during fellowship time after the worship service, you are welcome to do so, but it is not required.
· Be sure to pick up a worship booklet from the back table when you arrive on Sunday mornings. It has the order of worship for that morning in the center of the booklet, with music and liturgy in order from front to back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Christ the Redeemer Church get started?
Our roots are in a Bible study group that met for about 15 years. The families that started Christ the Redeemer wanted to see an evangelical and Reformed church develop where children were integral to the church rather than separated into youth programs. In the Summer of 2005, one of these families met Nate and Paula Wilson at a family camp in New Mexico, and Nate expressed interest in helping them start such a church. Christ the Redeemer Church began weekly Lord’s Day services in December 2005.
To which denomination does your church belong?
Christ the Redeemer is a Mission of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The PCA was formed in 1973 in order to continue a Presbyterian church organization with faithfulness to the Bible and the Westminister Standards. The name “Presbyterian” means that the church has a representative form of government. The New Testament word for those representatives is “presbyter,” which can also be translated into English as “elder.” The Presbyterian church tradition originated during the Reformation of the Catholic church in Scotland and England, and culminated in the Westminster Assembly of 151 church and government leaders, which published the Westminster Standards for the churches of the U.K. in 1647. The Westminster Confession of Faith was a unifying factor for most American churches (including Presbyterian, Congregational, and Baptist) until the 1900’s. The PCA is one of the fastest-growing denominations today and has over 1,500 churches which work together in regional associations called Presbyteries and at a national level in their annual General Assembly.
What is a reformed church?
Five points of exclusivity formed a rallying point for churches in sixteenth century Switzerland and the rest of Europe as they sought to reform the Roman Catholic church: 1) Scripture alone above tradition, 2) Christ alone above all church leaders, 3) Grace alone brings us salvation – we do not earn it, 4) Faith alone is the way to salvation – not works, and 5) Glory to God alone. The Latin word for “alone” is “sola/solo” and so these five points are often called the “solas.” In 1618-1619 a regional gathering of these church leaders was held in Dordrecht, Holland (also known as Dordt or Dort) to settle a dispute that had developed over the doctrine of salvation. The gathering (or synod) had representatives from all the major Protestant churches of the time (except for the Huguenots who, because of the severe persecution they faced in their native France, were unable to send representatives). The Canons of Dort composed by this synod, present the doctrine of grace which emphasizes the sovereignty of God. Churches that continue to follow this movement which developed the five “solas” and the Canons of Dort are generally called “reformed.”
Do we have a formal position on the Federal Vision controversy?
No. The Federal Vision is a branch of reformed theology which emphasizes (and some say over-emphasizes) covenant theology, the visible church, sacraments, and holy living. While we do not agree with all taught in those circles, we consider them to be Christian brothers and are very saddened by the tone of the debate which has developed.
How do we deal with differing convictions?
We believe that only Scripture should bind a believer’s conscience. However, we recognize that sincere Christians can study the Bible and arrive at different conclusions in some areas, such as how to dress, age of the earth, when to baptize, how to educate children, and how to observe the Lord’s Day (Romans 14:1). Our elders will teach the Bible to the best of their understanding on these issues from time to time and we will strive for unity (not necessarily uniformity) while maintaining graciousness and charity to those with differing convictions (Romans 15:7).
What is our position on baptism?
We believe that baptism is a sign of a covenant relationship with God which believers and their children enjoy (Acts 2:39, 1 Cor. 7:14). We do not believe that baptism is a proof of salvation or that the application of water saves anyone. Baptism is done in obedience to Christ’s command (Matt. 28:18ff) after a confession of faith by a parent or by the recipient (1 Pet. 3:21). Accordingly, we support the baptism of infants upon the request of a parent as well as baptism of older children and adults upon their own request. However, a person will not be baptized twice (Eph. 4:5). We accept baptism by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion because the Bible supports all three, and all three have been practiced in church history from the apostles onward. We prefer to baptize by pouring since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the predominant association with baptism in the Bible.
Do we take a position on the schooling of children?
We realize Christians have different convictions in this matter, and we respect each family’s right to make a Biblically-informed decision. We do believe that parents are ultimately responsible to God for the education of their children. Parents are to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). In most cases, this would mean home-schooling or private Christian school. However, such a commitment is not required for church membership or church leadership.
Does Christ the Redeemer Church hold to literal six-day creation?
Yes. It seems to us that the Genesis accounts are meant to be taken literally, and this is the consistent interpretation of the Old Testament and New Testament writers who comment on creation. It is also the position that Jesus Christ Himself took (Mark 10:6). We recognize this is a controversial position in some Christian circles so we will not require members to agree with this position. We must emphasize, however, what the Bible emphasizes: that God is the originator of the universe and has always been imminently involved in the development of all living things.
Do we have a position on Sabbath observance?
We believe that the Sabbath is a day of rest (Exod. 20:9–11) and a day of celebration for all the Lord has done on our behalf (Mark 2:27). This rest should involve a cessation of our regular work one day a week. This celebration of the Sabbath should involve regular gatherings of the saints (Heb. 10:25) to worship. Christians may differ on the practical details of how they spend the day, but all should make the day special – holy to the Lord. Beyond that, we are exhorted by the Apostle Paul not to judge one another on our Sabbath observance (Col. 2:16, Rom. 14:5-6).
What type of music is sung at Christ the Redeemer Church?
The Apostle Paul exhorts us to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:19). We believe this phrase is referring to a wide array of musical forms acceptable in public worship. Accordingly, it is our practice to sing Psalms, great hymns of the faith, and new songs which are excellent, Biblical, and encourage us to worship with our spirit as well as our mind (Phil. 4:8, 1 Cor. 14:15).
What is the “covenant renewal” liturgy we use?
The covenant renewal format emphasizes renewal in the
relationship we have with God. It follows the format of the Old Testament worship
ceremonies as well as New Testament examples. Throughout the service, the Lord
initiates and His people respond to His leading through song, responsive
reading, prayer, affirmations, and discussion. The five parts of the service
include: 1) The Call of God to assemble for worship, 2) Confession of sin and
assurance of forgiveness, 3) Consecration through the reading and exposition of
God’s word, 4) Communion – also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, and 5)
Commissioning. After calling us to His presence, cleansing us of our
unrighteousness, teaching us from His word, and strengthening us through the
bread and cup, the Lord sends us into the spiritual battle to fulfill His Great
Commission!
Our Missionaries
1. Ray and Michelle Call – With Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministry, church development in Mexicali.
2. Tim and Ranae – Teaching English and Arabic in the Arabian Peninsula.
3. Jeff and Heather Vaughn – With Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministry in Reynosa.
4. Brad and Patty Wos – College
ministry in St. Louis, MO.
5. Life Choice Ministries, Manhattan,
KS
6. Shepherd’s
Crossing, Manhattan, KS
Our Vision for the Future
We don’t expect we can do these things perfectly, but
these are ideals we believe are worth working toward:
· A refreshing church atmosphere where everything is done according to the Bible and honors God in every respect.
· Brotherly love, encouragement, and prayer that helps each member through every challenge in life.
· Families that enjoy being together and doing ministry together with godly leadership from the head of each household.
·
· Partnership with many local churches in prayer, worship, and evangelism.
· Every person in the Manhattan area having a chance to respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.
· K-State students and our own children effectively discipled and building the kingdom of God in their vocations.
· Mercy ministry through the church that meets needs and equips people for long-term success in life more effectively than secular welfare.
· Grandchildren filling the earth with the glory and praise of God.
· Fully harnessing the arts toward the glory of God.
· Continuously planting new churches locally and around the world.
If this vision resonates with you, please talk with Pastor Nate about joining Christ the Redeemer Church!
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