To expand on the previous Q + A with Pastors Mike and Gloria, the following are their responses to a few hypothetical situations.
Often, people go to church for the first time because they are seeking something that is missing in their lives. They may have a problem they can’t fix and hope church will solve it for them. Many times, they are disappointed and find more requirements than any kind of encouragement. What would you say to a new visitor, searching for an answer?
Pastor Mike: Finding what is missing has and fixing it has two parts, getting the information that you need; that’s the church part and applying it to your life; that’s your part. Our job isn’t to force people to do what they should, just help them understand and support each other as we follow Christ.
Pastor Gloria: I would tell people that there are answers to their questions; however, their expectation of just what and how their needs will be met is what needs to be adjusted. Usually, people want God to answer their questions, or fulfill their needs their way and on a fast food basis. For instance, we pray for God to solve our financial problems by making the Church give us money, when what we really need is discipline where our finances are concerned.
Does Rock Spring take any political position? Some churches are very active in the Pro-Life community, some are very vocal about their opposition of homosexuality, some ignore social issues like these in fear of offending people. How does Rock Spring handle these issues and others that may be less than desirable to talk about?
Pastor Mike: We stay away from political issues. We have our hands full with the God issues. If God said something about the issue than we have a position, if our stating God’s position offends people, even “Christians”, oh well.
Pastor Gloria: The only political view that Rock Spring has is; “What does God say about it?” If God says, “Its wrong!” Then, Rock Spring’s stance on that issue is, “Its wrong!” End of story. We are not known for shying away from any subject.
What about political candidates? I know at least legally, the church cannot endorse any one person or party. However, I’ve known a lot of pastors who give their personal opinions to members as if it’s gospel. How do the pastors of Rock Spring approach this issue? When election time rolls around, are certain biblical passages “manipulated” to favor whatever issue or person the pastors support? Do you ignore politics altogether? Do you preach on issues such as poverty, homelessness, economy, etc.?
Pastor Mike: We teach on anything that is in the Bible. If there are candidates bringing up a specific topic that is addressed in the Bible then I will speak to the topic, not for or against the candidate. I do vote in every election because it is my civil right and duty. I will not use the stage as a platform for politics, I don’t believe that is the purpose of our church.Pastor Gloria: Rock Spring does not endorse any particular political candidate; however, if a candidate is blatantly in error, I’m sure we would tackle that issue.
What would you do if someone walked into your service intoxicated? Would you ignore it? Would you approach the person after the service? How would you react if you found out one of your members was an alcoholic or drug addict?
Pastor Mike: I would be glad that they were in a place where they could learn more about their heavenly father. It would only be an issue with me if they acted in a way that hindered others from their own spiritual journey. I don’t believe being intoxicated is wise because when we are, we throw off our own constraints and sometimes do things even we wouldn’t normally do. Jesus said, “don’t be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery, the word debauchery means to take off the guards on our life. We wake up and say, “I wish I hadn’t…” Why do churches sometimes seem so focused on outward actions when everyone who comes to church has things in their lives they shouldn’t be doing. The Bible says “all have sinned, no one is good.” If we could be good or sin free we wouldn’t need Jesus but we do and church is where we learn and support one another.Pastor Gloria: As quiet as it is kept, the Church is the place where the alcoholic, drug addict, or any one else who in bondage, should show up. Rock Spring would rejoice that they felt comfortable enough to show up. That’s the business we’re in.
Give me your thoughts on issues that affect our teens today, besides the obvious drinking, drugs and sex. What about suicide, eating disorders, self-injury, depression, divorce? How can Rock Spring reach out to these young adults and guide them in the right direction?
Pastor Mike: These are real issues each of us – teen or adult – face and our Heavenly Father has real answers. As a church we want to help others succeed. Sometimes the issue such as sex, drinking, or divorce isn’t a sin but how we choose to use it can be. The best way we can help is to clearly share what the Bible says concerning such issues.Pastor Gloria: Each one of the issues facing our teens is reality; our responsibility to them is to acknowledge them as such and if they are in need to help, then we should give it to them without judging or condemning them. Educating and encouraging our teens, no matter what they are facing is primary. Walking with them through their problems will bring them victory in overcoming the hard places.
Are there any requirements for attending Rock Spring? Do women have to wear dresses? Are men looked down upon if they wear shorts? What about tattoos and piercings?
Pastor Mike: All I can say is “come as you are.” I grew up in a church that sang a song almost every Sunday called Just as I am, but what I learned about the church was you can’t come just as you are. I hope Rock Spring is a church where people can come just as they are.Pastor Gloria: The only requirement for attending Rock Spring is brokenness, having a need for a Savior because you’re screwed up. Tattoos and piercings allowed; look at Pastor Mike; he wears earrings. We ask that men not wear frilly dresses, nor shorts if they have ugly legs (smile).
What are the requirements to become a member of Rock Spring? What are the reasons behind these requirements?
Pastor Mike: Jesus said follow me and be baptized. I can’t ask any more of people than Jesus did. If someone wants to follow Jesus, that’s good enough for me. I believe baptism is like a wedding ring, I want people to know I’m married to Kathy so I wear a wedding ring, baptism is letting people know you’re in a committed relationship with Jesus.Pastor Gloria: The requirements for becoming a member of Rock Spring are laid out when a person attends our Inside Rock Spring meeting. It includes, a real life changing encounter with Jesus Christ, usually referred to as being saved. Rock Spring is a part of the Body of Christ, the universal Church, so identifying with Jesus Christ is the primary requirement.
If I am a smoker, can I still call myself a Christian? If I go to a bar on Saturday night, does that mean I shouldn’t go to church on Sunday morning? If I’m a Christian, does that mean I can’t listen to secular music? Do I have to stay away from the movie theater, not play video games, etc? Can I go to the beach and wear a bikini? Will I go to hell if I get a divorce?
Pastor Mike: The best question a Christian can learn to ask themselves, “is it wise?” Is it wise to smoke, to go to the bar on Saturday night, to listen to secular music…? The only thing that keeps you from a relationship with Christ (being a Christian) is not having one. Allowing or doing unwise (sin) things in your life will severely hinder your relationship with God and you can possibly hinder others their relationship with God as well.Pastor Gloria: All of the behaviors that you mention are just that, behaviors. We are saved because of what Jesus did, not because of what you and I do. I really believe that as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, He will modify our behavior. The Scripture makes it very clear that “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” Philippians 1:6. Only God can fix us. I am not your judge and do not have a heaven or hell to put you in.
What is Rock Spring’s position on the Rapture? Is it for real? Will it actually happen or is it just a story made up by those who misinterpret the bible? Are you Pre-, Mid-, or Post-Trib in your belief and which position is taught in the church?
Pastor Mike: I teach all the possible theories on the end times so we know what to look for when the end begins to happen or is happening now. I believe in the Pan theory; it will all pan out for us if we do what Jesus wants us to do. Jesus said in Mark 13:5-13 that all the things we’ve heard about the end times will happen but “don’t be alarmed”. He went on to say that the good news about him must be shared to all nations, I believe Jesus wants us to be able to know when we see the end happening but to stay focused on helping others come back to a relationship with their Heavenly Father, which is why Jesus says, “don’t be alarmed when you see these things happening.”Pastor Gloria: Rock Spring’s position on the Rapture is that it is truth and will surely occur. I am a pre-trib hopeful. (There is a cd available of a team preaching effort that Mike and I did; it will give you our personal beliefs about this subject). What we do teach at Rock Spring is that “rapture” on a personal level will occur. So, whether we go solo, or collectively, we must be in a state of readiness.
Do you have any other thoughts that may help a newcomer of the church?
Pastor Mike: I’ve been hurt more by church than by any other group but I’ve been helped and accepted more by church as well. It’s worth the risk to try church one more time and I pray that Rock Spring is always at the top of churches to attend.
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