FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What denomination affiliation do you have? 

We are an independent church and we are not a part of any denomination. We have good relationship with the churches in our county and work together on many issues. You can check out our statement of faith on our website to see how we believe on various Doctrinal Issues. We are a Charismatic church which has what is called a world view. We believe the Bible is inerrant and is the Master’s plan for our lives.

What is your governmental structure?

We have a Board of Elders who are responsible for the vision of the church and the implementation of that vision. The elders are also responsible to be sure the doctrine of the church is Biblically sound. The final responsibility is to be sure the Senior Pastor’s marriage stays sound. We also have a Church Council which has the responsibility to set a budget and see to it that the budget is carried out in a correct manner. We also have a Board of Trustees who acts as a mediation board for any disputes that might arise in the church. They have the final say on what ever dispute they are asked to mediate.

Do you believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Yes, we believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an important ingredient in a believer’s life. There is a number of scriptural references that strongly indicate that we all need the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 19:1-5 are just a few that point to the importance of the In Filling of the Holy Spirit. There is a lesson under the Discipling 12 lessons that have most of the scriptures as well as the explanation and benefits of this experience. We believe that speaking in tongues is possible when you are filled with the Spirit but it is just one of many evidences of this great experience.

Do you believe in miracles for today?

Yes, we believe miracles are an important part of a believer and a church’s daily walk. Jesus said in John 14:12 that the works that He did we would do also and He never implied that would stop at any time. We believe that the working of miracles in I Corinthians 12 is an active part of church life and one that we are contending for every time we meet together. We are confident that the working of miracles is for everyone and not just a selected few so we encourage every one to pray and expect miracles in their lives.


Does your church encourage the Gifts of the Spirit to operate?

Yes, we believe in the “Gifts” to operate in an orderly way. In the corporate gathering, we ask that the person in charge of the meeting be checked with before a tongue or prophecy is given. We want to know the person who is giving the tongue or prophecy and then that prophecy or interpretation will be judged. We believe the best place for the “Gifts” to operate is in our small groups where there is a more family environment. The other “Gifts” will move in a more private way unless the person in charge senses that there is to be a time for laying on of hands then we would expect the Gift of Faith, Working of Miracles, and Gift of Healing to operate through all that are praying.

Who can pray for people in the church meetings?

We have three groups of people that we use to pray. The Pastoral Staff, Elders, and Ministry Team members are asked to pray during any ministry time in a corporate meeting. You can always ask the person that you think the Lord is asking you to pray for and if they say yes then you can pray for them and expect the Lord to minister to them.

How do I become a member of your church?

We do not have membership but we do have a church covenant that we like people to look at and be in agreement with us? How can we walk together unless we are in agreement on vision? The class is called 101 and it explains the basics of our church life and it will give you the opportunity to sense if this is the place the Lord wants you to grow and serve.

Do you believe in deliverance?

Yes we do believe in deliverance! We know the devil is real and he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Scripture also tells us to give the devil no place. With these two things in mind, we have a foe that we need to fight. Deliverance is necessary when you are aware that the spiritual pressure against you is keeping victory from you in an area. Also another indicator is when there is a constant cycling of disaster. Maybe fear is really strong or you are so confused that you can not make up your mind about a given situation. Ask someone to pray with you about the enemies attack. The Holy Spirit will give discernment about what kind attack that you might be under. It might just be a fleshly thing that I need to crucify with the word or a situation that is happening because I live in a broken world or it might be a direct attack by the devil and I have given place and I need the word of deliverance spoken over me. Get some one who has some maturity and submit to God and resist the devil and you will have a victory.

How do I know I am going to heaven?

Scripture says that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead you will be saved. Notice the two things that are necessary. First you must confess what you believe. There is a requirement to say out loud that you believe Jesus was and is real and that He was the Son or God. You believe in your heart that Jesus walked the earth and was crucified and rose again for your sins and mine and that persuasion caused you to let someone know. Usually people will have you pray what you believe and ask you to repeat scriptures that explain what you have done.  It is never by works but simply because of the Lord’s great love. Everyone does it the same way and we all need to do it. If you do what the word says, then you will have the word’s result.


How do I grow in my Christianity?

It is very important for you to read your Bible every day. You may not understand everything but take what you do understand and act on it the best you can. Remember the Holy Spirit is a helper and He will help teach you. Pray to the Lord every day. Prayer is just conversation, so talk and listen. We at South Coast believe in small groups and we are convinced that we grow best with other people around us. Accountability of fellow believers helps us become more Christ like in all that we do.

How do I get into a small group?

All you have to do is sign up. You can email your information into the church. You can stop by the D12 counter in the foyer and sign up there or you can ask any pastor and we all will be happy to get you into a group that you will like.

Why do you call the groups D12?

D12 stands for discipling 12 and it comes from the example that Jesus used in His time here on the earth. He spent time with twelve men and then He released them to do the same thing.  We know that Judas betrayed Him and James was beheaded but the ten went out and evangelized and discipled and you and I are here today because of there obedience. We desire to do the same thing.

 

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  • Phone: (805) 658-7646
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  • Services Sat. 6pm/Sun. 8:30 & 10:30
South Coast Fellowship | 4050 Market Street, Ventura, California 93003 | Map