Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions people often ask us: what to expect when you visit, why we worship as we do, what the Bible teaches about salvation, and how to live the Christian life. If you are new, begin with Start Here.
Worship and the Regulative Principle
- What should I expect in a church service?
- What is the Regulative Principle of Worship?
- Why do you sing only Psalms, and not hymns?
- Why no musical instruments?
- What is a precentor, and why is one needed?
- Some people pray "Thee," others "You" — does it matter?
- Are women supposed to wear a head covering in church, or all the time?
- Why are pictures of Jesus forbidden, including in children's books?
- What does keeping the Lord's day holy look like?
- Do you mark Christmas or Easter as special services? Why or why not?
- Can visitors take communion, or is it for members only?
Scripture, Creeds and Confessions
- Why the KJV?
- What is Confessionally Reformed?
- What's the difference between the Three Forms of Unity and the Westminster Standards?
- Where's the line between a pastor's personal opinion and actual biblical teaching?
- Can doctrine itself become an idol?
- Why does so much division exist between churches that hold very similar core beliefs?
God's Covenants
- What is covenant theology, in basic terms?
- What's the difference between two-covenant and three-covenant theology?
- Can you explain the Covenant of Grace simply?
- How were people saved before Christ came?
- Are children of believers already in the covenant of grace by birth into the visible church, or only under it until a later conversion brings them in?
- What is presumptive regeneration, and does our church hold to it?
- What's the real difference between infant and adult baptism? Does salvation hinge on it?
Gospel and Salvation
- How can I be saved?
- Is being "converted" something different from simply repenting and believing — and which am I told to do?
- Is there a "right" way to pray for repentance, or a certain measure of sorrow or knowledge of misery needed first?
- How does "strive to enter the narrow gate" fit with "whoever asks will receive"?
- What is election, simply explained?
- How do God's sovereignty and human responsibility fit together?
- How can I tell a change in my life is a real work of grace, and not just me trying harder?
- How can I know for sure I'm saved?
- What if my sense of assurance isn't as strong as it seems to be for others?
- What role do feelings play in real faith, without becoming the basis for assurance?
- Can a Christian fall out of grace?
The Christian Family
- How do I explain the gospel simply enough for a young child to understand?
- What prayers are good to teach children beyond the basics?
- How do I honor a parent as Scripture commands while keeping a healthy boundary because of past harm?
- What does Scripture say about adopting children?
- What does Scripture say about IVF and surrogacy?
- How do I share my faith with family who don't want to hear it, without damaging the relationship?
- How do I lovingly stay close to a family member who's come out as gay or lesbian, without constant conflict?
Christian Living
- I sometimes can't follow the sermon and it feels over my head — is that normal?
- How should Christians think about tithing — how much, and toward what?
- What does modesty mean for a Christian — just clothing, or more?
- How do we discern men's clothing versus women's clothing? Is it sinful for women to wear pants?
- Is dancing out of joy sinful, or only when done provocatively?
- What does the Bible say about humor?
- Is it fine for Christians to say things like "oh my word"?
- I don't think my church is teaching the full Word of God, but I am afraid to leave. What should I do?