Questions about SHF are common. We know we are not a one-size-fits-all church, and that our guests might be curious to find out more about us. This is understandable, so to help we have provided answers to some of our most frequently asked questions:
1. What does the word "charismatic" mean at SHF?
Let's be honest, the word charismatic is hard to define. For some it describes a certain worship style, and for others it's often tied to a specific spiritual gift(s) or ministry practices. Some might even visit us with an expectation informed by a previous experience with churches that are charismatic. If so, they could be surprised to find we have rather ordinary services, simple but joyful singing of both old and new songs, and sermons that mainly emphasize a humble walk with Jesus Christ. What's so charismatic about that?
At SHF the word charismatic is not about our style of worship service or how we do ministry. It's about our firm belief that the Holy Spirit is sovereign. This means He determines which spiritual gifts He gives to believers (1 Corinthians 12:11). It also means that He may choose to heal someone, or grant that person the strength to endure suffering. And He always reserves the right to make His Presence known whenever or wherever we gather together. Our application of spiritual gifts is always governed by the Scriptures. We are intentionally not interested in non-biblical practices (whether or not they are labeled charismatic), but instead embrace a view of the Spirit's ministry and sovereignty that is informed by the Word of God.
"The Holy Spirit does as He pleases, and He does it without our vote."
- Dr. Steve Brown, Reformed Theological Seminary
2. Why is SHF not a part of any denomination?
Our journey together has led us to become a simple new covenant church, elder led and congregation supported. The Bible is our final source of doctrine and practice, and while we love the ancient creeds and other historic confessions of faith, we don't consider them authoritative over our fellowship.
We feel the same way about denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.). We joyfully partner with churches from different denominations for ministry, but have discovered that those structures are unnecessary for the way our congregation worships and serves Jesus Christ together. When people ask what kind of church we are, the answer is surprisingly simple: a Christian one.
3. Why do you meet in a high school gym for worship?
It has always been our plan to build a permanent place to worship. Initially we thought this would be next to Northern Nash High School, which is why we choose that site for our Sunday meetings. However, we recently decided to build on the north side of Rocky Mount on land that was generously donated to us.
So why do we continue to meet in the school? It really comes down to wise stewardship of our available resources. The low cost of renting NNHS allows us to be wise with our funds and to plan strategically for our building project. And to be completely honest, we have never been overly concerned with where we worship, but rather Who we worship.
4. Why don't you have a lot of programs?
SHF has a conviction that in order for Christian families to flourish they need to be able to spend quality time together. Our church schedule reflects that conviction and is kept simple on purpose. We do have some very important ministries, but we never want to be a church that is driven by programs. We believe that families should not have to regularly choose between spending time together at home or attending another church event or program.
However, please don't be fooled by our simple schedule. It doesn't mean that we take discipleship lightly. We strongly encourage attending one of our small groups, involvement in events for youth, men, and women, and we do offer various discipleship classes on biblical topics throughout the year. We just attempt to schedule these in a way that best serves our families, rather than adding to (what is so often) an already busy home life.
1. What does the word "charismatic" mean at SHF?
Let's be honest, the word charismatic is hard to define. For some it describes a certain worship style, and for others it's often tied to a specific spiritual gift(s) or ministry practices. Some might even visit us with an expectation informed by a previous experience with churches that are charismatic. If so, they could be surprised to find we have rather ordinary services, simple but joyful singing of both old and new songs, and sermons that mainly emphasize a humble walk with Jesus Christ. What's so charismatic about that?
At SHF the word charismatic is not about our style of worship service or how we do ministry. It's about our firm belief that the Holy Spirit is sovereign. This means He determines which spiritual gifts He gives to believers (1 Corinthians 12:11). It also means that He may choose to heal someone, or grant that person the strength to endure suffering. And He always reserves the right to make His Presence known whenever or wherever we gather together. Our application of spiritual gifts is always governed by the Scriptures. We are intentionally not interested in non-biblical practices (whether or not they are labeled charismatic), but instead embrace a view of the Spirit's ministry and sovereignty that is informed by the Word of God.
"The Holy Spirit does as He pleases, and He does it without our vote."
- Dr. Steve Brown, Reformed Theological Seminary
2. Why is SHF not a part of any denomination?
Our journey together has led us to become a simple new covenant church, elder led and congregation supported. The Bible is our final source of doctrine and practice, and while we love the ancient creeds and other historic confessions of faith, we don't consider them authoritative over our fellowship.
We feel the same way about denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.). We joyfully partner with churches from different denominations for ministry, but have discovered that those structures are unnecessary for the way our congregation worships and serves Jesus Christ together. When people ask what kind of church we are, the answer is surprisingly simple: a Christian one.
3. Why do you meet in a high school gym for worship?
It has always been our plan to build a permanent place to worship. Initially we thought this would be next to Northern Nash High School, which is why we choose that site for our Sunday meetings. However, we recently decided to build on the north side of Rocky Mount on land that was generously donated to us.
So why do we continue to meet in the school? It really comes down to wise stewardship of our available resources. The low cost of renting NNHS allows us to be wise with our funds and to plan strategically for our building project. And to be completely honest, we have never been overly concerned with where we worship, but rather Who we worship.
4. Why don't you have a lot of programs?
SHF has a conviction that in order for Christian families to flourish they need to be able to spend quality time together. Our church schedule reflects that conviction and is kept simple on purpose. We do have some very important ministries, but we never want to be a church that is driven by programs. We believe that families should not have to regularly choose between spending time together at home or attending another church event or program.
However, please don't be fooled by our simple schedule. It doesn't mean that we take discipleship lightly. We strongly encourage attending one of our small groups, involvement in events for youth, men, and women, and we do offer various discipleship classes on biblical topics throughout the year. We just attempt to schedule these in a way that best serves our families, rather than adding to (what is so often) an already busy home life.
