I recently received a questionnaire from a church that was looking for a new Pastor. They have been given my résumé from another source. I took the time to fill out the questionnaire and have yet to hear back from them. After some thought about it, I realized that this would be a good subject for my blog.

Keep in mind that I was asked to answer these questions in a paragraph form. Thus, some of these answers were not expounded upon as they could have been. I might take the time later on to give more insight to these questions on a more individual level, but for now, I will post them here just as I answered them. Also, please be aware that if you intend to look up the scripture references that I gave, you may want to do so with the King James Bible. Whether you believe it or not the “version” you use may change the interpretation of the scriptures. This is one of the reasons I stick with the trusty Old King James, but that is for another topic all together.

If you don’t have a King James, you can link to it here. Bible Gateway

Now on to the questionnaire…

What do you believe about the Scriptures? 

I believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16). I believe that they were preserved throughout history so that man has always had the written Word of God (Ps. 12:7). I believe that God’s Word was complete in Heaven before giving it to man here on earth (Ps. 119:89). Furthermore, I believe that the King James Bible is the only perfect Word of God.

 

What is your philosophy about the origin of life? 

I believe God created the worlds and all that are in them out of nothing. I believe the Genesis account of this event in that it was done in six literal days (24 hour periods) and that God rested on the seventh day.

 

What do you believe about the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” sometimes called the “Trinity?” 

I believe in one God. He is one yet in three persons. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All three are one God.

 

Is there evidence that that Jesus Christ is Deity? Give example. 

Yes. John chapter one states that He was in the beginning with God and that He was God. It goes on to tell us that He was the creator and later became flesh and dwelt among men. Many times in His dealings with the Pharisees and others, He even made claims to be God. One of my favorite times is when He was in a conversation with the Pharisees and He claimed to see Abraham in his day. The Pharisees replied that He was only in His thirties and could not possibly have done so. To which Jesus replied, “Before Abraham was I am.” (Jn. 8:58)

 

What do you believe about the Virgin Birth? 

Christ was born of a virgin. Mary was not the mother of God as Christ was eternally in existence. Mary also did not remain a virgin after the birth of Christ. God did, however, through the Holy Spirit impregnate (by supernatural means) Mary so that she conceived of the Holy Ghost (Mt. 1:20; Lk. 1:31; 1 Peter 1:23). Thus Jesus has God’s blood and is God’s son, yet He is also the Man Christ Jesus.

 

How do you believe a man gets to Heaven? 

I believe a man gets to Heaven 100% grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). One must believe on Christ and nothing else to receive eternal life. In order to do so, you need to acknowledge that Christ died for your sins (you are a sinner), that He was buried (suffered your death & hell), and that He rose again (victorious over death and hell)as described in 1 Cor. 15. Believing these things you may call upon His name for salvation.

 

Describe Heaven. 

Heaven is a literal place where all saved will go. A place that is free of sin, sickness and death. To describe it justly would take more room than is allowed here. Heaven is a place that Christ is preparing for His children.

 

Describe Hell. 

Hell is also a literal place. It is a place of eternal fire and torments. All who are not saved will wake up in Hell at the time of death. After they are judged at the Great White Throne they will then be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:14).

 

Men are basically Good / Wicked (circle one). Explain: 

Man chooses to sin. Even without knowledge of God or His word, man makes a choice to sin. Whether through violating his God-given conscience or willfully going against God’s word. But, when judgment is passed, all will be guilty of sin. There will be none that are excusable. No one will be able to plead ignorance. All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Romans chapters 1-6)

 

What do you believe about the Holy Spirit? Include in your answer what does the Holy Spirit do? 

I believe He is part of the Triune God. I believe that He indwells every believer. He empowers, teaches, sanctifies, and seals the believer. These are but a few things that He does. He also convicts the sinner of his need for Christ.

 

Do you have a position about “the rapture?” 

I believe that the rapture is an event that will take place before the tribulation that is spoken of in Revelation. I believe that first, those who are saved and have passed away will be reunited with their physical bodies and then the saved that remain will be called up together with them in the air.(1 Thes. 4:14-17) During this process our bodies will be changed in a moment and a twinkling of the eye. We will be glorified. We will finally be as God sees us to be.

 

What are the ordinances of the church and what are their purposes? 

The ordinances of the church are water baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Baptism is an act of obedience that identifies believers with Christ. It is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is a prerequisite to church membership.

The Lord’s Supper is to be partaken of by those who have been saved and baptized. It is to be administered by a local church as often as that church chooses. It is not to be taken lightly as we are to remember what Christ has done for us. Unleavened bread is used as a picture of Christ’s broken body and unfermented grape juice is a picture of His shed blood. Neither ordinance has any saving power whatsoever. 

Who do you think Satan is / was? 

Satan was a beautiful angel in charge of guarding God’s throne. He lifted himself up in pride and wanted to be equal with God. Not equal in holiness but in power. He drew 1/3 of the angels with him in his rebellion. He has been cast down and is awaiting his final judgment that will be in the lake of fire. Presently, he is the god of this world seeking to thwart the cause of Christ.

 

What is your understanding of the Resurrection? 

The resurrection of Christ was a bodily resurrection. The resurrection of the saved will take place at the rapture; this also is a bodily resurrection. The resurrection of the lost unto judgment will take place at the end of the millennial reign. Their bodies (in the grave) will be reunited with their souls (in Hell). They will then stand before God and both body and soul will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

 

Can someone lose their Salvation? Explain. 

1 John 5 teaches that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. It is not dependent upon us. He that hath the Son hath life. If you have Christ as your Saviour, you have eternal life. Furthermore, God tells us in this passage that He wrote these things so that we can KNOW that we HAVE eternal life. If I know I have it, it must be mine. If it is eternal, it is mine forever. Then Titus 1:2 tells us that God promised us eternal life before the world began and that God cannot lie.

 

What do you believe about Soul Winning? 

It is a command of God that every saved person is to go and reach the lost. Soul winning should be a way of life, not just an activity that we take part in once or twice a week. Wherever we are, we should be soul conscious

 

How many Missionaries should a church of about 100 active members support? Explain. 

Honestly, I have never given this much thought. The Bible does not say, so I believe that this is an issue that each church should answer for themselves. I believe we are commanded to reach the world, I believe in missions. I believe you should support as many as your church is willing to support with their giving.  I do not see much purpose behind supporting hundreds of missionaries at $10-$25 each. Is that really support? I think the amount should be in proportion to the need.

 

Explain Sanctification. 

I believe in sanctification by grace through faith. All of the Christian life is through faith. God has sanctified us through the shed blood of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have been set apart to do good works. We have been made new in Christ. God “…calleth those things which be not as though they were.” (Rom 4:17)

 

Describe a “Church”? 

A Church is a called out assembly of baptized believers. It is a local group of believers working together to do God’s will on earth. I do not believe in hierarchical church government, but rather that each church is a local body of called out, baptized believers who are separated unto God and good works. Each church is accountable to God through the leadership of its pastor.

 

What is your position on Human Sexuality? 

God made male and female. By joining together, these two become one flesh. Sex is a beautiful gift given to us by God. It is only for one man and one woman who have joined together in marriage.

 

When would an abortion be an acceptable option? 

Never.

 

What should the relationship between the church and civil government be? 

The Government’s responsibility is to protect our rights to worship and serve God. Beyond that it has no business in the church. The Church, or rather the individual members, should play an active part in the affairs of government. Our voting and community service should be an extension of our faith.

 

What do you believe about giving? 

I believe that we a stewards of the resources that God has given to us. I believe in the law of sowing and reaping (Gal 6). I believe that every man is accountable to God and that it is each person’s responsibility to support the work of God and His servants. We are taught that we are to give willfully and cheerfully. Our giving should be done in proportion to our ability (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:11-14; 2 Cor. 9:6-7).

 

How “Separated” from the world should church members be? 

We should not dress like the world, talk like the world or act like the world. We are to be a peculiar people. Our lives should emulate Christ. We are in the world, and therefore, we will be a part of this world, but we are not of this world and should live on a higher plane. I am sorry for the vagueness of this answer, but I’m not sure how specific I am supposed to be. Christians are to act like… Christians.

 

Why are you Baptist? 

I am a Biblicist. In other words, I am a Bible believer. My loyalties are to God’s Word, not to an organization or a denomination. This being said, I believe that a name identifies a person. I believe that throughout history, true Baptists have always identified themselves with God’s Word. I believe that you can trace the history of the Baptist, historically and scripturally, back to the disciples of Christ. I am a Biblicist; therefore, I am a Baptist.

 

What are your financial requirements? 

I have my wife and four children. I am practically debt free. It is God’s responsibility to provide for me. He uses the giving of God’s people. If God’s people are obedient to God’s command than God’s servants will be taken care of according to their needs. I am not concerned about this issue.

 

If not already provided in your resume, provide your personal salvation testimony including your call to preach. 

I believe this was provided in my resume.