South Suburban Church of God



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Pastor Jackson

In one of our recent leadership meetings, it was suggested that a Q&A might be beneficial in explaining some particulars about our church. I’ve chosen to address some of those issues here.

What is the purpose of the first prayer, when many gather in front of the church and often hold hands?
This prayer is time for testimonies and thankfulness for answered prayer and request for the entire church to pray corporately for any particular matter that individuals are praying about in their private prayers. There might be a health problem, something work related, family relations, or a host of other private concerns. The gathering up front is simply for solidarity and unity of purpose.

How does one become a member, in that, no one ever opens the doors of the church?
One of our core convictions is that salvation, becoming a Christian or the New Birth makes us members of the church or the Body of Christ. In St. john 10:9-10, Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” Paul, the apostle wrote, “that if thou shall confess with thou mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine hear that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. These scriptures, along with others, are foundational to our belief, that salvation makes one a member of the church. Christ has opened the doors for all who believe and confess him as their Savior and Lord. Among our core beliefs is the following expression that we have used for years, “We reach our hands in fellowship to every blood washed one.”
Becoming a member of this local body, South Suburban Church of God, we should hope one is in agreement with these verses. However, if one has never publicly acknowledged they are saved, born again or have accepted Christ, we feel their testimony is incomplete. If one is a believer, seeking a new place to worship, a statement would help us know their intentions, that we may respond.
Our New Members’ class helps prospective individuals to understand who we are and what we believe and assists them in assimilating into the fellowship of the church.

What is the purpose of the prayer after the preaching?
This prayer is an invitation to become disciples or followers of Jesus Christ.
This prayer is to call down the blessings of God for those seeking spiritual direction in life.
This prayer is for those who’ve made a commitment in response to what they’ve heard preached.