GRAHAM CHURCH FAQ's

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Who Is Graham Church?

What’s in the name?  Who is Graham Church named after?
         “Graham” was the name of the small community and school located here on Britton Road in the 1800's.  Three brothers named Graham settled the area around 150 years ago. All that remains of now the community is Graham Church and the township cemetery next door.

What denomination is Graham Church?
        Graham is an independent, non-denominational church which bases its teaching and practices on Scripture.  We have believers from many denominational and religious traditions.

Why all the buildings?
         Graham has experienced significant growth over the past several years requiring creative use of facilities.
1993 - Morning Worship went to two services
1994 - New Auditorium/multipurpose building
1997 - New Teen Ministry Room
1999 - Offices moved into former parsonage
2000 - Additional property purchased
Future - ?

What Does Graham Believe?
Now that’s not a short answer question!  The simplest response is, “We believe and teach the  Bible as God’s Word to man and our ultimate authority.”  Please request a copy of Graham’s Statement of Faith (or view it online) which spells out in detail the teaching position of our body.

Why does Graham Church teach the Bible?
        The Bible is God’s message to man and the most significant Book ever written.   We believe it is important to make our teaching interesting and  relevant to 21st century living, and faithful to God’s Word.  Nothing does that better than verse-by-verse application of the Scriptures.
Does Graham believe they are “the only church doing it right”?
         Not at all.  We are one small part of the body of Christ which consists of born-again Christians from across the globe. We give thanks and pray for other evangelical (Bible-believing) churches.

I’m not sure I know what you mean by “Christian.”  Isn’t everybody a Christian?
        A Christian is one who has turned from their sin and placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.   You don’t become a Christian by being religious, doing good things, or by any other good work.  A man or woman becomes an authentic Christian when "you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"  (Romans 10:9).

        This is the Good News.  That Jesus gave His life as our substitute, and took upon Himself the punishment for our sin, so we could be forgiven.  ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"   (John 3:16).
 
Becoming a Part of Graham

What does Graham teach about water baptism?
        Obeying the command of the Lord (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38), we practice believer’s baptism by immersion.  Baptism is not the means of salvation, but all who have trusted Christ are encouraged to follow Christ in baptism as a public testimony of their faith in Him.

Why don’t you baptize infants?
        Every example of baptism in the New Testament is of believers giving testimony of their faith through baptism.  Since an infant cannot yet place their trust in Christ until they understand the Good News, we ask that baptism wait until they believe in Him.

How do I get baptized?
        By speaking to a staff member and requesting baptism. Graham schedules baptisms several times a year, typically on Sunday evenings.

How do I become a member of Graham church?
        The requirements for membership can be summarized in two points:

         •    New members should have placed their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
         •    New members should have been baptized by immersion as a believer.

        The process for membership includes reading the church constitution and filling out a membership application.  A staff member would be glad to make these available and answer further questions.

How do I get involved?
        Our goal is to see every believer serving the Lord in some capacity.  God has gifted you for ministry and wants you to use your gifts for Him.  Contact a pastor concerning your ministry desires and they will help you find a suitable place of service.
 
Graham’s Ministries

What are all the stripes on the floor?
        Graham’s Wednesday Evening AWANA program uses the auditorium.  AWANA is an exciting children’s ministry for kids age three to grade six.  Times are 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesday during the school year.

What do you have for my teenager?
        Graham has a dynamic Youth Ministry.  Activities include Bible studies, retreats, mission trips, group outings, and a Wednesday evening Youth Group meeting at 6:45 p.m.

What about Sunday Evening?
        Sunday night services at 6:00 p.m. are an informal time of worship and praise, music, Bible teaching, and special events. This is a come-as-you-are service with a special emphasis on personal fellowship.

What about Communion?
        Normally communion is celebrated once a month on the first Sunday during the 6:00 p.m. service.  We believe “the Lord’s Supper” is an important time to remember what Christ did for us, examine our own lives, and glorify the Lord who made us one in Christ.