Statistics tell us that the majority of people in Connecticut do not attend church – but that doesn’t mean they’re not curious! Perhaps the following questions and answers will give you a better picture of what White Oak is all about.
1. How big is your church?
There are about 95 of us, when everyone’s in attendance. We range in age from newborn babies to senior citizens.
2. How would you describe White Oak?
We’re a friendly congregation, an easy group to get to know, with a simple approach to church. We value our Sunday mornings together, we like music and singing, and we encourage each other in various ways throughout the week. Being involved in our community and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ are important to us. We enjoy meeting guests and visitors and making them feel as welcome as possible.
3. Are families welcome?
Yes! Read about our nursery elsewhere on the website if you think you may need child care assistance during worship. Everyone’s welcome – the greatest joy in life is worshipping God, and we want all people to experience it.
4. What is your worship like?
Some call our style “blended worship”. We enjoy the old hymns of centuries ago – they help us maintain a connection with the Christian faith across the ages. But we like contemporary praise music, too – those songs allow us to express our heart’s affections more precisely to God. There's a time for prayer, personal testimonies, a message from God's word, and opportunities to respond to what God may be impressing upon you during worship.
5. Do I have to be a member to come to your church?
No. The only requirement to worshipping with us is to come through the doors by 9:15am on Sunday. One does not need to be a member, or a Baptist, or a Christian, to join us.
6. I don’t like to sit and be preached at. Does this happen in your church?
Preaching does try to persuade the listener – anyone speaking on any subject would do likewise. All our messages come from the Bible; we believe it is the Word of God. We read it, seek to understand what it’s saying, and then try to determine how it can be applied to life today. We don't preach AT people; rather, we preach FORTH the message and let it speak for itself. Of course, we can’t be responsible for how God may make you feel as you listen!
7. What is your central message – what do you believe?
The Gospel – the “Good News” of Jesus Christ – is our central message. In short - we believe the following:
o All have sinned, and no one can approach God, the Holy One
o God demands sacrifice – payment, if you will – for the forgiveness of our sins
o No adequate sacrifice can be made (mankind’s sins are so great), and no one is adequate to make such a sacrifice (remember the first point – all have sinned…)
o Jesus Christ came to earth, the perfect, sinless son of God, and made a “once for all sacrifice” of His life as the payment for the sins of the world by dying on the cross
o God the Father accepted that sacrifice and raised Jesus to a new and everlasting life
o This forgiveness and life are now freely given to all who put their faith and hope in Jesus
Our statement of faith goes into greater detail. At its core, however, is this good news of Jesus.
8. Is the Good News for everyone? I have lived such a bad life, I find it hard to believe God would forgive and love me.
That is what makes it good news! Throughout history the message of the church was that we are saved by God’s free gift of grace alone, through our faith alone, in Christ alone! This is the historic Christian message.
9. I have trouble believing anything quickly. Can I attend White Oak even if I have doubts? questions? struggles?
You’d be in good company! In the Bible book of James, the author says, “We all stumble in many ways.” And he was writing to Christians! Those who follow Jesus aren’t perfect – we follow because He is perfect, and will save us from our sins.
10. Don’t I need a great deal of understanding before coming to church?
Not at all. Just join us – and God will make clear what He intends for you to receive and understand at this time.
