Frequently Asked Questions

New Heights Church

Frequently asked questions.

What does New Heights Church mean when it says it is

non-denominational?

Our intent is to be Christ followers, nothing more, nothing less. We consider ourselves "non-denominational," since we do not give ourselves any particular label other than that given to us by God. NHC’s heritage is within the American Restoration Movement and we participate with the Independent Christian Church/Church of Christ and Willow Creek Association. We pursue fellowship with all who have been justified by faith in Christ.

Is New Heights Church a charismatic church?
Strictly speaking, NHC is not "Charismatic" in the sense that it is commonly used today. We do believe that the Holy Spirit works powerfully in our world today and in the believer to form him or her into the image of Jesus Christ. We do not, however, practice speaking in tongues or prophetic gifts during our assemblies. It is important to note that we do not consider personal belief or practice in this area to be a formal test of Christian fellowship. Those who desire a consistent practice of these gifts may not find fulfillment in our assemblies but we in no way want any to feel unwelcome at NHC.

What is your style of worship?

At New Heights Church we have an informal worship service with contemporary songs. We seek to mix traditional hymns with newer songs as well as instrumental and non-instrumental in our worship experience. You will find that our service is not heavily expressive but hand clapping and hand raising are often a part of the experience.

What is your position on End Times?
One of our main focuses at NHC is to equip people to live life today as we impact our community in the name of Jesus Christ. If you are looking for a church that focuses on eschatology, then New Heights Church may not be the church for you. We extend a hand of fellowship to all and have many people with different views on what will happen upon Jesus return. This is simply not a main thrust of our ministry.

Why do you take communion each Sunday?
The Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ as a symbolic act of faith and obedience. We find in scripture four primary purposes for the Lord's Supper or communion:

· To remember Christ until he comes (I Corinthians 11:23-26)

· To symbolize unity in the body of Christ, the church. (I Corinthians 10:16-18)

· To proclaim Christ's death and love for the World (I Corinthians 11:26)

· Self examination (I Corinthians 11:27-28)

NHC serves communion each Sunday during the morning worship assembly. Focusing on our Lord, unity in the body, Christ's love for the world, and self-examination is vital to a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ.

What does New Heights Church believe about salvation and baptism?
We believe that we are saved by God's grace, through our faith, not by our works-salvation is a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins so that we can have a reconciled relationship with God (1 John 2:2). We enter into this relationship through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22).

Faith in Christ must be demonstrated in obedience to Christ. Christ commands that we repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), confess before others that He is Lord (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Baptism represents giving our lives over to Christ.

We believe baptism by immersion is the biblical method, as it "re-enacts" the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for each Christ-follower. We also believe that baptism is only for those who are old enough to choose for themselves. Every member of NHC is a baptized believer, "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus himself was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15), and we invite others to follow in His steps. You do not have to be baptized at NHC for a baptism to be recognized. We recognize all baptisms done in the name of Jesus Christ.

How is New Heights Church led?
We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of His body, the Church. Everyone in the church is in submission to Him. NHC is a Pastor-driven church following the biblical model established by Paul (1 Timothy 1:37, Titus 1:5; 2:1). The Senior Pastor is responsible for guiding NHC in the direction that God has called us. Our Associate Pastor carries similar responsibilities for his areas of service while still answering to the Senior Pastor. For them to properly carry out their rolls we also must have men giving Spiritual oversight. These men are referred to as elders or overseers in the New Testament and are recommended by the church but chosen by the Senior Pastor (Titus 1:5). These men are those whom meet the qualifications of Elders as outlined in scripture and who can give spiritual guidance and direction to our members. These men act as mentors for the body.

We also have Deacons who give oversight and direction in the physical needs of NHC. These servants roll mirrors those of the seven chosen in Acts 6:1-6 and are based on qualifications given by Paul (1 Timothy 8-13). This roll is one that is for both men (Acts 6) and women (Romans 16:1) in the New Testament church and is affirmed in like manner at NHC.

What does New Heights Church believe about the role of men and women?
Scripture teaches that men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Paul writes in Galatians 3:28-29 "there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free man, there is male nor female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ." Men and women are joint heirs in Christ. All men and women in Christ have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit.

We not only affirm the biblical teaching on the worth of all persons, but we also believe the Bible teaches that God created man and woman to fulfill complementary roles (Gen. 2:17-25, 3:6-7). God gave man the responsibility to be a servant leader. God created woman to complete the man and bring her own unique abilities to bear.

When the authors of the New Testament provided practical instructions on the roles of men and women in the church and in the home, their teaching was based on God's design in creation. In 1 Timothy 2:12 the apostle Paul writes about roles in the church, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise spiritual authority over a man, but to remain quiet." We believe this and related scriptures (1 Cor. 14:34-37) teach that women should not serve in leadership roles in which they would be exercising spiritual authority over men. This type of leadership is found in two places at New Heights Church: pastors and elders.