FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, Lakeshore Community Church

LAKESHORE SUNDAY SERVICES ARE DIFFERENT FROM MANY OTHER TRADITIONAL CHURCHES. WHY AND IN WHAT WAYS?

Lakeshore began with the philosophy that the message of Christianity never has (and never should) change because it is based on the unchanging truth of God as revealed in the Bible. But the methods of God must regularly change so that the message of Christianity relates to the particular needs of contemporary people. That means that church services today should not be under a mandate to be exactly like those of the past in style. The one message of Christianity can be communicated in many methods, as is evidenced in other cultures around the world.

But one thing that you will notice about Lakeshore is that while the service is unique in certain ways, it does contain the essential elements of what the Bible teaches should make up a good church service: Prayer, Bible teaching, Worship in music, Scripture reading, enjoyment, community with others, a warm atmosphere of acceptance, and a no-pressure offering time (see Acts 2:42-47). These service elements are creatively presented in relevant, understandable and enjoyable vehicles including live drama, media presentations, contemporary music, message notes with verses printed on them, and a no-pressure environment.

DOES LAKESHORE OFFER MORE THAN JUST SUNDAY SERVICES?

Absolutely! A church should never be judged on the Sunday morning services alone. And that especially applies to Lakeshore. We believe that a "Sunday morning only" commitment will produce a "Sunday morning only" Christian lifestyle. To truly grow deeper in your faith, we ask people to make a second commitment each week.

The two chief commitments that maturing Christians make at Lakeshore are Common Ground Midweek services and Community Groups. They are offered during select weeks, but never in the same week.

Common Ground Midweek service is held on the first and third Thursday of each month and is the place where more in-depth worship in music, more in-depth Bible teaching, Communion, prayer by the Elders for those in need, and other elements to deepen the Christian life are offered. We call Common Ground the service "for those who want more!"

Community Groups meet twice each month (on alternate weeks when Common Ground Midweek is NOT held) in various homes for those who want to build the "3 C's": Community with others, Care from others, and life-Change in the form of a Bible study that is designed for various levels. There are all kinds of groups started to meet the needs of various people. The Lakeshore "Community Group Planner" lists each group for each quarter.

HOW DO PEOPLE OFFICIALLY CALL LAKESHORE THEIR HOME?

While many people call Lakeshore home, the official way to do so is to start with the New Horizons Seminar entitled, "NH101: Discovering Lakeshore Church". This class presents the vision and values of Lakeshore so that people can make an informed decision about joining the church as an official member. Membership is optional, but allows people to vote on key items and be a part of the Member and Vision meetings in the most significant ways possible. Official members are those we consider to be the most committed to the church. NH101 is offered in a 4 hour class on Sunday evenings. Dates and sign up can occur by contacting the church office or by using your Welcome Card during services.

HOW DO PEOPLE MATURE AT LAKESHORE BESIDES SUNDAY SERVICES, COMMON GROUND MIDWEEK, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS?

While there are many other ways, the best way to begin is by taking the New Horizons Seminar entitled, "NH201: Discovering Spiritual Maturity". This class presents the most important habits that lead to a life of maturity that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Many have experienced the principles of life-change in this important seminar. Like NH101, NH201 is offered in a 4 hour class on Sunday evenings. Dates and sign up can occur by contacting the church office or by using your Welcome Card. We also develop new seminars regularly like "NH220: Studying And Enjoying The Bible" that teach people how to dig into God's Word.

HOW DO PEOPLE GET INVOLVED AT LAKESHORE?

Lakeshore is a labor intensive venture that involves many people. While there is no pressure to get involved, we encourage attendees to get involved in a serving team. But how do you know what team and what types of serving you should try out? The best way to begin is by taking the New Horizons Seminar entitled, "NH301: Discovering My IMPACT". This seminar presents important factors that lead to a life of lasting impact by helping people discover their S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) and how they can best be used at Lakeshore and in every day life to make a real impact in the world for God's glory. Many have experienced the joy of knowing their SHAPE and using it in a fulfilling and fruitful way. Like the NH101 and NH201 seminars that precede it, NH301 is offered in a 4 hour class on Sunday evenings. Dates and sign up can occur by contacting the church office or by using your Welcome Card.