The City ChurchFAQ

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

VISITING THE CITY CHURCH FOR FIRST TIME

Q: Are you close to a metro stop?
A: The City Church is less than a block from the AU/Tenleytown Metro Stop on the Redline. When exiting metro on the escalators take the Wisconsin Avenue West exit. After surfacing to street level, take an immediate left on River Road. The City Church is on your left next to The Container Store.

Q: Do you have parking?
A: The upper parking lot is reserved for you, our guest, as well as, expectant mothers and mothers with young children. This parking lot is accessed from River Road and is right outside the main entrance to the church. There is also plenty of street parking available on surrounding streets. Member’s of The City Church park in an off-site parking garage leaving more space for guests. (Where to park.)

Q: Where should I go when I arrive?
A: If you have questions, come straight to our Welcome Center in the Lobby or ask anyone of our greeters or ushers. They’re eager to help get you and your family whatever you need!

Q: Can I get a tour of The City Church’s historic facility?
A: We receive periodic requests to tour the building and try to be available but unfortunately cannot accommodate everyone. You are welcome to drop by for an informal visit to experience The City Church during a regularly scheduled service time.

Q: I’d like to offer The City Church the opportunity to host my event; to whom should I speak??
A: info@thecitydc.org

Q: Can I conduct an opinion poll or distribute materials among The City Church members?
A: No. ?In order to respect the privacy, security and dignity of a church as a place of worship, we do not allow third party solicitation of any kind on our premises.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Q: Is there anything for children?
A: Children are always welcome to worship alongside their parents. Additionally, there is City Kids, an interactive children’s program for children of all ages. Find out more …

CHURCH LEADERSHIP & AFFILIATION

Q: How is the government of the church structured? Who runs the church?
A: The church is built on a New Testament pattern of eldership rule. A Board of Elders makes up the legal board of the church ultimately. These are men and women who have been ordained to the ministry and qualify as biblical elders according to Titus IIGreeting

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;

To Titus, a true son in our common faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Chris] our Savior.

Qualified Elders

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

The Elders’ Task

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.; 2 Timothy 3Qualifications of Overseers

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop,he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Qualifications of Deacons

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The Great Mystery

These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
.

Q: To whom is the Pastor accountable?
A: The Pastor will be directly accountable to the legal Board of Elders of The City Church. He is also personally accountable to other pastors and apostles outside the local church that speak into his life and ministry on a regular basis including the International Board of Advisors, The City Church Network of Pastors and Ministers Fellowship International.

Find out more about Minister’s Fellowship International

Q: Is The City Church part of a denomination?
A: No. Our congregation is an autonomous local church with apostolic relationship with other pastors. We fellowship with a variety of denominations and receive ministry from many diverse groups and could be described as a non-denominational church. The City Church is overseen through an established Board of Elders. Pastors Michael and Heather are also members of The City Church Network of Churches and have the benefit of an incredibly well-respected International Advisory Board.

Find out more about The City Church Network of Pastors

Find out more about The City Church International Advisory Board

Q: How does the church feel about other churches?
A: We have the greatest admiration and respect for Christian churches of every background. We also look forward to fellowship regularly in this city and region with Pastors and church leaders from a wide variety of Christian denominations. We believe in unity between true believers and that we should all be actively involved in prayer for and the expression of love toward other churches in our city to that end. (John 17:20Jesus Prays for All Believers

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will[a] believe in Me through their word; ,21Breakfast by the Sea

After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

Jesus Restores Peter

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
The Beloved Disciple and His Book

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”
Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”
This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen ; Ephesians 4: 1-6Walk in Unity I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ).

FINANCES, STEWARDSHIP & MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS

Q: What are members expected to give financially?
A: We believe the Bible is clear on its teaching regarding tithing as God’s ordained means of the economic support of His church. This concept is taught throughout the Bible in both Old and New Testaments and was initiated by God in His covenant with Abraham, explained under Mosaic law (Genesis 14:20And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
And he gave him a tithe of all.
; Genesis 28:22And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” ) and confirmed by Jesus and the Apostles under the new covenant (Matthew 23:23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ; Hebrews 7:8Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. ).

A tithe is the first fruits of one’s income, ten percent, and offerings would be freewill giving over and above that as the Lord would lead. Money should be given with joy and liberality, not out of duty or coercion (II Corinthians 9:6But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ,7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ). Giving is also God’s way of blessing us as we bless others (Luke 6:38Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” ).

Q; What do we believe about prosperity?
A: Teaching on prosperity has been abused and many people have been hurt by a wrong emphasis on gaining wealth. The Bible warns us clearly against covetousness and greed (Luke 12:15And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness,for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” ). Many believers were wrongly taught that prosperity was for themselves rather than for others. But the Bible teaches us that the seed of Abraham is blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:3I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
; Galatians 3:8And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” ,9So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. ). It’s not about getting “rich,” but rather about getting “reach.” Our prosperity is always for the purpose of extending the Kingdom of God through the work of the church (II Corinthians 9:8-10And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, ). If we give and sow financial ‘seed’ into other people’s lives and ministries, we will reap a harvest of provision and abundance for our own needs (Philippians 4: I 0-19But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ; Luke 6:38Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” ).

Q: How is the money of the church handled?
A: Tithes and offerings are received and watched over carefully as a sacred trust from the Lord. It is the Lord’s money. These moneys are counted carefully by staff personnel and deposited in a local bank. The money is accounted for by computer records and verified by the Board of Elders and a resident accountant. The expenditures of the church are examined monthly by this board and are audited annually by an outside firm (I Corinthians 4:2Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. ).

NETWORKING WITHIN THE CHURCH

Q: Is it ethical to solicit business in the church?
A: No. It is not only unethical but it can be rude and offensive. The church is made for fellowship and love and the developing of friendships. It is not meant to be a place where people have to guard themselves from those who take advantage of these connections for profit.

In a friendly church like ours people can knowingly or ignorantly take advantage of kindness and compassion for their own benefit. It is wrong to use the church, and the relationships you have in the church, to build your business, although it is proper to use your business, and the relationships you have there, to help build the church, by inviting friends and co-workers to church and encourage them in their spiritual life.
Our church has one ‘business’ of winning people for God. If money and financial gain become mixed up in the proclamation of the Gospel, it becomes tainted and the name of Christ is tarnished. (Hebrews 13:5Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ; I Thessalonians 2:5For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. ; 2 Peter 2:3By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. ; Luke 12: 15And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness,for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” )

WOMEN IN MINISTRY

Q: What does the church believe about women being involved in ministry?
A: We believe that the New Testament teaches that women are an equal and invaluable part of the ministries of the local church. Under the anointing of the new covenant and based on the revelation of the New Testament scriptures, women are free to pursue any ministry to which they are gifted and called (Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.; Acts 8: 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ; Romans 16Sister Phoebe Commended

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

Greeting Roman Saints

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Avoid Divisive Persons

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Greetings from Paul’s Friends

Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.
I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Benediction

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith — to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. ).

MISSIONS

Q: Is The City Church involved in World Missions?
A: The church provides ongoing support to missions, both locally and internationally, sends short-term teams and sends financial aid to local, national and international ministries, with a vision to release more missionaries and church planters (Matthew 28:19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ).

POLITICS AND THE CHURCH

Q: What do we believe about politics, christianity and the church?
A: We are to be Christians first, and members of nations or tribes or parties second. That simple affirmation, if applied, safeguards the purity of the Gospel and unity within a church.

As Christians, we are very real citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are part of the kingdom of God before we’re Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, or any other association. There is no political party platform that represents the totality of Biblical values and principles. It is only the Kingdom of God and its abiding principles that can guide us as a church. Preaching politics divides a church. Preaching the Bible breathes life, strength and unity into a church.

At the same time, we believe, as American citizens, each individual owes profound thanks and worship to God who has blessed us with a country rich in heritage, diversity, resources, freedoms and opportunities. In addition, we personally owe our support, prayer and personal involvement in the processes made available by our government. We love America! We are active and involved citizens saying, ‘God bless America!’

We pray for ALL of our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation. We speak blessing over our country, our leaders, our judges and our law makers because the Bible says by the blessing of the upright the city and nation is exalted (Proverbs 11:10-11When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;
And when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted,
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
; Ps 107:36There He makes the hungry dwell,
That they may establish a city for a dwelling place, ) and blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord according to Psalm 33:12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. . Like Daniel, we will serve many administrations. We will pray, bless and honor- regardless of whether the party in power is the party, with which, we personally agree.

As a church, our ‘party’ is the Kingdom of God, and our platform is the Bible. We have to be discrete and careful in determining our views according to conviction to truth AND then be careful in conversation to not alienate those with similar conviction, but a differing political conclusion. Honest and loving dialog about principles should abound but never escalate to ad hominem, personal attacks, presumed motives or alienation of a brother or sister.

We are first called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing truth and shining a light in dark times. Our opinions of what is happening in the world, or how to fix the problems of the world, must be centered in prayer and grounded in truth. The great mission is that we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. God desires to plead through our lives, as His ambassadors, to a cynical and confused world. (I Timothy 2:1-2Pray for All Men

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ; 2 Corinthians 5:20Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. )