Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any views or beliefs that would prevent or break fellowship at CBF?

While we seek to show grace and extend fellowship to all who claim to belong to Jesus, there are two beliefs that we hold essential to unity and fellowship. 1) We hold to the Bible, both the Old and the New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the final authority in all matters for the church. 2) We hold to salvation by GRACE alone, through FAITH alone, in CHRIST alone (Eph. 2:8, 9). Any subtraction or addition to these three provisions is not the gospel and is a serious and eternal issue regarding the truth. The rest, such as end times, spiritual gifts, and even baptism and communion, we feel the Lord leads each believer to see His truth in His way and in His time by His Spirit. We do not argue the truth - we live and proclaim Jesus!

How important is the Bible at CBF?

Very! 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God (God breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.” We believe that a high view of scripture, the Bible – both the Old and New Testaments, result in a high view of God and especially His Son, Jesus. All 66 books, written by over 40 authors in a span of over1500 years, perfectly expresses a clear, cohesive presentation of God’s redemptive plan through His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible is our final authority in all matters concerning the church and our faith. It is above any human agent, any experience, any cultural influence, or any other written document, even popular “Christian” books! Our teaching of the Bible is expository; (we teach a book from beginning to end) without adding or taking away from its message. We firmly hold to using the bible to interpret the bible and believe that it is timeless truth unchanged by culture. What it meant then is what it means now!

How is someone saved at CBF?

Gospel means “good news”. This good news is in contrast to the “bad news” that, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The Bible tells us that mankind has fallen under an inherited sin curse, “death & judgment” that began with his first parents Adam and Eve. Man is unable to be reconciled with God, and this judgment awaits him regardless of any good works he may do in his own strength. That’s the bad news. The good news is that while “with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). Salvation is not a work of man, (religion) it is a work of God. This work is centered and displayed in both the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus = His person, the perfect, sinless, Son of God, and Christ = His work, Messiah – he who was prophesied that must suffer and die and be risen from the dead (Acts 17:2,3). A person who by faith accepts and believes and puts his trust in Jesus on this basis has the assurance and promise from God of salvation and eternal life!

Who leads CBF and how are you organized?

Jesus! Jesus is the head of the universal church and the local church. We practice this by not voting in a democratic sense, but through men whom the grace of God is evident in their lives and service, who serve CBF in the office of Elders. Decisions are made through prayer and coming to a unity of the Spirit having one mind. “We don’t decide to do something, and then ask God to bless it, we pray and ask God, what do you want us to do? Then we move forward in faith and obedience, confident that he will provide and bless His work!” New elders are brought before the fellowship for a time of prayer and evaluation prior to being placed into the office. We have no “head shepherd” other than Jesus.

What is your position on women in leadership?

We find no Biblical support for any notion that men are superior to women, or husbands are superior to wives. On the contrary, we find support that they have been created equal (1 Cor. 11:11,12) but God has defined different roles. These differing roles are not established by culture, but are part of God’s design and purpose. So, in obedience to His design we each can submit to Him and accept varying roles that serve to preserve peace and unity. Women can serve in many areas of leadership at CBF and in various ministries. The only exception being, we do not place women in authority over men (1 Tim 2:12).

Do you baptize?

Yes! We see this as a command from the Lord. But we want you to know that in no way does baptism save you. It is simply an outward symbol of an inward reality. Also, baptism is a joy for all of us to celebrate your new life in Christ and proclaim it to all who will attend. We do full immersion to symbolize a complete identification with the death of Jesus, then to come up out of the water in identification with His resurrection and new life! The only requirement for us to baptize you is that you understand and confess the truths of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Do you celebrate Communion?

Oh Yes! The Lord’s Table is one of our favorite parts to Sunday’s worship. Jesus asked us to do this in remembrance of Him. And we gladly remember Him each Sunday in the bread and cup. Again, these are just symbols. Jesus is the reality and we do this not to focus on the symbol, but on Him and all that He means to us! Usually we pass out the elements and ask the fellowship to wait and take them together in celebration of our unity.

Where are you on the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

We find consistent Biblical support that a person cannot be saved apart from the person and work of the Holy Spirit. That salvation results in a “new creation” (Eph 2:10). As Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3, “you must be born again”. We see this new birth as a unique work of the Spirit in the believer. So, the question is, “when does this work begin and finish?” We are very humble in this area, since salvation is God’s work, not ours. But we believe that Scripture is clear that this process began before the foundations of the Earth, (in the mind of God Eph 1:4) and continues until we see Him face to face! (1 John 3:2). When a person hears the true Gospel, and receives it on faith this is the evidence and seal of the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit! (Eph 1:13; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:13).

What about spiritual gifts?

The Bible has much to say on this subject and we are thankful that God equips the believer to serve within the body. We believe that each believer has been equipped in this way to “build up the body in love.” We also see in the epistles like those to the Corinthian church, that these gifts can be abused when they are used to build up one’s self in a prideful and unloving way. Therefore we seek to provide opportunities and encouragement for members to practice and utilize their gifts by engaging in loving service to the body. The focus is on others, not on self. When this is the practice, opinions, arguments and divisions are not a problem but growth, unity and maturity flourish!

Are children and unbelievers welcome at CBF?

Absolutely! We are blessed with lots of wonderful children. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14). So children are always welcomed and always loved. In the same way, those who come seeking or curious but have not yet believed are in our minds just as precious. They are always welcome and will be loved. We want to see people saved, and some will come to church and get saved, but most will need to be sought and found by the “scattered” body doing the work of the ministry. You can read more on that in, “What is CBF.”

Do you ask for tithe and offerings?

No. As part of our worship we give an opportunity for believers to give of their resources in worship and love to the Lord. But we have no required amount or program that dictates to anyone what to give. The tithe was part of the Mosaic requirements of Jewish law. New Testament giving is a recognition that it all belongs to God and He provides more than we need in order to share with others. We are not after your money, but we desire to see a work of God in you that produces a cheerful and generous heart attitude!

Do you provide counseling services?

We do not have professional titled counselors that charge by the hour to solve your problems! In fact, we see massive Biblical support that God uses problems as part of His process to build your faith and dependence on Him (James 1: 2,3). We do not want to derail His process in your life, or pretend that we can solve all your problems. However, we will come along side you and help you bear your burden through prayer and searching the scriptures. We believe His goal in each test is your trust. That is our desire too, to practice trusting Him in everything and so, together with you, discover just how good God really is!

Do you perform church discipline?

Yes! Every loving family must. The church is called to a high standard. A standard without accountability is worthless. Biblical church discipline, done properly is the most loving thing a church can do for its members. We believe the goal of all church discipline is restoration, never excommunication. Further, we believe in using the whole counsel of God’s Word, not just one verse or one passage. Discipline is not an external threat to make someone comply, but an internal spiritual appeal to draw someone back.

What are your hidden or unspoken rules?

This question relates more to the Churchianity of many Christians, rather than the Christianity of the Church! Sadly, any of us can struggle with outward efforts to look good to those around us and then began to apply an arbitrary standard of comparison. But this is not what we have been called to. In fact, this is the very thing that can ruin whole fellowships! (Gal. 3:1-3). God has made it clear in His word that He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. The goal of our ministries at CBF is internal transformation, not outward conformity!

How do you understand prophecy and end times?

While there are many views and fascinating speculations on these subjects, we hold to a literal view of prophecy. Where there is clearly symbolism, we look for scripture to interpret these symbols. Where there is no clear interpretation, we state that honestly prior to giving any personal thoughts or speculations. We believe the over arching principal of end times prophecy is to show God’s power and to encourage the believer so as not to fear, Jesus has already won! We do not believe that these scriptures are designed to equip certain individuals with times and dates and predictions. We eagerly await and anticipate the Lord’s soon return!