QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ANSWERED BY JASON ALBELO

Q: Why don't we celebrate Pentecost? We celebrate Christmas and Easter...
A: I believe we celebrate Pentecost Sunday every Sunday, just as we celebrate Easter all year long. Pentecost is more of an internal holiday than Easter or Christmas. It was about the Holy Spirit coming to empower and release the power of the Holy Spirit to the church to do the ministry. I see the need for us to do that on an ongoing basis, not just on a particular Sunday, but on every Sunday there should be a celebration of the Holy Spirit, and I think that is what our Wednesday evening services are currently about.

Q: Creating environment equals better discipleship ... really? Could you give a biblical basis for this, please?
A: The environment is the vehicle we use to communicate the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul recognized that you have to speak to different audiences differently to get the message across. In Acts, Paul addresses the men of Athens much differently than Peter does to the Jews. Peter quotes scripture; Paul used the environment of Mars Hill as a platform to preach. Both of them engaged their culture where they were at, in ways each audience could understand.
The reason we use environment is to capture their attention. Remember that discipling is about introducing people to Jesus and growing them up. The environments simply open the door. They open the door for the beginnings of discipleship to take place, the introduction to take place. The actual growth that happens has very little to do with the environment itself. The growth is what takes place inside the environment; that's where the relationship takes place. The environment isn't to say that we aren't doing the relationship....not at all...in fact it is to say the exact opposite...it says that we want to do the relationship in a different context. A context that makes sense to them.
You also made the comment: "Expensive environment? Discipleship? Not buying it. Expensive environment adds only to our cultures addiction to materialism and entitlement." I disagree. What happens in those environments does that. This is one of the mechanisms we do to communicate to the lost. We do it in a language that they get. You put biblical characters on the wall inside Kid City, and that is not going to do a whole lot for them, because it doesn't speak a language that they understand, so we choose a common language that we understand and then we move from where they are to where we need them to get to. That's about the curriculum, that's about the relationships, that's where discipleship takes place.

Q: Did you ever find your friend that kept inviting you to church? It would be awesome to have him come speak with you.
A: No, I didn't. I would love to have him come and speak and share. I would love to be able to catch up with him again.

Q: I understand about creative message planning. In regards to a prior question about "end time teaching" and the topic being scheduled for 2010, what if 2010 is too late? Can you pray specifically regarding this important topic?
A: Every one of my series, I go before the Lord and ask "God, what do you want happening?" Though I plan this far out, it is not to say that the plan is absent the movement of the Holy Spirit. I regularly adjust things; in fact, for our next series I have already adjusted two messages, because I realize that I need to speak something a little more tightly focused than I was originally going to, and in one case, I'm taking it a completely different direction because that is what I am sensing from the Holy Spirit. I am always adjusting, and I hold on to "the plan" very loosely.

Q: Why don't we have more members sharing their testimonies? i.e. addiction, overcoming debt, parenting restless teenagers...
A: I would love to have more testimonies. I usually plan about one a month, because that is the flow rate that I get them in. I would love to have more, so please send them in to info@easthill.org and we will take a look at them and find the right spot for them.

Q: When is our next church picnic?
A: We currently don't have one planned. We have moved toward having smaller events on our property where we can reach out to the community. This is a little different, but we have been experimenting with how we can give leverage what God has given us here so that we can draw people in, and in the process build relationships and build bridges so that we can introduce them to Christ.


ANSWERED BY ARLIN HILL

Q: I'm concerned about the separation between the adult/main church and the youth. There's separation in many different ways. And it's sad that they only have Sunday nights, because we can't get involved then. Is there a change coming?
A: The physical separation won't change for now, but long term, the plan is to bring them much closer in proximity (like we've done with Kid City). We're seeing cohesion between Pastor Aaron/Student Ministries and the Adult Worship Services team. We're trying to better connect students so they don't graduate from church when they graduate from high school.
One of the ways we're hoping to integrate students is to involve them in the Main Auditorium as ushers, greeters, worship team members and prayer team members.
As for Sunday nights, much thought and prayer went into moving to that time slot. We believe we're meeting a huge need as we have watched teen attendance increase by more than 300 percent! If you are unable to participate on Sunday nights, contact Pastor Aaron - there are a number of other ways to participate.

Q: Once our high school youth graduate, there is a feeling that there is not any place for them to go. What are the chances of us focusing on them and expanding our college-age group?
A: We are always evaluating who we are reaching and are we reaching them well. There are small groups and a Thursday night gathering for college/career age young people where they can continue to meet for prayer, fellowship and study. Many of those who have graduated are now serving in leadership for the High School and Junior High groups. This gives them a chance to serve as well as grow in their Christian walk.

Q: How do we engage in spiritual warfare?
A: First of all you need prayer support. Enlist members of your small group to pray with you as you seek God's answer for your situation. If you are not a member of a small group, I suggest you consider joining a group, as this walk was never intended to be done alone. Without knowing your specific circumstance it's hard to answer your question fully. There are, however, many great books on the subject of "spiritual warfare". Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere; The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson; Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti; and Spirit Formed Life by Jack Hayford.

Q: How would a person go about taking a negative spirit out of a home?
A: This is similar to the last question, so in addition to that answer, I would say to visit the Healing Room where the healing team can better pray for and instruct you on how to handle any negative spirits that may be causing problems in your home.

Q: When - or will - the Youth Center be relocated ?
A: Our goal is to eventually relocate the Youth Center to be closer in proximity to the main auditorium. But that is part of a long-term plan that is still in the very early stages of development.

Q: When will classes be available on Saturday night for middle and high school?
A: Not any time in the foreseeable future. By less fragmentation and more consolidation of our youth meetings we have seen exponential spiritual growth in our youth as well as the numbers of high schoolers in attendance growing by over 300%. I would suggest that when a family has kids in Kid City, as well as Middle School and High School, the best plan is to attend on Sunday morning for your kids and middle schoolers and then let your high schoolers attend on Sunday night.

Q: How will the environment change in the Student Ministry building affect the 20-somethings/college age people?
A: The attention to the environment in Student Ministries will encourage our twentysomethings and college age people to take a look at their role as leaders in student ministries as well as the church at large. We hope that most of our graduates will continue their spiritual growth by leading and mentoring other kids coming up behind them. We are always evaluating and rethinking about how we can reach the lost as well as the flock, better in every age group.

Q: When you have heard the Lord speak a prophetic message that sounds "un-do-able," where do you start?
A: Great question! God has asked you to walk off your map and the first thing you do is ask God a question. "Where do I start, Lord?" He will be faithful to give you everything you need to take your first step in His timing and in His way. I also would encourage you to be in a small group or get together with a group of Christian friends you trust, who you know can hear the Lord. They can pray with you as you decide what your next step should be.

Q: What do you think about having revival services with powerful sermons, Holy Spirit and people getting prayed for?
A: Amen! I'm all for it! I believe that is where our Wednesday nights are headed. I believe that one of God's intentions for Wednesday nights is that there will be "encounter moments" for people to encounter God in a personal way. We are constantly seeking God for those we can invite from the outside to come and minister to our body in a unique way. That is why we have invited Clive Pick back this fall, and Graham Cooke next year.

Q: Why do we have a coffee shop in our foyer? I feel it is disrespectful for the coffee shop to be operating during services and for people to bring drinks into the sanctuary.
A: One of our core values is that relationships are first. The coffee shop provides a comfortable atmosphere for folks to get together and visit before and after services. Many people who still feel uncomfortable sitting in the Main Auditorium will sit at tables and watch the service on the screens in the foyer. We are creating an environment that is more suited for a younger generation - who are at the age that will most likely respond to the Gospel. Our mission statement is to present the healing gospel in such a way as to reach skeptics and non-believers. This issue is very similar to 20 years ago, when using drums and guitars in worship were thought to be disrespectful by an older generation.

Q: Are we concerned about the possibility of ID theft from dishonest people stealing from the offering bag?
A: To this point is has not been an issue. It would be very difficult for anyone to take anything during a service, do to the numbers of people. But if this is a concern of yours you are always welcome to mail you check to the church or use our on-line giving from our Web site (http://www.easthill.org/giving).


ANSWERED BY TOM NORTON

Q: Many times over the years of my attendance here, there have been hurtful situations where people have been lost in the "working out" of relational problems in the church. I am thinking that a "mediator" or "mediation ministry" might be a good idea for people involved in conflict.
A: I love your idea about a mediation ministry. 2 Corinthians 5:18 says we each have a ministry of reconciliation. From a policy standpoint, East Hill does have a formal grievance process. Biblically, we use Matthew 18 as the process to use in resolving conflict. I would be happy to meet with you more to talk through the formal process.
As for past actions by leadership that have been hurtful, I want to ask your forgiveness. Whether personality driven, intentional or unintentional, when painful decisions are not processed biblically, the enemy can use that to turn God's people against each other. By asking forgiveness, I want to ask that you see church life with a clear slate and to commit to letting us know of any current challenging scenarios so that the enemy can't get a foothold.
As a leader at East Hill, I want you to know that my door is always open to walk through conflict. If you feel like there is unresolved conflict in the past, I would be happy to dialogue that through as well. A guiding quote for me is that "True friendship is not the lack of conflict, but the ability to resolve conflict."

Q: What is the future plan for Women's Ministry or is there not one? P.S. I love all the family based activities.
A: As you may know, the recent staff reduction is changing our culture to what I think reflects a more biblical approach to leadership and ministry. In the past, we had the financial luxury to just hire staff to lead a ministry instead of equip others to do the ministry. With less staff, we are being encouraged to redefine how we meet needs.
When talking with Ministry to Women's volunteer coordinator Lynn Ketch, what excites me is that their ministry is at the forefront at East Hill of how to build volunteer teams to do ministry in a relational and participatory culture. Lynn mentioned how they are doing Tuesday/Thursday morning and evening small groups on and off campus and how they are growing and being there for each other. Lynn mentioned that on September 17th, at 6:45 p.m. they are having a time for anyone who is interested to come to an informational "open house" type meeting. Leaders will share their heart and inform you of the various small groups that women can jump into.
I hope this helps and if you want further information, give Lynn a call at 503-577-0898.

Q: How do I help my husband understand my faith and encourage him to participate with me and our children?
A: I see your question as a lifelong journey that I am still discovering how to lead and create an environment in my own home that encourages my wife and children to hunger for the things of God and share my faith. Without trying to be trite, or to make a formula, let me share some guiding attitudes/values that will hopefully inspire a faith-producing environment.
1. Live out of overflow of relationship with God. Fear and guilt can cause us to respond in control that can be cleverly disguised as concern. By seeking first His kingdom, I can have the confidence to trust Him with the circumstances I have no control over.
2. Pursue a healthy view of you. By investing in relationships that share your journey, you can be strong and free in the less favorable settings of life. Personal healing whether through restoration classes or a Genesis change group are all processes that will bring peace, perspective and a sense of God's redeeming purposes to one's life. You are loved by God and anyone who tells you different is a liar.
3. Share with others what God is sharing with you with no strings of expectations attached. Whether they celebrate or not, you are making Christ attractive and planting seeds that God is real and worth getting to know.
4. Ask questions of their life; seek to be interested in them, hear their heart and ask the Lord to give you insight about their fears, dreams and passions and see how God can use those desires for His purposes.
5. Lastly, never stop learning and keep a tender heart that trusts God no matter what. There are plenty of books, Internet sites, music CDs, webcasts etc.. that God will use to keep you growing and serving Him.

Q: You said that the church has a master's degree in scratching itches people don't have. Our singles have clearly said that fellowship is our primary need. East Hill's direction for singles goes in another direction. Why? We (singles) are the generation East Hill is losing.
Q: Why can't we have a guest singles pastor to help the 40s/50s succeed? Can we pay a leader that teaches God's word and start a singles group?
A: I want to thank you for your questions and to let you know you are not a voice crying in the wilderness. I agree that singles has a need for fellowship and I want to encourage you to contact Tony Marguth (503.661.4444 ext. 338) who is facilitating the development of leaders to lead ministry to singles.
I believe there are leaders out there for the singles, and the East Hill leadership will continue to communicate the cultural shift that the church is in. In the past, we had the financial luxury to just hire staff to lead a ministry instead of equip others to do the ministry. However, due to fiscal challenges, we have less staff so we are being encouraged to redefine how we meet the various demographic needs. In this case, singles has needs and Tony is committing to partner with those who have a heart to lead in the singles ministry. I encourage you to contact Tony and pray with me that the Lord is raising up singles to be a mighty army in these days for the Lord's purposes.

Q: This verse scares me: 1 Corinthians 6:9-18 -- "Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanders nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God." Will these people not be saved? If I continue to struggle with any of these, am I damned?
A: Grace to you... The key word you used is "struggle." That tells me that you have a heart to seek to live for the Lord and to learn to put off the old ways and to put on the new ways. Life is about a process of continually depending on God's grace from the inside out. What I believe your scripture reference refers to is a person who shows no remorse, has no intention of submitting his life to the Lord and instead chooses a life of stealing, greedy, drunkenness...etc. with no intention to learn of the Lord's ways.
As I read that list, I am guilty of many of those things living in me, but I see the rightness of removing those things and I am learning to depend on the Lord to help me. Yet, I have not arrived, I am a work in progress so I rejoice daily in God's grace that I can repent and find cleansing to get back up and try again. After 30 years, he is still removing things from my life and filling me with his goodness through worship and the Word.
Please know that you are not alone. Get a hold of me or Carl Foster in Restoration Ministries (503.661.4444 ext. 364) to find a group of men who can help you find increasing strength to overcome. Here are a few verses that have helped me in my struggle with sin:
- "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them." Hebrews 13:9. (This addresses the mindset of people who think they have to have it all together to be accepted by the Lord instead of trusting in God's grace.)
- "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:18. (The key word is "grow." Growth is a process not a destination of perfection.)
- "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8. (This verse allows you to experience grace, forgiveness and refreshment after repentance for our struggles in life.)

Q: I appreciate what you've done for men (father/son events, men's anger management, etc.) but mothers and women need attention too. It's so important because they raise the children and carry such great loads, often when the men have taken off. Weekends or special events for mothers and children or teenagers might be nice. Please start helping the women and mothers alone with children; they need to feel special too.
Q: There are a lot of "Men's Breakfasts." Is it possible to have that for the women as well?
Another question I have is: there are a lot of father/child activities. What about the mother/daughter/son things? Being a single parent my daughter misses out on the father/daughter events. Can we do more mother/child events?
A: As a married parent, my heart goes out to you and to all single parents because you carry all the weight and responsibility with limited reprieve. I feel somewhat discouraged in answering your question because I have more passion and vision for meeting the need than the manpower, budget or structures in place to meet the needs. I beg your patience and ask that you join me in prayer as we seek the Lord for raising up people who can partner with the East Hill staff to meet the various needs of single parents.
I can confidently say the women have many more ministry/fellowship opportunities occurring (although not a breakfast) than the men do. The women have Tuesday/Thursday morning and evening small groups on and off campus, which are phenomenal places for growth and experiencing life together. Lynn mentioned that on September 17th, at 6:45 p.m. they are having a time for anyone who is interested to come to an informational "open house" type meeting. Leader's will share their heart and inform you of the various small groups that women can jump into. You might give Lynn a call at 503.577.0898.
As far as restoration classes, we have quite a few options for women, including a seasonal women's anger class. Call Carl Foster at 503.661.4444 ext. 364 to learn more about all those.