Frequently Asked Questions

1.                  What do you mean when you say you’re not a denomination?

In simple terms, a denomination is a group of churches that are obligated to do what the home office tells them to do. A central, controlling body will establish policies with regard to doctrine and the way business should be conducted, and then all the churches that belong to that denomination are expected to abide by those policies. If they don’t then can be disciplined or have their membership revoked.

2.                  How is the church governed?  Who makes the decisions?

Most day-to-day decisions are made through the cooperative effort of our elders and staff.  According to Scripture, the elders are the overseers of the church or the “shepherds of the flock.” It is their primary responsibility to keep an eye on things and to guard and protect the church from any internal or external enemies. It’s fair to say that the elders are the leading human authority in the church.

However, the elders always work in close harmony with the church staff. All of our ministers have Bible college degrees and over 60 years of combined ministry experience. The elders depend on the staff to provide leadership and vision.

We also have deacons, but deacons for the most part are not decision makers. The word “deacon” simply means “servant” and that’s what our deacons are. They each have an area of service that they are responsible for overseeing…everything from building maintenance to ushering. Both elders and deacons are elected by the members of the congregation.

3.                  Is this a tongues-speaking church?

No. Poinciana Christian Church is not a Charismatic or Pentecostal Church. We do not possess nor do we practice the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and faith healing. It is our view that all of those miraculous gifts were in evidence during the first century because there was no Bible and people like Peter and Paul needed a way to validate both themselves and their message. The miracles enabled them to do that.

While we do not judge or look down on those who see this issue differently, we believe those gifts passed out of use at the end of the first century and now it is the Bible that validates our message.

4.                  Do you allow women to assume leadership roles in the church?

Absolutely. We have women on our staff, women in charge of ministries, and lots of women teaching classes in our education department.

However, we do not have female elders. The reason is because the Bible indicates that position should be filled by men. When the Bible addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of elders, it always puts them in a masculine context. For example, one of the qualifications of an elder is that “he must be the husband of one wife.”

(I Timothy 3:2)

5.                  Who can be a member of Poinciana Christian Church?

Any baptized (immersed) believer who has a sincere desire to know and serve God.

6.                  If I was baptized in another church, do I have to be baptized again
            to become a member of PCC?

No, as long as your baptism was done in accordance with the Scriptures. Scriptural baptism is done by immersion (Acts 8:38) as a willing response to the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).

7.                  Does the church stipulate what I must give?

No. Giving is a personal matter between an individual and God. We do encourage people to follow the Biblical principle of tithing (giving one tenth of your income to God). We believe all things should be done according to the Scriptures, but we leave it up to the individual to make this decision.

8.                  Can anyone be on the Worship Team?

Yes and no. All potential Worship Team members must audition. While anyone is free to audition, our commitment to excellence requires that we use only those people who have a strong talent for music. There are also requirements regarding dress, rehearsals, and character that must be met. For more information, you may speak to our worship leader, Terry Bradds.