Is PBC a multi-ethnic congregation and are all people welcome?
Yes, all people are welcome, whether you’re looking for a new church home, visiting from out of town, or seeking to know more about Christianity in a loving environment. Currently, the majority of our congregation consists of 2nd generation Asian Americans, mostly born and raised in the United States. We have several non-Asian members, and the only practical limitation for some is that we are all English-speaking. But our church fellowship is by no means limited to our American culture or language, and we invite people regardless of ethnicity, race, or socio-economic background to join us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is cross-cultural, and it is part of our vision to form a body of believers that reflects the family of saints in heaven. Thus, we welcome all to join us in worship and to become a cherished part of our church family.
What do I wear? Is there a “dress code” that I should be aware of?
There is no dress code for our people as we are far more concerned about a person’s heart attitude and spiritual state than outward dress. Please feel free to wear what is comfortable, whether casual or more formal, as our members come to reverently worship the Lord in various styles of clothing. If you are not a follower of Christ, just come as you are, as we care about you, not what you wear.
Which translation of the Bible is used at Pillar Bible Church?
There are a few different and reliable English translations of the Holy Scriptures that are represented in our congregation, and we understand that each person should carefully discern their preferred choice of translation. Feel free to bring your own choice of translation. While our pastors primarily preach out of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), we also highly recommend the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New King James Version (NKJV). Why? We gravitate toward a philosophy of translation that allows as much as possible for students to do the rewarding work of interpretation themselves rather than rely on the accuracy or inaccuracy of the translator or translating committee. There are some translations which should be clearly avoided. Nevertheless, there are many trustworthy translations available on the market, and we recognize that each has its own strengths, weaknesses, & methodology. Our goal is not to battle over which translation is “best”, rather it is to accurately understand and immerse ourselves in the Word that it would conform us more and more into the image of His Son. The pastors would be happy to answer any questions you might have about translations and criteria for selecting one. If you are in need of a Bible, the church would be glad to give a complimentary copy as a gift to you.
How is the church leadership organized and governed at PBC?
Pillar Bible Church is an elder rule congregation shepherded by a plurality of qualified, tested, and godly men subject and accountable to the head of the church, Christ Jesus the Lord, and to the authority of God’s Word. Elders must continually meet the standards of godly servant-leadership set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Our elders are assisted by the deacons and deaconesses with the rest of the church, doing ministry together (Ephesians 4:11-16). It is the congregation’s responsibility to pray for their leaders, obey their leaders, be equipped serving alongside them in ministry with their leaders, and to encourage and exhort them towards spiritual excellence in the home, in the church, and as witnesses to a lost world (Hebrews 13:17).
Is baptism required for membership or participation in Communion Services?
While Christian Baptism is not required for participating in the regular public services of the church, Scripture does clearly command that all true believers obey Christ’s command to be baptized as soon as possible or make arrangements to fulfill their obedience soon (Matt 28:18-20). One must be a true believer to become either a member or participate in communion. Communion or the Lord’s Supper is open to all who profess genuine faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, and are not living in a state or lifestyle of habitual unrepentance that would dishonor the name of Christ and His gospel. Therefore, any true Christian may participate in our communion services, with the understanding that Scripture gravely warns that people bear judgment upon themselves for false or superficial participation (1 Cor 11:27-32). Those individuals who have not yet believed in Christ are invited to be present among us, but they must refrain from participating in communion, as it is for Christians only. Our congregation upholds the Bible’s teaching affirming believer baptism, such that infant baptism or any “baptism” (regardless of its mode) received prior to genuine conversion is not an actual baptism according to Scripture.
How can I become a member of Pillar Bible Church?
Scripturally, every true Christian is a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. Therefore, every person who possesses and practices genuine faith is welcomed as a member of Christ’s family. Therefore, local church membership is not ultimately an issue of salvation, but it is clearly an issue of Christian obedience. Therefore, while not making official membership mandatory except for leaders & teachers, we exhort all who profess themselves true believers who are in regular attendance to express love for Christ by submitting themselves to the privilege and responsibility of local church commitment and place themselves under the formal authority and care of the elders. If you are interested in becoming a member, we invite you to discuss it with one of our leaders who are committed to your soul’s welfare and would be delighted to serve you.
How may I give financially to the work of ministry at Pillar?
There is no obligation for our guests or those who are presently unsure about the Christian faith to give. But for those who profess faith in Christ, you may practice Biblical stewardship during Sunday Worship by placing a cash or check contribution during the offering time or by sending a gift via mail or to the church office of Pillar Bible Church. Please make checks payable to “Pillar Bible Church” or “PBC”. A yearly tax-deductible receipt will be issued upon request. Persons with total annual contributions of $100 or more will automatically be receiving a tax receipt at their last updated home address (unless otherwise requested) or upon request for any amount. Funds are disbursed for the use of church ministry as decided upon by the elders from the general fund. An annual financial report published by our co-treasurers is distributed to our membership for informed accountability and prayer. Contributions designated for a particular use or ministry must be approved by the elder board or a committee delegated by the elder board, and gifts made for an individual’s personal agenda will not be accepted as a co-mingling of funds and as unethical practice (i.e. gift to specific individual as “scholarship” will not be accepted in order to receive the benefit of a tax deduction when it should be given as a personal gift). The fiscal year of PBC is set as the calendar year.