Church Visit
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School
Purdue Global University *
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Course
6360
Subject
Religion
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ChancellorOkapiMaster732
Johanna Kosar
Title
: Fountain of Praise Church Visit Reflection
Introduction
: As part of our course requirements, I had the opportunity to online visit Fountain
of Praise Church, an Apostolic denomination. This reflection summarizes my experience at the
church, including details about the denomination, mission statement, core values, leadership
structure, order of service, and my personal observations.
Denomination:
Fountain of Praise Church identifies itself as an Apostolic church. This
Apostolic doctrine emphasizes a belief in the oneness of God, the importance of baptism in Jesus'
name, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues. The Apostolic
tradition places a strong emphasis on adhering to the teachings and practices of the early church
as described in the New Testament.
Mission Statement and Vision
: The church's mission is to "develop faithful and mature
disciples, demonstrate true love for the church and community while witnessing a lost world."
This statement underscores their commitment to fostering spiritual growth and outreach to the
surrounding community. Their vision is to "express God's love while helping people through
life's journey." This vision reflects their aspiration to be a supportive and loving community for
individuals on their spiritual journey.
Core Values:
Fountain of Praise Church holds several core values that guide its ministry. These
values include love, fellowship, prayer, and praise. Love and fellowship are essential aspects of
their community, emphasizing the importance of caring for one another and forming strong
bonds. Prayer is recognized as a means of communication with God, and praise serves to express
gratitude and devotion.
Johanna Kosar
System of Leadership:
While I did not have the opportunity to meet with the church leadership
during the online visit, it is common in Apostolic churches to have a system of leadership that
includes pastors, elders, and deacons. Leadership may also include pastoral residents and women
in leadership roles. The specific structure and roles may vary from one Apostolic church to
another.
Order of Service:
The service at Fountain of Praise Church followed a traditional Christian
order, with a few distinct elements typical of Apostolic worship. The service began with worship
through singing and praise, with the congregation actively participating in songs and dance.
Afterward, the pastor delivered a sermon that emphasized Apostolic beliefs and teachings. The
service concluded with a time of prayer and altar call for those seeking spiritual renewal, often
accompanied by speaking in tongues and the laying on of hands.
New Experiences
: My online visit to the Fountain of Praise Church provided me with an
awkward experience. The Fountain of Praise Church often spoke about the Oneness or Jesus'
Name theology. Their constant expression in the belief of the oneness of God, and rejection of
the traditional Trinitarian view made me feel out of place. The Pastor asserted that God is one,
and that Jesus was the manifestation of God in the flesh. I wanted so badly to shout out through
the screen and have them hear me loud and clear that they were wrong.
Overall Experience:
My overall experience at Fountain of Praise Church was both enlightening
and frustrating. The warmth and hospitality of the congregation was notable, making it feel like
they welcomed and embraced their community. The dedication to prayer, praise, and the pursuit
of a holy and sanctified life left a lasting impression. This visit broadened my understanding of
the diversity of Christian denominations.
Johanna Kosar
In conclusion, my online visit to Fountain of Praise Church provided me with a valuable
opportunity to learn about the Apostolic tradition, experience a unique style of worship, and gain
insight into the church's mission, vision, and core values. This experience reinforced the
importance of understanding and appreciating the diversity within the Christian faith and the
importance of praying that God will enlighten people with the truth.
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