Is the church at Beaverton Arminian? Contemporary? Creationist?

Q. I'm wondering and did a flyby of the Church's beliefs, but what I gather here in this thread is that this is an Arminianist Church? I may be coming to this church and would like to communicate further. I like all the activities, groups and the Statement of belief and just have a few questions. Like is this a contemporary church? And do they believe in a literal 6 day creation? Thank you in advance. Daniel

A. Thanks for your question Daniel. Yes if you follow through the discussion thread here you will see that our theology has Arminian roots. We are a Biblically conservative, Spirit-filled church that seeks to keep Christ the center of all that we do and believe. We can see passages in the Bible that clearly speak of God’s sovereignty, election, assurance and others that speak just as clearly of our God-given free-will, personal responsibility, warnings against falling away. And we are OK with living and believing in the midst of such a paradox.

As you have noticed, there are many ways for people to get involved here at the church, as well as ways to become better equipped to make a difference in our community and, by extension, in the world. In response to your question about whether we are “a contemporary church” I would like to think that we are. We pursue freshness in our communication of the timeless truths of the Bible, and in our corporate worship experiences. Yet, we are not faddishly enslaved to the latest and greatest in the church popularity sweepstakes.

I find your question about a literal six day creation very intriguing following right on the heels of “contemporary church”. Yes, we believe that God created the earth just as it says in the Bible, from the beginning in Genesis all the way through to Revelation … and have many materials on “Creation Science” available in our church library (at 231.765). If God leads you to worship together with us you are welcome to do so. I look forward to hearing from you.

Alcohol?

Q: What is the Churches teaching on moderate drinking of alcohol. I am not talking about being drunk.

A: Moderation is an appropriate response to what the Bible teaches about drinking. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). Wine is clearly consumed in moderation by Jesus and his disciples (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23). Paul encouraged Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach (1Tim 5:23). Of course, there are also clear admonitions against excessive drinking, or drunkenness (Luke 21:34; 1Cor 5:11; 6:10; Gal 5:21; Eph 5:18; 1Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7; 1Pet 4:3). As pastors, we have seen many lives devastated by alcohol abuse, so we are cautious in this regard – neither approving nor disapproving – but rather cautioning the congregation and reminding them of the wisdom of considering the weaker brother in all of their behaviors – while we may have liberty in Christ, that does not mean that we ought to exercise every permission (1Cor 10:23-25).

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” (1Cor 10:23-24)