FAQ about First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Winnsboro

Yes. A Nursery is provided for most events and ALL scheduled services. The nursery is for ages infant through two years old. Once a child turns three he is no longer allowed in the nursery. No exceptions! A parent (or adult guardian) may remain in the nursery to care for their own child. Children over two are not allowed to play in the nursery. Top

What ministries does FPHC offer?

We have events and ministries for ALL ages. See Ministries Page. Top

What is your Church Doctrine?

We are part of the IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church). We support their Articles of Faith. Top

What Style of worship can I expect when attending FPHC?

We want every one attending FPHC to experience the awesome presence of Almighty God. We extend the opportunity for each person to experience His presence while freely expressing worship through an inner, personal, spiritual release of love and adoration toward God. We welcome any expression of worship that glorifies our Lord without interrupting others, creating confusion or drawing attention to one’s self. Top

What Style is the music at FPHC?

Our music is a mixture of all kinds of great Christian music. We enjoy classic hymns, Southern Gospel, Progressive Gospel, Black Gospel and Contemporary Gospel. All music that clearly exalts our Lord, and does not draw attention to the flesh, is appropriate for worship as well as the enjoyment of our congregation. Top

What style is your preaching?

Preaching is Fundamental, Evangelical and Pentecostal. The Pastor preaches messages that are culturally relevant, informative, and encouraging. We desire to inspire hope, instill peace and bring healing to all while confronting sin in our own lives as well as in society at large. We preach the Word from the Bible. Messages are recorded and available for FREE downloading. Top

What is the dress code at FPHC?

We simply believe that Holiness is God’s standard of living; modesty is a manifestation of Holiness on the outside of a person. We have NO dress standard outside of simple modesty. Both men and women should be dressed in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Anything from dress-casual to more traditional church formal attire is accepted here. Top

How do I become a Member of FPHC?

Membership starts with a Born Again experience extended by Grace through Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. After Salvation, anyone that agrees to support this local Church with their Time, Talent and Tithes is welcome to be received into our local Church. All persons interested in membership must meet with the pastor prior to joining the Church. Members are required to read and support our 14 Articles of Faith and the Covenant of Commitment Top

How and when can I participate in various ministries at FPHC?

Those that desire to be used in ministry positions will have to be members (or faithful attendees in special situations) in good standing, feel a burden and/ or calling, and demonstrate a desire to receive training in their preferred ministry. Anyone working with children must submit to a criminal background check. Top

Is there a Fee for using the Church facility?

If you regularly attend this church there is no fee for using the facilities under normal circumstances. Top

Cleaning fees may be attached to ANY person or group that does not provide adequate cleaning after their event. A fee will be applied to ALL persons outside of the church who want to rent our facility for an approved event. All fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable within two weeks of the scheduled event.

All events that are not sponsored by FPHC must furnish their own paper products, food and decorations. They also may not use our facility to cook items, only to warm. The Church does not offer security and does not assume nor imply any liability of your safety nor the safety of others on the properties of this church. NO Alcoholic products are permissible on the property. Decorations must be hung with non-permanent tape. The church does not allow nails and staples to be used to secure decorations on Church property. Top

Does the Pastor offer Counseling?

Yes. Pastoral counseling are available to all persons. Most counseling will have to be scheduled ahead of time. Women who wish to receive counseling will do so in the presence of my wife or another mutually agreed upon third person. All Counseling will uphold Christian virtues with the objective being a Christian-based outcome. See Support Services for more information Top

Does the Pastor dedicate babies?

Yes. The pastor will perform baby dedications for children who attend with their parent(s) or legal guardian, as long as the parent/guardian faithfully attends and supports the church. Baby dedication does not imply any spiritual gift or sacrament to the child. Dedication is the parent’s public acknowledgment that the child will be raised and nurtured in the local church while demonstrating a faithful commitment in attendance. Top

Are there any rules for Weddings?

The Pastor will perform weddings for members and non-members of the church who are approved on a case by case determination. The pastor will not join a Christian to a non-Christian for any reason. ALL couples must receive pre-marital counseling. This counseling will include private and joint sessions and may include reading material. Top

Does FPHC offer Children’s Church?

FPHC does not offer Children’s Church. At the very heart of God is love of family. Just as God included children as He gave the Law, and Jesus blessed the children and taught whole families as he walked throughout Palestine, today Children need to be with their parents so they can see them worship and experience congregational worship. (Deut 31:12-13; Ezra 10:1; Mat 18:1-5; Eph 6:1-4) We must teach children and prepare them to become responsible adults so they can thrive in our society. Parents teaching their children to worship is just as important and fundamental to becoming an adult as potty-training and instilling manners and values.

Yes, there are some wonderful Children’s Church teachers and curriculum available; however, at FPHC, worship is a FAMILY event, not one that segregates the most impressionable part of your family from their parents.

I understand that there are many that contend that the children learn better when they are in an environment of their own peers; this is simply a myth and has never been substantiated. The Word of God is not merely part of a child’s school curriculum; the Word of God is a living testimony of the presence and power of God through the person of Jesus Christ. The Word of God does not return VOID, even if ministered to a child. The authority and power of God’s Word does not have an age limit. While anyone must conclude that all children are tender spiritually, the same Holy Spirit that communicates with adults speaks and ministers to children. The Holy Spirit knows the path to every child’s heart. He alone takes the Word and ministers it to the heart of child in the same manner that He does to an adult.

Unfortunately, most children spend countless hours in school; then, many are rushed to daycare or aftercare programs with their peers, separated from their parents for long hours at a time. Church is the last place that should segregate and/or promote worship separated from the most influential and important people in their lives – their parents.

While some parents honestly feel that a children’s church program is an asset for their child to learn God’s Word, many parents use children’s church as a babysitter or one of many daily options to remove themselves from the responsibility of parenting their child. Each week millions of frustrated parents send their children to children’s church because they feel overwhelmed with the constant struggles and disruption caused by their own children.

In this case, the real problem is a disciplinary issue. Children’s church cannot fix their problem. Think of it this way, some injuries need a band-aid, while others need urgent care. Children’s Church does not take the place, nor can it ever take the place of, swift, structured and consistent discipline applied in love by the parents. Only in the last two decades have most Churches rushed to having special Sunday services for children. Only in the last two decades have schools started campaigns to drug our children when they can’t seemingly pay attention. Why? Parenting Skills, or the lack there of, overwhelming misguided propaganda from the liberal media and Hollywood and last, but certainly not least, a gross failure of the Church to teach the Biblical model (Proverbs and Titus chapter two, etc.) of parenting children.

First, we must create a positive environment around our children. Church is a place to come together with other believers and friends and worship God and receive His Word. As parents we must continually convey this truth in a positive way. Getting ready for church in the morning should be a positive process. Children are smart. They can perceive truths that go beyond our imagination. What do we teach a child when they see the fuss of an early Sunday morning marathon to make it to church on time? The hustle and bustle and often having to hear parents complain and often argue and fight among themselves while getting to services.

We must teach them that this is a time for all to worship the Lord together, as a family among all the other families. We must teach them it is a time for all believers across the world to collectively come together and worship the One who made the heavens and the earth -- the God that heals the sick, delivers the afflicted and brings peace and joy to the World. The truth is, how can we teach our family unity and strength? How can we talk about the woes and struggles of family bonding when we are standing to worship the Lord of Lord and King of Kings separated from our own children? Would Jesus ask the children to be removed from the sanctuaries if He were coming to minister?

I have a better solution. Allow me to personally teach you how to enjoy a fulfilling time of worship with your children by your side. Give me a call and we can set up a time to meet. Top

Does the Pastor visit the congregation and accept invitations to meet with people?

Yes, yes and yes! I love to visit. I love to fellowship with families in their own living rooms and or mine. My family is always excited to receive invitations to visit, dine in, or meet and dine out. One of the greatest ways to get to know your pastor and his family is to invite them over. Despite local and various isolated traditions within communities, a pastor should be invited over; you should never assume He will just drop in one day.

Many people have very busy and complicated schedules. In many homes parents may have uneven and overlapping schedules. A good pastor wouldn’t want to impose himself and create an inconvenient and even embarrassing situation. It has been my experience that senior citizens tend to expect the pastor to just drop by at will. In many communities pastors would often start visiting early in the mornings, often arriving early enough to have coffee with their parishioners. I personally enjoy coffee and would love to drop by and visit anytime of the day. Just give me an invitation, specifying a time and date, and I’ll be there.

A Pastor must be available 24/7 for emergencies and various unspecified crises. I do not keep hours; I am prepared to visit at any time of the day or night. My work is never completed; it is just postponed for sleep and time with my family and friends.

In conclusion, I would love to visit you and/or your family. Let me know when and what time and (unless I have an outstanding commitment) I will be there. Top

What are the requirements to assist in the Music department?

The Music in church is fundamental to the flow and integrity of a local church. Music is so persuasive to the heart and soul of man that often the outcome of the whole worship service may depend on first the moving of God’s Sovereign Holy Spirit and the depth of worship, commonly aided by music. While we at LFWC do no seek to put the integrity of one ministry or member above the other (1 Corinthians 12:12-26), we do feel that there are certain ministries that create and draw more light to themselves than others, such as the Music Department.

Therefore, all staff and volunteers in the music department are to have received Salvation as taught by the Bible and uphold the IPHC’s 14 Articles of Faith. Special music performed by a visiting person that adheres to a doctrine that does not reflect the entire faith of our church, but does uphold our view on Salvation, may be permitted, on a VERY limited basis, to sing or play an instrument if permitted by the Minister of Music and/or Pastor.

We realize “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 (KJV). ” With that said, FPHC requires that ALL staff and volunteers in the music department be committed to their local church by participating in ALL services and relevant functions of this church except where sickness, work schedule, planned vacation, misfortune, emergencies, or the care of a loved one hinders attendance.

Those that participate in our music department are expected to live a life that reflects the character of our Lord Jesus Christ and does not bring reproach on themselves or this local church body. Top