Frequently Asked Questions About Faith
Why do members of the Blyth Valley Team Ministry go to church?
Members of the Blyth Valley Team Ministry go to church for hundreds of different reasons – probably a different one for every single person. Church means different things to different people but most people go because they want to worship together and pray together
What are services like?
Again they vary, but all of them follow a certain pattern, with music, prayer, readings, and an address (sermon or homily). Because the BVTM is Church of England they are based on a set liturgy although occasionally we have freer non-liturgical relaxed services as well Some services are solemn, some sacramental, some joyful, all are prayer full and worshipful.
How, as a Christian, do you get through the week?
That varies but I pray every day, read something from the bible several days a week, and go to church on Sundays
What matters most on a Sunday?
Worshiping together and sharing eucharist together
What does your church offer young people?
Not a huge amount at present but we want to change that. Can you help us?
Will I be made to feel welcome?
Yes, very much so
Will you accept me for who I am?
Of course, you are made in god’s image just like the rest of us
What difference has praying made to you and your church?
Only God really knows but I think its made me and the BVTM stronger
What are the highlights in a year at your church?
Easter, Easter Eve, Rogation, Lammas and Plough Sunday
What makes your church distinctive?
Its inclusivity
What different types of people are there at your church and how do they get on with each other?
Every sort of person, and every sort of way. Yes some do not ‘get on’ with others but we accept and value the rich diversity of characters that make up our church
Some questions about Christianity
Who is Jesus?
For me he is the human, tangible face of an unknowable ever present God
What is the point of being a Christian?
Gosh, if I knew that I would no longer struggle to be one!
Why is faith so difficult to hold onto?
Because it asks one to do the impossible and believe DESPITE the evidence
I haven’t been to church in years and feel guilty. How can I find help?
Sit quietly in church and think, or ask to see the clergy – or just start coming to church – no one will ask questions or blame you
How do you know God is there if you can’t see him?
You can’t know, you can only believe
What is the most important commandment?
They are all important but the most important one for me is ‘you shall love your neighbour as yourself’
Why does God sometimes seem so far away?
Because you cannot actually see, touch, feel or even hear Him
Does believing in God make you a better person?
Not necessarily, but behaving as He wants us too might!
How do you know what God wants you to do from day to day?
You don’t but you keep trying to do what feel He wants you to do
What is prayer?
Talking to God and listening for His reply
Can I be forgiven for all the bad things I have done?
Of course but the important question is can you forgive yourself?
What is heaven like?
Who knows but whatever happens it will be amazing!
How do you hear God?
Listening out for Him inside yourself
Why did Jesus die?
To save humankind from themselves
Is there life after death?
Yes
Do you feel any different when you become a Christian?
Not particularly most of the time but sometimes you feel very good about it
Does being a Christian solve your problems?
No, but prayer helps you to find answers for you to use to solve them for yourself
Is it okay to feel sad when a loved one dies?
Absolutely
What is a Christian?
Someone who really believes that Christ was born and died for us, as the human face of God