MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

 1. Why the name Pilgrim Rest?

The name “Pilgrim Rest” was given by Mother Millie Parker. The idea is that each Christian is a pilgrim or traveler who receives a rest in Jesus Christ that begins at salvation throughout eternity (Matthew 11:28-29, Hebrews 4:9-11, Revelation 14:13).

2. Since the Holy Bible teaches that saints should never divide the church of Christ why is Pilgrim Rest affiliated with a denominational convention?

 We believe that many false doctrines have been welcomed into many circles that claim to be members of the church of Jesus Christ. Consequently, Pilgrim Rest has chosen to affiliate with other saints who embrace the same doctrines that we believe to be inspired only by the Holy Spirit. We embrace these doctrines by faith and by rightly dividing God?s word, the Holy Bible. In other words, DOCTRINE matters to Pilgrim Rest. And we justify our embrace of our doctrine on the following passages of Holy Scripture (Acts 20:Romans 16:17, Ephesians 4:14, First Timothy 1:3, 4:1, 4:6, 5:17, Second Timothy 3:16, 4:2-3, Titus 1:9, 2:1, 2:7, Hebrews 6:1-2, 13:9, Second John 1:9-10, Revelation 2:14-15).

 3. What is the Pilgrim Rest view of the scriptures?

We believe that the 66 books of the Holy Bible are inspired by God in Christ. We believe that the Holy Bible needs no companion study guide. We believe that the Holy Bible offers both descriptive (informational but not applicational to the church of Christ) and prescriptive (informational and applicational to the church of Christ) messages for God?s people. Our Statement of Faith can be found both on our website and at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#i

4. How does Pilgrim Rest use Holy Scripture to approach social and cultural trends?

We believe that the Holy Bible is still relevant and applicable to the social and cultural trends we face. The church of Jesus Christ is a culture within herself. Her culture is to experience Christ?s liberty in Christ?s love (Galatians 5:13, James 4:17). When we are confronted with issues like abortion, homosexuality, gambling, stem cell research, etc., our response is what would Jesus do? We take this position because we are not our own, we have been bought with a price (First Corinthians 6:19-20). We love all people, but the Christ in us hates all sin (Galatians 2:20, First Thessalonians 5:22).

 5. How do the typical members of Pilgrim Rest view their roles?

We teach each member that he or she is a minister in Christ. No one needs a certificate to serve Jesus Christ. We teach that all Christians are equal spiritually (Galatians 3:28), yet God has given each Christian a specific role (First Corinthians 11:1-3, Ephesians 5:22-33, First Timothy chapter 2 & 3, Titus 2:1-8, First Peter 3:7).

6. What is the difference between a pastor and a bishop?

Only the names, for their definition is the same! Bishops are pastors and pastors are bishops. At least in God?s eyes they are.

7. Why doesn?t Pilgrim Rest have a school for training ministers?

 We do! Sunday school, Christian Training Union, Christian Education Teacher?s Training, and our Inspired Greatness Institute. Also, we encourage members to attend Moody Bible Institute, Chicago Baptist Institute, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Pastor Lloyd?s alma mater), or Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

8. Why does Pilgrim Rest ordain men only as church leaders?

We associate ordination in the church of Christ with spiritual headship. When a woman is given headship over a man, the order established by God is compromised (First Corinthians 11:1-3, First Timothy chapters 2 & 3). We seek to follow the order established by God despite popular cultural and social trends that have developed in many religious circles of our society.

9. Why doesn?t Pilgrim Rest use real wine & real unleavened bread in the Lord?s Supper?

Although consuming real fermented wine may be lawful, it is not expedient for Pilgrim Rest to use it when we partake in the Lord?s Supper. We do not seek to be used as a catalyst to tempt or offend a weaker soul (First Corinthians 8:13).

10. Why does Pilgrim Rest require baptisms by immersion only?

We believe that baptism by immersion symbolized the death and burial of our old nature and our resurrection in our new nature (Romans 6:6-13). We believe that when Jesus was baptized his whole body was dipped into the Jordan River by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). From this example, Pilgrim Rest identifies with total immersion and the name Baptist.

11. Why does Pilgrim Rest have a vision to develop a more contemporary headquarters?

First, God gave this vision. Second, God gave this vision. Third, God gave the vision.

12. What is the attitude of Pilgrim Rest on tongues & other miraculous spiritual gifts?

The same attitude that the apostle Paul had in First Corinthians chapters 12 through 14.