Frequently Asked Questions about our Church

Where are you located?
Our Sunday Services are held at 9:30 am in our ministry building at Westgate Training Center in Chantilly, VA.  We're near the intersection of Rt. 28 and Rt. 50.  We also have home cell group meetings in several locations in Northern Virginia.

What kind of church are you?
In most ways, we’re a lot like many other modern Christian churches that study the Bible and sing contemporary worship songs. We have Sunday services, Sunday School classes, and small group meetings during the week. Our main distinctives are:

- We have a strong emphasis on small group ministry,
- We're extremely multicultural, with members from many countries, races, and backgrounds
- We encourage every member to think of themselves as having a calling and a ministry, whether that's in the world of church or the world of business.
- We believe that women can teach, minister, and lead.

What is an "Apostolic" Church?
Some churches belong to denominations.  Some churches are "independent" and are governed by a board.  "Apostolic" churches follow the model set out in the book of Acts, where a group of "sent-out-ones" plant churches, and then remain in relational accountability with their spiritual parents who sent them.  In our case, we belong to the "Apostolic Network" or "Church Planting Movement" known as DOVE Christian Fellowship International.

Do you belong to a denomination?
We do not belong to any of the larger denominations that you’ve probably heard of, so to call us “non-denominational” would be correct. But we’re not “independent” either. We are affiliated with a wonderful family of churches called DOVE Christian Fellowship International, or DCFI. There are DCFI churches all over the world. All DCFI churches have an emphasis on small group ministry. You can learn more about DCFI at www.dcfi.org. DCFI provides us with support and accountability.

What do you believe?
Our full statement of faith is available on another page of this website. In short, we believe there is one God. We believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross as a substitute for our sins. We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to mankind.

Are you Charismatic/Spirit Filled?
Yes, we believe that the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit still happen. We believe that God still speaks to people and interacts with them in many ways. We believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority by which all other experiences are to be tested and approved.

What about Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
We affirm and practice the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  While these gifts can sometimes seem unusual, they are Biblical and are useful in ministry.  We create a safe environment to learn how to operate in your spiritual gifts.  We explain them with sound biblical doctrine and teach them in a small group environment where it's okay to learn and try things you're not familiar with.

Do you do anything weird?
It depends on what you think is weird, but by most people’s definition, no. No animal sacrifices, or handling snakes. Okay, we hug a lot. But we use the non-threatening “Christian side hug”.

Can I just visit?
We really wish you would. We’re here every Sunday.  Just show up.

Can I get more information?
Well, the best way would be to visit a Sunday service. If you’re not ready for that, spend some more time on the website. View or listen to some of the video and audio messages. You can also call the church office at 703-778-0456.

What are your politics?
Many American churches have become defined by their political agendas.  We're not.  We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and leave it up to our intelligent, compassionate members to express their faith in the workplace and political arena as they are led by the Holy Spirit.  We welcome both conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats who are learning and growing in Christ together.

Are women allowed to serve in ministry?
In short, Yes.  We're well aware of the biblical arguments on both sides of this subject.  Our policy as a congregation is that women can teach and lead in all capacities.

What is the Westgate Training Center?
We use our building during the week a conference center and rent it out to businesses and other groups.  The auditorium, classrooms, and media support create an excellent environment for many types of classes and meetings.  Operating this business draws un-churched people into our building and allows us opportunities to let them know about the minstries and activities of our church.