Frequently Asked Questions
About The Rock Church | Worship Experiences
I’ve been going to The Rock Church (TRC) for a while and don’t know anyone, how can I meet people?
We typically host a meet and greet following the 2nd service on the 4th Sunday of every month. This is a great time to meet a few pastors and some others in the church. In addition, attending one of the many Reach Teams is another way to introduce yourself to a smaller group environment. For those needing an ice breaker, come to the front after service and introduce yourself to one of the many leaders helping in the service.
How do I locate everything at The Rock Church?
Available at the Information Kiosk in the foyer is a map detailing all the different spaces throughout the church. In addition, each person at the kiosk is capable of providing answers to questions and information on special events happening at the church.
How can a person become a member of The Rock Church?
By attending a Beginning Point class which is offered multiple times throughout the year.
How do I get involved?
Information located at the Information Kiosk (Getting Connected and Volunteering Info Sheets) in the foyer is available to answer all questions as they relate to getting involved. Membership is not required to be involved at The Rock Church; however, we encourage everyone to take our Beginning Point class where you can hear the mission and vision of TRC.
What is the dress code at The Rock Church?
The Rock Church has no formal dress code. We do require our leaders to dress professionally and make certain they are presenting themselves with excellence. We desire for both men and women to dress modestly without offending one another. Wardrobe selections can be stumbling blocks for some, so we encourage everyone to be comfortable and dress without the pressure of performance.
What is the History of The Rock Church?
Go to TRC History to learn more about the history of The Rock Church. We also often include a brief history in the weekly bulletin.
Why does the church play the music that it does?
Our church is a generational expression. We are a church that targets a person of no faith, damaged faith, or active faith. Our desire is to have new songs blended with other familiar melodies to bring an atmosphere of worship that is fresh, exciting, new and relatable for many people. Our music comes from around the world and is meticulously practiced by our worship team. Historically our church has not employed the old hymns until the recent resurgence of these powerful songs. Today we are confident in a good blend of different genres and eras of music.
As someone new to the church, are there expectations of me?
Our expectation is that people would find the exact place they fit in the body of Christ. If The Rock Church is not “their church” then we want to help them find which one is. However, if God has led a person or family to TRC to make The Rock their home, then we desire for them to plug in and get connected by making themselves available to meet the pastors, other people and be introduced to the ministries at the church. We have gone to great lengths to provide a ministry that strives to Connect People to Life and reflects our core values of Life = Devotion, People = Reach, and Connect = Serve. We would love for every person attending to plug in when they are ready.
How many times per month do you require people to be in church?
We encourage all people to make Sunday morning a priority but we understand there are certain things which hinder the ability for Sunday morning attendance. A person affirms their connection to a church through their attendance, giving and volunteering. It is imperative these three things be high on the priority list in order to honor God and be a part of the local church.
I’m divorced, is there a place for me to lead at The Rock Church?
Divorce is a tragic and horrible experience for any person who has had to experience it. Yet, those divorced, like all who have sinned, are not exempt from forgiveness, grace, salvation, and righteousness. A divorced person will be discipled and promoted within The Rock Church like any other individual.
What is the purpose of the ID badges for my children?
ID badges make certain we can operate a safe and effective children’s ministry. In addition, they help our classroom workers learn the name of each child. ID badges give the child a sense of ownership and belonging even on the first day of attendance. Our church is committed to the best experience for children and ID badges facilitate such an experience.
Can I meet the LifeSavers Children’s Ministry workers before I allow my child to be in the classroom?
Certainly, our classroom directors are available most Sundays and can be contacted through the office or email. We encourage all parents to understand the policies of LifeSavers Children’s Ministry and get to know our Lifesavers leaders as quickly as possible.
Can I stay with my child for the entire class?
No. The Rock Church spends time interviewing each teacher before placing them in children’s ministry. After background checks, training, and experience helping other already experienced teachers, all our children’s leaders are capable of making certain every child is well cared for. For this reason, we encourage all parents to drop their child off and experience the service in the worship center. Special pagers are provided for any parent who needs reassurance about their child and are used when any problems arise needing the parent’s attention.
Who is teaching my children?
Each classroom is overseen by a director. Directors are mature, experienced volunteers in The Rock Church. Each of them oversees a team focused on their particular classroom. Each leader is well trained and given security clearance to teach children at The Rock Church. Lifesavers teachers are fun, caring and loving people who enjoy teaching children about Life and Jesus.
What are my children learning?
Age appropriate curriculum is being taught in each classroom. For the pre-school, each age group has an age appropriate approach to teaching three basic concepts: God made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my friend. For our school age curriculum we use 252 Basics which focuses the concepts of wisdom: I need to make the wise choice; faith: I can trust God no matter what; and friendship: I should treat others the way I want to be treated. For further information go to: www.myfirstlook.org for infant through pre-school and www.252basics.org for k-5th grade.
Where can I go with a new baby? Am I allowed to bring my baby into the worship center?
Located near RC Coffee is the Infant Care Room for nursing mothers and mothers whose children are not yet ready for Lifesavers Children’s Ministry. Yes, you are allowed to bring your new baby into the worship center, but are asked to be discreet so as not to interrupt others enjoying the service.
Why do I have to check my children into class?
We value the safety of our kids as a top priority. Check in allows us to know who is responsible for each child we are taking care of. As each of our teachers have a thorough background check and are well trained to meet many needs, check-in provides parents an added security in knowing their child will be taken care of while at church.
Does my teenager have to be a member of the Youth Ministry in order to attend?
No, our youth ministry, Grid 29:11, is open to all teenagers. When a student arrives they are checked in. This allows for important follow up, communication and attendance tracking of each teen. Our team then uses this data to reach students and follow up with those who may have disconnected. Additionally, our team is able to really know the students who are coming.
Why do we have guest speakers come?
There are many men and women who are gifted in areas outside of the gifting of the local body of Christ. These perspectives and insights are important to develop a well balanced diet for our church. Also, we frequently bring our missionaries in for live reports from the field in which we are sowing financially. On other occasions a guest speaker is brought in to share a personal testimony or a special insight.
We have a very qualified team of presenters at The Rock Church. On those services where Pastor Jeff is not speaking, most often one of our other communicators will be in the pulpit and we are glad we have access to such powerful leaders in our church.
How do I solve conflict or offense with another person at the church or even a staff member or pastor?
Conflict happens in churches all the time. First, seek the Lord and make certain the offense is not the result of superfluous circumstances. Second, love them for love covers a multitude of wrongdoing. Third, Matthew 18 tells us to go to the one we are offended with, not to our friends, and try and work it out. Fourth, if there is no resolution then go with a witness. We recommend at this point you talk with an Elder in the church for help in resolving the matter.
Can I live with my boy/girl friend and be a part of The Rock Church?
The Rock Church was not established to reach Christians; instead, it targets people who don’t know the Lord. Our church does not expect people who have no connection to Jesus Christ to model Christian living. Therefore, when a couple who is not married but lives together comes to the church and receives Christ, we advise them to either marry, based on the strength of their relationship, or live separately until marriage. This honors God and honors His word.
The Rock Church Foundations | Structure
How can I better understand the vision of The Rock Church?
Pastor Jeff talks on the vision of the church frequently, so participate in weekly services. Additionally, a person who takes Beginning Point will thoroughly understand the vision of The Rock Church. This class is designed to answer questions, communicate the short and long term vision of TRC and set someone who is new to the church up for success.
Is The Rock Church following God’s principles?
Yes. The Rock Church is set up to be an Acts New Testament Church and many principles from the Word of God guide and direct our church. All of these are highlighted in the Beginning Point class, but often the greatest way to measure a church’s principles is by its fruit. The Rock Church has been fruitful for years. The last six years have been the most impacting with record growth and many testimonies of life change. Spend some time asking others about The Rock Church and we believe you will find a church who sincerely offers mercy and truth.
What kind of Church Government structures The Rock Church?
The Church is patterned after the New Testament example, with a Board of Elders heading up the legal facets of the ministry. The Rock Church is a Washington State non-profit corporation, with by-laws to govern business and spiritual matters. All Eldership are called by the Lord, ordained and meet the qualifications of ministry according to the Word of God.
What are The Rock Church’s main beliefs?
Our statement of faith can be found online at Ministry Beliefs.
What denomination is The Rock Church?
The Rock Church is non-denominational that has affiliation with Ministers Fellowship International. MFI brings relationships with Pastors and Churches all over the world. MFI was founded in 1987 with the sole purpose of linking ministers to ministers. MFI provides an atmosphere where church leaders of like vision can join together, minister to each other and find accountability, relationship, resources and apostolic assistance. This unique organization provides an avenue where congregations can find identity on a national and international level.
What is the theological persuasion of The Rock Church?
The Rock Church is a full-gospel, family oriented, life giving Church. We intend to model the New Testament Church as described in Acts in thought, word and deed.
What does the Church teach about the Baptism of Holy Spirit?
It is apparent that the Body of Christ is presently experiencing times of refreshing and revival from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19) and that the Holy Spirit is being poured out around the world. We embrace this visitation of the Holy Spirit and appreciate the good fruit that is being produced in the church. We want to build on the Scriptures, avoid carnal demonstrations and yet receive all the fresh anointing the Lord has for us (1 Thes 5:16-24).
We teach the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience subsequent to salvation. People need to repent, be baptized in water and receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit empowers Christian disciples for bearing witness to the Word of God with a variety of demonstrations and manifestations (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 12). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by supernatural signs such as speaking in tongues and prophecy (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6). The gifts of the Spirit are also given as tools to be used in ministry (1 Cor 12; Romans 12; 1 Peter 4:10).
What does The Rock Church believe about speaking in tongues?
As it relates to speaking in tongues the Bible teaches that we pray both with our understanding and with our Spirit and that we can both sing with our understanding and sing in the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:15). There is a difference between the gift of tongues (which would need an interpretation) and tongues as a language of prayer and praise. What we do in our public meetings most often is an expression of our worship or our intercession to the Lord (Rom. 8:26). For the purposes of application we provide specific times for focused prayer, intercession and worship. These times are refreshing and powerful as many believers gather together to pray in tongues for the edification of the local church.
Can a person who has sin in their life attend The Rock Church?
Yes, everyone is welcome at The Rock Church. However, if a member is violating the Word of God purposefully without repentance they should be confronted in a Biblical manner according to Matthew 18. Psalm 19:12, 13 indicate sin leads to the great transgression. Every believer should have a passion for a sinless life. Areas of weakness and failure should be confessed before the Lord in order to receive deliverance and freedom.
Will there be formal communion? When does communion get talked about?
Yes. We typically have a formal communion during our worship experiences a couple times per year. Other times throughout the year, communion is scheduled formally.
Pastors | Elders | Support Team | Leadership
Who holds the Pastor accountable?
Apostolic covering is provided by Ministers Fellowship International in Portland, OR and locally through Pastors Wendell and Gini Smith of The City Church in Kirkland, WA. The Board of Elders handles pastoral accountability. In addition, Pastors Jeff and Melinda have many relationships throughout the US who provide an informal accountability for The Rock Church. Pastors Jeff and Melinda both allow many other leaders in the body of Christ to speak into their life.
How do I meet with a Pastor?
We have both full-time and volunteer Pastoral staff. Both are fully equipped to lead at The Rock Church. Contact the office to arrange an appointment with one of our pastors, or speak with an Elder or staff member at service about setting up some time together. The pastoral team will provide the best pastor for the situation.
Will the Pastors make home visits?
Yes, circumstances permitting home visits need to be communicated to the pastor who is being asked to visit and meet in a private home setting. In all circumstances the pastor attending will be accompanied by another pastor or their spouse.
Who are the Pastors?
Jeff and Melinda Knight are the Senior Pastors of The Rock Church. They are the leaders and the visionaries of The Rock Church.
Elders: Elders are others who are ordained pastors in the church. They are titled pastors and function as elders. They are Pastors Ron and Kathy Warren, Pastors Dan and Rose Snider, Pastors Dan and Lori Nelson, Pastors Rory and Kathryn Tongg and Pastor George Parker.
Other ordained Pastors at The Rock Church: The Rock Church ordains and recognizes the ministry gifts in various areas of the church like Pastor Bill and Joeline Davis, who are evangelists; Pastor Travis and Gia Warren, who are Youth Pastors; Pastor Kyle and Karen Pearson, who oversee Mexico missions; Pastor John and Betty Larsen, who travel and help pastors nationwide; Pastors Nahshon & Rachel Graumann, who provide support to the Worship/Music Ministry and Marilyn Pearson, an ordained intercessor.
Why are there so many Pastors who get up to speak before the Senior Pastor?
The local church is a training ground for life and ministry and having one pastor do all the work and presenting makes a church body anemic. There are many leaders at The Rock Church with diverse gifts. Every person’s gift adds to the values and principles in those who are attending The Rock. All of our leaders function in unity behind Pastor Jeff’s vision and the end result is a church capable of ministering to the many people in need. Variety is good and a blessing to the many different cultures and styles of people attending The Rock Church.
Can a leader at The Rock Church smoke and have an occasional drink?
Paul points out in scripture that everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. At The Rock Church we encourage those who are leading to avoid these temporary pleasures for long term impact. Smoking and drinking, while socially acceptable, can present a double standard and at the very least confuse those who we are called to influence. There is nothing in the word of God which tells us we cannot smoke or drink, but rather we deny ourselves of these potentially dangerous vices for the purposes of honoring God by denying self.
What is Support Team?
Support Team are men and women who have the DNA of The Rock Church and have dedicated their time to helping God’s church reach as many as the Lord would send. Support Team members are hand selected by the eldership, trained and equipped to minister to the needs of the body. This includes prayer times, wise counsel and care. Though not a requirement some Support Team members are ordained ministers through The Rock Church. They are members of The Rock Church with a passion for the vision and supportive of Pastors Jeff and Melinda. People will find Support Team members approachable and helpful to answer questions and care about them.
Finances | Outreaches | Community Support
What is the tithe?
Scripturally “to tithe” means to give a tenth (10%) of all your increase to God. For more information on what the Bible says about finances and giving attend our services. In attending our services, a person will gain a Biblical view of finances and how God views our giving to the local church, other charitable organizations and our family. Our church believes our provision has a purpose. We are not here merely to acquire; instead, we are here to be distributors of all God entrusts to us.
I am not a member; do I have to tithe to the church?
As a non-member we would encourage you to be tithing somewhere at the very least. If you are tithing elsewhere and are not a member of The Rock Church, but attending frequently and often, we would exhort you to pray about where your financial support belongs. As a member of the church we expect tithing in accordance with scripture and being a Christ-follower. Giving at The Rock Church is not out of obligation, but out of celebration of who God is.
What are people expected to give financially?
The Rock Church is built on Sound Financial Doctrine. With two very polarized extremes in the Body of Christ today regarding finances, we believe God’s provision has a purpose. We challenge every Christ follower to give as they have purposed in their heart and according to scripture. There are four ways to give financially: 1) the tithe 2) offering 3) meeting the needs of the saints and 4) giving to the poor.
How are the finances of The Rock Church handled?
All gifts are received and cared for as precious seed. Funds are handled according to Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and at the end of each calendar year a compilation is done for year end reporting by our accountants. This compilation is then made available upon request to the public.
How does The Rock Church view world missions?
Matthew 28 and Mark 16 direct our church regarding the great commission. We believe everybody should go on a mission trip in their Christian life. We have been involved with short-term missions throughout the world. Our staff has represented The Rock Church on every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica. Periodically each year, different missionaries come through The Rock to share their experiences and needs to continue to bring the gospel to far away regions of the world.
In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico we have a long-term mission in the city dump. This project has been featured in magazines such as PEOPLE (May 22, 2000) and many local and regional television newscasts. For more information on Mission to Mexico please contact the Information Kiosk.
Does The Rock Church give money to the poor and families in need?
Yes, a person in need, who is a member of The Rock Church, can fill out a benevolence request form and we will do everything we can to help the situation as circumstances permit. Those who are not members are given the same opportunity for assistance, but can only be helped if resources are available. In addition, The Rock Church supports various other organizations with the express purpose of giving to the poor: food banks, shelters, and projects.