FAQ
What is the “Alliance”?
The Christian and Missionary Alliance was the joining of two separate movements which happened in the early part of the 20th century. The Christian Alliance was a network of churches across Canada and the U.S. that were passionately interested in a deeper life with Christ (that this should be the norm for any Christian) and a deep desire for World Mission. Later, the Missionary Church (another Church denomination) found that they shared the same cohesive vision of what Church should and could be, and these two organizations formalized a partnership by forming the Christian and Missionary Alliance – stating in their name what we are all about – the deeper life and world mission. For more information on the Christian and Missionary Alliance, click HERE.
What religion is HRAC?
It may sound funny to you, but we are not religious whatsoever. Religion is a set of rules and practises designed by humans to bring them closer to God. The Scriptures however make it clear that none of us can reach God regardless of how hard we try. Our sinful condition as humans makes it impossible to get to God without His help. This is why He sent his Son Jesus Christ to offer Himself as a sacrifice to repair our relationship with God.
When we gather, we celebrate a relationship with God that can be restored through knowing Jesus Christ. It is possible to know God personally. For persons who to learn more about what it means to follow Christ, we have Alpha groups (click HERE).
Will I feel welcome at HRAC?
Our church family is known for its acceptance of people at different life stages as well as various points on their spiritual journey. Many people who have never attended a church service or gave up on church long ago tell us that they find HRAC welcoming. Children, teens, singles, single parents, couples, families, empty-nesters and young families, all call our church family home.
What are the services like?
You’ll find Sunday services at HRAC to have a casual, warm, and friendly atmosphere. We encourage you to “come as you are” and dress in whatever way is comfortable for you. We care more about your heart than we do your wardrobe. Make sure to stay after the service for Higher Grounds coffee time and have a vanilla latté or a caramel cappuccino (or whatever) on us.
What are the sermons like?
We value the Bible as having all the truth necessary to guide us effectively through whatever life throws at us. Therefore, teaching at HRAC is targeted to be culturally relevant without watering down the life-changing message Jesus brings. On any given Sunday you will discover messages (aka sermons) that are clear, relevant, meaningful, and inspiring. Church should never be boring. We keep several months of messages online. They are available for download through itunes or by clicking HERE.
Does HRAC collect an offering?
No. We however strongly encourage attenders to give freely and generously of their finances. We have a number of messages online illustrating in greater detail what we believe what the Scriptures teach us about the giving of our finances.
For convenience, offering boxes are located at the back of our auditorium by both sets of doors. We also have automated giving and interac available through our church office, as well as internet donation. To learn more about giving at our Church, click HERE.
What is communion?
Communion (also known as the Eucharist, Lord’s supper, or Mass) is a symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection. We celebrate it here on the first of the month as part of our celebration worship service. It is open to anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ.
Do I have to be baptized?
Jesus commands that all of us who follow after him be baptized. It is a decision not to be taken lightly, and is a profound symbol of what it means to be a Christian. The believer is fully immersed in water as a symbol of being both cleansed of sin, and of dying to their former way of life. Then they are raised from the water as a symbol of the newness of life that they now have in Christ. It also looks forward to the resurrection when we stand together in glory. Baptism is only a symbol capable of getting the believer soaking wet. It is however a profound public decision that has great implications for the life of the believer. For more information on Baptism, click HERE.
What is the singing about?
Singing is one of the most deeply personal things we can share. For that reason, singing has always been a part of the worship of God, going back to the beginning. The contemporary, upbeat music at HRAC is a vibrant part of the weekly worship experience.
If you are unfamiliar with the songs or are not comfortable singing along, do not feel obligated to participate. Feel free just to sit and listen.
Does HRAC offer child care?
At HRAC, our kids are a part of the church, just as much as adults. We believe that families are charged with the responsibility to make disciples of their children, therefore we choose to partner with each family that is a part of our Church to equip and empower them to do the best job possible. This includes a variety of parent educational opportunities, and a significant lending library full of parental resources.
We appreciate the privilege to be a part of children’s discipleship. It is because of this that Kids grades K through 5 are dismissed about 15 minutes into the Celebration Service to a child focused church environment we call “Kidventure”. Your kids will taught, nurtured, and cared for by our highly trained and dedicated staff, and will have so much fun they won’t want to leave. On long-weekends (when our kidventure staff are given a break), you will find we specially design our worship services to make them family (kid) friendly.
We also have a freshly supplied and staffed Nursery for infants to two-year olds, and vibrant preschool program for three and four year olds. For more information on our kids program, click HERE.
