LIFEWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH of N.Bangor NY
518-319-0078
​ WHAT WE ARE... "NOT"

We are NOT Charismatic or Pentecostal based.  We do believe God can do miraculous things. He can and does at times suspend nature to do so. He can heal sickness, illness, and injuries.  However we do not believe He so often does this through those who profess the Gift of Healing, especially when healing events become carnival like, or overly choreographed, or full of extreme manifestations that seem confusing and celebrity driven. We believe God primarily moves of His own accord and/or through the petition of prayer from believers. 

We also believe God has reasons effecting His decision to heal or not heal. We may not understand why He heals some but not many others. We do know His intellect and knowledge is eternal and perfect, ours is this world limited. In faith we trust His decision is best, even if we can not  comprehend His reasons in this world's time.  

We are not adherents to the "Word Faith" Movement. We teach and believe our words are of importance to God, but only when what we say or ask is within His Will. God's Words are all powerful, not our words. 

We do not believe all signs and miracles have ceased. We do believe there can be too much emphasis on such and God is not the author of confusion, so we de-emphasize what may cause confusion. Speaking in "tongues", for example can be a private matter for some, but is not part of any of our public assemblies, events, or worship services. We do not disparage our Christian Brethren who are Charismatic or Pentecostal. It simply is not who we are.  
We are "NOT" a Liturgical "High" Church. We value some traditional elements of worship and ministry, but do so without becoming bound by any programmed or intended ritual, or ceremony that a times become empty traditions. 

We do not follow some "Mainline" agendas that often include a liberal leaning regarding their faith or spirituality.  We are Bible Centered for authority and not under any mandate to follow any one leader's or denomination's rules, regulations and policies.

Our American Baptist Churches foundation allows for local church flexibility and self government. There is no hierarchy of institutional power.  Our leadership is local only and "servant" oriented. Pomp and ceremony enjoyed by some in other churches is replaced with a blend of contemporary and traditional worship methods, and a casual and rather non-prestigious, simple setting where we express our love of God in basic ways.
Once again, we do not believe our way is better or should be the only way, it is where we are at and we are comfortable with it. 
    "NOT"...                 
WHO OR WHAT                 WE ARE!
"NOT"...
     WHO OR WHAT WE ARE!