FAQ
Q. What is Church In The Now?
A. CITN is a community of truth-seeking believers...a non-traditional, inter-denominational, multi-cultural church that describes itself simply as Real People, Experiencing the Real God in the Real World®.
Q. Why do you call it Church In The Now?
A. Because God is always in the now! God is the "I Am" (Exodus 3:14), not the "I was" or the "I will be". God is eternal, and eternity is best defined as "the now". CITN is a place where you can always experience the "presence" of God ("God is our refuge and strength, an ever-PRESENT help in trouble" - Psalms 46:1 TNIV). Many people miss the miracle of the now because they are too distracted by regret over the past, or fear of the future. But at CITN you are encouraged to "forget what is behind" (Philippians 3:13), and to stop worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), so that you can say THIS is the day that the Lord has made! CITN is a community of faith, and faith is always "now" ("NOW faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 TNIV)!
Q. What does Church In The Now believe?
A. The Tenets of Faith of CITN are based in the Christian tradition laid out in the Apostles' Creed:
THE APOSTLES' CREED
(Modern English Version)
"I believe in God, the Father Almighty
Creator of Heaven and earth
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again;
He ascended to heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic ** church
the communion of saints
the forgiveness of sins
the resurrection of the body
and the life everlasting. Amen"
* The word "firstborn" is preferred to "only": " For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the FIRSTBORN among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:29 TNIV)
**catholic (lower case), meaning the church universal, the Body of Christ. This term is not to be confused with Roman Catholicism, but is accepted by Roman Catholics and Protestants alike. Webster defines "catholic" as "broad-minded, as in belief or tastes; liberal; comprehensive; large; universal in reach; general."
Q. Who is Bishop Jim Swilley?
A. Bishop Jim is the founder and Senior Pastor of CITN (founded 1985). A fourth generation Minister who began preaching at the age of 13, he is a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. Since 1972 He has ministered throughout the United States and in many countries on five continents. He served for three years as the president of New Life Bible College, is a songwriter holding membership with ASCAP, has recorded multiple music projects, and is the author of many books.
Q. Why is he called "Bishop" instead of "Pastor"?
A. The biblical term Bishop (1 Timothy 3:1, 2; Titus 1:7) simply means "overseer" or "pastor to pastors". Bishop Jim is ordained as a pastor through Now Ministries, and was consecrated in 1998 as a Bishop through the International Communion of Charismatic Churches (ICCC). He serves as a member of the College of Bishops for the ICCC, which is a communion of over 240 Bishops who represent over 5,000 ministries on six continents. In addition to providing oversight to the Staff Pastors and Care Pastors of CITN, Bishop Jim provides oversight to more than 170 churches and ministries through Now Ministries.
Q. How do I get involved?
A. As an open tabernacle that welcomes all people, your financial or ministry partricipation in the CITN Community is encouraged. However, there is a higher level of commitment to the community that is our E.A.C.H. program (Everyone Attending Contributing and Helping) For more information on our E.A.C.H. program please click here.
Q. How do I get baptized, or dedicate my baby?
A. For baby dedications, please call the church office ( 770-922-5334 ) to schedule a date for your child. Children may be dedicated at any age.
B. Baptism is held on some first Sunday's at the 11am service. Please check the e-bulletin for dates. You may also pick up an information sheet and sign up in the Narthex.