Frequently Asked Questions
Membership:
Q. Do I have to join New Hope Christian Centre?
A. No, we do not have membership so there is nothing to join. However we do appreciate you taking the time to let the pastors know if you intend making New Hope your home church. Likewise, we consider it courteous to let us know if you are moving away or fellowshipping elsewhere.
Giving:
Q. Am I required to financially support New Hope Christian Centre if I attend?
A. Although we believe that giving and tithing is an integral part of our worship and an ordinance in the Word of God, you are not under any obligation to support or tithe financially. Whatever you choose to give should be given freely from your heart, and therein lies the blessing from the Lord.
New Hope is a registered charity. Charity No. CHY16755. We do not operate a gift aid system in the interests of donor anonymity (Matthew 6:3-4). Businesses only may request an annual year end receipt for donations made by prior arrangement at the start of each tax year. Documented proof of giving, e.g., cheque, is necessary. We reserve the right to retain a photocopy of cheques written in favour of New Hope to validate such a receipt
A statement of annual income and expenditure for New Hope is posted on our public notice board, located in the foyer.
Business Promotion:
Q. Can I promote my business or product at New Hope?
A. No. We do not allow promotion of any business endeavour or product at our meeting or fellowship times as we believe people need to be able to come confidently to church without fearing they will be target market for a business deal or promotion. The only exception, at our discretion, is where a visiting speaker has requested the setting up of a product table.
Charity Fundraisers
Q. I am raising finances for a well-known charity or local school. Can I ask people in the congregation to support me by buying tickets/lines etc. before, during or after a church service?
A. No. We believe that church is a safe place where people can come to connect with God without the worry of being targeted for fundraising, or fear of causing offence if they decline to support a charitable cause.
Prophecy
Q. What is the procedure for delivering a prophetic word during the service?
A. Please submit the word to a membership of the leadership team and await for them to make a space for you to bring the word at an appropriate time during the service. Under no circumstances should the service be interrupted as true prophecy will hold. You should also be aware that you may not be permitted to give the word.
Other Meetings
Q. How do I promote a meeting that is not part of the New Hope regular schedule or schedule of special events?
A. We will promote meetings from time to time that are spiritually beneficial and scripturally sound. Notices which advertise meetings outside of New Hope’s ministry may only be posted on our noticeboards with prior permission.
Children
Q. Are my children welcome in the adult service?
A. Yes they are. We ask that children would sit with their parents/guardian and in the interests of health and safety, that children remain under their supervision while on the premises. On some occasions (e.g., conference evening services) we are unable to accommodate children under 10 years.
Media & Photography
Q. What is your policy on recording, photography and videos?
A. We respectfully ask those who attend our services to refrain from making videos, photographs or voice recordings during our services. This is to ensure the privacy, discretion and safety of all who attend. In the case of a baby dedication or other special event, ample time will be given for you to take photographs etc.
Building Hire
Q. Can I use/hire New Hope’s premises for a family function (e.g., Baby Dedication etc.)
A. Unfortunately not. We do not loan or hire our building for private functions due to insurance and our lease’s prohibition on sub-letting.
Q. Do you offer a counselling service to congregants.
A. We are not professionally certified to offering a counselling service in any capacity. We do offer a pastoral care team that is under development and adheres to a balanced interpretation of Scripture. Where necessary, we will make referrals/recommendations to a professional, (and where possible, Christian) counselling service if the need arises or is requested. We will fulfill mandantory disclosures as required by law (e.g., child protection issues etc.) should they arise.