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F. A. Q.s and More
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Q. I have visited your service more than once and each time I have seen people randomly bringing their offering to the altar. This happens before the official offering, during the sermon and even after the sermon. Why do people do this?
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A: The Bible admonishes us to ‘bring our offering
to the altar.’ Bishop Long encourages the congregation to follow this mandate as
a symbolic expression of their sacrifice to the Lord. Bringing their offering to
the altar allows members to be reminded that the offering is not for man, but
for God to use to build His Kingdom and to advance His Will.
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Q: Why do the
Ministers and Deacons sit in the front row of the congregation?
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A:
Bishop Long requests that the front row of seats in the congregation
are held by his ministerial team so that when people come to the
altar or when there is a special need, they are immediately able to
minister to those persons. There are also members of the ministerial
team seated throughout the congregation so that people are easily
assisted there as well. |
Q: Why are there
flags of different countries throughout the sanctuary?
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A: New Birth strongly feels a passion and a call to
not only minister to its members, but to the nations. The flags represent
countries all over the world that we desire to impact with the Word of God and
the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Q: What does it
mean when someone says “Christian Experience by Letter”?
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A: When someone leaves one church to join another
church, the protocol is for him or her to bring a letter from their previous
church to the new one. This letter informs the new church that the new member
was in good standing at their previous church.
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Q: I have never
been given a program for the flow of service when I have visited
New Birth. Is there a reason for this?
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A: It is our desire to be completely led of God
during our Worship service experience. We have found that when we have a
predetermined schedule for service we are not as free to move when we feel God
leading us in a different direction. We do believe in order, but we want to be
open to God’s order and not our own
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Q: If I want to
volunteer at New Birth, why do I have to go through such an
extensive volunteer training?
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A: Our volunteer training ensures that all
volunteers are on one accord. We want to ensure that the volunteers all
understand what we as a ministry believe, understand the expectations in serving
in ministry, and are held to a level of accountability. Our volunteer training,
although extensive, is necessary for us to operate in excellence.
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Q: I am not
familiar with the title “Bishop.” What exactly does it mean and
and how is it different from “pastor”?
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A: The title “Bishop” means to oversee; it is used
several times in the Bible. A Bishop is one who holds a position of authority.
“Bishop” comes from the Greek word “episkopos,” which is translated as bishop,
overseer, and superintendent. A Pastor is one who cares for the flock, a
shepherd. Jesus refers to us as His sheep. Bishop Long oversees not only this
location but also many. He is the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist
Church, Inc. in Lithonia, GA. See scripture references: Acts 20:17-28, Phil 1:1,
I Peter 2:25, I Peter 5:1-4 and I Tim. 3:1.
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Q: I tried to
schedule a meeting with Bishop Long and was unsuccessful. Can
you tell me why?
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A: Bishop Long’s heart is such that he desires to
be able to be involved with all of the New Birth members on a personal basis. He
would love to be able to hear every concern, assist with every issue and mentor
every member. However, this is not only impossible, but against biblical wisdom
(Exodus 18:13-27). Because Bishop Long realizes that God has not called him to
carry the load of the ministry by himself, he has surrounded himself with
capable men and women to assist in these issues. Therefore even if Bishop cannot
meet with you personally he will ensure that the leaders assist you in the same
heart and manner that he would, and ultimately with the anointing that comes
from God alone.
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Q: What does the
New Birth Logo represent?
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A: It is the Cross, Shield (which represents the
shield of faith) and Dove which represents The Holy Spirit).
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Q: What is the
appropriate attire to wear to New Birth?
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A: Come as you are. There is no dress code.
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Q: How long has
New Birth been in existence?
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A: New Birth celebrates 26 years of service May
2008
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Q: How many books
has Bishop Long written?
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A: Bishop Long has written the following books with
more on the way:
1. I Don’t Want Delilah, I Need You
2. Taking Over
3. Called to Conquer
4. What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs
5. Power of a Wise Woman
6. Gladiator
7. Blessing of Giving
8. Deliver Me From Adam
9. It’s Your Time
10. The Elect Lady
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Q: Does New Birth
provide transportation?
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A: New Birth bus arrives at the Indian Creek Train
Station, which is located at the end of the East Line for the MARTA Train. The
following times are:
6:15 AM for the 7:00 AM Sunday Service
9:00 AM & 9:15 AM for the 10:30 AM Sunday Service
6:15 PM for the 7:00 PM Tuesday Night Empowerment Session
**Return time & Location**
15 minutes after the close of service wherever the bus driver drops off
passengers.
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Q: Why did Bishop
Long change bible study from Wednesday to Tuesday night?
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A: With a new year comes new beginnings; Bishop
Long wanted to remove us from our comfort zone.
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Q: I am from out
of town and would like to visit your church. Should I schedule a
tour?
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A: Yes, please contact our Hospitality Director at
770-696-9660.
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Q: What telephone
number can I call for additional information about an upcoming
conference?
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A: Please call our Conference Line at 770-696-9603
or refer to our website.
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registered trademark of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Inc.
