When I was applying to attend a Bible School, I was asked to complete a “Doctrinal Questionnaire.” It is a written set questions that is typically used by churches for anyone applying for a ministry position, in order to help determine what a candidate’s beliefs and expectations might be. It is not considered an “exam seeking only correct answers” but instead, simply a useful method for asking candidates to explain and support their convictions. Over the years, I have completed a few Doctrinal Questionnaires, for various reasons, including when I was being considered for the minister’s position here at Margaret Street.
All of the questions are important and some can be a little difficult to answer. If you were asked these questions, how might you respond? Below are several questions typically found on such documents. Give it a try. It will only strengthen your faith!
1. Authority of Scripture – Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for faith, worship, and Christian living? Briefly explain why or why not.
2. The Nature of God – Do you believe in one God who is revealed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Please support your answer with Scripture.
3. Jesus Christ – Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who was born of a virgin, lived without sin, died for humanity’s sins, rose bodily from the dead, and will return again? Please explain your answer.
4. Human Sin and Salvation – Do you believe that all people are accountable to God for sin and that salvation is made possible only through the grace of God in Jesus Christ?
5. Response to the Gospel – What do you believe that a person should say/do in respond to the gospel call?
6. Baptism – Write out your understanding of the purpose, meaning, and administration of baptism.
7. The Lord’s Supper – How often should the Lord’s Supper be observed and what is its purpose?
8. The Church – Do you believe that Christ established one church, that He alone is its head, and that local congregations should be self-governing under qualified elders and deacons? Please explain your answer.
9. Do you believe that Christian worship should follow New Testament pattern? Why, or why not? Please also explain what worship consists of, who is involved, who it is for, and its purpose.
10. Do you believe that Christians are called to live faithfully and obediently to Christ, anticipating the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, and eternal life with God? Why, or why not?
11. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians through God’s Word and helps believers grow in holiness, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity? Why, or why not?
12. Do you believe that followers of Jesus should seek to honor biblical teaching in the names, practices, and identity of the church? Please support your answer with Scripture.
13. Do you believe that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and that Christian homes should be guided by biblical teaching? Why, or why not?
14. What is your understanding of marriage, divorce, and remarriage according to what the Bible teaches?
15. Do you believe that a congregation should lovingly correct and restore members who persist in unrepentant sin, while protecting the spiritual health of the church? Why, or why not?
16. Do you believe that eternal life with God is promised to the saved and that those who reject God’s salvation face eternal separation from Him? Why, or why not?
17. Do you believe that every Christian has a responsibility to share the gospel and help others become disciples of Jesus Christ? How is this to be accomplished?
-Troy Spradlin