What is the Living Faith Christian Center?
Protestantism is a diverse religious movement with traditional ecclesial divisions and non-traditional, independent worship communities like the Living Faith Christian Center. Progressive, fundamentalist, and evangelical churches exist side-by-side, with some that rely on the charismatic gifts of tongues, healing, and prophecy and others that incorporate elements of saints veneration, monasticism, Waldensian tradition, and exorcism. Not every Protestant church could be categorized, as some are unique blends of varying ministerial activities and liturgical practices. Read on to learn more about one of the contemporary Christian movements, the Living Faith Christian Center, and how they reach out to help in their ministry.
What is the Living Faith Christian Center?
The Living Faith Christian Center is a church committed to reaching the world with the word of God, teaching His truth, and living by the spirit. Their core beliefs are Biblical, based on the truths and precepts of the Christian faith. As a megachurch, they strive to accurately represent the Bible and interpret its principles in a way that teaches how to be victorious and successful through the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
What is a megachurch, exactly? What denominations are megachurches?
A megachurch is a place of worship that typically has a weekly attendance of at least 2,000 people. While some protestant churches may be similar in size, megachurches are generally seen as different because of how they are organized and run. Modern facilities, multimedia presentations, and large-scale events are hallmarks of the megachurch phenomenon. Evangelicalism has set the tone of the liberal megachurch movement since its emergence in the 1950s.
Some megachurches are independent and attract adherents without affiliating to any denomination. Living Faith Christian Center is one such example. However, other megachurches have found their place among denominations. Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Methodist denominations are some of the most represented among the megachurches.
What is the history of this church?
Bishop Raymond W. Johnson started the Living Faith Christian Center in 1986. Since then, it has been a strong and successful faith community of dedicated followers of Christ.
What do they believe?
1. God
The Living Faith Christian Center believes in one God, the Father Almighty. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, created the universe, and is sovereign in what happens in it. He chose to place his son Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins and resurrection with the power of His Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the only way to God, fulfilling the mission of our creator God. He is the only mediator between man and God and gives us eternal life upon receiving His salvation. We receive this life through receiving Jesus and allowing him to live in our lives by faith.
3. Word of God
The literal word of God is the only source of all truth. Everything else, including traditions, cultures, and popular belief, must be filtered through His word. Victory and success in life directly result from choosing the right path, which is only explained and summarized through God’s Word.
What version of the Bible do they use?
The Living Faith Christian Center uses The King James Bible for worship. Besides using it for live and full-scale teachings, they mostly cite verses from this Bible version on their site where scriptures are relevant to a given topic.
Where is the Living Faith Christian Center located?
Living Faith Christian Center is located at 6375 Winbourne Ave., Baton Rouge, LA. It is a short drive from Downtown Baton Rouge.
Can I attend services if I’m not in Baton Rouge?/Are there online services?/ How do I get tickets?
While services are generally held at the Baton Rouge location, there is a free weekend service, Sunday at 10:15 am CST, streamed live on their YouTube channel and Facebook page (@LivingfaithChristianCenterBR). Additionally, there is a virtual Bible study every Wednesday at 7:00 pm CST. Check the “Plan Your Visit” page for more information if the dates and time change. Finally, for anyone outside of Louisiana who wishes to visit the church, the official email is [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact any pastor listed on that page for details about attending.
Who leads the Living Faith Christian Center?
Bishop Raymond is assisted by his wife, First Lady Mildred Johnson. He is a preaching pastor with over 22 years of experience in ministry and pastoral leadership. His name is well-known beyond the four corners of Louisiana, as far as Africa, Europe, and Australia. As a holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Zoe’s University, Bishop Raymond wrote the book “Living the Blessed and Highly Favored Life,” to proclaim his faith in God. Other ministers and assistants include Pastor William Bates, Kevin Haynes, and Wuan Miller.
What is the purpose of their outreach program?
While primarily a church that helps its local Baton Rouge community, the Living Faith Christian Center has a meaningful impact on human lives. Providing spiritual, financial, and material support to organizations and ministries that faithfully serve tough spots and hard places is central to their core values. Bereavements, disasters, evangelism, home care, prison ministry, and medical missions are some of the areas where they have a meaningful impact. To apply for help, fill out this Google form. But if you’d like to support the ministries in kind or by donations, click here.
How do I know if this church is for me?
Everyone goes to church for different reasons and experiences. If you are considering the Living Faith Christian Center, here are reasons why you should:
1. Quality worship experience
God’s presence is tangible in the worship services at Living Faith Christian Center, so you’ll come away with a sense of calm and peace. The vocals, instruments, music, and poetry bring out the best in everyone. Be inspired by the church’s mission to reach people with the gospel through music and its choir that leads others to higher ground.
2. Bible-based teaching
You’ll learn how to apply the Bible to your daily life through a mixture of sermons, seminars, and practical teaching for spiritual growth and maturity. Meet here during the week for Bible study and fellowship. God’s word is the core of Christianity and is vital for your life.
3. Godly mentors
The church’s committed staff members are godly, learned, and compassionate. A body of able men and women will lead you to develop an intimate relationship with God through word and deed. Get spiritual guidance from one of the pastors and work with the care team vested in your spiritual well-being.
4. An association of brotherhood
Build relationships with fellow believers through regular fellowship, Bible study, and prayer time. The church regularly gets together to fellowship; church services are fun, informal, and casual. Senior pastors will share their insights with the congregation on topics relevant to you as a member of the body of Christ.
5. Opportunity to exercise your gift
You’ll be challenged to serve the local Baton Rouge community by participating in group service and leadership. The faith center has spiritual opportunities for all its members, whether you are interested in music, sports, counseling, teaching, or administration. Become a volunteer and put your time, talent, and money to good use for the glory of God.
What should I know to join the Living Faith Christian Center?
1. Everyone is welcome
Regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or physical ability, the church is open to everyone. There are no required donations or initiation fees. This is true of all its ministries.
2. Dress code
There is no dress code in the church, so you can come as you are. Casual clothing is acceptable. Dress appropriately for the service. Modest attire is a good rule of thumb, and as enshrined in the Bible, you shouldn’t wear shameful or revealing clothes in church (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
3. Attendance policy
There is no minimum requirement for church attendance. But why not make an effort to come all the time? The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 that we should not forsake assembling but encourage one another as the end draws near. Don’t miss out on the richly rewarding experience of dwelling with others in the presence of God.
How can I integrate myself into the community of the congregation?
You can expand your social and spiritual horizons by becoming a part of the Living Faith Christian Center community. Here are some ways to do so:
- Get to know the pastors and the staff
- Take part in evangelical ministry functions
- Join a Bible study class
- Participate in the Church Family fanfare, feasts, and celebrations
- Visit outreach programs such as medical missions, food distribution, orphanages, etc.
- Come early and stay late after the service to socialize with others
- Organize get-togethers with other members of the church and other churches
What does their worship service look like?
Living Faith Christian Center uses a contemporary worship style, which is common among Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. Congregants sing, clap and sway to praise and worship music before and after listening to sermons. The choir will lead those in attendance in singing hymns and spiritual songs. The pastor usually addresses the congregation in English, the language of the majority of worshipers. During the sermon, worshippers may stand, sit or kneel as a sign of reverence and worship.
What types of events does the Living Faith Christian Center offer?
1. 99 days of prayer
For 99 days, the church enters into a season of prayer. It starts at the beginning of January and ends before Easter. In a letter sent to the congregation, the Bishop invites them to make their requests and aspirations known to God purposefully. During this time, believers seek the Lord’s help in overcoming weaknesses and unresolved issues from previous years to prepare for what God has for them. The 1-hour sabbatical prayer service is held at the Cathedral from Monday to Friday at noon.
2. Foundation of victorious living classes
This series of classes teaches the church members what it takes to live victorious Christian lives. Included are topics like Kingdom benefits, salvation, and Holy Spirit power. The classes take two months to complete and start at 9:00 am. Visit the “Foundation Classes” page for more information.
How does the Living Faith Christian Center apply scripture to everyday life?
The congregation of Living Faith Christian Center believes that Holy Scripture is the infallible Word of God. Therefore, they look for ways to apply scripture and the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives. As a result, the Living Faith Christian Center follows many biblical practices such as fasting, prayer, reading the Bible, and giving to charity. Other practices include the dedication of children to God and receiving Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Routine church service includes Holy Communion and weekly worship.
Is it important to follow a specific diet (e.g., vegetarian, kosher, organic, etc.) while attending the Living Faith Christian Center?
Living Faith Christian Center subscribes to the belief that eating habits should be healthy and should not cause harm to the body. However, they also believe that their dietary restrictions neither replace God’s provision nor take away the responsibility of health care providers. Therefore, members of this church are free to eat whatever they like whenever they feel hungry or thirsty. The dietary restrictions which will apply during fasting are meat, chicken, and seafood.
Are there any publications available for this church?
There are no monthly or annual periodical publications available for the church. However, regular newsletters and circulars are published on their official Facebook page, Living Faith Christian Center- Baton Rouge. Key highlights and special messages from the church’s leadership consistently keep the public abreast of church-related activities and other government initiatives or events that may interest the congregation and the residents of Baton Rouge.
Do the youth members of the church have any special groups or activities?
At Living Faith Christian Center, almost everyone belongs to a small group, or what is commonly known as “ministry.” Members in a small group do not necessarily share the same age, but they are called to minister to those who are not. With that said, the youth members of the church have their groups called “LFCC Millennial Ministry” for adults between ages 24 – 35 and “Hype Nation” for teens. These groups are designed to promulgate the gospel and train the younger generation to improve their moral and spiritual lives. They also have events in partnership with other regional organizations, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Does the Living Faith Christian Center have transportation?
Being a large church, the Living Faith Christian Center provides its members various services to facilitate their movement. For its members who cannot drive, the transportation ministry ensures they can safely get to the church and home. On a previous occasion, the church encouraged its members from the Baton Rouge area to go and vote by offering free Uber rides to the polling centers. Likewise, all worshippers are entitled to free parking space at the parish hall parking lot.
What are the requirements for burial?
According to the funeral protocol, believers are entitled to a burial or memorial service and receive a last rite by a duly authorized minister or Bishop Raymond W. Johnson. Funeral services are only held on weekdays and never on Saturdays or other special religious holidays set aside by the church. Viewing is allowed during the visitation period before the service commences. Once the last relative has paid a final tribute to the departed, the casket is closed and never reopened until the service is over and the deceased is laid to rest.
How is marriage performed in the church?
Marriage is a Sacrament celebrated under the doctrines of the Living Faith Christian Center church. Among the first requirements is attending pre-marital counseling sessions. Next, the couple should both belong to the congregation and submit to the sacred ordinance of marriage under oath. Finally, the vows are said by both parties in a solemn ceremony and witnessed by the presiding minister, ordained deacon, or Bishop Raymond. The couple is then unconditionally accepted as husband and wife and enters the realm of marriage.
How to keep your kids excited about attending the Living Faith church?
1. Demonstrate your passion
Children pick up their parents’ interests, so you must demonstrate your passion for attending church. After attending a church service, tell them how much you enjoyed the service, the message, and what you learned. Then, apply the lessons learned in your everyday life to encourage your children to commit themselves to Jesus and the Christian faith.
2. Have a regular time to go to church
Make church a regular part of your child’s schedule and a weekly event. Children like routines, so they will become accustomed to going to church. They will also be more inclined to want to attend if they look forward to it or anticipate it.
3. Make it fun
If you can make church exciting, your kids will want to attend and be more engaged in the service. Talk to them about what they might see on Sunday, what they might wear, etc. Try dressing them up when you go, and talk to them about why they are wearing the outfit.
4. Encourage a close relationship with Christ and church members
Don’t push religion on your kids, but encourage a close relationship with Jesus and church members. By reading the Bible together, your children will be open to the things that make God real, and you will be able to gather them for worshipful activities focused on God.
5. Teach them to be accountable
Let your children be part of a kids’ group and ask the leader to help them stick to their goals. This will start their relationship with accountability and set a precedent for sound decision-making and character development. Your kids will also be set up for a lifetime of good decision-making.
What should you do if your spouse was upset with you because of church?
It is not uncommon for some people to get upset with their spouses once they attend church. This is especially true if they were previously anti-church and then they suddenly converted. Sometimes, their partners will be unhappy because of their newly acquired religious beliefs and practices that are different from what they used to do. Instead of getting upset, it is a good idea to do the following:
- Show them love and support to ease the tension
- Seek counsel from a professional who went through the same experience
- Don’t make your spouse feel pressured to either convert or start attending church
- Focus on the things you have a common interest in or that you can agree on
- Pray for your spouse
How can Church.org help me?
Church.org is a digital Church directory for Christian churches in the United States. Connect with Christians looking to reach out to others and expand their faith, as well as locate different church services and upcoming events in your area. Filter by name or city to discover what you’re looking for on the map. Also, daily worship articles and sermons available on the site will help supplement your religious education. Whether you are a church member, attending a service for the first time, or simply looking to partake in a religious activity, Church.org is a great way to find a church to build your relationship with God.