Frequently Asked Questions

Which denomination does Siloam belong to?

Siloam Korean Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Why don’t Baptist churches have elders?

We have one teaching elder, whom we usually call the pastor.

Does Siloam emphasize tithing?

Following Scripture, Siloam does not require a tithe. We encourage giving out of gratitude and according to the needs of the church.

Does Siloam insist on keeping the Lord’s Day?

Siloam does not require strict Sunday observance, but most of our members are used to gathering for worship on Sunday.

Does Siloam forbid drinking and smoking?

No, Siloam does not forbid drinking or smoking. We do encourage moderation for the sake of your health.

Is it biblical to call the pastor “the Lord’s servant”?

If the pastor is the Lord’s servant, then every member of the church is the Lord’s servant.

Is it biblical to call the pastor a member of the clergy?

When Jesus came, the visible temple lost its importance, and with it the age of a priestly clergy ended two thousand years ago.

Do Baptists accept speaking in tongues?

If speaking in tongues helps someone’s personal faith, we do not forbid it, but we do not teach that it is necessary.

What is worship like at Siloam?

Siloam practices convergence worship, a service that brings traditional and contemporary worship together.

Does Siloam accept visions or revelations?

We do not deny them, but anything that goes beyond a person’s own private life must be tested.

Are there still apostles today?

An apostle held a special office in the church. The age of the apostles ended with the Twelve and the apostle Paul.

Does Siloam have deacons?

Yes. Following Baptist tradition, Siloam has ordained deacons.

What do ordained deacons do?

As Scripture describes, ordained deacons care for the poor, share food with those in need, and support the pastor’s ministry in building up the church.

Is Siloam against pastors holding a second job?

More than 30% of pastors in America are bi-vocational, and Siloam fully recognizes the strengths of bi-vocational ministry.

How long is the Sunday sermon?

We try to keep the Sunday sermon to 20 minutes or less.

What does the Sunday sermon usually cover?

Sunday sermons follow the Revised Common Lectionary and focus mainly on the four Gospels and the Old Testament.

Then how can I study the rest of the Bible?

During the week, we study the Bible together via Zoom Meeting in a conversational style, focusing mainly on the New Testament letters.

Do you sing hymns or contemporary Christian music?

Because ours is a convergence service, we sing both hymns and contemporary Christian music.

Is there a separate service for children or youth?

Siloam seeks to be a multigenerational community, so children and students worship together with everyone else.

How often do you celebrate communion?

We celebrate communion at the beginning of each month.

Who can take communion?

Siloam practices open communion. Anyone who has received Jesus may take part, whatever their denomination or church, and whether or not they have been baptized.

Does Siloam accept baptism by sprinkling?

Siloam is a Baptist church, but we fully accept baptism received at another church, including by sprinkling.

Does Siloam baptize infants?

Following Baptist tradition, Siloam does not baptize infants.

If I haven’t been baptized, can I still be saved?

Baptism is the public ceremony for someone who has received Jesus. It has nothing to do with salvation itself.

Can someone lose their salvation once they have received it?

Salvation once received can be lost if a person insists on going another way.

Do Siloam’s ministers accept gifts for home visits or business-opening services?

Siloam’s ministers never accept money for pastoral home visits or for services celebrating a new business.

Will the pastor lead a service for a new business?

Yes. We celebrate with members who open a new business and hold a short service of worship.