ROCK A.R.M.Y. FAQ's

What is the Rock A.R.M.Y?

A group of people trained and armed for spiritual war. The Rock's A.R.M.Y. is a group of people trained and armed to fight for the souls of unbelievers. Every soldier in the A.R.M.Y. should be actively participating in Accountability Relationships, Reaching Out to the Lost, Ministry and Service, and wise use of Yo' Money. The idea behind the Rock Church's Salvation A.R.M.Y. is simple: We want to unite everyone who comes to the Rock, and motivate them to be serious about their Christian life.

Why sign up? Why should I participate in the A.R.M.Y? What's in it for me?
The Rock Church wants to make a difference in people's lives. Jesus wants to transform people's lives -- but He needs an A.R.M.Y. of believers united and trained and committed to do it. We also would like to stay connected with you and provide on-going tools for your spiritual growth.

How do I participate in the A.R.M.Y.?
Click here.

Is it possible to participate virtually? (Example: You don't physically live in San Diego, you watch Rock services online, and you're active military on assignment away from San Diego)
Yes, you can apply the A.R.M.Y. lifestyle where ever God has placed you in the world.

What is the purpose of "The Rock A.R.M.Y. 12" card?
The card is a tool to use when you meet with your Accountability Partner. You may not be able to answer each question every time, and that's okay. For example, question 2 asks you to describe what God is teaching you in your small group. If you are not currently in a small group, your Accountability Partner will be encouraging you to find one.

Where can I pick up a card, if I didn't get one after services on Sunday?
The information booth in the lobby of the church.

A - Accountability Relationship

What is an Accountability Relationship?
An Accountability Relationship is engaging in a one-on-one relationship that allows you to grow through the challenges of life with someone, while holding each other accountable to serve the Lord and others. No more slipping in and out of the crowd on Sunday mornings! Being accountable to at least one other fellow Christian is crucial to growing in the Lord. That means you need a Partner to hold you accountable to pray, study the Word of God, worship every week, participate in service, and be a good steward of your resources. In addition, living an accountable lifestyle also means that you should participate regularly in some sort of small group or ministry, where you can get support and encouragement--and give it--as you work through life's challenges.

What does the Bible say about Accountability?
Romans 14:12 says, So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that Christians are all part of the same body -- the body of Christ -- and each member needs and belongs to every other member.

Galatians 6:1-2 says, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

What is an Accountability Partner?
It's someone:

- You can confide in and pray with (Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up... Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

- You can trust without fear of rejection or judgement (Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2)

- You can be completely transparent and honest with

- Who shares a common bond or has been through life experiences similiar to yours

- Who relates to you with an empathic and understanding heart (And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21

- Who encourages you to grow in your spiritual maturity with God (And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 ...encourage one another and build each other up... 1 Thessalonians 5:11

How do I find an Accountability Partner?
Your Rock small group leader or ministry leader can help to connect you with an accountability partner. (And if you don't attend the Rock, ask your pastor or a trusted Christian friend.) While it is not necessary that they be in the same group or ministry with you, it's more convenient. The fewer the roadblocks, the more likely you'll stick with it! Lastly, pray that God would lead you to His chosen partner!

How often should Accountability Partners meet?
You and your Accountability Partner should meet regularly, with contact at least weekly. Face-to-face contact is best, but occasional phone or e-mail may be necessary depending upon circumstances. It's up to you to make it work!

How do I find a small group or ministry to practice accountability in?
If you attend the Rock, there are many ways to get connected to a small group. For starters, pray about it! Then go to Rock Small Groups. Ask your friends. Think about what interests you, and see if there's a ministry centered on that interest.

What is the purpose of "The Rock A.R.M.Y. 12" card?
The card is a tool to use when you meet with your Accountability Partner. You may not be able to answer each question every time, and that's okay. For example, question 2 asks you to describe what God is teaching you in your small group. If you are not currently in a small group, your Accountability Partner will be encouraging you to find one.

Where can I pick up a card, if I didn't get one after services on Sunday?The information booth in the lobby of the church.

R - Reaching the lost through an evangelistic lifestyle

Why should I try to "reach the lost"?
One big reason is because God tells us to! But remember, "the lost" aren't people without faces "out there"--they are our brothers and sisters, our classmates, our work colleagues, our neighbors. Jesus Christ reached out to you; now you have a story to share with people who don't know Him.

What is the "evangelistic lifestyle"?
"Evangelism" is simply building relationships with people who are far from God, and sharing your story of how Jesus Christ changed your life. It's a way of life because it's an ongoing thing that happens during life--at work, at school, at home, at a party, during a pick-up game at the park, in the grocery store check-out line ...

I don't like the idea of pushing Jesus at people.
You aren't going to! The evangelistic lifestyle is being willing to share YOUR story with another person. It's being willing to listen to people's pain, to hear their hopelessness, and to understand how lost they feel deep down. You know; you've been there. And so has Jesus.

What if I am afraid of people rejecting me when I talk about Jesus?
That's understandable! But remember, this is about sharing God's love, not condemnation. The Apostle Peter wrote, Do not fear...intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:14-15

Ministry

At the Rock, we expect every believer to have some form of ministry or service. While it is helpful to know your spiritual gifts, it is not necessary to wait to serve. In fact, many people discover their unique giftedness by serving in any area of ministry they have an interest or a passion for.

I'm not a minister --- why should I get involved in a ministry?
Doing "ministry" is simply serving others. It's using your God-given talents and interests to reach out to people and show them God's love.

But what if I don't know much about the Bible and that sort of stuff?
Serving is often very simple --- passing out food, playing basketball with someone, praying. If questions come up, you can turn to the Rock staff for help. All you need to do is be willing to let God use your spiritual gifts to touch others.

What are spiritual gifts?
There are two ways to look at spiritual gifts. The Bible describes some specific roles, such as the gift of preaching, the gift of faith, the gift of administration. Romans 12 In addition, God has given all of us talents and interests we can use to help others and build up His church.

How do I find out what my spiritual gifts are?
One simple way is to take a simple spiritual gifts assessment on-line. After taking the spiritual gifts test you will receive an email with your results, and a description of each gift, and its characteristics and challenges.

Also, ask your accountability partner (you do have one, right?) or the leader of your small group (you are in one, aren't you?) to help you identify your gifts.

OK, you convinced me. How do I find the right ministry for me to volunteer for?
First, think about what you love doing. Then check out the possibilities online at Rock Ministries. And ask around. Maybe your best buddy is doing something cool and needs some help. Maybe your small group is organizing something together, and you can start that way. The possibilities are endless (and so are the needs!).

Remember: The Apostle Paul said that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 God has it all planned! Pretty cool, huh?

Yo' Money

Jesus expects all believers to be good stewards of their time, talent, and financial resources to the best of their ability.

My money is my own business, isn't it?
Nope. God is the Source of everything. Who gave you your talents? God. Who created time? God. Who put into your heart the urge to work and build and grow (and make money)? God.

Your attitude toward your stuff reveals your attitude toward God. If you're willing to let God be in control, then you've acknowledged Him as your Lord. If you're not willing, well then, who do you say is in charge?

Why does the church always talk about money?
Remember, the Rock A.R.M.Y. is out to change the world. We've got spiritual battles to wage! That means marshalling all our resources and putting them under the command of the King.

But why are you making a big deal of this?
Because God's plan for yo'money, time and talents leads to freedom and service. The devil's plan leads to selfishness and bondage.

Are you saying I shouldn't try to make money?
No. There's nothing wrong with making money! You need to take care of yourself and your family; be wise and plan ahead. But remember: Your checking account balance is not a reflection of your personal worth. Jesus already demonstrated your real worth: You are so priceless that He died to redeem you!

I have to admit, I wouldn't say I have financial freedom by a long shot.
We need to learn His timeless plan for financial freedom –- it takes time and effort, but it's worth it. (We recommend taking the Rock Financial Life Class: Adopting God's Principals for Handling Money, offered by Rock University)

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