F.A.Q.
1. Where can I get a statement of faith?
2. Is there a small group ministry at the Church of Southland?
3. Why are Southland’s cell groups gender specific?
4. What is Southland’s history?
5. What denomination is Church of Southland part of?
6. What is Acts Ministries International (AMI)?
7. How can I get more involved in various ministries?
8. Can I meet with a Pastor?
9. What's Encounter Retreat?
10. How many people attend Southland? What's the age range of the members?
11. Is there a membership course for new visitors?
1. Where can I get a statement of faith?
You can request for a statement of faith by e-mailing info@churchofsouthland.com. We will be glad to answer any question you may have regarding Southland’s vision, values, and philosophy. Otherwise, you can find our statement of faith on our website.
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2. Is there a small group ministry at the Church of Southland?
At Southland, we encourage everyone to join a “cell group”. We believe that a life of faith is a life within a community. Cell groups meet throughout the weekdays in different locations. If you would like more information on how to get connected to a cell group, please e-mail cellgroup@churchofsouthland.com.
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3. Why are Southland’s cell groups gender specific?
We discovered three practical advantages to this approach. One, it allows for deeper levels of connection as both genders can share more explicitly in regards to gender specific issues that each faces in faith. Two, it allows for both genders to raise up healthy and respectful leaders contributing into God’s Kingdom. Finally, it allows full participation for parents with children. Each parent can take turns going to a cell group and be active in the community life. This does not mean Southland is opposed to co-gender cell group ministry.
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4. What is Southland’s history?
Church of Southland began in January of 2001 with about 70 members and few children. At the beginning, Southland had its roots with GMI in Fullerton. However, very quickly, it established and has maintained its own independent identity and existence. In 2003, Southland became one of the founding members of an organization called Acts Ministries International. Southland has been meeting in various hotels within northern OC area for the past 4 years. God has been steadily growing the church which now holds about 300 worshippers on Sunday mornings along with over 70 children and youths. In 2003, Southland launched its first building campaign to raise capital. This year (2005), Southland has entered its 2nd phase of the building campaign.
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5. What denomination is Church of Southland part of?
From its inception, Church of Southland has been non-denominational.
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6. What is Acts Ministries International (AMI)?
Even before Southland was planted, Pastor Keith had been in multiple dialogues with other pastors throughout the United States who shared similar ministry values and goals as Southland. Then in 2003, a group of pastors met together to launch an official 501(c) non-profit organization called AMI. Along with denomination-like qualities, such as an ordination body, as well as network-like qualities of working together, AMI placed relationship, accountability, and concerted missions efforts to plant churches as the values and purposes of AMI.
(Currently, AMI churches are located in Manhattan, NY, Philadelphia, PN, Atlanta, GA, Ann Arbor, MI, and here in the southland. AMI’s mission efforts have helped to plant churches in Peru and Micronesia.)
(AMI holds national conferences every two years with AMI churches taking turns hosting the conferences in their respective locations.)
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7. How can I get more involved in various ministries?
One of the best ways that you can get involved is into the community life within cell groups. We also have various ministries that serve to build up the church. Each ministry is led by coordinators that will gladly plug you into serving the body of Christ. The many ministries at Southland have differing expectations, qualifications, descriptions, etc. If you would like more information on how to join a ministry, do not hesitate in contacting one of the pastoral staff or sending an e-mail to info@churchofsouthland.com.
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8. Can I meet with a Pastor?
Any of the pastors would gladly meet with you during the weekday to answer any questions you may have about Southland. Please contact pastor@churchofsouthland.com.
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9. What's Encounter Retreat?
Throughout the year (except for summers), you may hear or see announcements regarding the Encounter Retreat. These retreats are extensions of our cell group ministries. Encounters are gender specific weekend retreats where the talks, discussions, and the ministry are geared towards leading a person to having a true encounter with God. The staff oversees and provides proper training for the Encounter Retreats as many cell leaders and lay people are called to minister to the participants of the retreat. Many good works of God have been evident in every Encounter Retreat.
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10. How many people attend Southland? What's the age range of the members?
These are the estimated numbers as of May 2005:
 100 married
- 70% parents
- 30% DINK'ers (Double Income No Kids)
200 singles
- 50% females
- 50% males
60 children
12 youths (Jr. High-HS)
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11. Is there a membership course for new visitors?
Currently, there is no membership course at Southland. Rather than a set of classes, we believe that members are those who are actively engaged in cell groups.
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