FAQ
Questions about Ruach?
Below are some of the most common questions we get asked. If we haven't answered your question here, please fill in our contact form with your question and details and we'll get back to you
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A few people have a problem with this one! Ruach is pronounced ‘roo-ark’.
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What does ‘ruach’ mean?The name ‘Ruach’ (pronounced Roo-ark) is a Hebrew word found in the Bible. It means breath of God and is used in reference to the Holy Spirit. It is an active, powerful word that speaks of life and new things coming into being.
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Do you have Sunday Services?Yes and no. Most of our churches meet weekly in homes and some of them do meet on a Sunday. These small group churches then gather together for a combined Celebration Service at a community venue once or twice a month. Celebration Services are usually held on a Sunday.
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What’s your relationship with other churches?We believe we are just one expression of the Christian church and we love to work in conjunction with other churches. Where ever possible we are an active part of the local Minister’s Association (or equivalent) and interdenominational activities.
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How are you funded?We are funded through voluntary financial gifts from members. We are a ‘not for profit’ entity and receive no government funding.
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What do you believe?We believe that the best way to live is by putting our trust in God and doing things his way. In Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Bible we believe we have what it takes to make it possible.
Basically, we believe the truths embodied in the historic orthodox creeds of the Christian Church. For more information check out the “About Us" section of this website. -
Are you Pentecostal? Charismatic? Evangelical?We don’t think these sort of labels are a particularly helpful way of describing our church and community so would prefer not to use them.
If pushed we’d say we are evangelical (emphasising the teaching and authority of the Bible) and charismatic (believing that the way the Holy Spirit worked in the first century Christian Church ought to still be experienced today.) -
Will you marry me?Let’s find out if we are compatible first! Ruach has registered wedding celebrants in Sydney and Queensland who would be delighted to talk to you about performing a Christian marriage ceremony in the location of your choice. Please contact us to arrange a time for a chat.
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Where are your churches located?Our churches are small groups that can meet anywhere. Generally they are based in homes, although some meet in office or community based spaces. New groups can form at any time and existing groups may change location or meeting time according to the needs of the group. Each of these small churches is part of a larger regional group that gather regularly in a community venue.
For a general idea of where Ruach is currently operating click here. For more detailed information on groups in your area contact us. -
How do I join a Ruach church?If you already know someone in Ruach then please ask them to introduce you to their church or one in your area. The leaders there would love to talk to you about the available options that may suit you.
If you don’t know anyone in Ruach but are in an area where we currently have groups then please contact us and we’d love to have a chat with you.
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How do you cater for youth?Young people are an important part of Ruach and are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the church and express their faith in action. Intergenerational relationships are something we value highly. Many of our church groups include youth, children and adults ‘doing church’ together. Depending on the regional demographic, we also have cell groups specifically for youth, plus facilitate opportunities for them to connect as a larger peer group.
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How do you cater for children?Children are an integral part of Ruach and are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the church. Intergenerational relationships are something we value highly. Many of our church groups include youth, children and adults ‘doing church’ together. Age specific teaching and activities are included for children.
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Is Ruach just for families with kids?No. While we are very family friendly, we believe it is most important to be a family. Ruach includes singles of all ages and stages, couples without kids, older people, people with disabilities, those whose partner and/or kids aren’t interested in coming along and, of course one or two parent families with kids.
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We’d like to have our baby baptised or christened. Do you do that?Yes, we can, but we would like to talk to you first to understand exactly what it is you are looking for. We also can help you with a dedication or thanksgiving event to celebrate the birth of your child if that is more appropriate. Please contact us.
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We’d like to celebrate the birth of our new baby but we don’t want to baptise our child. Is that possible?Yes, we’d love to help you with a dedication or thanksgiving event tailored to your family to celebrate the birth of your child. Please contact us.
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Do you support missions and charity work outside Ruach?Yes. We partner with many different groups both in Australia and overseas. Click here for details of some of them.
Ruach churches are also very involved in their local communities, often in low key ways such as supporting individuals or families in need, performing acts of kindness and service, or volunteering with local organizations. -
Do you run short term mission trips?Yes we do, but generally these are in association with our mission partners and only open to members of Ruach. We also encourage individuals and groups to take advantage of more general mission opportunities offered by our partners and other organisations.
If you are interested in short or medium term mission opportunities some ministries you could consider include COHAD (Uganda), Watoto Childrens Ministries (Uganda), Hohidiai (Halmahera, East Indonesia), YWAM , IMLA (Northern Australia).