Orientation

Orientation training introduces basic concepts and principles of Christian living to the POA's new members.  The course is designed to stimulate spiritual growth, and it serves as a means for assisting individuals as they find spiritual direction and adapt/adjust to their new life in Christ.

The concepts and ideas embraced by newly-born Christians will determine their spiritual strength as they grow in the Christian faith.  Orientation provides an atmosphere appropriate for learning and growing spiritually.  In addition to well-defined lessons, a forum is provided to answer any questions new members may have.  Based on Rev. Loren Yadon's From An Acorn to an Oak, the curriculum outlines topics that are of immediate concern to spiritual babes.

• The first few lessons cover the plan of salvation (conviction, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost).
• Then, basic knowledge of Pentecostal roots is taught, providing a background for this new inheritance.
• Remaining lessons explain the responsibilities and obligations of a Christian, how to build and maintain a personal relationship with God, how to fit into the church family, and the importance of sharing one's faith with others.
• The last lesson gives advice for dealing with temptation.

Upon completion of the training course, each student is awarded a certificate by the POA's Senior Pastor during a Sunday morning service.  This ceremony also gives the students an official introduction to the church family.  For those who complete Orientation, the retention rate is 92% after one year and 88% after two years.

Orientation is for spiritual babes, but its reach extends beyond new converts.  This course is also designed for anyone who moves his/her church membership to the POA.  Completing Orientation is a prerequisite for joining many other ministries of the church.  This program welcomes new members, helps them adjust to the church, and provides them with an atmosphere conducive to growing in a new life in Christ and at the POA.