Simi's church on the rock
Places of faith By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers VIEW FROM ON HIGH- "This life is the entryway into eternity," according to church's teachings.

Editor's note: This is the fourth installment of a biweekly series highlighting Simi Valley houses of worship, exploring the beliefs held by different faiths, their practices and their views on life and salvation.

The Church at Rocky Peak
22601 Santa Susana Pass Road
Chatsworth
(805) 522-5100
Rev. Mike Yearley
Founded: 1977
Size of congregation:
1,500 to 2,000
Denomination:
nondenominational
Service: Saturday 5:30 p.m.,
Sunday 9 and 11 a.m.
Foundation of beliefs:
Loving God and loving
people. Trying to learn how
to follow Jesus.
Fun fact: The whole church
is based on small groups-
almost 100 groups meet
throughout the week. The
worship is contemporary. The
church is involved in mission
ary work in the inner city and
throughout the world includ
ing Mexico and Uganda.

Questions of faith: (answered by the Rev. Mike Yearley)

What is the purpose of life?

Jesus said, "This is eternal life, to know God and to know Jesus who He sent." At the heart of life is to know God and carry out His plans for us.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

Give their life to Christ and follow Him.

Are there such things as heaven or hell?

Jesus was really clear: There's a real heaven and a real hell. What that's like isn't spelled out. The next life is very real. He talked about the Resurrection. We're not going to get to the end of our life and be gone, annihilated. There really is a next life.

From Jesus' teachings, this life is all about the next life. This life is the entryway into eternity. You really can't make sense of the teaching of Jesus without understanding, for Him, it was preparing for the next life.

What is the role of the church in the community?

Jesus talked about the role of churches, what he called "soft light." It's bringing positive influence, bringing a light to change the community.

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

We believe God loves everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. We believe that a sexual relationship is designed between a man and a woman in marriage, for life. So anything outside that would not be part of His plan. As far as abortion, we believe life starts at conception, so we want to honor life.

Women's role in the church? God has gifted both men and women in a variety of roles.

Women would not be one of our senior pastors, but they would have other key roles.

Women teach classes, direct children's ministries, but certain roles are reserved for men.