Simi Covenant Church focuses on a personal relationship with God
Places of faith
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers ACROSS THE SPECTRUM- The Rev. Bruce Bruns, pastor of Simi Covenant Church, says members of his congregation might be at different ends of the spectrum on certain issues, but they share a belief in the necessity of a relationship with God through Jesus.

Questions of faith

(answered by Bruns)

What is the purpose of life?

Loving God, following Jesus, serving others.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

Have a relationship with God through Jesus.

What is your belief in heaven or hell?

The Covenants agree to agree on central salvation issues. However, we have people on different ends of the spectrum on this issue. To me heaven is eternity with God and hell is an eternity apart. How that works out specifically, I'm not exactly positive.

Can people of other faiths make it into heaven?

Who spends eternity with God and who does not is really up to God. Scripture tells us those who have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ are guaranteed salvation.

How important is it that congregation members get involved in the community? What kind of things do you do?

We host PADS every other week (a program giving homeless people shelter at night). We serve dinner at the Samaritan Center twice a month and supply volunteers to help them with cleanup, yardwork and other needs.

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

For us, that is not a central salvation issue. Abortion is a tragedy. Gay rights are more a civil and political issue than a religious issue. We have people in the Covenant on both ends of the spectrum. We have people who search the scriptures and come to different understanding on those issues, and we're okay with that.

What is women's role in the church?

The Covenant denomination ordains women. They are on our elder or church council and fulltime pastoral staff. Gender doesn't change God's calling in life.

What is your view on ecology issues?

God has given creation to us to be caretakers. We need to be God's stewards because what God created is given to us as a trust.

Should prayer be allowed in schools?

Allowed, yes; required, no. No one is telling my son he can't pray in school. He can pray whenever he wants. I'm able to balance that with my kids on my own.
Simi Covenant Church
4680 Alamo St.
Simi Valley
(805) 526-8855
Pastor Bruce Bruns
Founded: 1964
Size of congregation: 300
Denomination: Evangelical
Covenant Church of America
Services:
Sunday 9 and 10:30 a.m.
Foundation of beliefs:
"We focus on the Bible being
the word of God, Jesus being
God's son and the necessity
of a relationship with God
through Jesus Christ,"
Bruns said.
Fun fact:
Each year the church presents
The Covey Awards, a
fundraiser that includes
dinner, auction and dancing.