What to Expect 

FAQs

Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting experience. At FBC we have tried to put ourselves in your shoes to anticipate your questions and to ensure that you are warmly welcomed and comfortable here. For more information, email us at info@firstbaptistathens.org or on Sunday morning ask an usher or a greeter.

What time are services on Sunday morning and how long do they typically last?
Wee have one worship service at 11:00 a.m., with nursery care and special worship opportunities for younger children. This worship is supported by a choir and traditional music. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of even numbered months and on other occasions as announced. Our services usually last one hour.

 

What should I wear?
Whatever you would like, all are welcome and all outfits are welcome! Some members wear suits or “business casual” attire, some wear more casual clothing such as jeans. We hope you’ll join us wearing whatever enables you to be comfortable and worship God with us.
Do you offer programs for children?
Adults and children both have Sunday School offerings beginning at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday. Our children’s ministry is themed “The Great Adventure.” We invite children to experience the joy of a “Great Adventure” discovering God in all of our programs. We offer a Sunday morning adventure in Sunday School and also Extended Session for children birth – three year olds during the worship service. Younger children may stay in the nursery during worship. Pre-K-2nd grade join the congregation for worship and leave part-way through for ‘children’s church’ while all other children stay and worship with the congregation. Beginning August 6, and until we are able to return to our renovated worship space in the Sanctuary, we will offer two services on Sunday mornings. Child care will be provided for children birth – 3 years old during our 8:30 a.m service. PreK – 6th grade children will attend the early worship service with their families. At the 11:00 am service there will be child care for children birth – 3 year olds and Children’s Worship for children PreK through Second Grade.

We offer an adventure in music and missions on Wednesday night with children’s choirs and mission kid programs. . Children’s programs begin at 5:45 p.m. and end around 7:15 p.m. with nursery care provided.

Special adventures are planned through the year – Vacation Bible School, Passport camp, and Fine Arts Camp are just a few of the special programs we offer.

We have nursery care for infants and toddlers during both the Sunday School hour and the Worship hour. Our infant and toddler teachers are consistent every Sunday and all have been screened and background checked. Our infant and toddler rooms are located on the First Floor. A clean, safe environment is provided for your baby or toddler as they are cared for by loving and nurturing caregivers.

What is a CBF church?
We are part of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. To learn more about our fellowship of Baptist congregations, visit http://www.cbf.net/about/. As a CBF congregation, we are deeply committed to Christ as Lord and to our responsibility to use the gifts God has given us to continue Christ’s ministry in our community and around the world. We see that commitment to serving Christ as an extension of our profession of faith in Christ and baptism. We affirm that God calls women and men to all kinds of leadership in congregational life. We are committed to the priesthood of all believers, which means we embrace a collaborative approach to congregational leadership, as ministers, lay leaders and the congregation work together to discern God’s unique call for our life and mission. We are committed to historic Baptist convictions related to local church autonomy, church-state separation and religious liberty. We would be glad to share more with you about our distinctive commitments as Cooperative Baptists.
Where can I park?
Parking on Sunday morning is available behind the church off Hancock Avenue (this is where handicapped parking is located) and at the front of the church across Pulaski Street (FBC/Chamber of Commerce/Chastain’s lot).
Can I bring my children to worship?
Absolutely! We believe that children are the church of today, not just the future, and can worship with the congregation even at younger ages. It’s also very important for children to see their parents and other faith mentors worshipping God and give them opportunities to see what worship looks like, ask questions, and grow in their faith.
How do I become a member?
We would love to talk with you about becoming part of the First Baptist family. If you are a member of any other Christian congregation, you can join our church by statement of faith and a transfer of membership from another church. If you have never been baptized, you can become part of our congregation on profession of faith and baptism. But the first step is to have a conversation with one of our ministers. Any of us would be glad to have a conversation with you about your faith journey and your desire to be part of the congregation of First Baptist Church.