It can be a bit intimidating to walk into an unknown building filled with unknown people for an unknown worship experience. It is helpful to have some idea of where to go and what to expect.
When you first walk in
Upon entering the building you will be greeted by one of our members. We love having guests with us, so expect a smile and a handshake. If this is your first visit, you will be given a packet of information about GfBC including a copy of our confession and asked to sign our guest book.
On your left, you will see the entrance to the auditorium. This is where all of the
On your right, you will see the entrance to our fellowship hall. This is where most of our members like to sit and chat. We also serve a light continental breakfast, including coffee and tea. Make yourself at home. Don't be surprised if someone says hello and begins talking with you.
The bathrooms are located in hallways between the fellowship hall and the auditorium. The men's bathroom is closest to the front door and the women's is closest to the back door.
Throughout Our Services
GfBC uses a "Family-integrated Church" (FIC) model of ministry. Although we are not unique in this respect, FIC churches are less common. There are a few things that distinguish an FIC church:
FIC: Families Worship Together
If you’ve ever walked into an FIC during a worship service, perhaps the first thing that struck you was the fact that there were so many babies and small children in the service. We believe the best place for a child to learn about the Bible is in the gathered assembly and through the regular preaching and teaching ministry of the church and within the home. We like having children in our service and have grown accustomed to their presence. Additionally, the children grow accustomed to being a part of the worship experience. No one will stop you at the door if you try to enter our service with your toddler. Children in the service has been a normal practice in church history.
FIC: No Systematic Age Segregation
One of the biggest distinctions of an FIC is the absence of age-graded ministries. We teach one Sunday school for all ages. Our Pastors work to make sure that the teaching is clear enough for the youngest believers and challenging enough for those who are mature in the faith.
DID WE SKIP THE INVITATION?
Why, yes we did! We do not pressure people into making spiritual decisions at GfBC. We desire to see true Biblical conversion which means that we take our time with people who are "working out salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12). We also have a longer process for joining our church than most, so you
During Our Fellowship Meal
Each Sunday we have a fellowship meal following the service and we invite you to stay and enjoy the food. Our members and regular attendees bring food for their family and one extra person, so we should have plenty. This food is always better than the McDonald's, Panda Express, or even Pappa's BBQ nearby. And what's even better... GUESTS ALWAYS GO FIRST! Once you sit down, you will probably be greeted again by a number of our members and you are free to ask them anything you would like to about GfBC.
After your first visit
If you sign our guest book when you come in, you will probably receive an email from our church clerk and/or one of the pastors thanking you for coming. Again, you may ask any questions that you have about the church. We want to be as clear about who we are as possible.
If you want to join
We are always excited when people desire to join GfBC. It is a privilege to call yourself a member of any church and we take that privilege and responsibility very seriously. To find out more about our membership process, click here.