Are you ready to start attending church?
In Hebrews 10:25, God says not to neglect meeting together. He calls for us all to gather and build each other up.
Hence, make it to church. If you did neglect this for quite some time, you may feel a little nervous about attending.
But put your worries away! Read on to learn what to expect at a Baptist church.
What to Bring
You can show up to church empty-handed. But, many people enjoy bringing their own bible to follow along with scriptures.
You may also carry a highlighter to mark lines that stand out. Bringing a notebook and pen allows you to jot down important things your pastor mentions to avoid forgetting them. It also allows you to write down pressing questions you can ask in a one-on-one setting.
The People
Who are these people that God asks you to gather with? At Baptist churches, you tend to find a very warm and welcoming crowd. The people are extremely friendly and loving towards one another.
You may encounter individuals from all walks of life. Some may be devoted lifelong Christians. Others may come humbly from a life of sin that they chose to turn around. You will encounter people of all ages as well.
Children
Baptist churches welcome little ones. They usually set up separate Sunday school classes, divided by age, that you can send your child into.
There they will sing songs, learn Bible verses, and make crafts about the lessons for that week. This helps Children get to know God creatively while instilling important virtues like honesty, kindness, and devotion.
Some children want to stay with their parents in a new setting. Your child might enjoy the praise and worship followed by time to sit with you and listen to a lesson.
Church Atmosphere
Because of the people, you will find this environment very warm and open. It’s an upbeat atmosphere, for sure!
You can expect to walk into a chapel, sanctuary, or worship center and sit in chairs that face the front stage. You may see a cross and some but with simple decor. Most churches often keep an area for baptisms.
Baptist Belief
Christianity divides into a number of sectors, and this can get confusing for some people. What makes one a baptist?
This denomination follows the Christian belief that Jesus, the son of God, died on the cross for our sins and then rose from his grave as proof of God’s greatness.
Baptists also view taking the lord’s supper (communion) as an act of obedience. But, as the name suggests, they believe strongly in baptism by choice as you ask God into your heart, repent from your sin, and accept Jesus as your savior.
Dress
Not knowing how to dress for an occasion can feel nerve-wracking. Expect to see people in a mix of outfits.
Some may wear nice jeans with a blouse, polo, or sweater. Others may do a laid-back dress up, with a simple dress or dress pants and a button-up. Others will wear T-shirts and shorts.
Keep in mind that you are not trying to catch anybody’s attention at church. Remember that you will want to feel comfortable sitting during a sermon.
Baptisms
Expect to witness baptisms at your church. When a person decides to accept Jesus into their heart, they participate in baptism to symbolize the life change they have now experienced. The baptismal waters don’t have any power, but baptism represents one’s commitment to live a life in pursuit of Jesus.
During baptism, some people wear white robes while others wear a t-shirt and athletic shorts. Expect a prayer, some cheers, and then the water.
Most Baptist churches practice full immersion, where the person gets dipped into a pool of water.
Sunday Sermon
At a Baptist church, you can expect around an hour or so of a sermon by the pastor. You may find this surprisingly exciting.
Baptist pastors tend to really get into the scripture. They generally stick to a theme and make it into something extremely relatable.
You can expect to hear related Bible verses and biblical stories that speak to this theme. They may tie it to current events and offer solutions to real-life problems.
Visit a Local Baptist Church
Don’t let nerves hold you back from a wonderful experience. Visit a local Baptist church to strengthen your relationship with God and invite amazing Christians into your life.
When you feel comfortable with your church community, branch out! Get involved in important and exciting ways. ClearView Baptist church offers a variety of worship options, classes, and groups – anyone can find their best fit!
