If you are considering visiting a church for the first time this Christmas, or after not having been to church for a while, you may have questions, but you’re not sure who to ask. So here are 7 frequently asked questions that you may have if you are considering visiting City Bible Church this week for Christmas:
What should I wear?
At City Bible Church, you will see all styles of dress. Some will wear suits and dresses. Some will wear jeans and t-shirts. To answer your question, choose an outfit you already own, one you feel comfortable in, and join us.
What will we do? What can I expect?
We will have a fairly typical worship schedule. We will have a short greeting time, sing four Christmas songs, I’ll share a message, we will sing one more Christmas song. We will attempt to have songs that would be somewhat similar in style to what you may hear on your radio and that all ages can enjoy. And, yes, in full transparency, and in case you’re wondering, we will receive an offering. Our offerings support the full range of ministries we offer in the church, community, and around the world. You are not required, however, to participate during this time unless you choose to do so.
Will you embarrass me?
I certainly hope not. It will be a primary goal not to do that. I don’t personally like to be embarrassed when I visit somewhere new, even in a church — and I’m a pastor — so my goal is to create an environment that is comfortable for all. You WILL NOT be singled out as a visitor. We don’t make visitors stand, raise their hand, or even fill out a card if you choose not to do so.
How long will the service last?
Slightly more than an hour. I’d love to say an hour, but frequently the service ends up being an hour and 5 or 10 minutes. At the most, you’ll be with us for an hour and 15 minutes.
What time should I arrive?
That’s a great question. In addition to our online, on-demand Sunday worship service (available beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday on the church website and social media pages), we have two in-person worship services on the Sunday before Christmas (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.). On Christmas Eve, in addition to our online, on-demand Christmas Eve service (available beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve on the church website and social media pages), we have two worship services on Christmas Eve (4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) that will have a different message than on Sunday. And, I’m really trying to help when I suggest you get here a few minutes early. Maybe even as many as 10 or 15 minutes early. It takes a little while to make your way through our campus, especially if you have children to check into our children’s areas or this is your first time. We especially want you to find a seat where you are most comfortable, and you’ll feel more comfortable if you have a few minutes to adjust before the service begins. We have a bulletin you can be reading while you wait for the service to start.
Do you have something for children?
Absolutely. Birth through 6th grade have their own activities designed especially for them. They will enjoy a time called Kids Konnection that will engage them at their level. Of course, we don’t keep you from bringing children with you in the worship service if that is more comfortable on a first visit, but our experience is that they truly do enjoy Kids Konnection. Either way, we love when entire families join us Christmas week.
Can I only come one time? Really, for what am I signing up when I come on Christmas?
There’s no obligation beyond Christmas weekend. Promise. Being honest, we do ask you to fill out a communication card and, if you do, we will follow up with you. And I hope you do. I love seeing who God brought to us as our guests. I love meeting guests. We won’t put any unfair pressure on you to ever come again. We hope you will, and we’d love if Christmas triggered that desire in you, but that’s your call — not ours.
I hope that answers some questions of those who are thinking about visiting City Bible Church.
What other questions do you have? Seriously, I’d rather you asked.
***Much of this post adopted from a great post by Ron Edmonson on this issue...
