Finding A Place To Plug Into

How do I join the Worship Choir or the FBC Orchestra?

It's easy! For the choir, there is NO audition. Many in our choir are not "trained soloists" and some do not even "read music." For the Orchestra, we do ask that you come and visit with the Director and determine your level of skill before beginning to play. Being in the choir and orchestra is a great way to worship the Lord, build relationships with others and use the gifts God has blessed you with to serve Him. All you need to do is visit a rehearsal on Wednesday evenings, Orchestra is 6:00 pm and the Choir meets at 7:00 pm in the Music Suite. This is located on the second floor. You'll feel right at home! Come and check us out. Childcare is provided.

How do I find a Sunday School class that’s right for me?

There are many options for small group Bible studies. Our Sunday School is age-graded, so you can find a class where you can relate to people your own age. Find the “Sunday Bible Study Directory” Sunday School brochure in your New Member’s bag. Sunday School classes are listed by age groups. You can also check out the “Sunday Bible Study” booklet that contains pictures, profiles, and a contact person for each adult class. Select a class that you believe fits you and go from there. You may visit any of the classes that fit your age group until you find a class where you feel at home. Feel free to check with the Welcome Center Hosts at the ROC entrance for assistance.

How do I join a Sunday School class?

There are no requirements, just a desire to do so. All you have to do is check the “new member” box on the Sunday School Registration Form. Just mention this to someone at the Welcome Center desk, or your Sunday School department or class secretary.

How do I get involved in discipleship?

Discipleship opportunities called “LIFEtracks” are usually held on Sunday evenings in the Fall and Winter/Spring from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. There are opportunities for every age group. Financial Peace University classes will be held on Sundays at 4:00 pm in the Fall and Winter/Spring semesters.

Additional discipleship opportunities include:

• Woman to Woman – Tuesdays @ 9:30 a.m. during school year

• Woman to Woman – Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m. during the school year

• Men’s Bible Study – Thursdays @ 6:30 a.m.

Look for discipleship offerings and descriptions in The First Word, First Facts, Up to the Minute, Sunday bulletin, and on the church web site.

What is “Every Member in a Ministry” and how can I get involved?

FBC believes the Bible teaches that God equips people to use their gifts, talents and abilities to serve. Every member of FBC is expected to serve in at least one of the seventy ministries of the church. A Ministry Class is held each quarter that gives people a understanding of God’s expectations and the opportunity to sign up for ministry. See the “How to Get Involved in a Ministry” brochure for more information.

Does First Baptist Church offer counseling?

Yes, we offer counseling through The Enrichment Center. You may contact the Enrichment Center at 341-0811.

What is the “Enrichment Center”?

The Enrichment Center is a ministry of First Baptist Church. It is located at 224 2nd Street, SE. Dr. Larry Little is director of The Enrichment Center. The Center offers a team of specially trained, licensed therapists and counselors to meet the individual needs of FBC members and non-members. The goal of The Enrichment Center is to provide professional, quality services in an atmosphere of care, concern and confidentiality.

Each therapist and counselor has professional experience in dealing with a variety of situations to help provide real solutions for real people. To learn more about psychological testing and therapeutic intervention call The Enrichment Center at 341-0811.

What is POWER Church?

POWER Church is in essence Children’s Church for Pre-K children through 4th grade. It is a voluntary option for children halfway through the general church worship. It is only offered on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays so that children can take part of the entire worship with their families on the 4th and 5th Sundays. There is an 8:15 POWER Church that meets in the Stephenson Chapel for all ages of children. During the 10:30 service, children 2nd grade and younger meet in the Choir Suite and 3rd – 4th grade meet in the Stephenson Chapel. The worship bulletin each week will tell you when they children are to leave for POWER Church.

What programs are offered for my preschoolers or elementary aged child?

The school year calendar and summer calendar vary; but, general yearly programming is broken down to where each grade/age is in their own class. The following is a typical schedule.

School Year

Wednesday 5:30-6:15 pm Choir (3year olds – 4th Grade)
6:15-7:00 Missions (2 year olds – 4th Grade)

Sunday 4:00-5:00 pm LIFEtracks for Kids
(Pre-K – 4th Grade)

Summer

Wednesday 6:00-6:45 pm Kids Studies (Entering Kind.-4th Grade)

Sundays 6:00-7:00 pm LIFEtracks (Entering Kind. – 4th Grade)

Childcare is always available for preschoolers younger than the ages mentioned. For details, check with Cathy Strom, Preschool Ministry Director.

What is Extended Teaching Care?

Extended Teaching Care is our volunteer ministry where we teach and care for our Babies through Three Year Olds during the corporate Sunday morning worship times (8:15 & 10:30). We encourage all parents of children within this age to help in this ministry as well as any other church members who enjoy serving families by taking care of their children while they worship. The commitment is only once every two months. Contact Cathy Strom to sign up for this ministry.

When is childcare offered?

Childcare for preschool age children (birth – 4 years) is available on Sunday mornings during the following times:

• Sundays during 8:30 a.m. worship

• Sundays during Sunday School (9:45 – 10:45 a.m.)

• Sundays during 11:00 worship

• Sunday nights 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Wednesday nights 4:15 p.m. (during school year, Summer @ 5:30 p.m.) – Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Is there a mid-week service?

Wednesday night’s Prayer and Praise begins at 6:00 pm in the Worship Center.

What is IMPACT Wednesday Night Bible Study?

IMPACT is two things. It is the name for the overall FBC Student Ministry and also serves as the name of the Wednesday night Bible study for Middle and High School Students.

What is the IMPACT Wednesday Night Bible Study like?

IMPACT is high energy. Each week there is something surprising or different – it may be a crazy game or special guest. There is a student praise band that leads in worship. Students are encouraged to share testimonies about what God is teaching them. The “Talks” are relevant to a student’s life and include subjects like self-esteem, family relationships, peer pressure, dating, and friendships. IMPACT begins at 5:45 pm and ends at 7:00 pm. and meets in the Loft (ROC Room 308.)

What is Church Street Academy Preschool?

Church Street Academy is the early childhood weekday education program of First Baptist Church. The program is designed to serve children ages 6 weeks-four years and their families. The Infant Nursery portion of the program caters to the needs of our youngest children (six weeks-one year) with lots of songs, stories and TLC! Children then begin our structured preschool curriculum where fun is guaranteed! A walk through our facility may find children reading A Snowy Day in their classroom, "ice fishing" in the social studies lab, painting with icicles in art or waddling like a penguin in p.e.! While each area of our curriculum is important, our major mission is to ensure that each child understands that he/she is uniquely created and loved by God! For more information, please contact Yonna Vines at 350-9086.

What is the Church Street Academy Kindergarten?

Church Street Academy is the half-day kindergarten sponsored by First Baptist Church and held on the FBC campus. We opened Church Street Academy in the fall of 2002 with one kindergarten class taught by Shelley Hughes. Shelley has a master’s degree in Early Childhood education with years of experience in the Decatur City School System. This program offers age appropriate kindergarten curriculum as well as music, art, music, Spanish, chapel and computer classes. Your kindergarten age-child will love Church Street Academy. Registration begins around February each year and is on a first come first served basis.

What is the River City Christian Academy?

RCCA is a “cover school” for families who are home schooling their children. Alabama law requires that a home schooling family must be part of a “cover school”. Home schooling families who are a part of this Academy need not be a member of First Baptist. RCCA is a great place for your family to meet other home schooling families in the surrounding areas. As a network, the students are connected with enrichment activities, offered facilities within the First Baptist campus (ROC) and given a safe place to hold meetings, tests, and other organizational courses.

What is the Preteen Ministry and who is a part of it?

Our Preteen Ministry is called FIX56. The passage from Hebrews 12:2 tells us to FIX our eyes on Jesus and that is the mission for FIX56. This ministry is for 5th and 6th graders and most of their events happen in The Warehouse (Room 301 of the ROC). Some of the activities that are designed especially for them are a Mystery Dinner, Triple Header, Crosspoint, Sunday Nights After Church, and tons more.

Does FBC have a Singles Ministry?

Yes, we have a singles ministry for every single adult age group. Single adults are both never married and single again. We offer Sunday School classes and events for the following age groups:

• College (18 – 22)

• Young Professionals 1 (23 – 29)

• Young Professionals 2 (30 – Upper 30’s)

• Singles 1 S.A.L.T. (Upper 30’s – upper 40’s)

• Singles 2 (upper 40’s – 50 something)

• Singles 3 (60 and above)

What is the School of Fine Arts?

The School of Fine Arts is a ministry of FBC. Its purpose is to provide quality instruction in music, visual arts and dance/creative movement. All lessons are taught from a Christian perspective. The use of a variety of traditional and modern teaching methods encourages students in developing their skills and God-given talents.

What kind of classes and lessons are offered by the School of Fine Arts?

Offerings include class instruction in Art (1st-5th grades), Dance – Creative Dance, Ballet Pointe, Tap and Jazz, Modern/Liturgical Dance (4 years – adult), Piano (5 years – adult), Musikgarten (3 months – 6 years), and private instruction in voice, piano, pipe organ, violin, viola, guitar, banjo, and electric bass.

Who may enroll in the School of Fine Arts?

The lessons and classes are available to any child or adult desiring to begin or continue study. Instruction is adapted to the student's age and experience. Membership at First Baptist Church is not a requirement.