Welcome! You’re in the right place. At Southside Baptist Church, we are thrilled to have guests visiting most every service. As soon as you walk through the doors, we believe you will find what so many people love about Southside Baptist Church – a down-to-earth and genuinely friendly church atmosphere. We know that visiting a new church can be a little intimidating, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Hopefully, some of these answers will remove some of the mystery about your first visit.
What should I wear?
People come to Southside dressed in all sorts of ways. Most of our members will put on their “Sunday best” for services. For many, that includes a coat and tie, but that certainly isn’t required. Whatever you decide to wear, rest assured that our members are more interested in getting to know you, than in analyzing your wardrobe.
Where should I go when I arrive?
The “main” door at Southside is the one on the left side of the parking lot (as you face the building). Once you step through the door, you are just a few feet from the auditorium. Someone will be ready to direct you to our restrooms, Sunday School classes and church nursery once you arrive.
Do you provide child care?
There are separate nurseries for both babies and toddlers. Both rooms are fully staffed with well-trained volunteers. You will need to sign your child into the nursery and then pick him or her up afterwards. Safety, security and well-being are our chief concerns. You will find a thorough child care policy at the nursery doors. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.
What are your services like?
The word that many people use when describing Southside is “family”, and our services are like a family meeting. The environment is warm and friendly, and you will find people from all walks of life and backgrounds who feel very much at home at SBC.
Attention will not be drawn to you as a first time visitor. At some point each guest will receive an information packet about the church and a small gift. At that time you will be given a chance to share your name and information with us on a connection card, but you are under no obligation to fill it out. We really just want you to relax, sit back, and allow the ministry of the music and preaching to encourage and help you.
Our music is mostly traditional. We sing hymns and familiar choruses. The choir and our “special music” ranges from traditional to southern gospel in nature.
Do I need to participate in the offering?
We take an offering at every service so that our members can support God’s work through church, as well as to assist the many missionaries that we support around the world. We do not expect our visitors to participate in the offering. Simply pass the plate along.