Visitor Vitals

What time do the services start?

Sunday’s are a big day of worship and praise for us. We begin the day in the sanctuary with a very traditional service of hymn singing, music, message by Bro. Don and Communion at 9 am. At 10 am we offer Bible study groups for all ages. In the renovated Fellowship Hall on the north end of the building at 11 am many of us gather for a much more contemporary time of worship and praise which we call Bon Temps because we have a good time praising our God. Dress is casual in this warm and inviting setting. On any given Sunday you may find some of us sharing a meal or sending out for pizza at noon and enjoying the sport of the day on TV until 5 pm when some of us usually . . .  eat again! When the tables are cleared, we begin another, bit more upbeat praise service with Bro. Chris and musicians leading the music and Bro. Don teaching from the Bible in a question and answer style. We call this gathering The ROCK (come find out why). This praise time aims to be different and welcomes people of all persuasions. Bring your questions and try to stump Bro Don. You may notice that we love being together and really love new folks. Come be a part of the action.

How do I get to First Christian Church?

First Christian is in the Oak Park Subdivision, on Second Ave. (a secondary North/South artery), 2 blocks North of Memorial Hospital.

View Larger MapMap to First Christian Church

What is the preaching like?

In all areas of our ministries, including the sermon time, you will always hear of God’s unconditional and unchanging love for all people. This is nowhere more powerfully demonstrated than in Him giving His only son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. Just as He loves us beyond our full comprehension, He also wants us to love each other; our neighbor across the room and our neighbor on the other side of the world, unconditionally. This is what we preach.

You will find that the preaching here will be presented in a loving, passionate and clear manner. It is our sincere hope that the preaching will bring you closer to the God and Savior who loves you beyond your deepest understanding of love

We center every worship service with Holy Communion, or The Lord’s Supper, as some refer. Everyone who is a follower of Jesus is invited to the Lord’s Table; in our tradition we use bread and grape juice.

What is the music like?

Worship music style is really a hot topic in many churches these days. God has moved people to write inspirational music in numerous styles throughout the ages. We find largely that the “correct” style is usually a matter of personal taste, and we use various styles in our services at First Christian. In our 9 am traditional worship services we sing the great hymns of the church, both new and old, accompanied by pipe organ or piano.  In the 11 am and 5:30 pm casual services we strike up the band and sing songs of praise and inspiration to the accompaniment of keyboards, drums and guitars.

Where will my children go?

The 10 am Sunday School time has classes for all age groups. Your children will have the opportunity to participate in fun-filled, hands-on classes where God’s truths are taught. For the very young, we have a cozy and secure nursery.
All of our children’s activities are attended to by children’s ministry members. Each child will be lavished with love and attention in a safe environment.

Do I have to dress up?

No. There is no need to dress up in fancy clothes for any of our services. Early Christians were called to simply dress modestly and decently. You will find many modes of dress at First Christian, from blue jeans and sport shirts to suits or sport coats and ties. Dress in what is comfortable for you and your family. We want you to feel at home as we journey to becoming disciples of Jesus together.

Will I have to stand up and be recognized during a visit?

Some churches will ask visitors to stand and be recognized during a worship service. The people at First Christian are genuinely interested in getting to know you and have you know us, but we are also aware that many people do not like to be “in the spotlight.” So, we will not embarrass you with public introductions. Some of our people may greet and welcome you informally, but we will generally let you get acquainted with us at your own pace.

Are you affiliated with any denomination?

First Christian Church is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination and participates in the Great River Region of congregations.  The Bible is the primary sourcebook of our faith. We seek to make the Bible relevant to the issues of today. With the support and guidance of the church, our members enjoy both the freedom and responsibility of making their own decisions in regard to interpreting the Bible and practicing their faith.

You will find First Christian Church to be a loving church where freedom in Christ is practiced. But, at the same time, you can rest in knowing that we are also a church that holds unswervingly to God’s precious Word in order to provide a solid anchor for your family during these changing times.

I have other questions.

Please feel free to call our church offices at 337-478-3034 or send us an email () if you have other unanswered questions.  We would also be glad to