Welcome!

We are so glad you are here and looking to visit First Baptist Church Shallowater! Take a look at this video from Pastor Brad Miles to have a better understanding of who we are and how excited we are to meet you!

LOADING PLAYER…

Welcome Home!

We know trying out churches can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time! We want to make your experience at First Shallowater to be the best it can be, even before you get here! Check out the tabs below to read about what a typical Sunday looks like for us and look through some frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, or have any additional questions, please contact us and we will be happy to speak with you!

  • Check In Your Children

         Our Sunday Kidzville program is the perfect place for children from birth to grade 6. The staff and volunteers create a safe, fun atmosphere in which children can learn Bible stories and participate in age-appropriate worship. Parents check in their children at the Kidzville Entrance and receive a printed name tag and a barcode, with a security number for each child. If you're having trouble locating the appropriate place for your child, just ask an usher or greeter, and they will direct you.


    Grow Groups

         At FBC Shallowater, we have a wide variety of grow groups that start at 9:15! We believe that authentic community happens in circles, not rows, so getting connected at FBC Shallowater means participating in a Grow Group. Grow Groups are a place where Sunday Service is made small—by allowing you to meet people in your area to connect with and form real relationships. Our desire is for everyone who attends FBC Shallowater to find lasting community here so we have established a wide variety of grow groups that fit everyone. In each of these, you can build friendships, learn more about the life of our church, and have the opportunity to grow in your faith. 


    Get Settled
         At FBC Shallowater, you'll notice a casual atmosphere, and people of all ages and walks of life. A greeter will give you a program, which includes church announcements and a note-taking sheet for the message. An usher can direct you to seats in the worship center - or, you may sit wherever you are most comfortable. Once you are seated, look at the screens to get an idea of upcoming events and opportunities for FBC Shallowater attendees. 

  • Worship:

    This time is set aside for communicating with God from our hearts. Our worship team will lead us in about 20 minutes of upbeat, contemporary songs of celebration, as well as more intimate songs of worship. Everyone worships in his or her own way. For many, that means singing and clapping along, or raising their hands to God, or for others it means quietly reflecting on the words. You're welcome to do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. 

     

    Offering:

    Each week FBC Shallowater's regular attenders give an offering. As a guest, we don’t want for you to feel pressure to give. At First Shallowater, we do this as an act of worship. It reminds us that everything we have comes from God, and it’s an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to God for His provision. Giving is also a tool that God uses in our lives to keep us from becoming greedy or materialistic. Practicing regular giving keeps our hearts focused on Christ.

     

    Announcements:

    This is a time to announce upcoming events, activities, and happenings at FBC Shallowater.

     

    Message:

    Every weekend, our pastor gives a relevant, straightforward message that is based on Scripture, and is designed to be helpful in your everyday life.  These messages will help you develop a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, and apply biblical teaching to your own life.

     

    Communion:

    Once a month we celebrate communion together. Anyone can participate in this time of reflection and prayer as long they've made the decision to follow Jesus Christ. The juice and bread that we share represent the life he gave up so that our sins could be forgiven. However, visitors aren’t required to participate. When the bread and juice is offered to the congregation, you can simply stay in your seat. Other than that, feel free to sit back and just enjoy the service.

     

    Prayer:

    At the end of the service, if you want someone to pray for you, please head to the front of the Worship Center. At any point during the worship service, we have a prayer team available out the door on the left side of the Worship Center who would love to meet with you and pray with you.  We have prayer partners that would love to pray for your needs!

     

    Kids Programming:

    While adults are in the worship center, kids are listening to their own dynamic interactive message and learning principles that can be lived out all week long. Children are divided into classrooms with age-appropriate teachings and activities. They discuss topics that will help them build a solid foundation and strong relationship with God.

  • Pick up Your Kids:

    If you check a child into kids programming, you will each receive matching ID numbers so that we can be absolutely sure the right kids go home with the right parents. If your child needs you during the service, a childcare volunteer will reach out to you. When you drop your child off, make sure to ask where he or she will be picked up.

     

    Get More Information:

    If you are a newcomer we welcome you and hope you feel entirely at home.  Be sure and check out the tables in the foyer to see our many resources and to find what FBC Shallowater has to offer you.

  • What should I wear?

    You’ll find everything from casual clothes to business suits at our Sunday Service. Come in what is comfortable for you because FBC Shallowater is not about what you look like or what you wear. We believe that it’s the attitude of your heart that matters to God, rather than your physical appearance, so come as you are!


    What will happen when I visit for the first time?

    If you are visiting for the first time, we have a Connect Card through a QR code on the seat backs that we will encourage you to fill out so we can connect with you and make you a fresh apple pie! We will not embarrass you or have you stand up, we know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for awhile—and that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if this is the church for you. 


    How can I meet others and get connected?

    There are many ways to get involved. You can begin by attending our Grow Groups. We believe that authentic community happens in circles, not rows, so getting connected at FBC Shallowater means participating in a Grow Group. Our desire is for everyone who attends FBC Shallowater to find lasting community here so we have established a wide variety of grow groups that fit everyone. In each of these, you can build friendships, learn more about the life of our church, and have the opportunity to grow in your faith. 


    Will I feel uncomfortable attending alone?

    Many of our members come to church by themselves each week. However, if you’d like someone to attend with you for the first time, feel free to contact an usher or greeter. They’ll find you a friend to sit with. Being new can be hard in any situation, but you’ll quickly get to know the other members and feel at home.


    When should I arrive?

    We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the service you are attending so you can park, grab a bulletin, and find a seat. Leave a little more time if you need to check in kids into the Children’s Ministry. We have a special team of volunteers ready to show you around and help you get settled. Just look for those handing out bulletins in the foyer and our friendly greeters will help you get to where you are going.


    Where should I sit?

    You can sit wherever you feel comfortable in our auditorium, there are no saved seats. And don’t worry, you can take your coffee with you. You don’t have to sit alone either. Pretty much anyone would be happy to sit with you, especially the people who greet you at the door as you arrive, just tell them you want someone to sit with and they’ll gladly come in and join you.


    What if I want to volunteer?

    Getting connected through serving is a great way to get started. Meaningful friendships are often built when we serve as we meet new people and get to experience what it is like to cooperate with God and His plan. Learn about volunteering here.


    Do I need to bring a Bible?

    You don’t have to bring a Bible unless you want to. All of the Bible verses will be projected on the screen. We also have free bibles available for you to keep. If you need one, just ask a greeter or staff member and we will be happy to grab one for you! Our teaching pastors typically teach from the New Living Translation but you’ll be able to follow along no matter what version you have or are comfortable with.


    How long is the service?

    Our services typically run about an hour and fifteen minutes. But don’t worry, time flies when you are having fun.


    What if I am nervous to attend?

    Please don’t be. You can expect a place that accepts you just the way you are right now regardless of who you are or what you believe. If you would like someone meet you out front, show you around, and stay with you as long as you’d like to answer questions, let us know.