Frequently Asked Questions
We know what it’s like to try anything for the first time—the anxiety, the questions, and the curiosity. So we’ve come up with the top questions people have before visiting a church. How did we come up with this list? We all started off as first-time guests too!
What is your worship service like?
What is the preaching like and how long are the messages?
Will I have to say anything, sign anything, give anything or be singled out in any way?
Is it okay to bring my children into the worship service?
Do you have something for children and youth?
What Bible version do you use?
What should I expect when entering?
Who can take communion? How often is communion celebrated?
Am I going to be asked for money?
What kind of church is this?
Emmanuel Bible Fellowship is a non-denominational church uniting people from diverse backgrounds into a loving and supportive church family. Emmanuel is a place designed to serve both long-time Christians and those who are just beginning their spiritual journey. It’s a safe place for people who are looking for answers to their spiritual questions or simply want to check out Christianity. It’s also a place where those who have decided to follow Jesus Christ can learn and be encouraged in their spiritual growth.
What is your worship service like? Top of Page
We have two identical Sunday morning services at 9:30am and 11:15am. The first portion of each service is focused on worship through music. The major part of the service is a time of focused Bible teaching.
What is your worship style?
The focus of our music is to exalt the Lord and glorify His name through our songs. The music is contemporary in style and is selected to help direct our praise and worship to God.
What is the preaching like and how long are the messages? Top of Page
The message is almost always a systematic exposition of a Bible text (in contrast to starting with a topic and then finding supporting texts). The message is given in a conversational style and seeks to be practical (rather than theoretical) and personal (rather than academic).
Will I have to say anything, sign anything, give anything or be singled out in any way?
Rest assured that you won’t be put on the spot, singled-out or embarrassed. Though we do receive an offering, we don’t want anyone to feel obligated to give. However, we would appreciate it if you would fill out one of the communication cards in the bulletin with your pertinent information. This helps us get to know you. For security reasons, our children’s ministry will require some basic information if you decide to put your children in the nursery or in one of our classes.
What do people wear? Top of Page
Our desire is to provide an atmosphere of worship and not to put unnecessary importance on dress. Although dress tends to be casual at Emmanuel, dressing up or dressing casually are equally accepted. You are welcome to come as you are!
Is it okay to bring my children into the worship service?
Children are welcome and even encouraged to attend the worship services along with their parents. We also provide Sunday school for children age two through grade six during both services. Sunday school for your junior high or high school student takes place during our 9:30am service. Nursery for newborns up to 24 months is available during both services. Our teachers and nursery workers are caring and compassionate and will do everything possible to make you and your child comfortable in a new setting.
Do you have something for children and youth? Top of Page
We have incredibly strong children’s and youth programs. In addition to our aforementioned Sunday school classes, the mid-week programs are top-notch! Fusion (middle school and high school) and Awana (three years old to 6th grade) meet from 6:30-8:15pm on Wednesday evenings. You may learn more about these ministries at http://www.transferringtruth.com/children and http://www.transferringtruth.com/youth or contact the church office at 360.352.9044 for more information.
What Bible version do you use?
The most common version used at Emmanuel is the New American Standard Bible Update. This version is the translation of choice for the Bible teaching times, although our people use a variety of Bible versions. If you do not have a Bible, feel free to request a Bible from us or take one of the Bibles from our auditorium.
Where should I park? Top of Page
We have a number of parking spaces reserved for first-time guests near the entrance of our building. As a guest, please feel free to park in one of these available spaces. Handicap parking is also available at the front of the church.
What should I expect when entering?
You should be welcomed by one of our greeters at the entrance of the church and auditorium. These are individuals of the church who take a turn welcoming people and giving them a church bulletin (or program). You can sit wherever you want.
Who can take communion? How often is communion celebrated? Top of Page
Anyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ is invited to take part in the Communion Celebration. You do not have to be a member of Emmanuel. Communion is served the first Sunday of the month.
Am I going to be asked for money?
An offering is taken each Sunday for those who are a regular part of Emmanuel. This provides an opportunity to give to the Lord and to the support of the ministry of our church. You are not obligated to give. We do not ask people for a yearly commitment. We do encourage our regular attendees to give a percentage of their income as an act of worship, following the scriptural mandate.
What does membership involve? Top of Page
Three times a year we offer a membership class called “Discover Emmanuel.” Those wishing to join the church are required to take this class and then have the option to join or not. There are several expectations we have of those who commit to membership. For more information, please contact the church office.
We’re happy to answer any other questions you might have. Please contact us at pastor@transferringtruth.com or call the church office at 360-352-9044.