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Common Questions for First Time Visitors
Community Bible Church exists to be a tool by which God transforms the world. At first glance, we could say that our culture is relaxed. There is no pressure for first-time guests or for long-time attenders. We allow people to make decisions in their own time. Our dress is casual. Our worship services are fun. Our small groups are informal and down to earth.
Learn more about Community by visiting the About Us page or by reviewing the frequently asked questions below. For questions and other details regarding our Van Buren service, visit the Van Buren Campus page.
- When are your Sunday services?
- What do I wear?
- What do I do with my kids?
- Will I have to sign anything or say anything?
- How do I join?
- Why isn’t there Sunday School for adults?
- What is JAM?
- What is CK-3?
- What is C-456?
- What other opportunities are available for my children other than on Sunday mornings?
- When are your Sunday services?
- Our regular Sunday services are 9:30am / 10:45am at the Fort Smith campus and 8:30am / 10:00am at the Van Buren campus. We start sharp...well, most of the time.
[Top] - What do I wear?
- Sunday mornings have a relaxed feel at Community. You will see everything from shorts and t-shirts to the occasional tie (although you’ll never catch our staff wearing a tie unless someone is dead). The point is dress comfortably. We’re not trying to impress you, so don’t try to impress us. The best clothing for worship is clothing which goes unnoticed. One warning: the worship center may be colder than some people prefer so if you are cold natured you might dress a little more warmly than normal.
[Top] - What do I do with my kids?
- We have equal children’s programs for kids elementary and younger. Our volunteers will be happy to escort you and your children to their proper classroom. For security purposes you will receive a number that corresponds with your child. If a need arises during the service your child’s number will be displayed for you to retrieve you child. At the end of the service only the person presenting the correct number will be allowed to pick up your child. Students are encouraged to attend regular service at either 9:30am or 10:45am at the Fort Smith campus, 8:30am or 10:00am at the Van Buren campus.
[Top] - Will I have to sign anything or say anything?
- We believe you should be as involved as you want to be at Community. You will never be forced to sign something (except for security purposes when checking in a child) or say anything. Many people prefer to come a few times before they ever even introduce themselves. We will not bother you in anyway unless first invited. We desire to serve every person equally but we refuse to invade the lives of people. Come and see for yourself and let us know if your ready to get involved.
[Top] - How do I join?
- Membership at Community has two prerequisites. A person must confess belief in Jesus Christ and must attend a five-session membership class. The Discovering Membership Class is offered on Sunday mornings and introduces a person to the basic beliefs and structure of Community Bible Church.
[Top] - Why isn’t there Sunday School for adults?
- We find that adult education, care, and fellowship is better accomplished through our Community Groups than through traditional Sunday School. More time can be spent and closer bonds can be made in this way. We highly encourage every adult to regularly attend a Community Group.
[Top] - What is JAM?
- Jesus And Me (JAM) is our ministry for newborn through four-year-old children. We strive to make the children feel comfortable in a safe, clean, and loving environment while teaching them about Jesus in an interactive way.
[Top] - What is CK-3?
- CK-3, our ministry for kindergarten through third grade, is an exciting children’s church offered at 9:30am and 10:45am at the Fort Smith campus (see the Van Buren page for more details on children's programs there). The kids spend time in Kid’s Cabin, a large group setting where they can be comfortable as kids with upbeat music, fun games, crazy characters, and serious Bible study. They then go to small groups where they learn with other children their age in a hands-on setting. By building relationships with each child, the CK-3 small group leaders are able to show kids the love of Christ, rather than just tell them. We hope the hour we spend with the kids on Sunday can be one of the best hours of their week. Our goal is to work with the parents in growing their children in Christ and to help the kids develop a personal relationship with Him. As He transforms their hearts and lives, we are convinced they will transform their homes, their classrooms, and their world.
[Top] - What is C-456?
- C-456 is designed for kids in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades and is offered in both the 9:30am and 10:45am worship services at the Fort Smith campus (see the Van Buren page for more details on children's programs there). The upper elementary classes meet in Kid’s Cabin for loud music, games, and large group teaching time. Then, in an effort to meet kids where they are, the kids split into small groups where they can share their experiences and opinions with others their own age. Directed at teaching and interacting, C-456 is a great place for kids to build relationships with each other and with their small group leaders. By this stage, our ministry serves not only to teach, but also to hold accountable and encourage higher levels of spiritual formation through Scripture memory and Bible study. As we come alongside the parents and teach in a way kids can relate to, we hope to assist in Christ’s transformation of their lives. Transformed children will transform their world.
[Top] - What other opportunities are available for my children other than on Sunday mornings?
- We believe our primary mission is to provide the best possible learning and interactive experience for your children during worship services. Like many other ministries at Community, the children’s ministry is not event-driven. We do have events occasionally, and most (but not all) take place in the summer. Every summer, our children go to Children’s Camp, and we have other summer activities available. Look for these events to be advertised in the bulletin or on the website.
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