What to Expect

What type of church is First Christian Church (FCC)?

We are a non-denominational church with people from all backgrounds (no church affiliation, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, etc.). We do follow the teachings of the Bible and encourage developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Whether you've been attending church for years or this is your first time, you'll feel welcome at FCC.


When are services?

We have one service at 10:00am.


What should I wear?

We encourage you to wear what is normal for you. Come as you are!


How do I get there?

FCC is located across from Salem High School on 6th St.

 



What happens when I arrive?

You will be greeted upon entering our West and North doors. More greeters will be available to answer any questions, hand you a program, and find you the best seat available when you enter the Worship Center. While you wait, feel free to enjoy the music, read about upcoming events on the screens.


What is service like?

First of all, you won't be pointed out or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. You will have a meaningful, stress-free experience...and you'll have a lot of fun.


The service is about 60 minutes. The first 15 minutes of the service are important to help you tune into the worship through music. We'll have the words to each song up on the screen, so you can sing as much as you feel comfortable!


After a short welcome from one of our pastors, there is usually another song or we'll jump right into the day's teaching. Each message/sermon is 30-35 minutes long and takes Biblical principles and applies them to your life in some very real and practical ways. And we'll give you message notes with all of the Bible verses we will be reading and a pen so you can take notes. So, you can review what you learned later in the week.


What about my kid(s)?

We offer programs for children age 1-12th grade. We invite your kid(s) to join us in a fun, safe, clean, interactive environment where our team of trained volunteers creates an environment your child will want to come back to every week. To get more information about the specific age groups visit our Kids and Student Ministries Page.


How do I become a Christian?

A Christian is someone that has made the decision to begin to take God seriously in their life. It starts by surrendering your life to Jesus and then beginning to follow Him. 


Any other questions?

Was there something we forgot? Feel free to email us at fccsalem1@gmail.com.

Baptism

What is the meaning of Baptism?

Baptism is an important symbol of the new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus. It helps you to identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) (Colossians 2:12)

 

It also defines my new life as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5:17) (Romans 6:4)

 

Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not however "save" you, only Jesus does that. Baptism is an act of obedience, representing a crossing over from an old way of life to becoming a new creation. 

 

Who should be baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. (Acts 2:41) (Acts 8:13) (Acts 8:12)

 

When Should I be baptized?

You should be baptized as soon as you believe. (Acts 2:41) (Acts 8:35-38). There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you'll never feel "good enough"!

 

When should children be baptized?

At FCC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was complete. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe on their own. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ and to identify with Him in his death, burial and resurrection.

 

Why does FCC baptize by immersion?

We baptize by immersion because Jesus was baptized that way (Matthew 3:16). Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39) and the Greek word "baptize" means "to immerse or dip under water".

 

What will my baptism be like?

We will beforehand show you the baptismal and the process undertaken during the service. During the service after an agreed-upon day, you will be guided by the pastor to come forward and repeat this phrase, " I believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior." After that you will be directed to the changing room to prepare for baptism. When ready, then Pastor will lead you into the water, introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water and raise you up about the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off and return to the changing room. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relative and friends to attend your baptism. 

 

What should I wear?

Women should wear shorts and a top or a swimsuit. Men may wear shorts, t-shirts or a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We will cover whatever you wear with a white baptismal robe.

 

Can my family and friends be baptized together?

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience. 

 

Is Baptism You Next Step?

Contact the Church Office or an Elder

Membership

Becoming a member at FCC means becoming a part of our spiritual family and joining us on the most important and exciting journey you will ever take. A journey that not only lasts a lifetime, but will lead into something that lasts for eternity! If you have been attending FCC and are considering making this place your church home- we'd like to invite you to sign up for an upcoming Membership Class.


Personal Requirements for Membership

  • A desire to grow in your relationship with Jesus
  • Believer's baptism by immersion
  • Two months faithful attendance at FCC


Why Do You Need A Spiritual Family?

You Need Healthy Relationships

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up" -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10


You Need A Place Where You Can Use Your Gifts

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you..." -- 1 Timothy 4:14


You Need A Place Where You Can Grow

"They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the breaking of bread and prayer." -- Acts 2:42


You Need To Belong To Something Bigger Than Yourself

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." -- Romans 12:4-5


"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." -- Hebrews 10:25