FAQ'S
At The Shore we are excited to welcome you as our guest. We want you to be able to experience the great worship, practical messages, friendly people, and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of South Shores Christian Church. We know that your first time at a church, any church, brings up some questions: What should I expect during the service . . . what should I wear . . . what’s available for my kids . . . how do I get there? So here is a quick look at what you can expect when you visit The Shore:
How many people usually come on a Sunday?
Approximately 150 - 200 people visit our campus every weekend.
What should I expect at a Sunday service?
Expect to find an atmosphere that is casual and contemporary. You are welcome to a cup of coffee and a roll from our Connection Café. Bring it with you into the service if you choose. You can expect to be inspired as well as challenged spiritually. Our service includes a time of worship and praise where you can sit back and listen or actively enter in. You can expect our pastor to share biblically true messages that are real and relevant as well as practical in helping with real life issues. We also have the pleasure at The Shore to take communion each and every time we gather together. Communion is a wonderful time to remember who Jesus is, what he has done and what he has promised to do in the future. All believers are able to participate in this special moment as we share the body of Christ.
How long is the Sunday service?
Our services typically run one hour.
What is the music like?
In many churches there is an age old battle of traditional hymns vs. contemporary hymns. We recognize that each person who enters our doors has their own preferences. We never choose a song based on genre or style. We choose to worship in Spirit and in Truth as noted by Jesus in John 4. Our main goal each week is to unveil a story about who Christ is and how knowing Him can transform our lives. Any song, video, drama, testimony or any other piece included in our service is incorporated in order to compliment the main point of the teaching for the day. In other words, we love modern worship music, as well as, traditional hymns, but most important is that as individuals we choose to worship not just in hymn or chorus but that we worship by offering our lives to Christ outside of Sunday morning. We believe that worshipping together in song while gathered together as believers is an important element to a church service but it is not our only time of worship.
What should I wear?
Come as you are!
How do I get connected beyond Sunday morning worship?
We know that entering a new community can seem a little overwhelming at first, so we want you to know we have some options available to you. The best way to get involved is through our Life Groups that meet regularly across the Decatur area at various times throughout the week. We also have various men's and women's ministries and groups that meet at various times and seasons so be watching the bulletin, newsletters or calendar for opportunities to be a part of these ministries. For a list of current life groups contact Steve Young via steveyoung@southshores.net or 217-428-5683
What is a Life Group?
Life Groups exist so each member of the group may grow spiritually closer to Jesus Christ. Small Groups are offered at various times and places throughout the week. They typically kickoff the Sunday after Labor Day and run weekly through April. Be sure to check with individual groups to determine their respective start and end dates as some groups will continue to meet regularly through the summer months as well. For more information, be sure to contact the church office via the link at the bottom of the page or 217-428-5683
What do I do if I have young children for Worship?
Families are encouraged to place their young children (ages 0-5) in one of the nurseries, located in the southwest wing of the auditorium. Parents are then free to attend Worship and contacted if your child may need you. You can expect all the children’s and student activities to be fun for the kids in a safe protected environment.
Is there a place for elementary and high school age children?
Yes! We have children’s church for kids k-4th grade that meets during Sunday School at 9am as well as during the worship service at 10am. Grades 5-12 students can meet for bible study at 9am and the grades 8-12 meet at 9:30am.