New to Friendship? Finding Your Place in the Local Church
“I visited Friendship Baptist Church — and the name’s not wrong!”
After his first visit to Friendship 23 years ago, Steve Baldwin shared this sentiment with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Erica. That week, Steve moved from Illinois to Raleigh and decided to visit FBC after driving by the day before.
He didn’t know a soul, but was given a warm welcome from members, including Brad Kennon (the young adult teacher at the time), who sat with Steve during that first Sunday morning visit.
He quickly learned about the young adult group and started to connect with people his age.
But it didn’t stop there.
Steve showed up to work days, fellowship events, and other opportunities to meet members of all generations. After getting married, Erica joined him at Friendship, and they quickly began getting involved in numerous ministries.
Families across FBC have stories similar to the Baldwins, who’ve grown spiritually, served together, and forged deep friendships through the church.
And he is the head of the body, the church…that in all things he might have the preeminence. – Colossians 1:18
New Here?
As a visitor or new member, it may be tempting to slip in unnoticed or attend a service without plugging in. Each service, members are ready to greet and direct you to the right place, including our English-speaking service or Hispanic ministry, FBC en Español.
As the Spirit leads, pray for God to give you opportunities to connect with the body of Christ and to serve, learn, and grow.
God loves his church!
Consider these tips:
Ask questions
Don’t be shy!
Maybe you’re new to the area, to Friendship, or church in general.
Feel free to ask questions about FBC activities, “church lingo,” directions around campus, doctrine, and more.
Don’t be afraid to say “yes” if you get an invitation to lunch or coffee.
Attend an Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF), Bible study, or fellowship event
You don’t need to be a member to attend an ABF or other fellowship opportunities (church-speak for “get together”). In ABF, you’ll learn about the Bible and topical studies alongside people in your same stage of life. Also, get to know people in other age groups during events outside of services.
The church body is full of different personalities and spiritual gifts.
Introverts and extroverts welcome!
Attend the Welcome to Friendship class
For those considering membership, we offer a Welcome to Friendship class on a regular basis.
The 5-week class covers:
- Our mission and purpose
- FBC’s ministries and leadership
- Our church’s history and
- Core doctrines and Baptist distinctives
It’s a great way to know us better and for us to know you!
Serve Christ alongside others
While you may need a season of rest or a period of learning about opportunities to get involved, one way we reflect Christlikeness is to serve Him. For members, Friendship offers countless ways to serve — children’s and teen ministries, orchestra, choir, audio/visual team, service projects, prayer meetings (who meet weekly via zoom), even bringing breakfast for ABF!
But by love serve one another. – Galatians 5:13b
Tips for a Welcoming Church
If you’re a member of Friendship Baptist Church, take these suggestions to heart as we try to live up to our name.
Be friendly
Don’t forget that a smile and eye contact can make a big impact.
Welcome people, and if you’re unsure if they’re new, you can say,
“I don’t think I’ve met you before. My name is…”
Be curious
Don’t assume someone’s church or faith background. While it may take several interactions to go deeper, ask questions and listen with interest.
Pastor DeAngelo shared this helpful FRIENDS acronym with the college-age group:
- Family
- Role (job)
- Interests
- Education
- Neighborhood (where they live)
- Denomination (spiritual background)
- Salvation
Again, use discernment in each conversation, but you might just find a fellow Hurricanes fan or transplant from your home state!
Step out of your comfort zone
Offer to sit with a visitor or new member (even if it’s not your normal pew!), show them around campus, or even take them to lunch after church or schedule a coffee date.
Try to remember names or interesting details the next time you see them.
Answer questions or introduce them to someone who can
Visitors and new members likely have questions about how services work, where the nursery is, what ministries are available, and questions about our pastors, doctrine, and more.
Help them feel comfortable asking questions — and if you don’t know the answers, introduce them to someone who can, such as Sunday school or ABF teachers, deacons, pastors, and long-time members.
Remember, everyone who walks through Friendship’s doors have this in common:
We all need a Savior and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him.
Together, we can joyfully pursue truth and serve each other as members of one body, the local church.