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This page contains answers to the questions we receive the most about particular subjects. If you do not see your question about Christianity and/or First West here, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can answer it!
FAQ: Events
I am a member of First West and want to have my upcoming wedding and possibly my reception at the church. Can you tell me how much it will cost and how to reserve a weekend?
For all questions concerning weddings and receptions at First West, please contact Lynne Carter, First West Wedding Coordinator, at 398-9101. For inquires regarding outside events, please contact Pattie Diaz at 322-5104.
How can I know about the latest events at First West?
Visit our Events page for information on upcoming events. Events are also listed in the worship bulletin every Sunday because there is so much happening at First West we cannot mention every upcoming event in the Worship Services. Your L.I.F.E. Group area should have posters announcing items of interest to you and your L.I.F.E. Group will probably announce any special events pertaining to your class or age group. Each ministry has its own calendar of events on its webpage as well.
Why, if an event is free, do I have to have a ticket?
We often request that people pre-register and get a ticket for an upcoming event to help us plan for the event. When food or materials are involved with an event we want to be sure that everyone receives enough to eat and all of the materials. We make it easy to register for events by having sign-up desks in the Grand Hallway, registration forms in LIFE Groups, and on-line registration.
Why do some events cost money to attend at First West?
Many times there are concerts or special events at First West that we only provide the facility for. We have no part in organizing the event and therefore do not have control over how much the event costs.
If it is a First West organized event and we have a charge to attend it is because we cannot offset the entire cost of the special event. These are few and far between. We may ask that you provide some of the cost for special study materials for a Bible Study or pay for a meal or childcare. We never want someone to not be able to attend a Bible Study because they cannot afford materials. Please contact that leader and let them know your needs confidentially.
FAQ: First-Time Visitors
We'll do our best to make your first visits to our church a pleasant experience. Our Parking Lot Team, Greeters, and Ushers immediately take the pressure off of visiting for the first time as they welcome you and make sure you, your family, and friends know where to go and how to get there. Make sure that you come early to give yourself plenty of time to look around, visit our Information Desk in the Grand Hallway, or enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee in Tennison Hall. There is no dress code and no assigned seating at First West.
After each service we hope you will visit the Reception Area. Our staff will be there to greet you and answer any questions you may have about spiritual issues or about First West. This area is also dedicated to those who would like to pray with someone or make a decision for Christ. The Reception Area is located just outside the Worship Center on the Fourth Street side of the Grand Hallway.
For more information about visiting First West, please read over the other sections on this page and visit the I'm New section of our website.
What can I expect on my first visit?
You will experience a worship service with dynamic music from a live band or orchestra, singers, and multimedia presentations.
You will find an exciting, safe, and fun learning environment for your children where they will love coming to church.
You will hear relevant teaching with practical application about real life issues that you can incorporate into your life on a weekly basis.
How early should I arrive?
It usually works best for visitors to arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before the service begins so you can find a place to park and make your way to the building. Parents of small children may want to arrive even earlier to get their children settled in the nursery.
I haven't been to church in a long time. Is it okay for me to come?
Yes! In fact, we don’t care if you have never been to church. Every weekend, many people visit First West for the first time. Our worship services are easy to follow and don’t require that you have any past church experience.
Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
Wear what you feel is comfortable and appropriate. We do not have a dress code and we certainly wouldn’t want you to worry about this! Some people wear jeans and t-shirt, while others come in “business casual” attire. Some people prefer to dress up, while others prefer to dress down. We are more concerned about your heart and your needs than we are about your clothing. So dress casually and modestly and you’ll fit right in.
Are people with special needs welcome?
Yes. All ages of those with special needs are welcome at First West. We have a variety of L.I.F.E. groups for levels of ability. The building is handicapped accessible. If you or your child has a fairly unique special need, you may want to call (322.5104) the church so that we can help accomodate your needs. During regular worship hours, we have a Medical Team comprised of doctors, EMTs, and nurses available for any emergencies.
FAQ: Parking
I am visiting First West, where should I park?
Parking Lot 1 is reserved for our new visitors to First West. This parking area is located at the front of the worship center building facing Mill Street. There will be signs to direct you. Once you have visited First West, you may find that another parking lot is better for you depending on which LIFE Group(s) you and your family members attend.
Where is handicap parking available?
Handicap parking is available on all sides of the church campus. We have
covered drop-off areas at the Third Street Entrance and at the Grand Hallway Entrance on Fourth Street.
Do you have parking for senior citizens?
Yes. Senior Adult parking is available in Parking Lot 3 on Third Street and is marked accordingly. This parking lot is the one closest to the Senior Adult LIFE Group rooms.
Is there parking for those with babies?
For those with babies and small children, Pampered Parking, near the Children's Building is available in Parking Lot 6 on Fourth Street.
Where do I park when I come to First West during weekday office hours?
If you are visiting First West during Office Hours on the weekdays, please park on Pine Street and enter the church through the Main Office Entrance located on Pine Street.
Where do I park to go to the Counseling Center?
The Counseling Center is located at 212 Cypress Street and has a parking lot outside its main entrance.
Where is the LIFE Group house and its parking lot?
If you are going to an event at the LIFE Group House, park in Parking Lot 3 or 2 on Third Street. These parking lots are located next to the L.I.F.E. Group House (at the corner of Third and Clayton).
FAQ: Worship
What is your worship service on Sunday like?
One of the strategies upon which we've built our worship ministries is a commitment to providing diversity in style as we worship. In choosing which worship service to attend at First West, you'll want to know something about the character of each service:
Sunday Mornings at 8:00 AM and 10:50 AM we have Contemporary Worship Services. These services are led by a praise band including piano, electric guitar, brass and percussion instruments and are accompanied by a team of five to seven vocalists and Adoration, our new Praise Choir. The band uses material from a variety of worship sources and includes music from Hillsongs of Australia, Lakewood Church, and Integrity Music, as well as original compositions.
Sunday Mornings at 9:30 AM is our Classic Worship Service. This service is characterized by the hymns we've come to appreciate as a part of our heritage and faith, as well as by classic choruses, and will be accompanied by our dynamic Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra.
Sunday Evenings at 6:30 pm, Portico meets at the Axis Building. The Portico is a smaller gathering in the First West family that is designed to meet the longing for community that is present in many in our community. At the Portico worship gathering you will experience intimate acoustic worship led by CommonGround and a more relaxed environment. The teaching time is driven by a passion to prove the relevance of the Biblical text to our daily lives and regularly involves images, objects, and visual aids to make the scriptures come alive.
Is your Wednesday night service the same as your Sunday morning services?
They are the same in that we gather together to worship God through music and teaching from God's Word, but the emphasis at Wednesday evenings Destiny Service (5:45 p.m.–7:00 p.m.) is prayer. Fast becoming a cherished part of most members week, this is an inspiring time of thanksgiving as we hear testimonies and praises from answered prayer and connect with the heart of God through prayer for those in the service with needs and for those who have submitted prayer requests to our Prayer Ministry.
I can’t make it on Sundays. Is there another time for me?
Absolutely! Check out our Wednesday Night Destiny Service beginning at 5:45 pm in the Worship Center. You can also download our Sunday Services via a podcast, watch them on television or order sermon series on dvds or cds.
Do you have assigned seating?
No. You can sit wherever you like in the worship center. If you are deaf and wish to sit near the Deaf Interpretor in the 10:50 a.m. service, he or she will be located at the front of the worship center to the right of the podium. We also offer Spanish translation of the Sunday message in Feazel Chapel during the 10:50 a.m. service.
For more information on the worship experience at First West, please visit the Worship page. You can also find information on the current worship series and special events on our website.
FAQ: Children
Where do I take my children on Sunday mornings?
The best thing for your family is for each of you to attend our small group Bible study (L.I.F.E. groups) at the same time and to worship together. If you are visiting and only attending for one hour, you can bring your child with you or take him or her to the HIS KIDS area (2nd floor of the children’s building) for LIFE groups at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM or 10:50 AM. If you go up the elevator on the 2nd floor, there will be a children’s representative to help you find your child’s age graded classroom. For more information on these great programs. Students in 6th–12th grades have LIFE groups on the 2nd floor of the education building near the median adult LIFE groups. Visit the small world (preschool), His Kids (1st–5th grades) and //theaxis.cc (6th–12th grades) sections of this website for more information on LIFE groups for people under 18 years of age.
Where do I take my children on Wednesday evenings?
Enjoy a family supper together in Tennison Hall beginning at 4:45 PM. When you go to the Destiny Service, your children will go to age-appropriate worship and Bible study programs. For more information on these great programs, visit the small world (preschool), His Kids (1st–5th grades) and //theaxis.cc (6th–12th grades) sections of this website.
Do you have childcare for infants and toddlers?
Yes! We have a nursery with a loving and qualified staff. The nursery is a safe place to leave your infant–3-year-old while you attend L.I.F.E. Groups and Worship Services on Sundays and Wednesdays. There is no cost to keep your child in the nursery while attending regular church services. Many Bible Studies and other special events also offer free or low-cost childcare, contact the leader of the class or event to find out about whether childcare is provided for that event.
FAQ: Religion
What denomination is First West?
We are a Southern Baptist Church. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest association of Christian churches in America. It is the most diverse association of churches including every race, nationality, and ethnic group. Each Sunday, services are held in over 80 languages in the United States. It is also one of the fastest growing groups. The Southern Baptist Convention baptized over 1,000 new Christians a day in the United States and begins nearly five new churches a day!
Do I have to be a Baptist to come to First West?
No. It is not necessary for you to be a Baptist to come to First West. We are open to all people seeking to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Why not be an independent church?
We are an independent church! Every Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) church is completely independent. There is no denominational control or hierarchy as there is in most other denominations. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs. For example, every SBC chooses its own pastor, owns its own buildings and assets, and determines its own ministries and programs.
What are the advantages of affiliating with the SBC?
It allows us to identify with other Christians around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible. Unlike other groups, the SBC has no man-made "creed". The Bible is our only authority.
It allows our church to participate in the largest missionary organization in the world. Through the SBC "Cooperative Program", we help support over 7,500 missionaries in 104 countries around the world.
What is your beliefs on salvation, baptism and communion?
We have listed our beliefs on these subjects in the What We Believe section of our website. If you have any questions concerning these statements, please do not hesitate to ask one of our pastors to sit down with you and listen to your questions and concerns and answer them based on truths in the Bible.
What if I have other questions concerning what you as a church believes?
We encourage you to be inquisitive and search the Scriptures for understanding. If you have any questions regarding something you read in the Bible and do not agree with or understand clearly, please talk with one of our pastors. We want to help you understand the Bible and apply it to your everyday life.
FAQ: Membership
Why is it important for me to join a church? Can't I just come and be a part of the services?
At First West, we agree that it is important for everyone who is not a member to come and be a part of our weekly services on a regular basis before you consider joining. This gives you an opportunity to experience firsthand what our heartbeat and values are as a congregation. However, once you see that the ministry here is what God wants you to be a part of on a regular basis, it is critical that you join our family.
God's design is for every person to be a part of a church family as we grow spiritually in our relationships with Him and one another. He established the church to provide support and spiritual protection for one another. Hebrews 10:25 says that we should "not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but [that we should] encourage one another" faithfully. It is critical to your future spiritual growth that you make a commitment to a body of believers who have spiritual values similar to yours. For more information on why you should join a church, read what our Discipleship Pastor, Dwight Munn, wrote on this important subject.
What if I want to find out more about the church before I join?
We believe that it is extremely important for you to have as much information as possible about our church family before you commit to becoming a member. We feel so strongly about this that we ask that you attend a membership class before you make your decision. This class is called the New Members Class and is taught by our staff pastors. You are not under any pressure to join if you believe, upon taking the class, that this is not where God is leading you to be. For information on the next scheduled Membership Class, visit our monthly calendar or e-mail Amy Gill and ask her that you would like to attend the next scheduled New Members Class. Remember, that you are not required to become a member if you attend this class.
To find out more about joining do I have to "walk the aisle" in front of the congregation?
No. At First West, we recognize that many people are not comfortable in large crowds. As a result, we try to do everything we can to make joining our church stress free. To help relieve some of the stress, we have designed a Reception Area, which is located on the Fourth Street side of the Grand Hallway in our worship center. Simply stop by our Guest Reception Room immediately after the Sunday morning services and tell one of our pastors that you want more information about becoming a member of First West. From there, we will team you up with one of our members who will explain the steps in the membership process.
What are the prerequisites for church membership at First West?
At First West, we have three prerequisites for church membership:
First, the Bible teaches that to be a member of the body of Christ (the church), you must first commit your life to Christ. A personal commitment to the Lord Jesus is the key element to being a part of the body at First West.
Second, the Bible also teaches that baptism by immersion (being placed completely under the water) is the first act of obedience to the Lord Jesus after you have committed your life to Him. Baptism is a public symbol of the private commitment to Christ much like a wedding ring shows a commitment to one's spouse. We believe that baptism by immersion is the biblical way of baptizing because it is a picture of being buried with Christ and raised to walk in a new life (Romans 6:4). If you have never committed your life to Christ and been baptized by immersion, these are the first steps for you in joining the First West family and someone in our Guest Reception Area will gladly help you with your decision. If you have previously committed your life to Christ, but have never been baptized by immersion, your first step will be making a public profession of your faith through baptism. If you have committed your life to Christ and been baptized by immersion, your first step toward joining the First West family is sharing the story of your previous commitment and baptism with someone in our Guest Reception Area.
The third prerequisite for church membership at First West is attending our membership class. We feel that you should truly understand our heart and vision before you join First West, and the New Member Class is designed to help you have a clear understanding of your new church family. After attending, you will be given the opportunity to join the First West family, if you decide this is what you feel God is leading you to do. Let us encourage you to continue to seek God's will on whether He desires for you to plant your life here with us. We recognize that there are many wonderful churches in our area, and we are excited that you feel that God may be leading you to be a part of our church family.
Do I have to be baptized again to join First West?
If you are a Christian and you have been baptized by immersion since your conversion, you do not have to be baptized again before joining First West. If you haven't been baptized but you are a Christian, you can attend our New Members Class (see above question). We will set up a time for you to be baptized in the following weeks.
Remember, you can always contact the Outreach office for more information concerning these very important steps in a Christian's life.
FAQ: Giving
Am I required to pay money to attend First West?
No. Giving money to First West is strictly voluntary. We never require someone to pay the church to attend our services and classes. Sometimes there is a fee involved with a class for study material or for a special event held at First West, but we strive to make this as infrequent as possible or at least help offset the cost. Concerts and Conferences held at First West are often not organized by us and we have no control over what they charge.
I want to give, but I often forget to write a check in time or bring cash to the service when they pass the offering plate. Is there any other way I can give to First West?
Yes! You can always put your offering in the boxes located at the entrances to the Worship Center or you can give your offering to your L.I.F.E. Group Secretary and she will turn it in with the attendance records. You can also mail your offering, sign up for automatic withdrawal from your bank account, or hand your offering in to the Finance Department during office hours. For further information on automatic tithe withdrawal, visit Giving. In 2008, you will have the ability to give online on this website through a secure server!
What exactly is a tithe? Is it like a membership fee?
No. God never requires us to give money, after all, it is all His money anyway! He does ask us to give ten percent of our earnings and to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Many people feel led by the Holy Spirit to give more than just their tithe whether it is for a particular fund or for the church to use to meet a current need; this is called an offering. Be sure to note on your check or offering envelope what the money is to be used for.
I see some people with pink offering envelopes that have their name and addresses printed on them. How do I get these envelopes for my tithe and offerings?
You should automatically receive personalized and dated offering envelopes for your giving convenience when you become a member of First West. If you are a member and do not receive these envelopes, please contact the Finance Office at 322.1611. You can still give an offering without an envelope, just note on the check or an envelope containing cash what the gift is for (tithe, GIC offering, etc.) If you want credit for tax purposes, please be sure that your name and current address are included with the check or cash.
For more information on giving, where your money goes, automatic tithe withdrawal and more, visit Giving.
FAQ: Counseling
I’m struggling with some personal problems. Is help available?
Yes. Many people face challenges in their personal and family lives. These can include addictions, marital problems, financial crises, abuse, depression, divorce, deaths of loved ones, physical trauma and emotional problems. We want to support you and encourage healing in your life however possible. It is admirable and courageous to recognize that you need support in sorting out life's difficulties.
Our Counseling Center is staffed with professional Christian Counselors. Please contact the Counseling Center at 322-1427 to make an appointment with our Counseling Ministry.
You can learn more about the Counseling Ministry and some of our programs like Greif Share and Divorce Care by going to the Counseling page in Christian Living on this website.
If you need prayer about a personal crisis, you can submit a prayer request to our Intercessory Prayer Room. Our prayer warriors will daily pray over your request. Any request marked "confidential" will be kept in strictest confidence.
For prayer immediately after the Sunday morning services, please go to the Guest Reception Area where our staff will pray with you. You can also fill out a prayer request card and submit this to the prayer ministry for prayer in our prayer room and on Wednesday night's Destiny Service.
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