Visiting a church for the first time can feel a little intimidating. We get it. You’re walking into an unfamiliar building filled with people you don’t know—and you may not be sure what to expect.
So relax. You’re our guest, and we want you to feel at home.
Here are answers to a few questions you might have before you visit.
Absolutely.
FBCI is made up of people from all walks of life, with different backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and stories. We don’t expect everyone to look alike, think alike, or have everything figured out.
There’s room for you here.
That’s perfectly fine!
Many of the people who worship with us did not grow up Baptist—and some didn’t grow up in church at all.
Our goal isn’t to turn you into a “church person.” Our focus is on Jesus, understanding God’s Word, and discovering how biblical truth applies to everyday life.
Come with your questions. Come as you are.
Nope. No pressure.
Visit as often as you’d like. Take your time getting to know us. If and when you’re ready to become more involved, we’ll be happy to help you take that next step.
Absolutely not.
As our guest, please don’t feel any obligation to give. Giving is an opportunity for those who consider FBCI their church home and want to support its ministries and mission.
As you get to know us, you’ll also discover opportunities to participate in projects that serve people in Independence and support missions around the world.
Expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere and people who are genuinely glad you’re here.
Our worship service includes music, Scripture, prayer, and a practical message from the Bible designed to connect God’s truth with real life.
You won’t be asked to stand up and introduce yourself. We won’t single you out or embarrass you. And there’s no pressure to come back.
We want you to have the freedom to experience FBCI for yourself.
And yes, you’ll probably hear plenty of conversation and laughter before and after the service. We actually like each other!
You can expect a biblical, practical, and thought-provoking message that gives you something to take with you into the week.
You can also expect a really good-looking preacher.
Not really. But he thinks he is, so we just nod our heads and move on.
We love kids at FBCI!
Our children’s ministry, K.I.D.Z. Street, gives children a fun, engaging place to make friends, have fun, and learn about Jesus and God’s love for them.
And their safety matters to us. Our children’s ministry workers and staff undergo background checks, and our security team helps provide a safe environment throughout the church.
When you arrive, stop by the Welcome Center, and we’ll help you find K.I.D.Z. Street and get everyone where they need to go.
We have several parking areas surrounding the church.
For your first visit, we recommend using the main parking lot behind the church, accessible from Spring Street or Pleasant Street. You’ll find designated guest parking near our clearly marked Main Entrance.
Additional parking is available in two lots west of the church, accessible from Pleasant Street, as well as a smaller lot at Truman Road and Pleasant Street.
First time here? Use the main lot behind the church and look for the Main Entrance. We’ll take it from there.
Enter through the Main Entrance from the rear parking lot and you’ll walk directly into our main foyer.
Look for the Welcome Center. Our Welcome Team will be there to greet you, answer questions, help you find your way around, and give you a welcome gift with more information about FBCI.
Restrooms are clearly marked, and the entrance to the Worship Center is directly off the foyer.
Once you’re inside, sit wherever you’d like. We don’t have assigned seats—although some of us may be a little attached to our favorite spot!
Come as you are.
Seriously.
You’ll see everything from suits and dresses to jeans and T-shirts. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. We’re much more interested in meeting you than in what you’re wearing.
Getting connected can be as simple as you want it to be.
Complete a Connect Card on Sunday, use the Get in Touch form on our website, or stop by the church office during the week.
And if you have questions before you visit, just ask. We’d love to help.
We’d be happy to give you a quick tour, show you where to park, help you find K.I.D.Z. Street, and answer any questions you have before your first Sunday.
Just let us know you’re coming. You can message us HERE. We’ll be ready to welcome you.