Frequently Asked Questions - Fort Caroline Baptist Church

Note: Children's Worship (K5-5th Grade) meets in Bldg. "A" at 10:30 a.m.

Bible Study LifeGroups (Sunday School classes) for all ages meet at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m.

How do I get to Fort Caroline Baptist Church?

Fort Caroline Baptist Church
11428 McCormick Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
See map - http://maps.yahoo.com

Are there parking places reserved for first time guests?

We have specially designated “guest” parking spaces near the Worship Center and the first floor of the two story Educational Building (Bldg. "A") where our Welcome Center is located. Let our parking attendant know you are a first time guest and he/she will direct you to the Welcome Center if you are attending a LifeGroup class. Otherwise, you may enter the Worship Center directly across from the guest parking. During rainy weather, our parking attendants and greeters have large umbrellas to help keep you dry! We do encourage you to arrive at least ten minutes early for worship services.

Are your buildings and services handicap accessible?

We provide handicap parking in designated areas with wheel chair access. The two story educational building is equipped with an elevator to provide unrestricted access.

What happens when I get there?

Our main Welcome Center desk is just inside the two story Educational Building (Bldg. "A") Look for the canopy drive through and entrance. Our greeters will welcome you at the door and take you to the desk where we will assist you in any way, particularly getting you and your children to Bible Study LifeGroup (Sunday School) classes.

What childcare is offered?

Childcare is available during each morning worship service for babies to one year olds. During this time, our church offers a time of worship for children ages 1 - 4. Children’s Worship for Kindergarten through 5th graders is offered at 10:30 a.m. Childcare is provided for babies through 5yrs old that are not in Kinderdarten during the evening worship hour.

What do I do before the service starts?

If you arrive before the service starts, you will notice that our Worship Center is an auditorium filled with chairs. There are no reserved seats, so you may sit anywhere. Look in the book rack under the chairs to find a song book and a Bible. Many people will be greeting each other during this time. As you enter the Worship Center, you will receive a copy of the Worship Folder (bulletin) which gives you information on the many happenings at Fort Caroline Baptist Church. We also announce special activities on the large screens by the platform. Don't worry if you arrive just a little after the service has started; our ushers will help you find a seat.

What is the worship like?

Services generally last about one hour. Our worship services are a time of joyful worship and praise with a variety of traditional and contemporary Christian music provided by our Celebration Choir, Orchestra, soloists and ensembles. We have two large video screens which will have the words to any songs the congregation sings. (We encourage a "joyful noise".) There may be special announcements or features. Occasionally dramas and videos are presented (often humorous).

How are guests greeted?

Before the service, our ushers and many of our other members will extend a friendly greeting to you. Please let us know you are a guest. You do not have to register or sign your name to anything if you do not wish to; however, we would like to know you were our guest and ask you to fill out the “Communication Card” provided in a pocket on the back of the chairs. We ask that you drop the form in the offering plate during the service as your only offering to us or give your form to a greeter/usher as you leave the service. If you are visiting from out of town and plan on moving to the Jacksonville area, we would love to know that. A number of folks are joining us after discovering us on the Web. If you found us this way, please let us know on the guest registration form.

How will I know when to stand?

The Pastor or the Worship Leader will ask the congregation to stand or sit. Generally, we stand during opening congregation songs, during the short Bible reading and during the invitation song and prayer.

What is the pastor's message like?

Our pastor gives Bible-based messages lasting about thirty minutes. He may ask that we stand during the brief Bible reading to honor God's Word. His messages are practical and appropriate and are often sprinkled with appropriate humor. See some of our Senior Pastor’s outlines or sermon manuscripts on the church website. You may also purchase a CD of a message by completing a request envelope and entering your request in the notebook by the sound booth in the rear of the Worship Center.

Do you have a crying room available?

If you have a baby who is not comfortable, we would like you to check out our nursery facilities. We provide trained paid and volunteer staff to assist you.

Do you give invitations at the end of the service? What are they like?

At the end of his message, Pastor Ricky will offer an invitation to anyone who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to accept Him. He will also ask those who would like to become part of our church family or to be baptized to make that known. A chorus is then sung with the congregation standing so there is an opportunity for those people to come to the front of the Worship Center and talk with a staff member about their needs. Our "encouragers" (trained counselors) will take those who come forward and answer any questions they might have and complete some simple paperwork.

You may also indicate your decision on the “Communication Card” if you feel uncomfortable going forward. One of our pastors will contact you to discuss your decision and help you in any way we can.

Decisions that can be made for membership:
1. BY PROFESSION OF FAITH - If you are not yet a Christian but would like to be, or if you are a Christian but have never been baptized by immersion as a believer, which the Word of God commands, our pastor will pray with you and guide you in your decision.
2. BY TRANSFER OF LETTER - If you are a Christian and a member of a church of like faith and order, we will write to the church where you are a member and request that a letter of transfer be sent.
3. BY STATEMENT - If you are a Christian and have been baptized as a believer by immersion, and do not either have current membership in a church or are currently a member of a church that does not grant letters of transfer, you can receive membership by your affirmation of the above.