Frequently Asked Questions
Your First Visit
Where are you located?
We’re located at the intersection of Pershing Street and South Bumby Ave, a short drive east from I-4. The address is 3940 South Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32806.
Where do I park?
When you pull in the parking lot in the front of the church building, there is ample parking available. There is also handicap parking available. Once you arrive, just come on in—we’ll be glad to welcome you!
What do I wear?
Modest, casual clothing is welcome, and you’ll fit right in. If you’d rather dress up a little, that’s fine too—you’ll feel at home either way at the Church of Christ at South Bumby.
Do I need to tell you I’m coming?
No. You are welcome to just come. If you want, tell us you’re coming, and we’ll be ready to greet you and guide you on your first visit.
What happens on a first visit, start to finish?
Park in the lot in front of the building and come on in. At 9:30 a.m. there are 45-minute Bible classes for every age. After a short break, worship starts at 10:30 a.m. We sing a cappella, pray, read Scripture, share the Lord’s Supper, give, and hear a 30–40 minute sermon. The morning ends at about 12:00 p.m.
Will I be asked for money?
No. Visitors are not asked to give. Giving is part of Sunday worship for our members, but you are our guest.
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
No. The only thing you may hear is a general mention from the pulpit: visitors who would like to may fill out a welcome card and leave their information. That card is up to you.
What is a Bible class like?
Sunday classes start at 9:30 a.m. and last 45 minutes. There are classes for all ages, with clear teaching and practical lessons from God’s Word. On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., a 45-minute class digs deeper into Scripture, then we have a short worship time. You are welcome at any class.
During Worship
When do you meet?
We meet at the following times:
- Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible classes
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for worship
- Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for Bible classes
How long are services?
On Sunday, Bible class is 45 minutes and worship is about 90 minutes. With the short break between them, the whole morning is about 2½ hours (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). On Wednesday, class and a short worship time take about an hour.
What are services like?
Our services are simple, welcoming, and centered on God’s Word. Sundays begin with a 45-minute Bible class, followed by a brief break. Then we have worship with communion, giving, singing, prayer, and a 30–40 minute sermon. The full morning lasts about 2½ hours (9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.).
On Wednesdays, we meet for a 45-minute Bible class and a shorter worship time, about an hour total. At both, you’ll be welcomed into a church family ready to walk with you toward lasting fulfillment in Christ.
Why do you sing without instruments?
We sing a cappella because that is the worship the New Testament describes: “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (; ). Everyone is invited to sing along, and you are just as welcome to listen.
Do I need to bring a Bible?
No. There are Bibles in the pews. You are welcome to bring your own if you have one.
Do I have to take the Lord’s Supper as a visitor?
No. You are free to let the trays pass. We share the Lord’s Supper every Sunday to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, just as the early Christians did (; ).
What is the invitation at the end of the sermon?
The sermon typically ends with an invitation. If you want to be baptized, or would like the prayers of the congregation, you are invited to come to the front. No one has to.
Anyone who comes sits on the front pew. While the closing song is led, the preacher sits beside them and talks with them quietly. Then he stands and speaks to what was asked:
- Baptism: He announces the request, and the person confesses that they believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God (). Sometimes they go straight to the baptistry, but the confession always comes before baptism.
- Prayers: He announces the request and usually prays right then.
- A letter: If someone brings a letter, he reads it to the congregation and usually prays afterward.
Can I watch online before I visit?
Yes. We stream live on YouTube on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern). You can also watch past sermons at any time.
Your Kids
What do you have for my kids?
At the Church of Christ at South Bumby, we love and value children. From babies to high schoolers, we provide a safe, welcoming environment where they can learn about Jesus in ways that are both engaging and age-appropriate. Learn more about our kids Bible classes here.
Do my children stay with me during worship?
Yes. Children stay with their parents during worship, and we are glad to have them with us. Their Bible classes meet on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Is there a nursery?
Yes. We have a nursery and cry room, so you have a quiet place when your little one needs it.
Can I sit in on my child’s class?
Yes. You are welcome to sit in on your child’s class.
What We Believe
How do you decide what to teach?
By the Bible. It is our only authority. We don’t claim to know everything, but we let God’s Word shape our faith and direct our lives. Every sermon and class, for all ages, comes straight from Scripture.
What does the Bible say I must do to be saved?
Salvation is God’s gift. We cannot earn it (; ). In His Word, God shows how to receive it: hear the gospel (), believe in Jesus (), repent of sin (), confess your faith in Christ, be baptized (), and live faithfully.
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
The New Testament teaches that it is. Baptism is immersion in water, where sins are washed away (; ). It is where a new life in Christ begins (). It is not a work that earns anything. It is our appeal to God for a clean conscience ().
Can I be baptized the same day I ask?
Yes, of course. The preacher may ask you a few questions first, to make sure you understand why you want to be baptized, what baptism is for, and some basics of the gospel. In the New Testament, people were baptized the same day they asked (; ; ).
Do babies need to be baptized?
No. Baptism is for people old enough to believe and repent (). Little children are not lost, and Jesus said the kingdom belongs to such as these ().
What about the thief on the cross?
Jesus forgave him while He was still alive on earth, as He forgave others (; ). The command to be baptized into Christ came after Jesus died and rose again (; ; ). We are saved under that command today.
Do churches of Christ teach legalism?
No. Forgiveness is a gift through faith in Christ, not something we earn (). His grace does not excuse sin, but teaches us to live changed lives (). Obeying God is how faith answers grace. It is not a way to earn it.
Is the church of Christ a denomination?
No. We follow the New Testament pattern, free from denominational labels. Christ is the head of His church, not any man or human organization (; ).
What if I am still working out what I believe?
You are welcome here. Bring your questions and keep studying. If you want help, ask for a Bible study with a patient teacher, at your own pace.
About Our Congregation
How big is the congregation?
Around 200 people meet with us on a usual Sunday.
Who leads the congregation?
Elders lead the congregation as its shepherds (; ). Deacons serve its work, and evangelists preach the gospel. Meet our leaders.
Do you answer to a headquarters?
No. Christ is the head of the church, not any man or human organization (; ). Each congregation is independent and led by its own shepherds ().
How is the contribution used?
The Bible shows 3 uses of church money, and we follow how New Testament churches spent it:
- Evangelism: Supporting the preaching of the gospel in other places, usually by sending money directly to preachers outside our congregation (; ).
- Edification: Teaching and preaching for our members, such as the building and paying our preachers (; ).
- Benevolence: Help for Christians in need (; ).
We never send money to a middleman organization, such as a missionary society or an orphan home. We also do not fund the general work of other churches. But when Christians in another place were in need, New Testament churches sent relief for them to the elders there (; ).
Why is there no fellowship hall or kitchen?
We keep the work of the church and the work of the home separate. The New Testament gives the church spiritual work: teaching the gospel, building up its members, and helping Christians in need. Meals and recreation are good things, but they belong to Christians in their own homes (, ). You may hear this called a non-institutional church of Christ.
How do I become a member?
The Lord adds the saved to His church when they are baptized (). To become part of this congregation, tell the elders you would like to become a member and identify with us. The elders meet with you and ask a few questions. Once approved, you are accepted, and we announce it to the congregation.
Are churches of Christ a cult?
No. Churches of Christ are independent congregations of Christians who follow the Bible alone. There is no human founder, no headquarters, no secret teaching, and no one controlling your money, your family, or your right to leave.
Can I study the Bible with someone one-on-one?
Yes. We pair you with a patient teacher, one-on-one or in a small group, in person or online. Request a Bible study.
Are there Bible studies away from the church building?
Yes. Our small group studies meet at coffee shops and other places around Orlando. Anyone can come, ask questions, and join the talk. See the times and places.
Still Have a Question?
Contact UsScripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. esv.org