What To Expect (FAQs)

Whether you’ve attended church your entire life or have never been at all, we know it’s not easy visiting a new church for the first time. You’re probably not quite sure what to expect and you may have a lot of questions. At St John Baptist Church in Columbia, we want to help you have the best experience possible!

If you are a guest worshipping with us virtually, please complete our Guest Information Form, we would love to receive more information from you.

What type of church is St John Baptist Church?

We are a dynamic faith family that offers relevant teaching and uplifting worship as a part of our three distinct Sunday morning worship services. We are a Baptist church with people from all backgrounds — no church affiliation, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, and more. Whether you’ve been attending church for years or this is your first time, you’ll feel welcome at St John.

When are your services?

We have three different worship services every Sunday morning. Each service lasts between 65-75 minutes.

  • 8:00 a.m. — Traditional Service
  • 10:15 a.m. — Blended Service
  • 12:00 p.m. — Contemporary Service

What are the services like?

You will have a meaningful, stress-free experience that includes a lot of fun. Each service is about 65 – 75 minutes. You’ll get to enjoy some modern worship music led by our music ministry and creative arts team. Each sermon is 30 – 35 min long and centers on eternal Biblical principles, which may apply to your life in real and practical ways.

What should I wear?

For the 8:00 a.m. traditional service, you should wear dress attire. At the 10:15 a.m. blended service, dress or casual attire is appropriate. The contemporary service at noon is completely casual!

We welcome jeans, t-shirts, and more. Come as you are! No specific dress code is required.

Where are you located?

St John Baptist Church is conveniently located on the corner of Route 175 and Tamar Drive in Columbia, MD. Directions

What happens when I arrive?

As you approach St John Baptist Church, you will see our friendly greeters in the lobby and in the parking lot for our 10:15 a.m. service. Once inside, you’ll find clearly marked signs directing you where you need to go. Our greeters will be available to answer any questions, hand you a program, and find you the best seat available in the sanctuary. Feel free to enjoy the music, read about upcoming events on the screens, and complete as much information as you feel comfortable sharing on the guest information card at the information center.

What about my kids?

During the 10:15 a.m. service, Children’s Church will be the best hour of your kid’s week! All children from 3 yrs. old to 6th grade are invited to join us in a fun, safe, clean, and interactive environment where our team of trained volunteers share the love of God in fun and engaging ways that will make your child want to come back to church every week!

Young people are a priority here. On Friday nights, we offer programs for every age: elementary, middle, and high school students. Our youth ministry is always filled with a variety of activities.

What is the best way to plug into St John Baptist Church?

Every person’s fit within the church is different, but we suggest either plugging into a small group (clusters) or involving yourself in one of our many ministries. Both options provide the opportunity for you to connect with other people.

How do I become a member?

Steps to becoming a part of our church family:

  • Walk down the aisle during the invitation at the end of the service
  • Join by Christian experience and become a candidate for baptism
  • Complete a new member’s form
  • Be visited by a deacon
  • Attend a new member orientation
  • Receive the right hand of fellowship: 1st Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12 noon services

Any other questions?

Was there something we forgot? Feel free to email us at contact_us@stjohnbaptistchurch.org if you need any more information. We hope to see you soon!