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Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park?

There are parking spaces on the East and West sides of the church.

Where is St. James located? How can I contact the church?

764 W. North St. , Fayetteville, AR 72701.   We can be reached at (479) 521-0961 by fax at (479) 442-0594 or on our website at www.stjbc.org. We also can be reached by e-mail at stjames@stjbc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Vimeo.

When is the church office open?

The church office is open Monday through Friday.  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When do I need to arrive?

Sunday Services begin at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday School is at 8:30 a.m. Plan to arrive fifteen minutes before your desired Worship/Bible Study time to allow for parking and/or traffic.

What’s in the name Baptist?

This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. This means that we believe the basic Bible teachings for which Baptists have historically stood. As Baptists, we believe the following:

  1. The Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice.
  2. The church should be autonomous or self-governing.
  3. The believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God.
  4. Every Christian has equal access to God personally.
  5. God’s Word gives us two ordinances for the church—Baptism and the Lord’s Table.
  6. Each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ.
  7. There are two biblical offices in the church—Pastors and Deacons.

What will happen before the service begins?

You will be directed to a seat by one of our ushers. A Bulletin and offering envelopes are located in the slots directly in front of you as you sit in the pew.

What time is the worship service?

We worship together Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. with dinner being served at 6:00 p.m.  We have Bible Study classes for all ages that meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible Study classes beginning at 7 p.m.  We also offer a variety of smaller fellowship and bible study opportunities for men, women, married couples, youth, young adults and college students throughout the year.

What special services do you offer?

  1. Baptisms
  2. Baby Dedications
  3. Pre-Marital, Marriage
  4. Grief Counseling
  5. Wedding and Funeral
  6. Support

For further information, please contact the church at (479) 521-0961 r visit stjbc.org/resources.

What is St. James Baptist denominational affiliation?

St. James is a Christian church in the Baptist tradition and operates independently of any outside control. In our tradition, we call this “local church autonomy,” which means the congregation governs itself.  In accomplishing its mission of “Meeting People Where They Are,” St. James Baptist Church chooses to cooperate with several local, state, national, and international partners, including the Antioch District Association, Arkansas State Baptist General Convention and the National Baptist Convention of America, USA.

What happens when I get there?

You will be welcomed by a greeter when you arrive. They will assist you with making your visit comfortable by seating you and providing you with information regarding all church programming.

What does St. James Baptist teach about giving?

We believe that the Bible teaches that all things come from God, and He expects us to be good stewards of those resources. We also see a scriptural pattern for the support of the local church by returning 10% of everything that God has given to us. We believe that the New Testament pattern is that all believers are given a mandate to support the local church with their tithe (10% of their income). Many believers support other para-church ministries and mission work but that work should always be supported by an offering above and beyond what is given to the local church.

What do I do if I want to talk to a minister?

If you would like to speak to a minister, you may contact the church office at (479) 521-0961, or you can email us at  stjames@stjbc.org.

What do I bring?

A Bible will help you to follow along in Worship and in Bible Study. If you have a Bible, bring it with you to church. Our Pastor will always refer to the Bible during his messages. If you don’t have a Bible, or forget to bring your Bible, Bibles are available in the Sanctuary pews.

What are the services like?

Our Worship Services are a time of joyful worship and praise, our 10:00 a.m. service offer a blend of traditional  and contemporary music styles.

What are the pastor’s messages like?

The Pastor gives Bible-based messages lasting about 40 minutes. He asks that we stand during the brief Bible reading to honor God’s Word. His messages are timely and often sprinkled with appropriate humor.

What about children?

At St. James Baptist, we love children! We want you and your child(ren) to have the best experience possible. We provide a classroom experience for children three Sundays each month in our very structured Children’s Church. The ages are from 3-12 and this will take place during our regularly scheduled Worship Service at 10 a.m. We also have Bible Study classes on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for all ages. Dinner for the family starts around 6:00 p.m. If you prefer, your children are welcome to stay with you during the service. In addition, we have a Nursery available for children ages 3 months to 3 years old at our 10 a.m. Worship Service.

We are only in the area for a short time – should we still join?

Yes. There are many college students in the area. In addition, there are people who have transferred in temporarily through their job who need a church home while they are in the Northwest Arkansas area. We have found that individuals or families who are here for only a short time and still join are much more involved than those who don’t join. This also helps them to easily find and get involved in a church at their next career stop or job assignment.

Is there handicap parking?

Yes, located along the East and West sides of the building.

If I am not a member can I still attend?

Yes. You can participate in many aspects of the body life of the church, but you will not be allowed to be in leadership or to participate in the church business sessions. Incidentally, we have found that those who are not members are less likely to be fully involved in the church and do not grow as fast spiritually as those who become members. However, everyone who wants to attend our church is welcome and encouraged to come.

How long has St. James Baptist been a church?

St. James Baptist was established in 1865 after the Emancipation Proclamation.

How is prayer used at St. James?

Prayer is the necessity of life for us at St. James.  We include it at various points during our Sunday services and there is a  Prayer Request Form on our website for you submit your prayer request.

How early may I bring my child?

We begin receiving children 15 minutes before the 10:00 a.m. service and keep them until the close of service. We respectfully request that parents honor our volunteers and pick up their children no later than 15 minutes after the service.

How does someone join St. James Baptist Church?

At the end of his message, the Pastor 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 the St. James church family to make that known by coming forward. This could be by Christian Experience, Letter or Watch Care. A song of commitment is sung by the congregation and choir, during which time people are invited to come to the front of the Worship Center.  Those that come forward are personally escorted, by a deacon or minister, to a designated area for further information gathering and prayer.

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, one of  our ministers 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 a letter of transfer be sent.

3. BY STATEMENT
If you are a Christian and have been baptized as a believer according to the scriptures, 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.

How do I schedule a meeting with the pastor?

Meetings are scheduled through the church office  at (479) 521-0961 or by e-mail at stjames@stjbc.org.  After hours, appointments are available by the pastor as his schedule allows.

How do I reserve the building or a meeting space at the church?

A Facility usage form must be filled out and submitted to the office of operations for approval.  Forms may be submitted via our website at www.stbc.org/resources.

How do I participate in giving to St. James?

You will receive a giving envelope with your bulletin each Sunday. You can bring your offering and give during any of our worship services. In addition, if you are not able to attend service, please feel free to come by the church office during the week and drop it off, or mail it to the church if that is more convenient.  We also offer online giving on our website. Click Here for Online Giving.

How do I notify St. James that my personal information has changed?

You may fill out a membership update via the membership update form at www.stjbc.org/resources.

How do I dress?

Dress comfortably.  While some attendees do wear their Sunday’s Best; most folks wear casual and comfortable clothes on Sunday morning.  Don’t worry about what you wear–just come prepared to have a wonderful time of worship in a relaxed atmosphere!

How are the finances of the church handled?

Annually, our church votes on the budget that is prepared by the Finance Committee and Trustee Board for approval by the body.  This is done on an annual basis and an outside CPA provides an audit of our accounting and books.

Does the pastor keep office hours and can I meet with him?

Yes, his office hours are Tuesday through Friday.  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Meetings are by appointment.  Please contact the church office at (479) 521-0961 to schedule an appointment.

Does St. James offer rides to church?

Yes. Fill out a transportation request at https://stjbc.org//forms/church-transportation-request/ request or Call (479)530-2636 to schedule a pick up. We do ask that all requests be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled pick up, if possible.

Does St. James offer food/financial assistance?

Yes, but first for our members.  Yet, we do all that we can for our fellow community members.  Our financial assistance is determined by our deacons on a case-by-case basis.  For consideration, call our Benevolence line at (479) 530-7996.   We do offer food from our food pantry as well. Food pantry hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.  A short application process is required for access to the food pantry.  Photo I.D. is needed at the time of application.