When Should I Show Up?
Sunday School
Sunday School classes at 9 am: Most classes take about 10 minutes to settle in before getting started, so if you're a few minutes late - you're probably right on time! Come in through the main building and a greeter will be there to meet you and help you find a class that you'll be comfortable in. We have classes for every age, toddler thru adult. The nursery is in the main building right inside the front doors, the children's and youth classes meet in the Fellowship Hall, and the adult classes are spread out between both buildings.
Worship Service
Worship service is at 10:00 am Sunday mornings. If possible, try to arrive about 10-15 minutes early and we can help you find a good seat and introduce you to somebody friendly that's sitting close by.
What Should I Wear?
We believe that it isn't the state of our clothes that concerns God, but the state of our hearts. Dress however you feel comfortable and you'll be heartily welcomed. Most men will probably be wearing good 'ole blue jeans and a polo or button-up shirts. The pastor will probably be wearing a suit, but he's an over-achiever.
Shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals? You bet. If that's how you feel comfortable come as you are!
How Do I Get There?
Tolar Baptist Church is just off of Highway 377 just far enough that you probably can't see it easily from the road. Rest assured, we're only about 300 ft north of HWY 377 on Tolar Highway. Take a turn north at the blinking light on 377 and you'll see us pretty quickly. Our sign is next to the old building. The larger metal building next door is the main building.
Is There Somewhere For My Kids?
During the Sunday School hour (9 - 10 am) there are classes for every age. During the Worship service and sermon, there is a nursery for those 3 years and younger. Our kiddos 4 years old and up stay with us in the service as we believe there is something for them learn in the sermon and in your example as a parent desiring to know God more.
What Should I Expect?
Expect the same people you see at the local Tolar Rattlers football games, the same people who teach in the schools, the same people that you run into at Meyers Kwik Stop. We are simply Tolar, Texas folks. The same warm reception you receive from folks in town is the same warm reception you'll receive at Tolar Baptist.
If you have kiddos under the age of 3, the nursery is right inside the South Door (the covered drive-through) of the main building. You'll be asked for your name and your kiddo's name so that we can be certain only you are allowed to pick them up from the nursery.
Kids from 3 years to 5th grade meet in the Fellowship Hall. If your child is in Tolar Schools, the chances are they'll already have friends waiting for them when they get there. We separate the kids into 2 age appropriate classes which are taught by at least 2 adults at all times. Child safety of the highest concern for us and we'll be with your kiddos until you pick them up after Sunday school from the foyer of the main building. (We'll carefully walk them across the street when class is over).
Youth kids from 6th grade to 12th grade meet down the hall of the Fellowship Hall. Follow the sound of the music as the youth band will usually be getting warmed up. Youth kids will usually be separated into to smaller groups where there's more opportunity to speak and ask questions.
If you show up in time for Sunday School, you'll be in a class with probably about 10-20 other folks depending on which class you attend. Bring your Bible and a pen to take notes if you like, but we won't ask you to speak or anything unless you just feel led to or if you have a question.
The 10:00 am Worship Service leads off with music that we hope will encourage you to raise your voice in praise to God. Immediately after that, we stop for a couple minutes to greet each other and get settled in. Typically the sermon will be given by Dave Samples and it will last until about noon. After that we usually have an altar call invitation, give a few announcements, take an offering, and then head home!
Am I Expected To Give An Offering?
No! We would rather you come and receive a blessing than feel that you need to come and provide one. Come and worship with us. Come and learn with us. When you're ready, come and serve with us!
What is an "Altar Call"?
At the end of the 10:00 am worship service the pastor will usually give what is commonly referred to as an "Altar Call". Typically this is simply an invitation for anyone that feels led, to come to the front of the church and to pray alone before God, or with one of the pastors at Tolar Baptist. The idea is to give people an opportunity to respond to what God is doing in their hearts. There is no special significance to praying in this place aside from how very humbling it can be to step away from your warm chair and cry out to God before dozens of other believers.
