Frequently Asked Questions....

At SBF, we equip people to develop a deeper personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. We are a place to worship, study God's Word, build friendships, and to find a special place of service and ministry.

We want you to be an active member of SBF. We don't want you to attend SBF only to fade into inactive anonymity. Our desire is for you to be plugged into a ministry you are passionate about. Why do we want YOU to be an "active" member? We believe people grow when they are serving God! Serving God in the church is a positive and rewarding experience. It enhances personal and spiritual growth when we serve each other "as unto the Lord." (See programs available at SBF)

If this sounds like what you're looking for, then you'll be at home at SBF.

On Your First Visit......

- Where is SBF Located?
SBF is located at 200 South Jewett Street in Manchester, NH (Directions).

- When Do I Need to Arrive?
Sunday morning Bible study begins at 9:00 am and Sunday morning service begins at 10:00 am.

You'll find our services are a dynamic and refreshing time of sincere worship and in-depth Bible study. It's always best to arrive about 10 minutes before the desired Sunday morning Bible study or worship time.

- Where Do I Park?
You'll find guest parking at the front of the parking lot and greeters ready to welcome you!

- How Do I Find Out What is Happening and Where to Go at SBF?
We have a Welcome Center in the foyer that has all the information of current events, and is staffed with friendly assistants who will help answer your questions.

- Where Do My Children Go?
SBF has excellent preschool and children's ministries. Hosts at our Welcome Center (just inside the entrance) will assist you in getting your children to their class or department.

Child care (infants under 3 years) is available on the lower level during the worship service.

Children age 3 through Grade 5 are dismissed to attend "Children's Worship" following the worship through music portion of the worship service.

- What About Security?
We take child security seriously. Each child in the Nursery will be signed in by a parent/guardian and the child will be assigned a security number. The number corresponds with a vibrating beeper that can be used anywhere in the church facility to contact you if needed. This beeper must be presented when you pick up your child. Children will not be dismissed to find parents, but parents will need to pick up their child/children from their classroom/nursery. (Older siblings cannot "pick up" younger siblings.)

- What About Offerings?
Guests should not feel obligated to participate in the offering. The offering is to support our ministries and is funded by tithes and offerings of our regular members. We ask, however, that you complete a "Welcome Card" that is located in the pew rack, and place it in the offering plate. This information will help us to know how we can serve you better.

- How Should I Dress?
Casual. Expect to see people of all ages wearing jeans, casual shirts, or even shorts... ties are rare, and suits are even more rare. There is no need to feel self-conscious about what to wear at our church. Just dress comfortably.

- Can Non-Members Attend Sunday School Classes and Small Groups?
Absolutely! We welcome your participation, or, if you prefer, sit back, relax, and just observe.

- Can I Participate in the Communion Service Even Though I am Not a Member?
Yes, you are welcome to share in the communion of Jesus' death for us. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, you are welcome to remember His sacrifice with other believers in this way.

- How Do I Become a Member?
Membership is for those who are saved and have followed the Lord in a believer's baptism. If you have already been baptized by immersion, you may become a member by meeting with a pastor to share your testimony, and learn about our ministry philosophy and beliefs. New members are voted as members by the congregation at the next service.

- How is Your Church Governed? Who's in Charge? How Are You Organized?
We are an elder and deacon led church. A group of godly elders in the faith are responsible for the spiritual oversight, biblical interpretation, and prayerful support for our church. Our daily operations are led by skilled deacons. Together our elders and deacons strive to lead our body in fulfilling the main purposes of the church: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and outreach.

- How Should I Address the Pastors, Elders, and the Rest of the Ministerial Staff?
Our staff and elders see themselves as brothers and sisters in God's family and are most comfortable being addressed on a first name basis.

We hope you have found this information informative. If you have specific questions that were not answered, please do not hesitate to call us at (603) 669-1818 or contact us via email.