Visiting a Church for the First Time? Here’s Exactly What to Expect in Mascoutah

If the idea of walking into a new church—especially a Baptist one—makes your palms sweat, I get it. I’ve PCS’d more times than I can count and have been the nervous new guy in the new church myself.
So I’m giving it to you straight, Airman to Airman, family to family. No hype. No weird stuff. Just the truth.

1. Where to pull in

816 W Church Street, right in the heart of Mascoutah. You can’t miss us.
Guest parking is right up front—look for the giant yellow flags. If you’ve got kids, one of our greeters (think friendly sponsor vibe) will meet you at your car and walk you all the way in. Solo? We’ll just give you a big wave and a smile.

2. What to wear

Come exactly as you are.
Half the room will be in jeans, a bunch just came off shift in uniform, and you’ll probably see a teenager in a hoodie next to a retired Chief in his vet hat. I’ve preached in mess dress and muddy boots. God looks at your heart, not your closet.

3. The first five minutes inside

Real smiles. Real handshakes. Free strong coffee (Keurig pods or a pot of what we call “rocket fuel” for the night-shift crew).
If you have kids, one of our Mascoutah First Kids team will walk you to secure check-in (birth–5th grade). Want to keep the littles with you? 100% fine.

Pro tip: Show up at 9:15 for ConneXion Groups—small classes, donuts, and zero pressure.

4. What the service actually feels like

We start at 10:45 AM sharp and finish around noon.

• Quick call to worship & prayer

• Live worship—updated hymns + modern songs you already know (words on screen, volume perfect for singing, no earpro needed)

• 35–40 minutes of straight Bible preaching from me (clear, practical, zero fluff, from a “sinner saved by grace” who’s lived it)

• One closing song, a few announcements, and a blessing

5. Afterwards:

Most folks hang around drinking coffee and talking. My wife Carrie and I will be standing right up front—if you want to meet a 28-year Air Force vet who loves Jesus, come say hi. If you’d rather slip out quietly, that’s perfectly okay too. You will not leave wondering if we’re weird or pushy. You’ll leave knowing you were loved on purpose by a bunch of imperfect people who’ve been the new family plenty of times ourselves.So take a deep breath. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.