WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CHURCH

If you just PCS’d to Scott Air Force Base, got orders to the 375th Air Mobility Wing, or you’re a DOD civilian settling into MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, you already know one truth: finding the right church for your family in a new assignment feels exactly like trying to land a C-17 in a crosswind—possible, but you’d love a little help from someone who’s been there.

That’s why military and civilian families across St. Clair County have a great choice in First Baptist Church Mascoutah (FBCM)—and why we believe your family should too.

Here’s the straight truth from a 28-year Air Force veteran who’s now the Senior Pastor.

1. A pastor who actually understands military life

Pastor Ronnie Tabor served 28 years—Airman Basic to Chief Master Sergeant —with two assignments right here at Scott AFB (1991 and 2008). He’s stood duty on Christmas, deployed after 9/11, PCS’d with toddlers and teenagers, and helped his own Airmen navigate marriage struggles and wingman suicides. When he says, “I’ve been exactly where you are,” he means it. Deployments, TDYs, promotion stress, and the unique challenges of raising kids on base—Pastor Ronnie gets it because he’s lived it.

2. Parking-lot-to-pew hospitality that feels like coming home

From the minute you turn off IL-177, you’ll be greeted by smiling faces—many sporting retiree plates—who know what it’s like to walk into a new assignment for the first time. No awkward standing alone. At FBCM, people will introduce themselves practically before you even get your kids out of the car.

3. Your kids will beg to come back (and bring their friends)

FBCM Kids (birth–5th) are built with military schedules in mind. Background-checked volunteers, secure check-in, and gospel-centered curriculum that actually sticks.

4. Preaching that’s biblical, practical, and battle-tested

Every Sunday Pastor Ronnie brings 35–40 minutes of Bible teaching that hits both the brand-new believer and the grizzled veteran. Topics like “Overcoming Anxiety in a High-Ops-Tempo World,” “Redeeming the Time You Have Left on Station,” and “Leading Your Family When the Mission Pulls You Away” were forged in the fire of real Air Force life and the Scripture.

5. Worship that honors the past and embraces the present

We blend timeless hymns your grandparents sang with the modern songs your teenagers already stream—think “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” into “Firm Foundation” and “It Is Well.” The band is tight, the lyrics are on screen, and you can wear ABUs, jeans, or whatever you pulled out of the dryer. Come as you are.

6. Looking to serve there is a place for you.

At FBCM, we believe every member is a minister. You don’t have to wait six months (or even six weeks) to get plugged in and make a real difference.

• Want to hold babies in the nursery so a young Air Force mom can hear the sermon without distraction? We’ll train you this Sunday. 

• Good with a guitar, camera, or coffee pot? Our worship, tech, and hospitality teams are always looking for sharp Airmen who show up on time and work as unto the Lord. 

• Feel called to mentor teens? Our student ministry is poised to explode and needs men and women who’ve “been there, done that” with teenage life. 

Pastor Ronnie's goal is to create testimonies like these, “I showed up lost and brand-new to Scott. Three weeks later I was running a sound board and had 20 new friends. I finally feel like I belong somewhere again.”

Whatever your gift, rank, or schedule, there’s a spot with your name on it—and we’ll help you find it the first day you walk in.

Come ready to worship this Sunday… and stay ready to serve. We can’t wait to help you find your passion. 

7. The bottom line from a retired Chief

I’ve served all over the world, but God brought my family back to Scott a third time for a reason. Now He’s called us to pour everything we’ve learned—28 years of Air Force leadership and 10 years of pastoring—into helping your family find and follow Jesus right here in Mascoutah.

Sunday service: 10:45 am

Location: 816 W Church Street, Mascoutah (10 minutes from base gate)

This Sunday, bring the kids and bring your questions. We have the answers.

Chief to Chief, Airman to Airman, family to family—we’re saving you a seat.