FAQs

What time are services?
How do I get to Bell Shoals Baptist Church?
Are there parking places reserved for first-time guests?
Are your buildings and services handicap accessible?
What happens when I get there?
What childcare is offered?
What do I do before the service starts?
What is the worship like?
How are guests greeted?
How will I know when to stand?
How is prayer used at Bell Shoals?
What is the pastor's message like?
Do you have a crying/nursing room available?
Do you give invitations at the end of the service?
What are they like?
Do I need to donate money when I visit?
What Bible Fellowship classes are offered on Sundays?

What time are services?

Sunday Worship: 9:15 and 11 a.m.
Spanish Translation: 11 a.m.
Interpretation for the Hearing Impaired: 11 a.m.
Online at 9:15 or 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Community Worship: 7 p.m.
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How do I get to Bell Shoals Baptist Church?

Bell Shoals Baptist Church is located in Brandon, Florida, just east of Tampa.

Click here for detailed directions.

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Are there parking places reserved for first-time guests?

We have specially designated parking spaces near the Worship Center on Bell Shoals Road, and near the Children's Building off of Overhill Drive. Just let our parking attendant know you are our first-time guest. We do encourage you to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early for services. 

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Are your buildings and services handicap accessible?

There is handicap access for wheel chairs. Interpreters for the hearing impaired are available for 9:15 a.m. Bible Fellowship classes and 11 a.m. worship every Sunday. We also have Bible Fellowship leaders trained for special needs children.

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What happens when I get there?

You will be greeted by our "First Connections" men and women who have distinctive name tags to assist you with parking and directions, give you information about our Bible Fellowship (Sunday School)
classes and assist you in answering any questions. Our main welcome center desk is in the center of the Worship Center Welcome Hall. Our greeters will welcome you at the door - then come to the desk where we will assist you in any way, particularly getting your children to Bible Fellowship classes.

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What childcare is offered?

Preschool worship care for children six weeks of age through kindergarten is available at 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 a.m. Preschoolers can stay in the same classroom during consecutive hours to allow you to attend a worship service and a Bible Fellowship class. First through sixth grade, are invited to sit with you in church. Children's Bible Fellowship (Sunday School) is available at 8:00, 9:15 or 11 a.m. A greeter will be happy assist you in finding your child's classroom.

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What do I do before the service starts?

If you arrive before the service starts, feel free to enter the Worship Center and find a seat. As you enter you will receive a copy of the Encourager which include a message from our Pastor and information on many of the activities taking place at Bell Shoals. If you arrive after the service has started the ushers may have the doors closed while baptism is going on. The doors will be open after baptism.

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What is the worship like?

Our desire is that you will feel comfortable participating in the worship service. There are times of joyful worship and praise, prayer, and a relevant message from God's Word. 
 
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How are guests greeted?

Before the service our First Connections members (and many of our other members) will extend a friendly greeting to you. Please let us know you are a guest. You do not have to register or sign your name to anything; however, we would like to know you were our guest and ask you to fill out the guest card provided in the Encourager (bulletin) you received upon entering the Worship Center. Drop the form in the offering plate as your only offering. 

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How will I know when to stand?

The pastor or the worship leader will ask the congregation to stand or sit. Generally we stand during congregation songs, Bible reading, and the invitation song and prayer.

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How is prayer used at Bell Shoals?

Prayer plays an important part in the life of Bell Shoals. During the worship service we will have a time of corporate prayer. We also have an ongoing intercessory prayer ministry and there are Prayer Request forms in the Encourager for you to give us your prayer request.

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What is the pastor's message like?

You will hear a  Bible-based message that is relevant for the world we live in today. The messages are timely and often sprinkled with appropriate humor. CDs of the message are available after each service. DVDs are available after the 11 a.m. service. Visit our Media webpage for information on podcasts and live streaming.

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Do you have a crying/nursing room available?

Yes, we have a special room inside the women's restroom at the north end of the Worship Center Welcome Hall.

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Do you give invitations at the end of the service? What are they like?

At the end of the message, the pastor will extend an invitation to anyone who does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to accept Him. He also will ask those who would like to become part of our church family or to be baptized to make that known. You have two options: You can come to the alter area and discuss your decision with one of our pastors or visit to new member desk in the Welcome Hall if you feel uncomfortable about going forward. Decisions that can be made for membership:
  • 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, which the Word of God commands, our pastor will pray with you and guide you in your decision.
  • 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 that a letter of transfer be sent.
  • 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.
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Do I need to donate money when I visit?

Bell Shoals Baptist Church does encourage tithing. However, our guests are not expected to give anything. During this time, if you have filled out the guest registration form we do ask you to drop it in the offering plate.

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What Bible Fellowship (Sunday School) classes are offered on Sundays?

We encourage people to participate in our Bible Fellowship classes in order to grow in their relationship with Christ. Classes are offered for all ages at 8:00, 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Click here for the list of classes and locations. Visit the kiosk in the Welcome Hall for age specific classes or ask one of our greeters for assistance. They will be happy to guide you to your rooms. This is where Our "Fellowship of Encouragement" becomes real!

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