You’ve Got Questions,
We’ve Got Some Answers!

At The Shore we are excited to welcome you as our guest. We want you to be able to experience the great worship, practical messages, friendly people, and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of The Shore. We know that your first time at a church, any church, brings up some questions: What should I expect during the service . . . what should I wear . . . what’s available for my kids . . . how do I get there? So here is a quick look at what you can expect when you visit The Shore:

How many people usually come on a Sunday?
Approximately 100-150 people visit our campus every weekend. We now offer 2 services every weekend. Our worship center can hold up to a 140 people but we currently average approximately 70 people during service. We also offer Kids Church in our Youth Center for those infants through age 10 during the 10:30am service as well. More details below on our Kids Church Ministry.

What should I expect at a Sunday service?
Expect to find an atmosphere that is casual and contemporary. You are welcome to a cup of coffee and a breakfast delight from our Connection Café. Bring it with you into the service if you choose. You can expect to be inspired as well as challenged spiritually. Our service includes a time of worship and praise where you can sit back and listen or actively enter in. You can expect our pastor to share biblically gospel-centered messages that are real and relevant as well as practical in helping with real life issues.

We also have the pleasure to take communion each and every time we gather together. Communion is a wonderful time to remember who Jesus is, what he has done and what he has promised to do in the future. All believers are able to participate in this special moment as we share the body of Christ.

How long is the Sunday service?
Our services typically run one hour to 70 minutes.

What is the music like?
In many churches there is an age old battle of traditional hymns vs. contemporary hymns. We recognize that each person who enters our doors has their own preferences. Songs are never chosen based on genre or style. We worship in Spirit, and in Truth as noted by Jesus in John 4. Our main goal is to unveil a story about who Christ is and how knowing Him can transform us. Any song, video, drama, testimony or any other element included in our service is incorporated in order to compliment the main point of teaching for the day. In other words, we love modern worship music, as well as, traditional hymns. We believe that worshipping together in song is an important, but it is not our only time of worship.

What should I wear?
Come just as you are! Seriously!

How do I get connected beyond Sunday morning worship?
Entering a new community can seem a little overwhelming at first, so we have some options available to you. The best way to get involved is through our Life Groups. They meet regularly across the Decatur area at various times throughout the week. We also have various men’s and women’s ministries and groups so be watching the bulletin or calendar for opportunities to be a part of these ministries. For a list of current life groups please contact the office via office@southshores.net or at 217-428-5683. Click Here to visit our “Church Center” app for access to and to sign up for our small groups. 

What is a Small Group?
Small Groups exist so each member of the group may grow spiritually closer to Jesus Christ. They are offered at various times and places throughout the week. They typically kickoff the Sunday after Labor Day and run weekly through April. Check with individual groups to determine their respective start and end dates. Some groups will continue to meet regularly through the summer. For more information, be sure to contact the church office via the link at the bottom of the page or 217-428-5683.

What do I do if I have young children for Worship?
Families are encouraged to place their young children (ages 0-preK) in one of the nurseries. Parents are then free to attend Worship and contacted if your child may need you. You can expect all the children’s and student activities to be fun for the kids in a safe protected environment. Ultimately, the choice as to where any child attends remains with their parents and will be fully supported.

Is there a place for elementary and high school age children?
Yes! We have Kid’s Church in our Youth Wing for kids ages 5-10. Jr. High and High School Students can participate fully in our worship service and/or join in on our Bible Study during the 9am hour Sunday School hour. We also have our Overflow Youth group that meets every Sunday evening through the school year. See our Children’s Page or contact Jack Wilson our Associate Youth Pastor at jackwilson@southshores.net or 217-428-5683 for details.

What is expected of me as a participant at “The Shore?”
Our passion at The Shore is to help you take your next step with your relationship with Christ! We are all about loving God, loving people and making an impact on the world around us. Our hope is that you will intentionally live your life for Christ. We want to help you take the necessary steps in order for you to get to the place where Jesus is the cornerstone of your life. Contact Steve Young via steveyoung@southshores.net or 217-428-5683 and he will let you know more about the opportunities available to help you “Find & Follow Jesus!”

What does living intentionally mean?
Living intentionally is a mindset in which you are proactively committed to Christ and His church. It involves being active in church, church events and Life Groups. We aim to build relationships with other families and singles dedicated to living their lives for Jesus. It is also means being intentional about forming relationships with lost people, so they may know who Jesus is as well as what he has done for you and them.

How do I become a member?
We want to be a place where followers of Christ can be encouraged, grow in their faith, and have a variety of opportunities to serve using their God-given gifts. We also try to provide an environment where anyone who is not yet a Christian can get to know God, His word, and His people.

Membership in the local church is open to anyone who:
   i) acknowledges Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord,
  ii) respects the authority of God’s word and is committed to live according to its
      teaching, and
 iii) has obeyed the scriptural teaching for believers adhering to the call of  
      repentance, confession & immersion into Christ.

The most important decision we can make in life is to become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ; only He can save us!

Click here for access to “The Way Home!” doc or visit the link below

If you have given your life to Jesus and followed the Way Home, we encourage you to become a member of the local church. Whether you visit here for a Sunday or stay for a lifetime, expect God to be at work in you personally! Our prayer is that the Lord Jesus constantly make His presence known to every person who sets foot in this church. Expect Him to speak with clarity to your heart, regardless of where you are in your journey with Him. Whatever that place is we hope you’ll take the next step with us and allow us the privilege of walking with you as you walk with Him. Expect God! If you would like more information or would like to speak with someone at the church, please contact the office via office@southshores.net or 217-428-5683.

For a more detailed look at our Core Beliefs, click here.