South Winnfield Baptist Church

My review has to do with being a first time visitor looking for a good, strong, and family-oriented small town church. We especially wanted a church that praises the Lord using the old hymns as well as the new. We want a church that has a choir, not looking for only about me type of service. One that truly celebrates the Lord in voice and instrument. Most churches in the area are going away from hymn's and choirs these days. My suspicion is that with attendance going down, churches are trying to get away from full-blown music ministers as a salary and leaning more on the unison type singing, worship leaders. Everybody sings the same note at the same time. Harmony seems to be going away and not taught any longer.

Most importantly, we want a church that teaches from the Bible, to imperfect, sinful people yet demonstrating the love and the grace of the Lord.

We were met at the door by very kind people. They were welcoming, it didn't appear to be there just for the purpose of meeting new people, but more for the purpose of welcoming all. They had no clue who we were, and genuinely seemed interested in guiding us to our different Sunday school classes for the kids, and for us adults. The pastor was walking around meeting and greeting everyone. Very kind and genuine. He seemed interested in us as a family more than interested in us as a tither. He talked with us for several minutes before guiding us personally to our Sunday school class where we met many different couples and people of all ages led by a really good Sunday school lesson and teacher. Our kids really seem to enjoy their Sunday school class, as well. They seemed welcoming and inclusive. Our kids have a difficult time with new people and new places but were good with their experience.

The church service reminded me of the old days where people stood up and welcomed each other, sang the old hymns of praise and a few of the new. The pastor spoke a very bold and strong message from the Bible. There was a sense of community in this church. Even from the pulpit. Didn't seem like the church was built upon societal pressures or social position. That was a nice experience.

All in all, a very fine church experience as a first-time visitor. Since we are looking for a new church home, not because of any bad experience, but because we're looking for more music in the church and a better fit for our kids. This church seems to fit that bill. I would highly recommend this church for anyone. An authentic, genuine, Grace spoken and led, Jesus believing Church.