What is The Grove Church?
The Grove Church is a casual, comfortable, and contemporary new church. We are made up of many different people of different backgrounds, races, ages, and life stages. Whoever you are, you are assured a warm welcome. We meet in the former movie theater located in Turtle Creek Mall of Hattiesburg, MS. Need directions? Our purpose is to connect people to God, to others, and to service. The Grove Church believes that many times we over-complicate what it means to do church – with committees, rules, and regulations. We strive to be a simple church for a complex world.
When should I arrive?
Most people choose to make our Sunday morning service their first visit to check out our church. The time of music and teaching from the Bible begins at 10:30 a.m., but make sure to arrive 10 minutes early if you can to grab a free morning snack and drink from our refreshment counter and check your children into our safe and securenursery for preschoolers or register 1st through 5th graders for GroveKidz (children’s church).
Will I be singled out?
We won’t ask you to do anything that would embarrass you during the service. Our regulars are pretty good about welcoming people in the lobby, but you won’t be asked to stand and introduce yourself during the service or anything like that.
What should I wear?
The Grove Church is comfortable and casual. Simply wear what you feel comfortable wearing. You will see several people around you wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but feel free to dress up if that’s your style.
What is available for my children?
We realize that your first visit can make you nervous. Children’s ministry shouldn’t be something to stress over. Our screened volunteers, under the direction of our Children’s Pastors, can check your child into the nursery, Roots Preschool, or GroveKidz (grades 1-5). You may also keep your children with you in the service if you prefer. A couch is just outside the church theater if you need to slip out due to a crying child.
What is your music like?
- Energetic
- Contemporary
- Loud
Our band, Bridge, is made up of electric and acoustic guitarists, a bass player, drummer, and keyboard player.
What should I expect?
Going to a new place for the first time can be nerve-racking, but knowing what to expect can help calm your fears. Don’t worry – we all had our own “first day” at church. When you walk in, their will be friendly greeters to direct you where to go and help answer any questions you have. Here is a rundown of what goes on during our church service:
Refreshments: Join us for coffee, kool-aid, and munchies in the lobby before the service. Some people enjoy arriving thirty minutes before the service begins just to chat and relax.- Our Worship Service: We will begin at 10:30 a.m. with about 30 minutes of singing led by our contemporary band. Feel free to sit, stand, sing or just listen as we express our worship to God using all of our heart, mind, soul and body. If you don’t know the songs, we will have the words on the screen – and don’t worry, we didn’t know them at first either.
- The Message: A time of practical teaching from the Bible.
- The Offering: This is a time for church members to share with the church financially how God has blessed them. If you are a visitor, don’t feel you have to contribute-the only gift we’d like from you is your Connection Card. Consider this service our gift to you!
- Prayer Time: There will be Pastors in the hallway after the service to pray for any needs you may have for those of you wanting prayer.
The service runs right around one hour in length.
Will I be expected to give?
Absolutely not. In fact, we won’t even pass a plate to collect money. We don’t want people to feel pressured to give. An unmanned giving receptacle is located near the exits for our members to contribute to what God is doing here at The Grove.
What does your church believe?
We are a Christian church that exists to connect people to God, to others, and to service. We are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, yet we also have friendly relationships with other local churches from differing denominations. If you want the nitty gritty of what we believe, check out our statement of faith.
Is your church facility handicap accessible?
We try to be as accessible as possible. Our facility has a ramp to get around the stairs, wheelchair space in the worship theater if you would like to stay in your chair, and sliding armrests in select theater seats to make transferring to our seating easier. Please contact the church office if you have any specific questions about The Grove Church’s facilities or ask one of our friendly greeters if you need any assistance.
I still have questions?
We’d be happy to chat with you by phone or email. You can call us at 601-680-5009 or contact us online.
