FAQ
FAQ
How is Big Woods responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic?
At Big Woods, we want you to know your health and safety are important to us. We’ve made several adjustments to our services to try to provide a place for people to be able to worship corporately while maintaining the ability to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information on what we are doing to make our services a safe place for you, visit our Covid-19 Precautions page.
Do you have coffee/refreshments at your services?
Yes! There's always plenty of hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate in our lobby on Sunday mornings. We even have decaf if that’s your cup of Joe.
What is available for kids?
Our elementary age kids are always welcome into our worship service and will have an opportunity to hear a Children’s message each Sunday, then can go to Children’s Church. A nursery is available for infants through age 3. Kid’s have their own secure wing of the building where they are able to worship in a safe and fun way. To find out more of what your kids will experience and what we do to help keep them safe. Click Here
What is available for teens?
On Sunday mornings, we encourage teens to join their parents in the main worship service. During Sunday School, teens have their own classes to attend with their peers. Teens gather during the week for our Navigate Youth Ministry, which focuses on biblical teaching, discipleship, and just building relationships. Throughout the year, teens have the opportunity to participate in bible studies, retreats, and a lot of fun events. If you have questions or want to know more, feel free to contact our youth pastor
Will you ask me for money?
If you are new to Big Woods, please don’t feel obligated to give. People will never be pressured to give money here, but members and regular attenders at Big Woods give as an act of worship to God and to support the ministry of the local and global church.
What if I’m not even sure if I believe in God?
Then you are more than welcome at Big Woods Bible Church! We want you to come, feel welcome, and ask questions! Finally, we want to walk through those questions alongside you. Please feel free to contact us, and we would love to talk about them with you!
The Bible seems to be a big deal at Big Woods. Why is that?
We believe the Bible is inspired by God, without error, and that the Word of God is the ultimate and final authority and our source for truth (II Timothy 3:16-17). For more about how we view the Bible, visit the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 beliefs page by clicking here.
Preaching also seems to be pretty important at Big Woods. Why is that?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and told them that it was through “the foolishness of preaching” that God chose to save people (I Corinthians 1:21). At Big Woods, preaching is the most important aspect of our worship service. It is during the preaching service the Gospel is proclaimed and believers are instructed, edified, rebuked, and encouraged.
Who leads at Big Woods?
Under the headship of Christ, our church is led by pastors and elders who direct the affairs of the church in accordance with the Word of God (Ephesians 4:11-16). Responsibilities are delegated to staff members, deacons, and church members under the oversight of the elders.
What is the difference between and elder and a deacon?
Biblically, elders are to “direct the affairs of the church” and serve as the spiritual overseers. (I Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:17-21; I Peter 5:1-4). Deacons are “servants” (literally the meaning of the word – I Timothy 3:8-10) who have the responsibility for serving the physical needs of the fellowship.
What role do women have at Big Woods?
Big Woods wouldn’t have a ministry without women. We thank God for the dozens of godly women who serve in our ministry. There are many opportunities for women to serve here. We have a number of women who lead ministries. In obedience to God’s Word, they are not ordained and do not have the responsibility of teaching men. They have the full confidence of our leadership to serve at Big Woods ministry and do an outstanding job.
What does Big Woods believe about marriage?
As a scriptural matter, all those who are connected as members, or voluntarily serve in any capacity, are deemed to acknowledge that, “marriage is the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in covenant commit for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. He as the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.” (Baptist Faith & Message 2000 Section XVIII, The Family)
Does Big Woods support missions?
Big Woods currently directly supports six different missions works around the world. We also support the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Cooperative Program which supports missions works around the world. For more information about our missionaries and what you can do to support them, click here.
Why does Big Woods teach and practice baptism by immersion?
We teach and practice baptism by immersion because we believe this is what Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20). Baptism pictures three realities to be a scriptural baptism: death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism through immersion clearly identifies these three elements, and is how a believer publicly identifies with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-4).
Do I have to be baptized by immersion to become a member of Big Woods?
Baptism by immersion is one of the requirements for membership at Big Woods. This can be done either at one of our baptism services, or can be something that you had done at a church of like faith. It’s important to remember that baptism is not what saves, but it is an act of obedience by the believer and a public proclamation of his/her faith in Jesus (Acts 8:36-39; 9:17-18; 10:47-48; 16:31-33).
If I was baptized (by immersion) in another church of like faith, do I have to be baptized again to get connected as a member of Big Woods?
No, you do not need to be baptized again if you have already been baptized by immersion as an outward demonstration of your faith in Jesus as your Savior.
When do you observe the Lord’s Supper?
At Big Woods, we commemorate the Lord’s Supper each third Sunday of the month. Acts 20:7 says, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.’ Jesus didn’t prescribe how often we were to take Communion/The Lord’s Supper, He just said that we were to “do this in remembrance of me (I Corinthians 11:23b-25).”
How do I become a member of Big Woods Bible Church?
We recommend everyone attend the “Get-a-Grip” membership class as a starting point where you can learn about our doctrine, history, as well as learn the importance of your commitment to the Lord, His Word, and the local church. We encourage people to be well informed so they can understand what it means to be connected at Big Woods as well as what is expected as a member of our body. We desire that everyone understands and agrees with our Mission and Vision so they can become an important part of our church family.
How can I view services online?
How can I view services online?
Live services can be viewed weekly from our Facebook page on Sundays at 9:00 AM. Click here to view past sermons.How can I financially support the ministry of Big Woods Bible Church?
You can give to Big Woods in the following ways:
-In person at our Sunday worship service (currently receiving offerings at boxes located at each of the auditorium exit doors. Envelopes are provided at each box for your convenience).
-By mail either with a personal check or by an E-check through your banking institution. Our mailing address is: 241 S. Hanna St. Lock Haven, PA 17751
-You can also give securely through our website using your credit/debit card or by setting up a draft from your bank account.How can I connect with you on social media?
The best way to connect with us via social media is to follow our Facebook page. Be sure to check in there to watch our services live and be kept up to date on special events and services.