A Return To Something Deeper
As Sunday Evening Chapel came to a close this past Sunday, one thing was abundantly clear: the response from our church has been overwhelmingly positive. What began as a simple, stripped-down gathering in Boyce Chapel quickly became one of the most meaningful rhythms of the spring season—drawing people of all ages into a shared experience of worship, learning, and connection.
For many, the very first evening set the tone. James Carraway, a member of the Young Professionals Ministry, described a sense of unity that stood out immediately. “It felt like one body worshiping together—not a spread of people,” he said. He was also encouraged by the range of people in attendance. “To see people from 10-year-olds all the way up to their 80s… that was surprising in the best way. Everybody was there because they wanted to learn.”
For Steve and Vivian Moore, recently married and longtime members, the setting felt warm and familiar. “It felt like the old country church,” Vivian shared.
For Leahan Doar, a longtime member with grown children, the minimalistic approach made a deep impression. “It’s just the simplicity of it… pulling out a hymnal, singing together—it’s something we just don’t get anymore.”
Attendance remained strong each week, often beyond expectations. Many believe the reason is simple: people were yearning for something deeper. “There’s a hunger,” Leahan said. “People want to be fed deeply from God’s Word.”
Others believe it restored something people had been missing. “I think people missed Sunday evening fellowship,” Steve Moore said.
Sunday Evening Chapel also created a sense of closeness that can be hard to find in larger settings. “You’re sitting in closer quarters with people you know and love… it brings the generations together in a way nothing else does,” Leahan shared. “I feel more connected to the church because of Sunday nights than I did before,” she added.
Many attendees also appreciated the unique teaching environment created by Pastor Wes Church. While Sunday mornings are more formal, Sunday Evening Chapel allowed for a more personal and conversational approach. “It felt more like an older brother walking you through things you don’t fully understand yet. It’s the warmest way you can receive some of the hardest truths,” James said.
Leahan agreed. “I think this setting frees him to just be fully himself,” she said.
The guided notes also helped many stay engaged. “It helped you stay focused on what he was teaching,” Steve Moore said.
The Why Baptist? series proved both helpful and eye-opening. “I’ve been a Baptist my whole life, but I’ve never really known the reasons why,” James admitted.
Leahan appreciated the historical side of the series. “I loved learning how we came to be and the influence Baptists have had,” she said.
Even longtime members found the teaching refreshing. “It reminded me of things I hadn’t really thought about in a while,” Steve said.
The series Why Baptist? has concluded, but many are already hoping it returns. “This is my favorite thing I’ve ever been a part of at First Baptist. “It’s a time to just be still… be with the Lord, be with each other, and soak it all in,” Leahan shared.
Perhaps that best explains why Sunday Evening Chapel resonated so deeply. It became more than another event on the calendar. It became a place to slow down, learn, and worship together. Or, as Vivian Moore simply said: “It feels like family.”