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  What to Expect
What to Expect
So you're new to Southern Lakes EFC?

We'd love to get to know you... and give you a chance to get to know us. Check out the Welcome Center section of our site for information about specific programs and priorities. If you would like us to be able to communicate with you, check out the “Let’s Get Acquainted Form.”

When to arrive?

Services begin promptly at 9:00 and 10:30 AM.  Choose a time and come early to allow time for parking and getting your youngest family members comfortable in the Beginners Ministry (Some parents say this can take up to 15 minutes).

What are the Sunday Services like?

Our congregation includes people from diverse backgrounds. The services are 70 minutes in length, with about 40% devoted to music and prayer, 10% dedicated to Ministry information and 50% given to teaching and challenge from the Bible.
Occasionally you will experience visual, dramatic or choreographed art as it contributes to the message of the week’s teaching. We celebrate the Lord's Supper (Communion) about every other month during the Worship service. Both services have the same music and teaching which permits you to choose whichever schedule works best for your situation.

Our desire as we gather each week is to declare respect and admiration for the Lord Jesus. Our worship services are characterized as warm, engaging, friendly, energetic gatherings where we declare God's greatness through music, through preaching and teaching, through praying together, and life together in community.

Whether you are a life-long church attendee or someone who is just beginning to question what Jesus is all about, there is a place for you at SLEFC! We are privileged to have two worship gatherings each Sunday. In our 320 seat worship center we sing everything — from songs you may have heard on the radio last week to songs written last century — with every kind of instrumentation — from a rhythm section one week to just voices and an acoustic guitar the next. All are welcome as we gather!

At the 9:00 am hour we offer opportunities for nursery, pre-school, elementary (K-5th grade children are dismissed to Children’s Church during the sermon), and adults in addition to the worship service.

At the 10:30 am hour we offer opportunities for nursery, pre-school, elementary & teens, and adults in addition to the worship service.

Where to go?

Map & Directions will lead you here.

What can I expect as a first time guest?
We realize that visiting a church for the first time can be an uncomfortable experience. We make every attempt to ease your apprehension and make you feel welcome at Southern Lakes EFC. When you walk into the front doors, you will be greeted by a volunteer who offers a warm smile and a copy of our weekly bulletin. As you proceed through the Fellowship Hall you will find a large Welcome Center in the corner of the room. This Welcome Center is there with you in mind! If you need to know where to take your child or where the coatroom or restrooms are, you can ask one of our friendly hosts. If you want more information about our church or would like to request a copy of one of our services on CD, the Welcome Center is the place to do that.  At the Welcome Center a free folder is available that contains helpful information about our church family and events going on at Southern Lakes EFC.

As you approach the Sanctuary ushers will be at the doors to assist you with finding a seat and settling into the service. Don't worry, we won't ask you to stand as a first-time guest or embarrass you in any way.

We view ourselves as a family, and we welcome you to join us!

Guest FAQ's

1. How many people attend on Sunday morning?
During the school year, we have just over 500 people in attendance each Sunday morning.

2. How long has Southern Lakes EFC been around?
 We started as a Bible study in 1985. Services began at our current location on Easter of 2000.

3. What kind of church is this?
We are part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, an association of churches that share a common doctrinal statement.

4. How many Sunday Services do you have?
We offer two worship services each Sunday morning – at 9:00 and 10:30. The same teaching and worship styles are offered at both.

5. What is available for my kids on Sunday morning?
At the 9:00 am hour, we have age-appropriate activities for children from nursery through 5th grade.  At the 10:30 am hour, we have age-appropriate activities for nursery through high school students.  Our care givers, teachers and leaders are prepared for your child to have the best possible experience each Sunday.

6. Do you have anything for Middle School or High School Students?
Yes!  Separate classes are held for 7-8th graders and 9th-12th graders during the 10:30 service. Youth group meets from 6 PM – 8 PM on Sunday evenings. Additional youth activities are described here or by contacting Pastor Jason.

7. Your church seems big.   Is there a place for me?
We offer a variety of adult groups on Sunday morning and other scheduled workshops called CSI:Elkhorn (CSI stands for character, skills & instruction). These groups are places where guests can connect with other adults and begin to find the encouragement that genuine community offers. In addition, we offer Small Groups that meet throughout the week in many neighborhoods around Elkhorn. Contact Pastor Dave for more information about either of these opportunities.