Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our address is 12433 FM 1641. We are on the eastern edge of the Forney city limits, south of Highway 80. Heading south from Highway 80, we are on the right just past Henderson Elementary School. (If a map shows us near downtown on Bois D’Arc, that was our location prior to our move in 2006).
When is your worship service and what is it like?
Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday and lasts approximately one hour. The service is a relaxed traditional style. We have a choir. Hymns are accompanied by piano and sometimes by guitar. We occasionally use an organ. We sing a blend of songs, ranging from older familiar hymns to global music.
What is you church's vision?
In 2019 we adopted a new vision statement: "We strive to be an inclusive fellowship of disciples serving our community." We welcome all, regardless of color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, background, denomination, ability, or age. We are heavily involved in our community, especially Forney ISD. We stress the importance of learning more about Christ and becoming the people God created us to be. And we enjoy a energetic and harmonious fellowship!
What should I wear?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable for worship. You will see some people dressed in traditional Sunday clothes. Some men wear business casual, while others wear jeans and shorts.
Where do I park?
We have one driveway in and out of our property. The parking is behind the building. If it is crowded cars will be parked along the side of the driveway near the crape myrtles. This is also where we have parking spots labeled “visitor” parking. Our main entrance also has a covered driveway (“porte cochere”) in case of bad weather.
What door do I enter?
Everyone enters and exits the same double doors, easily visible from the parking lot, under the covered driveway.
Is the church accessible for wheelchairs?
There are no steps or stairs. The entire building is handicap accessible with no need for ramps or lifts.
Will a small church be good for my child?
Children and youth in small churches benefit from a unique opportunity to be known and cared for by people of all generations. They are known by name. Their school and sports achievements are celebrated. Children and youth are involved in leading worship and even in decision making. All of this helps your child grow in faith as they get to use their gifts and share their talents in ways that may not happen in larger congregations.
Where can I take my child?
Most children stay in the worship service with adults so they learn the prayers, creeds, hear the same stories, and sing the songs with us. Our youngest toddlers who may not be able to sit still through a service are welcome in the nursery. Our nursery staff are trained professionals who have childcare experience in their Mon-Fri jobs and who pass the required background checks. These attendants do more than watch the children; they love them and teach them bible stories.
Does the church offer Sunday School classes and Bible Studies?
Yes.
How can I learn more about the church?
The best way is to check out our 10:00 am Sunday worship on YouTube or Facebook or join us in person. You can also visit with our pastor. David can help you discern what type of church would be a good fit. The main thing is helping you find a spiritual community, whether it is our congregation or the church down the street. You can view our worship style and sermons on our YouTube video archives.
Do I have to be a member in order to worship and find a place to serve?
No. We have many faithful attendees who are involved in various ways without officially joining.
Will I be hounded to join, fill out a pledge card, and serve on a committee?
No. Jesus never asked anyone to join a church, but he did say “come, follow me.” However, regular involvement in a faith community helps us “grow up in Christ”. At some point every follower of Jesus will need to wrestle faithfully with issues such as commitment and stewardship of money and time.
I am openly gay. Will my partner and I be welcomed and allowed to share our gifts?
Absolutely. In July 2015 our session voted unanimously to recognize marriage equality for all of God's children, allowing the pastor to perform same-sex marriages in our sanctuary. Our weekly bulletin states: "We welcome all, regardless of color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, background, denomination, ability, or age."
What is unique about your church?
We are the only church in Forney with a Reformed perspective in our preaching and teaching, emphasizing the dance of divine grace and human gratitude. Salvation is not dependent upon our acceptance of God, a particular conversion experience, any particular prayer, or anything else we might try to do to get God to love us or accept us. Simply put, we love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Because we belong to God in Christ Jesus, we respond by living lives of gratitude. Denominations are not the most important thing. Yet in a predominantly conservative evangelical environment, the Presbyterian perspective has an important place at the table of faith in this community. To read more about Reformed distinctiveness, read “What is unique about the Presbyterian church?”
Additionally, we are a radically hospitable church. We welcome people because each of us is a beloved child of God. Our congregation celebrates diversity, whether it is in sexual orientation, gender, color, class, language, or ability. The sign outside our church often reads “All Are Welcome” and all means all.
What do you mean by the word “progressive”?
Progressive means that questions are welcomed and insights from art, culture, and science are valued. Faith and doubt are not incompatible. Progressivism has a reforming spirit. It implies a willingness to change what we do and how we do it as we are led by the Spirit. This is, in part, what the 16th century reformers meant when they said that we must be “reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God” (ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda). Over the years, our congregation has changed in important ways, including relocating to new property and building, adding weekly communion, and even our regular worship time.
May I get married at FPC Forney if I am not a member?
Yes. Our pastor must be the one to conduct the wedding. Any music must be sacred music appropriate for a service of worship. Couples must meet with the pastor 3-4 times for planning and pre-marriage counseling. Weddings are at the discretion of the pastor and must be approved by the church session in advance. Our sanctuary holds up to 125 people