South Main Baptist Church — Local services in Houston

I have been going to SMBC for over a decade; here are just some of the things to love about it (& to answer some of the criticisms of "Harrison Christian"'s review). First & foremost, it is a church that loves God and lives His commandments and examples to love all God's children (that's everyone, you know) show mercy (Luke 3:11), forgive "70x7", and seeks to know God's will through prayer & action. It is a missions church (God's 2nd commandment: love others as I have loved you), whether it be in the downtown area having church for the homeless on Sunday mornings, providing affordable housing & support for those being treated at the medical center, collecting shoes for orphans around the world, sending & supporting missionaries in China, Turkey, Peru. It is a family church; generations have gone here, creating a network of love & support for brothers & sisters in Christ. Steve Wells, an inspired preacher, is compassionate, informed, and accessible.

It doesn't belong to the (politicized) Southern Baptist Convention and doesn't get involved in the political crosswinds of this world, other than to reiterate and live through God's will that we 1) believe Christ died for our sins and that 2) we should forgive others as He has forgiven us.

No one knows who is going to heaven, no one knows what "the end" is going to look like. To judge others is not why we're here; to worship God and show others Christ in...

I visited South Main Baptist Church for the very first time this past Sunday. I don't think I could have possibly felt more welcome. Everyone was so kind and helpful and very patient with all of my questions. They had just started a 4-week "Next Steps" class for newcomers the week before and although I had missed the first week, Minister Matt Walton, who was leading the class, welcomed me to be a part of it. It is such a well planned resource for those new to the church. It allows you to meet the pastors, get to know a little bit about the church and it's history, as well as meet some wonderful people. It's nice to have that connection straight away... to be able to know a few people immediately when you start going to a new church. That was important to me as a single woman visiting by myself and not knowing a single person when I walked in. I was also amazed by how Pastor Wells quoted scripture perfectly by memory! I absolutely love scripture, so this was a big deal to me. A church with a pastor who truly knows the Bible and loves the scriptures is a church that I would feel safe...

South Main has been my home since 2006 and my husband's since 1985. I came upon this church by accident, to avoid a long story. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Our son was born in 2011 and he has always thoroughly enjoyed his Sunday school classes and the children's programming. He never wants to miss worship or Sunday school or a Wednesday evening where he is in the youth choir and handbells.

Many members travel from all over the Houston metropolitan area to worship and fellowship at this midtown area church. Some of us like to say our unofficial motto/tagline is "the difference is worth the distance." It's so true.

I have never seen a more intelligent staff who work and pray hard to intentionally offer exceptional programs and opportunities to congregation members. They continue to impress me year after year.

I also love that women are permitted to hold positions of leadership.

I cannot imagine being a...