Top Questions

What kind of church is Essex Alliance?
At Essex Alliance, we strive to communicate the truths of the Bible in a relevant, understandable way. Our services have a contemporary flavor and provide insights that you can use the rest of your week. We also feature an extensive network of Small Groups that meet in homes throughout the area. Individuals and couples find friendship, spiritual growth and fun through participation in these groups.

Will you ask me for money?
No. If you are our guest at Essex Alliance, please do not feel any obligation to open your wallet. In fact we don't want anyone to give money (or do anything) out of guilt. So you won't feel uncomfortable, we don't even pass an offering plate on a regular basis. Instead there are offering boxes in the back of the sanctuary and in the foyer. Those of us who have made this our church home give back to God a portion of what he has generously given us...with grateful and joyous hearts.

What are the services like?
We work hard to make sure your experience at Essex Alliance is one that is relevant, welcoming and not pushy. Our services feature contemporary music with a live band and occasional dramas or multi-media presentations that introduce the theme of each message. Our Lead Pastor, Scott Slocum, talks about an issue that is relevant to our lives today and what the Bible says about dealing with that topic. For your convenience, we offer five identical services: at 8:00 am, 9:45 am and 11:15 am at our Old Stage Road location, and at 9:00 am and 10:30 am at the Essex Shoppes & Cinemas. (Read about Church at the Cinema in the Burlington Free Press!) For more information on what to expect on your first visit, check out our Newcomers page.

How will I know where to go?
Our information center in the lobby is staffed with helpful folks who can answer any of your questions. To act like a "regular" on your first visit, check out our Newcomers page.

Is Essex Alliance a Christian church, a cult, or something else?
We are a Christian church. Even though our style may be non-traditional to some, we are deeply committed to the truths of the Bible. We are real people — Christians and those with questions still — facing the real issues of life and looking for relevant answers. We've discovered that those answers are only found in a relationship with God. Click here for more information on what we believe.

What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable in. People who attend Essex Alliance wear everything from business wear to jeans, shorts and sandals. Feel free to leave the tie and high heels at home!

What's the music like?
We have a live band and worship team that lead us using a variety of music styles. Our musicians and singers are first-rate and do a great job of leading us in worship.

Will I have to sign anything, say anything or be singled out in any way?
No. We want to get to know you, but more importantly, we want you to be comfortable. We won't ask you to wear a visitor badge or stand up and introduce yourself. We want you to remain as anonymous as you want to be. The only thing we ask guests to do is fill out the information you're comfortable with in the Friendship Book in the row to let us know you visited with us. Even then, we promise not to knock on your door or call you — unless you ask us to. Checking the “Contact Me” box next to your name and address is our signal to mail you a general information packet.  (Your personal info is safe — we don’t share it with any outside source!)

What about my kids?
While you enjoy the worship service, we offer your children opportunities for fun and learning in various age-appropriate Children's Ministries. A numbered security system ensures your children's safety, as well as providing us with a means of notifying you should you be needed during the service (your child's number will appear on the small black monitor at the front left of the sanctuary). While we expect that your children will enjoy these activities more, you are welcome to keep them with you during the service if you prefer.  Feel free on your way in to pick up some crayons, children's bulletins and doodle pages for them.  Also look for extra doodle pages in the pew racks at Old Stage Campus and on the Bible carts at the Cinema Campus. 

What do you have for teenagers?
Our Student Ministries team offers a full slate of activities and spiritual development opportunities for students in Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12). On Sunday mornings, teens join us in the sanctuary for our worship service.