FAQs
1. When are services?
Services are Saturday nights at 6:00 pm and on Sunday mornings at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00. Adult Bible studies, Kids' Sunday School, and Jr. High and Sr. High youth group are held at 9:30. We also have a Spanish service, Pueblo Hispano, on Sundays at 1:00 pm. FUEL Worship for Jr. High/Sr. High/College/Young Adults meets Sunday nights at 6:30 pm. FUEL Worship will re-launch Sunday, September 13.
2. What should I expect when I come?
The family of St. John's is warm and welcoming. You can come in your best dress or your worst jeans. There's a lot going on, but you're sure to find a place that fits who you are.
3. How big is St. John's? How many members are there?
On an average Sunday, we have about 700-800 people. We have approximately 1200 members.
4. How do I become a member?
Check out this page for information on becoming a member of St. John's.
5. What is your address and phone number?
4500 Buena Vista Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 665-7815
6. What is the address and phone number of the School and Children Center?
4500 Buena Vista Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
K-8 School: (661) 664-8090
Children Center: (661) 664-9127
7. How many children are in the School?
There are 303 children enrolled in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
8. How many children are in the Children Center?
There are 210 children enrolled.
9. How much does it cost to send my child to the School or Children Center?
Click here to view a PDF brochure that outlines the cost of the Children Center. Click here for more detailed information about tuition for the K-8 School. We offer generous need-based tuition assistance.
10. What's a Lutheran? Is that Christian?
Lutheran is a denomination of Christianity. Martin Luther is known as the Father of Protestantism. He studied to become a lawyer before becoming an Augustinian monk in 1505, and was ordained a priest in 1507. While continuing his studies in pursuit of a Doctor of Theology degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the theology and practices of the church. On October 31, 1517, he posted a challenge on the church door at Wittenberg University to debate 95 theological issues. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.
Lutherans still hold to the basic principles of theology and practice espoused by Luther:
- We are saved by the grace of God alone -- not by anything we do;
- Our salvation is through faith alone - we only need to believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who died to redeem us;
- The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life -- the only true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.
