We know that your first time at our church—or any church—can bring up some questions. Below are some of the common questions we get and our answers. Click each question to view the answer.

What makes Shoal Creek different?

From its beginning Shoal Creek has been a safe place for anyone. Spiritual issues are deep and personal. The atmosphere needed to explore these issues must be free of pressure and judgment. We let you determine the pace of your spiritual exploration. We will never force you to move farther or faster on your journey than you want to. Make no mistake though, we are eager to come alongside and help, but will only do so as you invite us into your life.

An atmosphere of judgment is a cancer to spiritual exploration. You may come agreeing with our understanding of the Bible or you may be in total disagreement. Regardless, our desire is to create a place where it is safe for you to ask tough questions and to wrestle with God's role in your life.

What are your Sunday services like?

In our attempts to challenge what church should look like, we may be seen as "nontraditional", but we believe that the truths contained in the Bible and the role of God in our world is still very active throughout today's culture.

Our Weekend Events are targeted at those who aren't used to coming to church. Each event is designed around a theme that attempts to make Biblical truth relevant to everyday life. We use a creative combination of contemporary music, thought-provoking media and compelling dramas that raise questions and touch emotions.

The messages are delivered in a fresh, comfortable and challenging style from communicators who speak not only from the Bible but also very authentically from their lives. Because we believe you can be culturally relevant and Biblically pure at the same time, our Weekend Events reach into the heart of our culture to find tools and topics we can use to communicate Biblical truth.

What about my children?

We have phenomenal children's programs. Click here to learn more about our Zones.

What does Shoal Creek believe?

Even though our church is non-traditional in style, we are deeply committed to the truths of the Bible. Our mission is to turn spiritual seekers into a community of fully devoted followers of Christ. Click here for a more detailed explanation of our beliefs.

Will I have to say anything, sign anything, give anything, or be singled out in any way?

No. If you are visiting, we won't ask you to wear a sticker or stand up or stand out in any way. We don't "pass the plate" and if you are visiting, we ask that you accept the "experience" as our gift to you and keep your money in your pocket. We want you to remain as anonymous as you want to be, but we do encourage you to come for several weeks so that you can see all that is going on at Shoal Creek.

Our printed program, given to you when you enter the auditorium, does have a "For Our Guest" perforated tab that you can fill in if you desire information from us or have a question you want answered. Of course, if you do, please leave your name and preferred contact information. No one will visit or call you unless you want them to. If you would like to receive electronic communications about Shoal Creek Community Church (approx. 2 per week), please click here to sign-up.

Can I find out what this coming Sunday's topic is going to be?

Sure. Check out the top center image on the homepage or simply click here.

How do I get to your church? To your location?

Click here for detailed directions and a map.

What do I wear?

We really don't care what you wear; please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. People wear everything from "Sunday best" to business casual to shorts and sandals. The founding pastor, Roy, doesn't even wear socks!

What do you have for middle and high school students?

We have fun and exciting events personalized for the middle school and high school student. Check out BUYA (6th-8th graders) or CRASH (9th-12th graders).

When are your services?

We have two identical Weekend services – Sunday @ 9:30 & 11 a.m. Our Groups meet at various times and various locations.

Do you offer services for special needs children or adults?

We want nothing to be a barrier between somebody and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That's why Shoal Creek is committed to meeting the needs of children and adults regardless of the need.

We will work with any person who has a special need and do our best to make sure each person has an equal opportunity to hear God's message. For more info on the opportunities available for people with special needs, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What if I have another question?

Please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How does Shoal Creek raise its money?

Amazing as it might seem, the silver "seed" boxes on the back wall of the auditorium are the way we raise money. We don't have large foundations or external sources that support the mission. We don't "pass the plate" and yet the majority of the funds that come in are dropped in the silver "seed" boxes by those attending.

Likewise, we believe in pressure-free giving. Giving is something that should be done out of the heart and not done out of conformity. We ensure that all giving is private and that newcomers to our church will never have to feel like they have to give financially.

This is not a country club! We don't believe in spending money simply to make those who call Shoal Creek "home" more comfortable. We spend money to "reach" people—across the street, across the city, and across the ocean. Not just for their physical needs but for their spiritual.

Is Roy a "real" pastor, I mean is he ordained?

Even though Roy doesn't wear socks, smokes cigars and does various other activities not normally associated with "Pastors," he does have very traditional credentials. He attended Dallas Theological Seminary graduating with a Master's of Theology (Th.M). While in seminary, he was ordained by his home church, Fellowship Bible Church of Park Cities (FBC-PC) in Iowa. He and his wife Candy were founding members of FBC-PC. He also served on the staff of First Covenant Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for 6 years and was the founding pastor of LaGrange Community Church in LaGrange, Georgia.

Does Shoal Creek belong to a denomination?

The short answer is, no. We have no affiliation with an organizational structure that has sway over what we do. That is often referred to as a non-denominational church. It might better be called a trans-denominational church since we have many different backgrounds that attend Shoal Creek. We attempt to keep the main thing the main thing and not be dragged down by trivial debates that can often cause needless hostility between denominations.

Shoal Creek does have relationships with other churches. Heartland Community Church (www.heartlandchurch.org) in Overland Park, Kansas, was instrumental in launching Shoal Creek. We also draw regularly from the resources of Willow Creek Community Church (www.willowcreek.org). It was at their Prevailing Church Conference in February of 1994 that Shoal Creek was born.

What kind of leadership structure exists for Shoal Creek?

Shoal Creek is organized as a not for profit organization under the laws of the state of Missouri. Since there are no stockholders in a not for profit organization, it is governed by a board of directors. Currently, Candy Moran, Dan Kenealy, Jason Perry and Roy Moran act in that capacity.

We practice a decentralized approach to leadership. Those closest to the ministry and information are given the authority to make decisions. All decisions are measured against our mission: to turn spiritual seekers into a community of fully devoted followers of Christ. Our mission guides and constricts us when necessary and ultimately describes why we exist.

At Shoal Creek, the group leaders are viewed as traditional churches view pastors. Since group leaders shepherd people, they are the closest to the heartbeat of Shoal Creek. In Biblical terminology you might say that our group leaders function as elders. They meet weekly and concern themselves with the spiritual direction of the church. They meet regularly for prayer, encouragement and any directional issues that are in front of us.