No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome at Binkley Baptist Church!
We hope you’ll keep exploring our website to learn how to connect with us in a variety of ways. Whether it’s a Sunday School class, small group, or Wednesday night dinner, there’s something here for everyone.
You probably have some questions about what to expect before you visit us. We’ll try to answer all your questions here, but if you’re still unsure about some things, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Visitors’ FAQ
Where is Binkley located?
We are at the corner of 15-501 and Willow Drive in Chapel Hill, near University Place. Our address is 1712 Willow Drive. Click here to get directions from your address.
When are worship services?
Please visit our Worship page for our current worship schedule.
What will my worship experience be like?
At Binkley our Worship expresses the belief that beauty, truth, and goodness are gifts from God to be celebrated in a joyful and compassionate community. We celebrate the goodness and grace of a loving and compassionate God, revealed as Creator, Christ, and Spirit. Let’s describe our worship as warm, liturgical (meaning participatory), thoughtful, and celebratory. A variety of musical gifts, from classical hymns and choral selections to old-time gospel standards, from jazz to Taizé stylings, are regularly a part of the 11:00 a.m. service. A sample bulletin gives you some sense of the pattern of our corporate worship.
I'd like to attend a Sunday School class. What are my options?
Is there a dress code at Binkley?
Nope! Wear whatever makes you most comfortable. You’ll see folks in their Sunday best, while some choose to dress casually. Come as you are.
Where do I park?
The church has an 85-space parking lot with additional parking available at University Place or Harris Teeter adjacent to the church.
We also offer bike racks at the south end of our parking lot.
Is Binkley accessible by bus?
Binkley is easily accessible through Chapel Hill Transit “F” bus during the week. For additional information, as well as route maps and schedules, please contact the Chapel Hill Transit office at 919-969-4908 or visit their website. Unfortunately, buses do not run on Sunday.
Are your facilities accessible?
Yes! Our facility is easy to navigate for anyone with mobility issues. We have plenty of handicapped parking on Sunday mornings. You will never need to use stairs on our campus. All of our restrooms are handicap friendly. If mobility is a concern, we recommend parking at the front of the building (the side facing 15-501) and entering at the doors under the glass canopy.
We also offer hearing assistance during our worship services. Please ask an usher to help you locate a hearing aid device when you join us for worship.
What will my child experience at Binkley?
Children are welcome and celebrated at Binkley! We offer nursery care on Sunday mornings for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and Sunday School classes for Preschool-5th graders (September through May).
During 11:00 am Worship, children, ages 4-5th grade are invited to participate in Worship with Children, as an alternative worship experience where they can learn, play, and be creative while focusing on the same themes their loved ones are hearing in the Sanctuary.
We also welcome little ones to stay in the service. Rocking chairs are available to new parents. Don’t worry if your child fidgets or makes noise…these sounds awaken us to the gift of young ones among us!
Visit the Children’s Ministry page for more information on offerings for children.
More About Binkley
What kind of Baptist church is Binkley?
Binkley Baptist Church is a congregation of active open-minded, progressive Christians. We are part of a tradition of Baptists that honors the freedom of individual believers and local congregations. Binkley is committed to ecumenical relationships and interfaith conversations. We seek to honor the presence of God and follow the teachings of Jesus as an inclusive Christian Community of Faith. We respond to the needs of our community, locally and globally. We are a welcoming and affirming church.
What does "welcoming and affirming" mean?
Being welcoming and affirming is at the center of all we do at Binkley. This means that all are welcome here and treated equally regardless of sex, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, financial means, education, and political perspective. We affirm the personhood of every individual who walks through our doors, and celebrate diversity.
What are the church's affiliations?
Binkley is aligned with the American Baptist Churches and was a founding member of ABCOTS (the American Baptist Churches of the South.) Binkley has been an individual congregational member of the North Carolina Council of Churches for many years and more recently the Alliance of Baptists and the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB). Binkley is also a partner member of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA).
Who was Olin T. Binkley?
Dr. Olin T. Binkley was a professor and minister in Chapel Hill. He also served as President of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His Christian witness was an inspiration to our founding members.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Reach out to our church office. If they can’t answer your question, they will find someone who can.