Abilene: The "Buckle of the Bible Belt" Still Keeps Its Doors Open on Sundays

Over the holidays, I missed out on getting to church on time, and I’ll admit, it’s all on me. Sunday mornings often find me deep in conversation with family and friends, and before I know it, church time has come and gone. So, one Sunday, after my wife (who was already dressed and ready) patiently waited for me, I confidently said, “Sweety, we’ll just go to the evening service.” Boy, was I in for a surprise!

The Shocking Discovery: Where Did Evening Services Go?

When I called a few friends to ask about evening service times at their churches, I was met with giggles and responses like, “Are you serious?” That’s when it hit me: Sunday evening services have become rare in Abilene. While our city has an abundance of churches (we’ve long been dubbed the “Buckle of the Bible Belt”), many congregations haven’t brought back their evening services since COVID-19.

The pandemic changed a lot. While some churches have fully reopened, others are still adapting to smaller in-person attendance. Many members now choose to attend services online, a practice I’ll admit I’ve indulged in myself. It’s convenient to sit at home, get dressed, and tune in to a live-streamed or pre-recorded service. But let’s be honest, nothing beats the warmth of gathering in person with family and friends.

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Finding Sunday Evening Services in Abilene

As someone who occasionally attends different churches, thanks to invitations from my kids or friends, I decided to compile a list of Abilene and Big Country churches still offering Sunday evening services. If you’re looking for one, here’s a handy guide:

Big Country Churches with Sunday Evening Services:

  • Wylie Baptist Church - 6097 Buffalo Gap Rd | 6 PM - 7 PM
  • Broadview Baptist Church - 2500 S 27th St | 6 PM - 7:15 PM
  • Oldham Lane Church of Christ - 5049 Oldham Lane | 5 PM - 6 PM
  • Harvest Baptist Church - 1389 Vine St | 6 PM - 7 PM
  • Abilene Christian Center - 3116 North First St | 6:30 PM - 8:15 PM
  • First Christian Church - 5125 Antilley Rd | 5 PM - 7 PM
  • New Beginnings Pentecostal Church - 5535 Buffalo Gap Rd | 6 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Southern Hills Church of Christ - 3666 Buffalo Gap Rd | 5 PM - 6 PM
  • The Sanctuary of Abilene - 2334 N Willis St | 5 PM - 6 PM
  • St. Vincent Catholic Church - 2525 Westview Dr | 5:30 PM - 6 PM (Bilingual)
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church - 837 Jeanette St | Saturday 5:30 PM - 7 PM
  • Hillcrest Church of Christ - 650 E Ambler Ave | 6 PM - 7 PM
  • Old Paths Baptist Church - 3501 Chimney Rock Rd | 5 PM - 6 PM

Other Options: Online and Midweek Services

While researching this, I noticed nearly every church offers online services, whether live-streamed or recorded, making it easier than ever to stay connected. Most also hold Wednesday evening services, providing another opportunity for worship and fellowship.

See You in Church Soon

Abilene’s rich spiritual heritage remains strong, even as service times and formats evolve. Whether you’re attending in person, online, or midweek, the goal is the same, connecting with God and the community. I hope this list helps you find a service that fits your schedule, and I look forward to seeing you in church soon!

Note: All service times were verified using Yelp and Microsoft Bing.

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