On a quiet block just off Shalimar's main streets, the brick and stucco buildings at 17 4th Avenue have been filling with families for more than sixty years. Shalimar Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist congregation that has grown up alongside the small Florida town it calls home, with a steady rhythm of Sunday worship, weekly Bible study, and a children's ministry that walks alongside families from the cradle through fifth grade. Longtime residents worship beside newcomers and neighbors from nearby military communities, and the church's ministry extends beyond its walls into Shalimar Elementary, where volunteers lead an after-school Good News Club each week.
Three Services on Sunday and One on Wednesday
Sunday at Shalimar Baptist is built around three gatherings that give families room to arrive early, stay late, or drop in for any single hour of the day.
- Sunday School at 9:00 AM - Classes are offered for every age, including the women's class LLOL (Ladies Loving Our Lord), adult classes such as Co-Ed 3 & 4, and the Pastor's Class.
- Morning Worship at 10:15 AM - The central Sunday gathering, with congregational singing led by the praise team, a message from Pastor Chuck Poplin, and dedicated programming for children at the same time.
- Evening Worship at 6:00 PM - A second Sunday gathering for those who want to return later in the day.
On Wednesdays, the church gathers again for Evening Worship at 6:00 PM, and children's programming runs alongside it. A weekly activities sheet and a monthly newsletter keep the congregation informed.
Children's Ministry from Little Ones to Older Kids
Children are an unmistakable priority at Shalimar Baptist, and the church organizes its ministry by age in a way that lets each child feel known. Children's Director Sherry Poplin, who has served alongside her husband Pastor Chuck for more than twenty years, oversees three distinct groups.
Little Ones (ages 0 to 4) provides a safe, welcoming environment where babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are introduced to God's Word through play, Bible stories, songs, and simple activities. Parents can drop off their children knowing a member of the congregation will help guide them to the right classroom. The class meets during Sunday School at 9:00 AM, Morning Worship at 10:15 AM, Sunday evening at 6:00 PM, and Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM.
Younger Kids (kindergarten through second grade) teaches biblical truths through engaging lessons that may include games, crafts, music, and hands-on activities. Children are encouraged to build friendships and to support one another as they grow. In addition to weekly meetings, this group participates in Vacation Bible School, Good News Club, and family and seasonal events.
Older Kids (third through fifth grade) goes deeper. Students explore Scripture and apply it to school, friendships, family, and everyday decisions, while building friendships and finding ways to serve others. Special emphasis is placed on preparing fifth graders to transition confidently into youth ministry. Like the younger groups, Older Kids meets during every Sunday and Wednesday gathering and joins in VBS, Good News Club, and special events.
Good News Club at Shalimar Elementary
Beyond its walls, the church partners with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to bring an after-school program to the children of Shalimar Elementary. Good News Club meets from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM during the school year and is open to eligible students with parent or guardian permission. Each afternoon includes Bible lessons, Scripture memory, songs, games, and activities in a fun, encouraging environment.
The club is taught by volunteers from Shalimar Baptist Church who have received specialized training from CEF and have been carefully screened under Okaloosa County School District and CEF Child Protection Policy standards. Parents arrange transportation to and from the program. Betty Isenhower serves as the local CEF Team Leader and can answer questions about registration.
Sunday School for Every Age
Sunday School at 9:00 AM is a cornerstone of the church's week, with classes offered for children, youth, and adults. The ministry is led by Sunday School Director Denny Evans and Assistant Director Ann Phillips, who work alongside the teachers to keep classes welcoming and well organized.
Adults have several options. The Pastor's Class gathers around the teaching of Pastor Chuck for Bible teaching, discussion, and a deeper look into God's Word. Co-Ed 3 & 4 is a Bible study class for adults who want to learn and grow together. LLOL - Ladies Loving Our Lord is a women's Sunday School class centered on studying Scripture and growing together in faith and fellowship.
Men's and Women's Ministries
The church's ministry to men and women centers on Bible study, friendship, and service.
Men's Ministry meets for Men's Bible Study on Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM, a weekly gathering to study Scripture, pray, and encourage one another. Men are also invited to attend Sunday School and to look throughout the year for additional Bible studies, fellowship events, service projects, and leadership opportunities at home, at work, and in the community.
Women's Ministry welcomes women of all ages and stages of life. Children's attendance is welcomed at women's gatherings, making it easier for moms with little ones to come and be part of the time together.
Worship Through Music
Music is woven into the life of the church. Minister of Music Gary Isenhower, who has faithfully served Shalimar Baptist alongside his wife, Betty, for fourteen years, leads the church family in worship each week. Through the praise team, congregational singing, special music, and seasonal programs, he creates opportunities for people of all ages to use their gifts to glorify God.
Pianist Merilyn Anderson accompanies congregational hymns, special music, and seasonal programs, helping create an atmosphere of worship that points hearts toward Christ. The blend of contemporary praise team and traditional congregational hymns gives the music ministry a balanced, multigenerational feel.
Faithful Then, Faithful Now
Shalimar Baptist Church has called this community home for more than sixty years. Generations of members have gathered here to worship, taught children their first Bible stories, prayed for one another through difficult seasons, celebrated together, served their neighbors, traveled on mission, and shared the hope of Jesus. A lot has changed over the years, but the reason the church is here has not.
The church describes itself with the phrase Sharing the Son, Worshiping, Growing and sums up its heartbeat as: love God, love people, and share the hope found in Jesus. Members are regularly featured in short Member Spotlights - video introductions that let newcomers get to know familiar faces - and a weekly Monday Encouragement email sends the congregation into the week with a Scripture passage, a reflection, a short prayer, and a simple challenge.
What the Church Believes
Shalimar Baptist Church teaches that the Bible is God's Word and gives the truth needed for life, that Jesus Christ is Savior, and that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Him. The church's beliefs are consistent with the Baptist Faith & Message. As a Southern Baptist congregation, the church seeks for those beliefs to shape daily life - how members love their families, care for one another, serve their neighbors, raise their children, worship together, and share Jesus with the people around them.
Meet the Pastoral Team
Pastor Chuck Poplin has faithfully served Shalimar Baptist for more than twenty years alongside his wife, Sherry. He has a heart for preaching and teaching God's Word, sharing the Gospel, and caring for the people around him, and he has walked alongside generations of families through many different seasons of life.
Gary Isenhower, Minister of Music, has served for fourteen years with his wife, Betty, leading worship through the praise team, congregational singing, special music, and seasonal programs.
Merilyn Anderson serves as church pianist, supporting congregational hymns, special music, and seasonal programs week after week.
Sherry Poplin, Children's Director, has poured love into the church's children and families for twenty years, creating a place where the youngest members feel welcomed, loved, and excited to learn about Jesus.
Getting Connected
Anyone interested in learning more can fill out the New Here? form on the church's site or reach out by phone at (850) 651-1322 or email at welcome@shalimarbaptistchurch.com. The church also keeps an up-to-date Upcoming Events page and an active Facebook presence where announcements are posted throughout the week.