1. What times are you open?
Walk Through Bethlehem is open 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19-21. Doors to the worship center will actually open at 3 p.m. for early arrivals, and anyone inside the worship center at 10 p.m. will experience the Walk.
2. What does this cost?
Admission is absolutely free to Walk Through Bethlehem. We do not take up offerings, and we do not accept donations. Our church is committed to this concept in a time when so much of "Christmas" seems concerned with buying gifts.
3. What should I wear?
The 30-minute walk is outside, so dress appropriately. Guests will wait their turn to walk through the city in a very comfortable environment, and be refreshed in our brand-new Christian Life Center after the walk.
4. What is this, exactly?
Great question! This is an interactive drama where our guests become part of the Christmas story. You can find the original story in the Bible, in the first two chapters of the books of Matthew and Luke. We try to re-create what Bethlehem might have been like the night Jesus was born. If you'll listen closely, you'll hear the dialogue between our tour hosts and the residents of Bethlehem that tell the story. In the meantime, you'll have to pay a tax (we'll give you the coin), and you'll be immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and even the tastes of an ancient city. Eventually, you'll make the same discovery the shepherds of Bethlehem made, as they ran to find the place where Jesus had been laid in a manger. Click here for photos of the 2006 WTB! Click here to watch a video (2:53) about the 2006 WTB (hosted by GodTube).
5. Why are there Roman Soldiers in Walk Through Bethlehem?
Israel was an occupied country when Jesus was born, and the Romans could be extremely cruel. In Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus, the record includes a horrible murder of any boy in Bethlehem age 2 or under! And while our Roman guards appear pretty gruff, they are, in reality, pretty nice guys. Get past the first encounter with the guards at the gate, and you'll find Bethlehem to be a very friendly place.
6. Where can I park?
Our parking attendants will help you find a place to park on our campus, although there are times when parking spots simply don't exist. Please be patient, and consider having the driver letting most of your group come inside the church and register, while seeking a place to park. We ask groups coming by bus or van to park at a nearby satellite location, where we run shuttles for the drivers. Need driving directions to Shirley Hills? Click here.
7. I have special needs...can you help?
We simply need to know what you need. Each year, many of our guests may need a wheelchair (we have a few on hand, and volunteers who can help push), or even an early tour. Call the church office - 923-5571 - and let us know how we can help.
8. Do you have interpretation for the deaf?
Absolutely! We've scheduled a major tour for the deaf on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. More questions? Click here to e-mail our interpreter.
9. How long do we have to wait in the church before getting into the city?
That will always depend on the number of quests we have. Sometimes, people wait only a few minutes. At peak times, the wait can be two hours. Regardless, we will have some of the best entertainers in middle Georgia available to make the time pass quickly. Generally speaking, the shortest waits are for those who arrive early (4-6 p.m.) and late (9:30-10 p.m.)
10. Will our church group be able to stay together?
Yes, although each tour group has 20-25 people. If your group is especially large and you are separated for the Walk, you'll soon be together again in the Christian Life Center.
11. Will the animals bite?
ONLY IF THEY ARE HUNGRY. Live animals come with obvious risks and our camels will spit, because that's what camels do. For your safety and the enjoyment of the experience we keep them behind a double fence and take appropriate safety measures for both the animals and our guests.
12. Is the baby real?
Both our infant actors/actresses - and the child they portray - are very real. Our church, and the parents of each "Baby Jesus," are committed to telling everyone that Jesus was real. The story of Christmas is not a legend or a myth. Historians have validated the life of Christ and as his followers we want to make sure that every person who comes through Walk Through Bethlehem understands that Jesus still offers life to those who follow him. And by the way, during cold weather, the manger is 
actually the warmest spot in Bethlehem!
13. More questions? Call us (478-923-5571), or e-mail us. Interested in hosting this event at your church? Just as we were helped by other churches in our first years of operation, we'd like to help you. Just contact us.
