IBC Family,

Our sanctuary at IBC is a sacred, holy place where God’s people gather to worship Almighty God and exalt His son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although there are those with significant emotional and physical challenges that use companion and service animals to help with their needs, we believe that out of devotion and adoration for our Lord, respect for those with allergies, and seeking to keep distractions to a minimum, that allowing these animals into our sanctuary would be inconsistent with these convictions.

Our calling as followers of Jesus is to graciously lead people into a relationship with Him, as the one who can only truly bring healing and restoration. In addition, we are grateful that religious entities are exempt from the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not required to allow service animals into their places of worship. We have placed speakers in the pavilion area and welcome those with these animals to gather there as a way to participate in our worship service. During inclement weather, those with service animals may sit in the family room.

Lastly, we request that you do not respond on social media regarding this issue or others like it that involve IBC. As believers, our relationships are to be carried out with gentleness and reverence in the presence with whom we wish to communicate to help more clearly express our love for the Lord and people.

The IBC Elder Team