Since 1975, Oak Lawn's South Side Baptist Church has served not only as a place of worship, but also as a religious school. The dedicated congregation participates in community services projects to benefit the residents of the southern suburbs. Long-term missionary programs are also available, located in exotic countries ranging from Mexico to Japan. Religious education is taught right next door to South Side Baptist. Featuring a rigorous curriculum grounded in spirituality and academic challenges, kindergarten through high school students are encouraged to join one of the numerous after-school activities offered. Teachers are certified with all the proper credentials and are also congregation members.