AUGUSTA, GA - There is a reason our city has a reputation as the belt buckle of the Bible Belt. The Southern Baptist Convention, the conservative sibling of the Baptists, was birthed in the heart of our downtown in 1845.

Out-of-towners might expect to see a Baptist church on every corner and that’s not far from the truth. But Augusta has a diversity of religious institutions and church denominations to rival any metropolitan city.

I should know, because I’ve been visiting them for the last two and a half years. Here are some my suggestions for religious institutions that welcome visitors with open arms and provide a unique experience.

If you want a passionate sermon where the audience jumps to its feet shouting and clapping in the name of the Lord, try visiting Macedonia Baptist Church. Make sure you eat a large breakfast. When I went, the service was a 2-hour epic event. If you forget, that’s OK, because no one will hear your stomach rumble over the melodious singing anyway.

If you are a golf fanatic but can’t get tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament, maybe you should step across the street to the The Masters Worship Center. You will be greeted by ushers in green jackets — no coincidence there. Worship is funky and fun and the attire is very casual.

The Korean American Methodist Church was one of my favorites. Dressing up for church here is optional and you will need to wear a headset (they provide you with one) to hear the translation of the pastor’s sermon. Afterwards, members will grab your hand and pull you into the gymnasium to eat a native Korean lunch, as is this church’s custom after every service. They won’t take no for an answer but you’ll be glad you stayed.

For an altogether different religious experience, try attending the Islamic Society of Augusta. Dress modestly, especially if you are a woman. You don’t need to jimmy rig your own veil, they will give you the head coverings to wear. The Imam delivers his sermon in Arabic and English, and delivers it so passionately, you might just be converted.

You could also try out the Hindu Temple Society of Augusta. Be ready to chant, burn incense, offer rice and food offerings to the Hindu gods of Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha and others. Here, too, if there is food afterwards, they won’t let you leave without a plate. Free Indian food is motivation enough to get me to go anywhere.

If you are feeling more spiritual than liturgical, try attending the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta. Depending on the Sunday, you might light candles or burn incense and the message is always uplifting. And you’ll have a reason to put on your tie-dye T-shirt.

If you just want a Southern experience where the congregation has authentic Georgia accents, go to First Baptist Church, one of the largest and most prominent churches in Augusta. You are likely to sit next to a commissioner or government official in the pew, so don’t wear jeans and flip-flops. However, you don’t have to be too clean-cut because the pastor has bucked the Baptist trend and sports a beard.

For more information, visit Macedonia Baptist Church at kingdomconquerors.org, First Baptist Church at fbcaugusta.org, The Masters Worship Center at themwc.net, Islamic Society of Augusta at isauaugsta.com, Hindu Temple Society of Augusta at augustahts.org, Korean American Methodist Church at 706-790-8442 or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta at uuaugusta.org.