Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- Why is there a need for yet another church in the West End?
- What is the preaching and teaching like at West End Baptist Church?
- What is available for my children at West End Baptist Church?
- What is the West End Baptist Church's style of worship of like?
- Does West End Baptist Church have any activities for youth?
- How is West End Baptist Church's attention focused towards families with children?
- Are there activities for young singles at West End Baptist Church?
- What is the appropriate dress for attending a worship service or Bible study at West End Baptist Church?
Answers
Why is there a need for yet another church in the West End?
While there are many good churches in the West End, the simple truth is that the job is too big for any one church or group of churches to handle. There are over ninety-thousand people in the West End area and fewer than twenty-thousand of those people are actively attending a church. The goal of West End Baptist Church is not to take members from other churches, but rather to win the lost and disciple the saved. We realize that some people who are attending other churches in the area may feel lead to come and join in the vision of West End Baptist Church, and we do not discourage this. However, we are really seeking to reach the vast number of unchurched people and those who may be relocating to the West End area. There are many in the area that need Jesus and need a church. We are here to love people with the love of Christ and to help them find God's joy and peace in following His desires.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen."Matthew 28:19-20
What is the preaching and teaching like at West End Baptist Church?
The teaching and preaching at West End Baptist Church is relevant, challenging, practical, life-applicable, and most importantly, Biblical. The Bible is the greatest book ever written simply because God is the author. It is our belief that God's revelation through scripture is crucial to all people. He has given us the blueprints for life in His word. The great news about the Bible is that, despite the fact that it has been around for thousands of years, it is still absolutely relevant for today's living. West End Baptist Church is not afraid to teach and preach the Bible as God's eternal truth. Our desire is to aid all people in learning and understanding His teachings in scripture.
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."2 Timothy 4:2-4
What is available for my children at West End Baptist Church?
At West End Baptist Church, we place a strong emphasis on children. Children are never looked down upon and are never ignored. It is our goal to assist children in growing spiritually through a fun and safe environment. We work hard at including the whole family in the programming available.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."Deuteronomy 6:4-7
What is the West End Baptist Church's style of worship of like?
Worship is a privilege we have as Christians and is more than just praising God. Worship is held as a vital part of the church and is one of the six key elements we find in the New Testament church (Acts 2:41-47). Our style of "musical worship" is a contemporary blend - it is contemporary in that the music is a style that is popular with today's general public; it is blended in that we do not limit ourselves to praising God with one specific style of music. We believe that God has ordained in His scripture that we are to praise Him with scriptural psalms, theological hymns, and praise songs. A blend of these three makes our worship complete.
We also know that God has given many people different talents and we do not limit the worship of God to just music. We welcome drama, scripture readings, instrumentals, and other talents in our worship at West End Baptist Church.
"But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."Ephesians 5:18-20
Does West End Baptist Church have any activities for youth?
Today's generation of youth is dynamic and exciting and are very capable of handling true discipleship. We do not have a "fun and games" philosophy in our youth ministry at West End Baptist Church. Now this does not mean that the students won't have fun; it does mean that we are here to disciple, and not just to entertain. Some of the strongest and most committed students are ones who have been well-discipled. The youth at West End Baptist Church are important and are given the opportunity to be a vital part of the entire church body.
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."1 Timothy 4:12
How is West End Baptist Church's attention focused towards families with children?
We believe that outside of your relationship with God, the relationship you have with your family is most important. We encourage the family and the concept of growing and ministering to families. It is our practice to aid parents in their responsibility of rearing their children in a Christ-like manner. We believe that it is important to keep parents involved and aware of what is being taught to their children. The programming at West End Baptist Church provides parents with weekly information sheets on what their children are learning, time to worship together as a family, family retreat opportunities, and supplies family-based Bible studies for use at home. We desire to see parents and children come together and grow spiritually as a family unit.
"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren."Deuteronomy 4:9
Are there activities for young singles at West End Baptist Church?
Often times, singles are looked over because there this is such a broad category of people involved. We are aware of the specific needs of singles and it is our philosophy that they should be actively a part of the adult body of Christ. There is nothing wrong with being single. It can be one of the greatest opportunities to serve God because of the freedom allowed by not being attached.
What is the appropriate dress for attending a worship service or Bible study at West End Baptist Church?
We want you to come just as you are! You are welcome in blue jeans, shorts, a coat and tie, business casual, a dress, or any clothes you may have. There is no specific kind of apparel required in order to worship God. You will be comfortable coming strait from work in Innsbrook or strait from work at Wal-Mart. Our concern is more with the inward appearance of people than with the outward appearance.
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."1 Peter 3:3-4