Our church has always had an open-door policy. Feel free to ask any question about any ministry. We welcome your questions. Below are answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked.  If you’d like to submit a question or comment drop us a note!

What’s in the name Baptist?

This church is a Baptist church by conviction and principle, not by affiliation. This means that we believe the basic Bible teachings for which Baptists have historically stood. As Baptists, we believe the following: the Bible is our sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. The church should be autonomous or self-governing. The believer does not need a priest, other than Jesus Christ, to come boldly to God. Every Christian has equal access to God personally. God’s Word gives us two ordinances for the church-baptism and the Lord’s Table. Each person is individually responsible for his decision to accept Christ. The separation of church and state is biblical. The believer is eternally secure and cannot lose salvation. There are two biblical offices in the church—pastors and deacons.

What does it mean to be an independent church?

As an independent Baptist church, we are not affiliated with any particular Baptist denomination or ruling body. Because of this we can support our own missionaries, select our own leaders, and support institutions that believe as we believe. In short, our church answers to the headship of Jesus Christ rather than a denominational body. There are currently more than 12,000 independent Baptist churches in America and thousands more throughout the world.

How can I be involved in ministry?

There is much room for ministry involvement at Woodridge Baptist Church. In a given month, there are always opportunities to serve in areas such as maintenance and office-related projects. Feel free to contact the church office if you would like to volunteer your time in this way. If you are interested in teaching, helping, singing, or other visible positions of leadership, an appointment must be set with the Pastor. For some ministries, church membership and a waiting period would be required.

What is required for membership?

To become a member of Woodridge Baptist an appointment must be made with the pastor and deacons to hear your testimony.  You must first be saved and then baptized in a church of like-faith and practice and agree to our membership covenant.  You may be asked to complete a one-on-one discipleship course prior to membership.  During a Sunday evening service, you will be presented to the church to hear your salvation testimony and be received into membership by vote.  You and your family will be invited to attend our new members reception, to become more acquainted with the church family.

How are the finances of the church handled?

Annually, our church votes on the budget that is prepared by the leadership team and deacons. On a monthly basis, our deacons and treasurer meet with our pastor to review financial matters. At this meeting, monthly financial reports are reviewed. On a weekly basis, our treasurer and financial secretary work with the pastoral administrative team to keep ministry flowing and accountable.

How is the leadership of the church structured?

Ultimately, Christ is the head of this church. On a daily basis, the church is primarily led by the pastor and pastoral leadership staff. This team works together in prayer and decision making to follow the leading of God for our church ministry. Also, our deacons serve as a church elected group that meets with the pastor monthly to review and discuss matters of church importance. At our quarterly business meetings the church is made aware of matters of business and reviews the financial report.  This provides a high level of accountability as well as a great spirit of team cooperation as we follow God’s leading for this church.

What is the church’s approach to financial giving?

We have never practiced high-pressure techniques or fund-raising schemes. Rather, we choose to annually preach and teach what God’s Word says about Christian stewardship and giving. How you respond to that teaching is a heart issue between you and the Lord. The only times you will be contacted about your giving is either when you request it, or when you receive your annual giving statement summary.

What does the church do to help the needy?

Many lives are touched weekly through the outreach ministries of our church. In addition to this, our deacons oversee a benevolence fund that is used to assist needy folk with basic needs from within and without the church. As these funds are limited, each need is carefully evaluated and met to the best of our ability.