What We Believe
ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT MAN
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God´s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates man from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
ABOUT ETERNITY
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven´s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God´s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin´s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God´s word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
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History & Vision
In the winter of 1960, a group of 86 believers formed a church, which met each week on the corner of East Kingshighway and 8th Avenue. Meetings were held in an old milk company distribution building.
In April of that same year, the church purchased an acre of land on the corner of 7th and Morgan Streets. One month later, dirt began to move in what would become a 2-year construction project. On August 6, 1962, the church moved into the new building and adopted the name "West View Baptist Church".
By 1969, it had become evident that the small facility just wasn't enough to accomadate the growing church, so the decision was made to construct a new auditorium. On March 15, 1970, West View held the first services in the new auditorium.
From 1974-1979, under the leadership of Pastor Ledell Bailey, West View's membership grew to over 400, a bus ministry was formed and construction began on a Pastor's Study, offices, and a new Preschool Department.
Pastor Gary Fulton was called to serve in 1982. One year later, the educational area was remodeled. It was also in the early 80's that the Tape Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry were started (both still exist today). Our current Associate Pastor, Ronnie Winn was called in 1985 as the Minister of Youth & Music. Brother Gary Fulton served until 1992.
The 1990's would prove to be another monumental time in the life of West View. In 1993, five classrooms were built on the north side of the sanctuary (the present day Student Center). The church also purchased 19 acres of land adjacent to the existing facilities. In 1995, plans were made to build a new worship facility. Groundbreaking occurred in the summer of 1997, and in August of 1998, the new sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord with a message delivered by former pastor, Gary Fulton.
In March of 2005, Brother Robert Piercy was called as the Student Pastor. Five months later, Brother Marc Reeves was called to serve as Senior Pastor. Finally, in April of 2006, Brother Richie Williams came on board to serve as the Minister of Music.
Today, West View continues to move forward in being a light in the community through outreach efforts such as Upward Soccer, The Fall Extravaganza, Vacation Bible School, and much more. Believers are encouraged through loving relationships with others, great Bible teaching, and meaningful worship. It is our desire that you would join us as we work together to spread the fame of our great and glorious King!
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