Baptism & Membership at Westwood
At Westwood Baptist Church, we view baptism and membership as meaningful steps in a person’s journey of faith: acts that mark both a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a dedication to walking alongside our community of believers.
Baptism: A Public Statement of Faith
In our tradition, baptism is one of the two ordinances of the church, serving as a powerful, outward symbol of an inward commitment. We recognize baptism by immersion as the standard practice, as it represents a believer’s profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
We understand that everyone’s story is unique. In cases of physical handicap or severe hardship, the congregation may vote to grant an exception to the requirement of immersion.
At Westwood, you are invited to come down during the response time following the sermon in any Sunday worship service to express your desire to be baptized. If you have questions about what baptism means or are interested in taking this step, we invite you to speak with our pastoral staff!
We understand that everyone’s story is unique. In cases of physical handicap or severe hardship, the congregation may vote to grant an exception to the requirement of immersion.
At Westwood, you are invited to come down during the response time following the sermon in any Sunday worship service to express your desire to be baptized. If you have questions about what baptism means or are interested in taking this step, we invite you to speak with our pastoral staff!
Becoming A Member at Westwood
Membership at Westwood is composed of baptized believers who share a common dedication to follow Christ together. Whether you are new to the area or have been attending for some time, we welcome all persons, without regard to gender, race, or national origin, to join our fellowship.
There are a few ways to become a member:
At Westwood, you are invited to come down during the response time following the sermon in any Sunday worship service to express your desire to join by one of the three ways above. If you have questions about what baptism means or are interested in taking this step, we invite you to speak with our pastoral staff!
There are a few ways to become a member:
- By Profession of Faith: If you are making a commitment to follow Jesus and participate in believer's baptism (see above).
- By Transfer of Letter: If you are currently a member of another Baptist church and wish to move your membership.
- By Statement of Faith: If you have previously made a profession of faith and received believer's baptism and would like to join our congregation.
At Westwood, you are invited to come down during the response time following the sermon in any Sunday worship service to express your desire to join by one of the three ways above. If you have questions about what baptism means or are interested in taking this step, we invite you to speak with our pastoral staff!
What Happens Next?
All candidates for membership are accepted upon the majority vote of the members present at a worship service. We encourage all new members to participate in an orientation program, which is a great way to get to know our vision, meet others in the church, and understand how to get involved. These classes (called Westwood 101) are offered a few times a year!
Once you are a member, you are invited to fully participate in the life of the church, including voting in business meetings, serving in leadership roles, and sharing in the ordinances.
Are you ready to take the next step?
If you are interested in exploring baptism or becoming a member, we would love to talk with you. Please reach out to us here or come visit us this Sunday to learn more about what it means to join us in our motto: Joining God in His Work.
Once you are a member, you are invited to fully participate in the life of the church, including voting in business meetings, serving in leadership roles, and sharing in the ordinances.
Are you ready to take the next step?
If you are interested in exploring baptism or becoming a member, we would love to talk with you. Please reach out to us here or come visit us this Sunday to learn more about what it means to join us in our motto: Joining God in His Work.