Presbyterians share many beliefs in common with all Christians, and we are a product of the Protestant Reformation along with Methodists, Lutheran, etc. Of course we have our own distinctive beliefs and practices.
To learn about Presbyterian Beliefs, click here.
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” [Jeremiah 29:7]
Just as Jeremiah encouraged those in exile to seek the welfare of the place in which they were planted, WBPC is being called to seek the welfare of the surrounding community in which we have been planted – the AventWest neighborhood. Both Jeremiah and Jesus emphasized that we find life for ourselves when we give it away. As such, we believe that it is in seeking our community’s welfare and wholeness that we will find our own. Rather than worry so much about attracting people into WBPC and filling our pews, we are called to focus on simply being servants to our community.
We live to share God’s love for ALL
A vibrant community church reflecting the Kingdom of God
In April 2022, the Session of WBPC voted unanimously to become a Matthew 25 Congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA). This is an initiative of our denomination to follow the call of Jesus in Matthew 25: 31-46, which calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities, serving people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor. WBPC is initially focused on building congregational vitality, but we recognize that we will also continue to grow into the other two areas of focus in this program, namely dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. We are excited about the Spirit’s leading in this path, and we look forward to how we will be challenged to serve in new ways that impacts the least in our midst. Click here to learn more about the Matthew 25 initiative of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
(goals for next 5-7 years)
Build relationships (within church and within community)
Expand education (to better equip all ages to navigate thru a vastly changing world)
Provide shelter (both physical and emotional)
Nurture spirituality
By the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we strive to be Christ-like in upholding these biblically-based core values:
Welcome – we seek and embrace all people, celebrating our differences.
Community – we work, learn and grow together as a loving and caring Christian family.
Nurture – we encourage our children, youth and adults in the development of their faith and spiritual gifts.
Worship – we enjoy biblically grounded, Spirit-filled and meaningful worship that equips us for service to others.
Compassion – we give ourselves in mission and outreach to the world.
Evangelism – we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through our words and our actions, inviting all to join in our fellowship.
Reconciliation – we know that human nature divides, but Jesus Christ unites.
Gratitude – we recognize that all we have comes from God and we are compelled to respond with love and humility.
Justice – we work to change the structures of society that oppress others.