About Woodland Park Baptist Church

A community of faith, hope, and love since 1945

Welcome to Our Church Family

Woodland Park Baptist Church is a vibrant, Christ-centered community dedicated to sharing God's love, growing in faith together, and serving our neighbors. For over 75 years, we've been a spiritual home for generations of families in Oak Ridge and the surrounding communities.

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning to church after some time away, or looking for a new church home, we invite you to experience the warmth and welcome of our congregation. We believe that every person matters to God and therefore matters to us.

Plan Your Visit Our Mission

Our Mission & Vision

Guided by faith, inspired by purpose

Our Mission

To glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and serve the world.

Our Vision

To be a church where people of all backgrounds encounter Christ, experience transformation, and engage in God's redemptive work.

Our Promise

To provide a welcoming community where you can explore faith, find belonging, and discover your purpose.

Our History

A legacy of faith and service

1945

Humble Beginnings

Woodland Park Baptist Church was founded by 12 families who began meeting in a small storefront in downtown Oak Ridge. In the midst of the Manhattan Project and the rapid growth of Oak Ridge, these founding members sought to establish a spiritual home for the influx of workers and their families.

1950

First Building

After five years of growth, the congregation purchased land at our current location and constructed our first sanctuary. The building was dedicated on Easter Sunday, with over 200 people in attendance.

1965

Community Outreach

Under the leadership of Pastor Tim Kimsey, the church established its first community outreach programs, including a food pantry and clothing ministry that continue to serve the community today.

1978

Education Wing

As the church continued to grow, particularly among young families, an education wing was added to accommodate Sunday School classes, youth activities, and community programs.

1995

50th Anniversary

The church celebrated its 50th anniversary with a year-long series of events, including a homecoming weekend that brought back former pastors and members from across the country.

2010

New Sanctuary

After years of planning and fundraising, our current sanctuary was dedicated, providing a beautiful worship space that honors our traditions while embracing contemporary needs.

2020

75th Anniversary & Pandemic Response

Our 75th anniversary coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to innovative approaches to ministry, including online services and community support initiatives for those affected by the crisis.

Today

Looking Forward

Today, Woodland Park Baptist Church continues to build on its rich heritage while embracing new opportunities to share Christ's love in a changing world. With over 500 members and numerous ministries, we remain committed to our founding vision of being a spiritual home where all are welcome.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our church

Biblical Authority

We believe the Bible is God's inspired Word and the ultimate authority for our faith and practice. We are committed to teaching Scripture in a way that is faithful to its context and applicable to daily life.

Authentic Worship

We value worship that engages the heart, mind, and soul, drawing people into a genuine encounter with God through music, prayer, Scripture, and teaching.

Meaningful Community

We believe spiritual growth happens best in community. We are committed to creating environments where people can build authentic relationships, receive support, and grow in faith together.

Compassionate Service

Following Christ's example, we are called to serve others with humility and compassion. We seek to meet both spiritual and practical needs in our community and around the world.

Global Mission

We are committed to sharing the gospel locally and globally through evangelism, missions, and partnerships that advance God's kingdom and demonstrate His love to all people.

Next Generation

We value investing in children, youth, and young adults, providing age-appropriate discipleship that equips them to live out their faith in today's world.

Our Leadership

Serving and guiding our church family

Pastor Tim Kimsey

Senior Pastor

Pastor Tim has served as our Senior Pastor since 2015. With over 20 years of ministry experience, he brings a passion for biblical teaching, discipleship, and community engagement. He and his wife Sarah have three children and enjoy hiking, music, and college football.

Email Call

Ministry Staff

Pastor David Wilson

Associate Pastor

Pastor David oversees adult discipleship, small groups, and pastoral care. He joined our staff in 2018 after serving as a missionary in South America for 10 years.

Jennifer Davis

Worship Pastor

Jennifer leads our worship ministry, including our choir, praise team, and technical arts. She has a background in music education and joined our staff in 2019.

Pastor Marcus Johnson

Youth Pastor

Pastor Marcus leads our vibrant youth ministry for students in grades 6-12. His focus is on helping teenagers develop a genuine faith that impacts every area of their lives.

Lisa Martinez

Children's Ministry Director

Lisa oversees our children's ministry from nursery through elementary. She has a passion for creating engaging environments where children can learn about God's love.

Deacon Board

Robert Chen

Deacon Chair

James Wilson

Deacon

Sarah Johnson

Deacon

Thomas Wright

Deacon

What We Believe

Our statement of faith

At Woodland Park Baptist Church, we affirm the historic, evangelical Christian faith. While we respect various interpretations on secondary theological issues, the following represents our core beliefs:

The Bible

We believe the Bible is God's Word, divinely inspired and without error in its original manuscripts. It is our supreme authority in matters of faith and practice.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16

God

We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, sharing the same nature and attributes.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return personally and visibly to earth.

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." - Colossians 2:9

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer at the moment of salvation. He empowers Christians for service, convicts of sin, guides in truth, and transforms us to become more like Christ.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8

Humanity

We believe humans are created in God's image but are separated from God by sin. All people need redemption that can only come through faith in Jesus Christ.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

Salvation

We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works. When we place our trust in Jesus, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and adopted into God's family.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

The Church

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, consisting of all believers. The local church is called to worship God, nurture believers, and share the gospel with the world.

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." - 1 Corinthians 12:27

Baptism & Communion

We practice believer's baptism by immersion as a public declaration of faith in Christ. We observe communion regularly as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a celebration of our unity in Him.

"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26

Last Things

We believe in the personal, visible return of Christ to earth, the bodily resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the eternal state of heaven and hell.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our church

What should I expect on my first visit?

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by our welcome team who can help you find your way around. Our Sunday service begins at 10:45 AM and typically lasts about 75 minutes. The service includes contemporary worship music, prayer, Scripture reading, and a message from one of our pastors. We have programs for children of all ages during the service.

What should I wear?

We have no dress code at Woodland Park Baptist. Some people dress casually in jeans and t-shirts, while others prefer more formal attire. We want you to feel comfortable, so please dress in a way that feels right for you.

Is there childcare available?

Yes! We have a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for children from birth through 5th grade during our Sunday services. Our children's ministry is staffed by trained volunteers who have undergone background checks. When you arrive, our welcome team can direct you to our children's check-in area.

How do I become a member?

We offer a "Discover Woodland" class several times throughout the year for those interested in membership. This four-week class covers our church's history, beliefs, values, and opportunities for involvement. After completing the class, those who wish to join can meet with a pastor and be presented for membership during a Sunday service. Membership is open to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and been baptized as believers.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get connected at Woodland Park Baptist! We encourage everyone to join a small group, where you can build relationships and grow spiritually. We also have numerous ministry teams that welcome new volunteers, from greeting visitors to working with children to serving in our community outreach programs. Visit our Welcome Center on Sunday mornings or contact the church office to learn more about specific opportunities.

What denomination is Woodland Park Baptist Church?

Woodland Park Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. While we value this connection for missions and cooperative efforts, we operate independently and welcome people from various denominational backgrounds. Our focus is on the core teachings of Scripture rather than denominational distinctives.

Do you have programs for youth and teenagers?

Yes! We have an active youth ministry for students in grades 6-12 that meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM. Our youth program includes worship, Bible study, small groups, and regular social and service activities. We also offer special events throughout the year, including summer camp, mission trips, and retreats.