Welcome!
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Located within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary, our fellowship has been a part of this extraordinary community since 1828.
At Williamsburg Baptist we are discovering what it means to be "a different kind of Baptist." We are committed to historic, Baptist principles like freedom of conscience, but we also seek to be an open-minded and inclusive community that values learning, spirituality, and social justice. |
We invite you to join us on the journey, whether in morning worship or during any one of our gathering times. And may God's peace dwell in you richly!
What To Expect
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On any given Sunday, you will find a welcoming group of people who want to make you feel at home. Sometimes, churches can be an awkward place where you're supposed to look a certain way or act a certain way. At WBC, we just want you to feel free to worship God and be yourself.
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Where do I go?
Church offices are located upstairs in the West Wing. Please use the main parking lot door and "buzz-in."
Sunday Morning snacks are available in the Fellowship Lounge 10:30a-11a.
Learning Groups (aka Adult Sunday School) (Sunday, 9:30am) meet in the West Wing 1st floor during the school year, and in the South Wing during summer and winter break. Signs will be posted inside.
The Sunday Morning Worship Service (Sunday - 11:00am) is in the Sanctuary; The Nursery is located at the end of the East Wing.
AA meets in the Social Hall downstairs, Thu & Fri at 8pm.
The All Together Social Justice Brown Bag Lunch Discussion meets in the South Wing on the 1st Friday of the month at noon.
Boy Scout Troop 155 meets in the Social Hall and other locations on Monday evenings
The Williamsburg Youth Harp Society meets in the East Wing - 2nd floor.
F.A.Q.'s
Do I have to be a Baptist to attend a gathering?
No. In fact, many people in our church family hail from other Christian traditions. We're very friendly like that.
Do I have to be a Christian to attend a gathering?
No. Whether you are an agnostic, an atheist, a member of another religious tradition, or just "kind-of-spiritual," you, your questions, and your curiosities are welcome here. Expect to be respected. And again, we're friendly like that.
Baptists, aren't they like...?
Narrow-minded, bigoted, anti-women, a hate group? No, we're not any of those things. While many Baptists have earned a reputation for being one or more of these, we've distanced ourselves from all of that. We prefer to hold to the convictions that historically drove Baptists to imagine what faith could look like when it's free from coercion and obligation. That's why we support ideals like freedom of conscience and the separation of church and state. Check out our affiliations and partners.
Do you preach the Bible? Do you preach the Gospel?
Yes, and yes! We believe that Scripture should be interpreted and studied by understanding its ancient context as thoroughly as we can, and by using the best scholarship available to do that. Moreover, we hold to a Gospel that is much more than "cosmic fire insurance." We strive to enjoy, believe, and proclaim the Good News of God's rule in every aspect of our lives from the arts, to racial reconciliation, to creation care, to economic and social justice, and more. Following Jesus means embodying a new way of being that blesses creation.
What is liturgy?
(Pronounced: lit-erh-jee) Baptists aren't usually known for liturgical worship, but we find a lot of meaning in ancient practices and congregational participation in worship. Liturgy means "the work of the people." So in any given worship service you might find an arrangement of readings, litanies, prayers, choral pieces, and the like, that we work through as a congregation. Far from empty ritual, our practices are meant to be worshipful and rich with meaning . Tradition should be the living faith of the dead, and not the dead faith of the living.
What do you have for children and youth?
We have a safe and caring family of faith. We believe that the most important thing for our WBC kids/youth is to grow up knowing the deep love of God and experiencing that love in the midst of a church family. Big budget programs can keep young people busy and entertained, but we're committed to spiritual formation in a fun and engaging environment where their understanding of God can grow in lockstep with their growing understanding of the world. We accomplish this through Sunday School and various programs, but also through incorporating children in every aspect of the church's life in a developmentally appropriate way.
What do you have for college students?
We have a supportive and open-minded family of faith. We know that you're in college to study for your future. And while we're definitely here to support you in that, this is also an important time to figure out what you believe and why. Williamsburg Baptist is a place where your doubts and questions are welcome. And so we have a Sunday School geared towards young adults as well a reading group that meets over the course of the school year. Our pastor is also a regular at various campus events including Baptist Collegiate Ministries gatherings.
What do you have for retirees?
We have a fun and energetic family of faith. Many people choose to retire in the Historic Triangle area and we are blessed to receive so many talented, capable, and loving people into our fellowship during this season of their lives. In addition to our Sunday school classes we also have a monthly luncheon group as well as a monthly dinner group that is open to all ages. We also have a number of volunteer opportunities in church or community-related initiatives. There's never a dull moment here!
I'm gay... still interested in me showing up?
Yes! God loves you and so do we. You are welcome here just as you are! See Rev. Willson's statement on our Welcoming & Affirming position for our LGBTQ+ siblings in faith.
I believe in science... so this probably isn't for me, right?
Well, we actually believe that scientific understanding is a necessary part of loving the truth and loving God with all of our minds. We celebrate those who have made advances in mainstream science because God's Word in creation should be appreciated alongside God's Word in Scripture. It's time for the faith vs. science debate to evolve.
Do you provide transportation?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not own a van or bus. Some of our members, however, might be willing to provide a ride.
Can I ask another question?
Of course! Contact the church office at churchoffice@williamsburgbaptist.com .