Washington Heights Baptist Church desires to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in a way that is biblical, orderly, loving, and clear. We believe the church belongs to Christ, and every part of church life should be shaped by the Word of God.
Our bylaws, policies, and procedures exist to help us walk together with understanding. They help define how we believe, how we serve, how we make decisions, how we receive members, how we care for one another, and how we protect the unity and testimony of the church.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, conduct, worship, and church life. No tradition, opinion, preference, personality, vote, or policy is above the Word of God.
Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms the King James Version as our standard and most trusted English translation for official preaching, teaching, doctrine, and governance. This does not mean we question the sincerity of every believer who uses another translation for personal reading or study. It simply means that when Scripture is quoted, interpreted, compared, or used to settle matters of doctrine and church order, the KJV is the standard by which we proceed.
We believe church decisions should be made with prayer, humility, biblical support, and a desire to honor Christ. If any part of our church practice is found to be out of line with Scripture, our responsibility is to follow Scripture.
Washington Heights Baptist Church believes in one living and true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, given by inspiration of God, and fully trustworthy for doctrine, faith, and obedience.
We believe mankind is sinful and in need of salvation. We believe salvation is offered freely by the grace of God to all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe good works do not earn salvation, but they should be visible in the life of a believer who has been changed by God’s grace.
We believe Jesus Christ will return as promised in Scripture, and we desire to live in readiness, faithfulness, and Gospel witness until He comes.
For a more thorough rendering of our beliefs backed with multiple scripture references, go here.
We believe marriage, as defined by Scripture, is the union of one man and one woman. We believe sexual intimacy belongs within that marriage covenant.
Our church staff, volunteers, leaders, and members are expected to uphold this biblical standard in belief and conduct. Weddings connected with Washington Heights Baptist Church are handled in a way that reflects these convictions and honors Christ.
We understand that these beliefs may differ from the direction of the culture around us, but our desire is to follow the Word of God with conviction, humility, and love.
Washington Heights Baptist Church is an autonomous local church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That means Christ is the Head of the church, Scripture is our final authority, and the congregation carries responsibility under God for the life and direction of the church.
The Lead Pastor provides spiritual leadership and oversight through the ministry of the Word, prayer, shepherding, and biblical guidance. The Church Council, Deacons, Trustees, officers, and ministry leaders serve according to their roles for the health, order, and service of the church.
The church also values congregational participation. Members in good standing are encouraged to serve, give, pray, vote when appropriate, and take part in the work of the ministry.
Church membership is more than having a name on a roll. It is a spiritual connection to a local body of believers.
Members are expected to profess faith in Jesus Christ, follow the Lord in believer’s baptism, support the doctrine and direction of the church, participate faithfully, live with a Christlike testimony, and seek unity within the body.
We also recognize that some believers may be unable to attend in person because of distance, illness, physical limitations, or unavoidable circumstances. For that reason, the church allows for remote membership under clear guidelines. Remote members are welcomed as part of our extended church family, though some responsibilities and privileges differ from in-person membership.
We believe unity is precious and must be protected. Concerns, disagreements, and proposals for change should be handled through biblical and orderly channels.
The church does not desire confusion, gossip, private campaigning, or division. Members are encouraged to speak truthfully, humbly, and directly, with a desire for restoration and peace.
When correction is needed, it should be handled according to Scripture, with love, patience, and the goal of helping people walk rightly before the Lord.
Washington Heights Baptist Church desires for all who gather on church property to be treated with purity, respect, and care.
We expect members, visitors, and guests to conduct themselves in a way that honors Christ. This includes modesty, appropriate interaction between adults and minors, parental responsibility, proper supervision of children and youth, and respect for the church property as a place dedicated to the Lord’s work.
We take safety seriously, especially concerning children, youth, and vulnerable persons. Our goal is to provide a place where people can worship, learn, serve, and fellowship with confidence and peace.
The buildings and property of Washington Heights Baptist Church are dedicated to the Lord. They are to be used for worship, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and activities that reflect Christian values.
Requests to use church facilities are reviewed according to the church’s beliefs, calendar, and ministry priorities. Those using the facilities are expected to show respect for the property, follow church expectations, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Christian character.
We believe the church should care for people with compassion, wisdom, and Gospel purpose.
Our benevolence ministry exists to help meet practical needs as the Lord provides and as the church is able. This ministry is handled with accountability, prayerful discernment, and a desire to show the love of Christ.
Assistance is not simply about money. The deeper desire is to minister to people, point them to Christ, and serve them with humility and care.
We believe our Christian testimony includes how we communicate online.
Members are expected to use social media, texting, email, and digital communication in a way that honors Christ. Gossip, slander, public complaints against the church or its members, and divisive speech do not reflect the spirit of Scripture.
Concerns should be handled biblically and personally rather than publicly and carelessly. Our desire is for our words, both spoken and posted, to build up rather than tear down.
Washington Heights Baptist Church maintains full bylaws, appendices, and policies for the orderly governance of the church.
This public summary is provided to give members, visitors, and serious inquirers a clear understanding of our beliefs and church order. The full governing documents are available to members, prospective members, and sincere inquirers through the church office or during the membership process.
Our desire is to be clear without being cold, biblical without being harsh, and orderly without losing the heart of Christian love. Above all, we want Christ to be honored, His Word to be obeyed, and His church to walk together in truth and grace.
If you are an active member, prospective member, or serious inquirer, and would like to request access to our full bylaws and policies, please click the “Request More Info” button below and complete the form provided. Please include your request and the reason for your inquiry so it can be reviewed and handled appropriately.
Our bylaws, policies, and procedures exist to help us walk together with understanding. They help define how we believe, how we serve, how we make decisions, how we receive members, how we care for one another, and how we protect the unity and testimony of the church.
Our Final Authority
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine, conduct, worship, and church life. No tradition, opinion, preference, personality, vote, or policy is above the Word of God.
Washington Heights Baptist Church affirms the King James Version as our standard and most trusted English translation for official preaching, teaching, doctrine, and governance. This does not mean we question the sincerity of every believer who uses another translation for personal reading or study. It simply means that when Scripture is quoted, interpreted, compared, or used to settle matters of doctrine and church order, the KJV is the standard by which we proceed.
We believe church decisions should be made with prayer, humility, biblical support, and a desire to honor Christ. If any part of our church practice is found to be out of line with Scripture, our responsibility is to follow Scripture.
Our Doctrinal Foundation
Washington Heights Baptist Church believes in one living and true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, given by inspiration of God, and fully trustworthy for doctrine, faith, and obedience.
We believe mankind is sinful and in need of salvation. We believe salvation is offered freely by the grace of God to all who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe good works do not earn salvation, but they should be visible in the life of a believer who has been changed by God’s grace.
We believe Jesus Christ will return as promised in Scripture, and we desire to live in readiness, faithfulness, and Gospel witness until He comes.
For a more thorough rendering of our beliefs backed with multiple scripture references, go here.
Our Commitment to Biblical Marriage and Family
We believe marriage, as defined by Scripture, is the union of one man and one woman. We believe sexual intimacy belongs within that marriage covenant.
Our church staff, volunteers, leaders, and members are expected to uphold this biblical standard in belief and conduct. Weddings connected with Washington Heights Baptist Church are handled in a way that reflects these convictions and honors Christ.
We understand that these beliefs may differ from the direction of the culture around us, but our desire is to follow the Word of God with conviction, humility, and love.
Our Church Government
Washington Heights Baptist Church is an autonomous local church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That means Christ is the Head of the church, Scripture is our final authority, and the congregation carries responsibility under God for the life and direction of the church.
The Lead Pastor provides spiritual leadership and oversight through the ministry of the Word, prayer, shepherding, and biblical guidance. The Church Council, Deacons, Trustees, officers, and ministry leaders serve according to their roles for the health, order, and service of the church.
The church also values congregational participation. Members in good standing are encouraged to serve, give, pray, vote when appropriate, and take part in the work of the ministry.
Our Membership Expectations
Church membership is more than having a name on a roll. It is a spiritual connection to a local body of believers.
Members are expected to profess faith in Jesus Christ, follow the Lord in believer’s baptism, support the doctrine and direction of the church, participate faithfully, live with a Christlike testimony, and seek unity within the body.
We also recognize that some believers may be unable to attend in person because of distance, illness, physical limitations, or unavoidable circumstances. For that reason, the church allows for remote membership under clear guidelines. Remote members are welcomed as part of our extended church family, though some responsibilities and privileges differ from in-person membership.
Our Commitment to Unity and Accountability
We believe unity is precious and must be protected. Concerns, disagreements, and proposals for change should be handled through biblical and orderly channels.
The church does not desire confusion, gossip, private campaigning, or division. Members are encouraged to speak truthfully, humbly, and directly, with a desire for restoration and peace.
When correction is needed, it should be handled according to Scripture, with love, patience, and the goal of helping people walk rightly before the Lord.
Our Commitment to Safety and Conduct
Washington Heights Baptist Church desires for all who gather on church property to be treated with purity, respect, and care.
We expect members, visitors, and guests to conduct themselves in a way that honors Christ. This includes modesty, appropriate interaction between adults and minors, parental responsibility, proper supervision of children and youth, and respect for the church property as a place dedicated to the Lord’s work.
We take safety seriously, especially concerning children, youth, and vulnerable persons. Our goal is to provide a place where people can worship, learn, serve, and fellowship with confidence and peace.
Our Use of Church Facilities
The buildings and property of Washington Heights Baptist Church are dedicated to the Lord. They are to be used for worship, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and activities that reflect Christian values.
Requests to use church facilities are reviewed according to the church’s beliefs, calendar, and ministry priorities. Those using the facilities are expected to show respect for the property, follow church expectations, and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Christian character.
Our Benevolence and Care Ministry
We believe the church should care for people with compassion, wisdom, and Gospel purpose.
Our benevolence ministry exists to help meet practical needs as the Lord provides and as the church is able. This ministry is handled with accountability, prayerful discernment, and a desire to show the love of Christ.
Assistance is not simply about money. The deeper desire is to minister to people, point them to Christ, and serve them with humility and care.
Our Digital Conduct
We believe our Christian testimony includes how we communicate online.
Members are expected to use social media, texting, email, and digital communication in a way that honors Christ. Gossip, slander, public complaints against the church or its members, and divisive speech do not reflect the spirit of Scripture.
Concerns should be handled biblically and personally rather than publicly and carelessly. Our desire is for our words, both spoken and posted, to build up rather than tear down.
Our Full Bylaws and Policies
Washington Heights Baptist Church maintains full bylaws, appendices, and policies for the orderly governance of the church.
This public summary is provided to give members, visitors, and serious inquirers a clear understanding of our beliefs and church order. The full governing documents are available to members, prospective members, and sincere inquirers through the church office or during the membership process.
Our desire is to be clear without being cold, biblical without being harsh, and orderly without losing the heart of Christian love. Above all, we want Christ to be honored, His Word to be obeyed, and His church to walk together in truth and grace.
If you are an active member, prospective member, or serious inquirer, and would like to request access to our full bylaws and policies, please click the “Request More Info” button below and complete the form provided. Please include your request and the reason for your inquiry so it can be reviewed and handled appropriately.