FAQs

Why doesn’t Woodcrest preach out of the Bible? Does Woodcrest "water down" the message?

"Part of what I think is at the heart of the critique of our supposed shallowness is our orientation toward application. I am convinced that the most important truth is the truth we live with. If I know something intellectually, but I can’t really apply it, then that knowledge does me little good.

So in my message preparation I spend at least as much time on processing the application side of the question as I do the content side of an issue. Some people believe that content (information) alone is what makes people better disciples.

I went to a Christian college. Went to seminary. Even a Christian business school. Have served in churches with a reputation of being "deep" and "mature" — and I can tell you that it is not the amount of information that people have that makes them mature in Christ, it is the amount of information that has them that makes them more Christ-like.

I’m convinced that when you take time to process the hows and whys of living the Christian life, people tend to want to do what is taught. They are inspired not only to know the truth, but inspired to try living it.

In short, what that means (practically) is that it is true that in any one given message at Woodcrest — you may not get as much "content" (strictly speaking), because we also spend a lot of time talking about why this matters and how to do it.

I’m also convinced that over the long haul, our approach creates a stronger likelihood that the listener will actually live more christianly — and be more excited about it — because they know how and why they are doing what they are doing."

Pieter Van Waarde
Senior Pastor

What denomination is Woodcrest?

Woodcrest is a non-denominational church with Southern Baptist roots. While the core of what we believe is strongly Baptistic, we are pleased to have a church full of people from every denominational background, or no church background at all. Visit the Beliefs page for more information about our core values.

How do I join the church?

Membership at Woodcrest is really about participation. We encourage people to come, grow, serve and give. To learn more about what opportunities are available, please click here.

To solidify your commitment, we do offer membership in our serving community. If you are interested or are currently a member of another church and would like to transfer your membership, we would also be happy to do that. Contact Dana Sharland.

Woodcrest seems so big. How do I get involved?

Woodcrest is a large church made up of many small parts. We are happy to offer groups, clubs and classes to meet almost every need. To help you get started, we offer a Connecting Point Survey. Just answer a few questions to get an idea of where to start.

We’d also love to meet with you and help you get connected personally. To meet with a staff member, contact Dana Sharland.

How is Woodcrest governed?

Woodcrest is governed by a Board of Directors. These Directors are nominated and approved by the congregation. They work with the Senior Pastor and his leadership team — the Pastoral Advisory Team — to keep the church on mission.

Baby Dedications

The dedication of your child will be a time when you will make a commitment. Your commitment will be to raise your child in a Christian household, to pray with and for your child, to instruct your child in the truths of the Christian faith, and to do all that is in your power to bring your child to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Forgiver and Leader.

Dedications take place in the Woodcrest auditorium immediately following the last Sunday morning service. The ceremony requires only a few minutes, and family and friends are welcome.

Click here for more information about baby dedications.

Funerals

Funerals will be arranged between our Pastoral Staff and the funeral home.

For more information, please contact Maris Herndon.