West Park Baptist Church

Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World

West Park Contributor

WP Kids Volunteer Testimonial

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Written by: Kay Thomas (Awana Volunteer)

About 35 years ago, we moved to west Knoxville. One of the first things we did was visit nearby churches. We visited several hoping to find one that had Awana (we worked in Awana at our previous church). We first visited West Park on a Wednesday night. When we walked into the auditorium Pastor Sam was there, he came and introduced himself. We had our three children with us and Pastor Sam asked if he could take them to Awana and I knew we were home.

I volunteered to work in Awana wherever needed and was told Cubbies always need leaders and I’ve worked in Cubbies since. It’s such a blessing to see teens and adults you taught in Cubbies serving the Lord. I hope I have played at least a small part in their lives. II Timothy 2:15 says “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

My daughter Kelley and I taught a 3 yr old Sunday School class for many years and then we taught a 1st grade Sunday School class a few years. What a blessing it is to see eager young minds come in your class on Sunday morning to learn about Jesus and the Bible. If you ever need some extra blessings in your life just volunteer to work in kid’s ministry.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” May we never grow weary.

WP Training Program Testimonial

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Two key factors motivated me to explore and ultimately decide to take West Park’s Training Program.  First, as a Christian of many years, I have always read the Bible regularly, but, admittedly, I have not always been as consistent through the years in deeper study.  Second, my innate desire to learn and be intellectually challenged by deeply exploring the history of the Bible and doctrines of our faith. 

Thus, my questions were:  Would this course help me more consistently and deeply study God’s Word?  Would it be a satisfying and challenging learning experience?  Would I enjoy the experience itself, the various books, lectures, interaction with other participants, etc.?  Could I keep up with the necessary reading and other assignments?   Would I ultimately experience growth in my knowledge of God’s Word and grow as a Christian to be better equipped to impact others and be personally enriched as a believer?

The answer to all these questions is a resounding, “YES!”  The Training Program has far exceeded my expectations!  I have been challenged and “spiritually stretched” in unexpected ways!   While it has been a tremendous intellectual experience as many questions about the Bible and doctrines are deeply explored, this course is far more devotional than anticipated!  It has brought me into a new focus and enjoyment of God’s Word!  The further and more deeply this course dives into the great questions and doctrines of our faith and the magnitude of what Christ did for us, the greater my love for our Lord becomes!

If any of the questions I had resonate with you, I highly recommend West Park’s Training Program as a challenging and enriching experience to deepen your knowledge of the Bible and the doctrines of our faith, and to increase your wonder and awe of our Lord!

WP Training Program Testimonial

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The best one-word description of my experience with theology before taking the class would be “academic”. Having grown up in church, which included participation in Awana from kindergarten through high school, and attending a Christian school through 8th grade, I had a lot of knowledge ingrained into me. I was an older teen before I first heard that Jesus wanted a relationship with me. (I was saved as a young child). I was in my 20s when I realized how Pharisaical I was; stuffing my head with knowledge will do that. I spent the next 15+ years struggling between legalism and grace and how to make that transition.

This class has contributed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application in my life. It has helped me translate what is in my head into something I can verbalize better. I have been challenged to memorize Scripture more, leading to deeper meditation of Scripture. The Case Studies are practical. In our small group, we have talked about having similar conversations with friends and family. These exercises allow me to work through scenarios ahead of time so hopefully I can verbalize to others how God has worked in my life. There have been many times I have been silent due to my lack of confidence in how to speak truth into situations, which are missed opportunities.

Another area I have been challenged is the Christian disciplines of the Sabbath, Silence and Solitude, and Fasting. I knew Jesus participated in these disciplines, but understanding why he did them helps me understand why I need to incorporate them in my life.

This would benefit anyone, no matter where they are spiritually. It is a “no judgement zone” and a positive environment for learning.

WP Training Program Testimonial

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When studying the Bible, I know this class has helped me spiritually by enabling me to interpret passages more thoughtfully. I think it is common for Christians to be a little fuzzy on different points of theology if we are not intentional in working through what the Bible specifically teaches. This class has caused me to process a wide variety of subjects that really matter in every day life. I have much greater clarity on difficult areas such as the Trinity, the role of the Holy Spirit, the nature of Christ and many more. The best part is being able to discuss within our group and having the encouragement of other believers.

The biggest challenge has been our case study application questions from the notebook.  These are real-to-life scenarios where we rehearse how to share the knowledge about what we are learning with others. We don’t just regurgitate an answer, but we have to critically think through how to approach individuals in our circles with what God’s Word actually says. These are hands-on practice conversations you either have already had or probably will have.

Although anyone would benefit from the program, I especially believe all who are leaders or teachers in any way would be wise to go through this excellent training course.  Exploring more deeply the subjects covered in this class will enable those who lead to be more effective in discipleship. Those who are giving of themselves need nourishment as well…and this is perfect for that.

The Season of Advent

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Advent, formed from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is about the coming of Christ. It’s the traditional celebration of the first advent of Jesus and the anxious awaiting of His second. The season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting, and a time to reflect upon the promises of God and to anticipate the fulfillment of those promises with patience, prayer and preparedness.

Advent Guides

The weekly guides will allow us to focus on these two advents by showing us hints and shadows of God’s promises of a Messiah, His fulfillment of those promises in His blessed Son and the promise of a future advent when Christ will return and all will be made new. A new guide (pdf) will be posted each week.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

Praying the Power of the Psalms – Psalm 99

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Day 30 – Psalm 99

1 The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The LORD is great in Zion; He is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is He!
4 The King in His might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the LORD our God; worship at His footstool! Holy is He!

Prayer of Reflection:

“Lord, thank you for this word to my heart today, reminding me that regardless of the upheaval in our nation or among the nations of the earth, You alone reign over this earth. Thank you that your King, the Lord Jesus, has been glorified in His victory over sin and death. I praise You for the promise of our King that “the gates of hades” would not withstand the power of His gospel.

“I praise You that the power of your gospel conquered the power of darkness in my soul and brought the light of your salvation to my life! Thank you that by your grace this day I can join in your victory over the king of darkness by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. My King, help me to represent You well this day, as like You, I love justice and practice equity, and above all pursue holiness…for You are holy. Amen.”

by Sam Polson

Praying the Power of the Psalms – Psalm 117

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Day 29 – Psalm 117

1 Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol Him, all peoples!
2 For great is His steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!

Prayer of Reflection:

“Dear Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
As I sit here meditating on this short Psalm on this beautiful November day, I am reminded that sometimes we do not need a lot of words to praise You for who You are. Sometimes our praise can come from just sitting, being still, and looking at all You have created, including my own life, and realizing with thankfulness how great Your love is toward all mankind. A love based in Your complete faithfulness toward all You have spoken into existence. An incomprehensible love we are so undeserving of, but yet, a love You freely give to all of us no matter what we have done or will do. Wow! What an amazing truth and steadfast promise! So, yes, I will praise You most gracious and merciful LORD for this enduring love You have given me for all eternity.

“I thank you for loving an undeserving sinner like me and for reminding me that nothing will be able to separate me from Your enduring, faithful love through Christ Jesus. Thank you that the truth of the Psalmist’s words written thousands of years ago in this beautiful, little hallelujah hymn is still the same truth today and will be for all eternity. My life has been forever changed because of this great love and Your faithfulness!

“Now may my heart always find peace, comfort, and rest in this undeniable truth and in Your loving arms every day, and may I go forth with an attitude of praise in my own life for all to see Your great love reflected through me for Your glory!  I love you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

by Cindy Conant