Who We Are

Greenwood Forest Baptist Church embraces a progressive approach to missions and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. We challenge our members to reach out in Christ's name to the local community and beyond. We value congregational leadership provided by women and men. We enjoy a traditional style of worship and opportunities for small group study that challenge and motivate. We affirm a heritage that is rich in diversity and anchored in historic Baptist principles. If you're looking for a church home, we invite you to experience the mission and ministry of Greenwood Forest.

Our Core Values

Our core values are described in the document, "A Declaration of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church." This document, which was endorsed by the congregation in 1999 and amended in 2002.

Are we affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention?

No. Greenwood Forest, although historically a Southern Baptist church, ended its relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2002.

Mission organizations with which we are affiliated

Greenwood Forest is affiliated locally with the Raleigh Baptist Association and, on the state level, with the North Carolina Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Globally, the congregation is aligned with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist World Alliance.

What leadership positions do women have at our church?

Believing that men and women are equal before God, we have a long history of women in leadership roles, including as ordained ministers. Greenwood Forest has ordained women to the ministry and as deacons, and from time to time our Council of Deacons is chaired by a woman. Additionally, all of our committees and church programs provide leadership opportunities for women and men alike.

In what ways is our church congregation led?

Our church's leadership approach encourages members to take active roles in the decisions regarding operations, structure, outreach, and our works as Christians. Our Council of Deacons and the ministerial staff working together comprise the leadership of the church while the congregation is the governing body.

What are the requirements for membership?

New Christians are received upon their profession of faith in Christ and acknowledgment of His Lordship through believer's baptism by immersion. Members of Baptist churches are received by transfer of their membership. Other Christians are received upon satisfactory statement of their prior conversion after a consultation with the pastor on their commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord and a commitment to this church.

What is a typical worship service like at our church?

We gather for traditional formal worship services at 11:00 on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The ministerial staff leads in worship experiences that include scripture reading, prayer, and thought provoking/topical sermons. They are joined by the adult choir. Congregational singing, accompanied by piano and organ, is from the Baptist Hymnal. Handbell choirs and other groups periodically also participate.

What is the format for Bible study?

Greenwood Forest Baptist Church members of all ages participate in small group Bible study and discipleship training each Sunday morning from 9:45 to 10:45. Age-appropriate studies and activities for children and youth are led by teams of adults. Although many adult groups use the Smyth & Helwys curriculum, some groups use books or other instructional materials to guide their study and discussion. Each adult small group has a different character, and visitors are invited to spend a Sunday morning or two with any group with which they might feel comfortable before settling in with one group. Occasional studies are offered on Sunday evenings. These discussion-oriented topical studies last from 4 to 12 weeks and are led either by members of the ministerial staff or members of the congregation.