Winter Haven Baptist Church | Winter Haven, FL

"What The Bible Says About the Christmas Journey"By Pastor Mark D. HodgesSunday, December 4, 2011

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Mission TripsOur church has a long history of taking group of teenagers, men and women to the foreign field to help ministries all over the world. Here is a look at just a few of our recent trips.Wales - Teens - 2011watch videoEcuador - 2011watch videoDominican Republic - 2010watch videoNicaragua - Teens - 2009watch video: part 1 - part 2Belize - 2009watch videoPeru - Teens - 2008watch video: part 1 - part 2

World Missionsclick on the name below for a link to their website or email addressMissionaries Out of Our ChurchDavid & Candy Homer - Taiwan Greg & Collene Kent - Wales Michael & Tammi Nelson - Australia Jonathan & Natalie Perry - Australia Erwin & Amy Santoso - New Zealand Dan & Vicki Weaver - BelizeMissionaries We SupportRick & Susie Biven - Mexico Mike & Cindy Burgett - Japan Jenny Carpenter - Ecuador Ray & Ginger Crocker - Singapore Fred & Joyce Davis - Canada George & Luisa Dimakos - Greece Craig & Amanda Dyson - Ethiopia Tom & Regina Franklin - Dominican Republic Brian & Mychelle Garrison - Peru David & Cherie Green - TaiwanMary Herman - STEPEd & Annita Hoagland - Mexico Bill & Vicki Hoving - Puerto Rico Jason & Nadia Kratochvil - Nicaragua Wesley & Melina Lane - Dominican Republic James & Carolyn Leatherwood - Paraguay Derrick & Amber Lewright - Poland Henry & Nancy Mantoya - Brazil Cliff & Neoma McGhee - Ecuador Glenn & Sherri McGhee - Ecuador Richie & Missy Orrick - Wales Jesse & Glenna Parnell - Uruguay Randy & Linda Perkins - Australia Larry & Nancy Quinlan - Indonesia Randy & Sherri Rhoton - Costa Rica Ray & Kristi Rhoton - Costa Rica JA & Pam Richards - Wales Andy & Lisa Simpson - Taiwan Vernon & Mary Smith - Tanzania Don & LuJean Stone - Hong KongCharles & Jurldean Strong - MexicoSteve & Janelle Swann - Bulgaria Mike & Caroline Tester - Hong Kong Mike & Sandy Todd - Argentina Richard & Lynda Todd - Argentina Cody & Dannielle Willbanks - ItalyMinistries We SupportBaptist Bible Tribune - Springfield, MO BBFI Missions Office - Springfield, MOEli Harju - EvangelistFlorida Baptist Bible FellowshipG.E. & Carol Hodges - EvangelistJack Alumbaugh - Church Planter - Georgetown, KY Lighthouse Children's Home Louisiana Baptist University - Shreveport, LA Piedmont Baptist College - Winston-Salem, NC Robert & Rachele Hodges - Church Planter - Orlando, FL

Missionaries We Support (cont'd)Randy & Linda Perkins - AustraliaWayne & Melody Purcell - Hong KongLarry & Nancy Quinlan - IndonesiaRandy & Sherri Rhoton - Costa RicaRay & Kristi Rhoton - Costa RicaJA & Pam Richards - WalesAndy & Lisa Simpson - TaiwanVernon & Mary Smith - TanzaniaDon & LuJean Stone - Hong KongCharles & Jurldean Strong - MexicoSteve & Janelle Swann - BulgariaMike & Caroline Tester - Hong KongMike & Sandy Todd - ArgentinaRichard & Lynda Todd - ArgentinaCody & Dannielle Willbanks - ItalyMinistries We SupportBaptist Bible Tribune - Springfield, MOBoston Baptist College - Boston, MAEli Harju - EvangelistFlorida Baptist Bible FellowshipG.E. & Carol Hodges - EvangelistLighthouse Children's HomePiedmont Baptist College - Winston-Salem, NCRobert & Rachele Hodges - Church Planter - Orlando, FLRon & Barbara Trosclair - BBFI Builders

Overflow Student Ministry6th grade - 12th gradeFind us on Facebook: click hereMeetings...Sunday - 9:30 am Wednesday - 6:30 pm Who we are...The idea of "Overflow" is that as God is working in our lives, we can not keep it to ourselves, but we must let it overflow to others. An overflow is not just "whatever is left over" or "scraping the bottom of the barrel." It is an outpouring of the abundance in our lives to the benefit of others.Overflow leads to building relationships. We believe that the way to reach and grow teenagers is through their developing relationships with leaders, parents, and each other as they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible talks about our responsibility to not just keep God's love to ourselves, but to share it with others. That is what we seek to do at Winter Haven Baptist Church.For more information...Nathan Braymer, Youth Pastorchurch office: 863.294.6478 email: nathanbraymer@whbc.info

Children’s MinistriesSunday SchoolEvery Sunday at 9:30 am.We have several classes available for our children every Sunday. Each class is equipped with loving, caring, & trained teachers who desire for your child to learn about God in a fun and practical way they will remember.Classes include:Nursery 2 - 3 year olds4 - 5 year olds1st - 2nd grade (This weeks lesson sheet: Click Here)3rd - 5th gradeAWANAEvery Sunday at 4:30 pm. (Ages 5th grade and younger.)A kid’s ministry without fun is a ministry without kids. That’s why Awana takes fun “seriously.” Our club meetings are so exciting that kids want to come back for more! But fun is only the start. While kids are having a blast, they’re learning and growing, too. They learn scripture verses and spiritual truths that expand their minds. They encounter life lessons that feed their souls. With caring, trained leaders investing time, love and wisdom into shaping children’s lives, parents quickly discover that Awana is a fun approach to teaching truths about Scripture.WHBC All-stars Children’s Choir Every Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.Our Children’s choir prepares two programs every year (Christmas and Spring). Not only do the children get to learn great songs and perform, they also learn spiritual truths in a fun musical way.

Adult MinistriesSenior Adults ClassTeachers - Dr. Charles & Mary BrownThis class is focused on retirees leaving a legacy for Christ. The lessons inspire us to be faithful, to worship, to give thanks, and to praise God together. Beyond just “socializing” Christians fellowship takes place as we encourage and care for our friends, as well as the many social activities to keep us “young at heart!”50’s & 60’s ClassTeachers - Jim & Diane LeslieThis class is geared towards working couples continuing in the faith. We offer interactive, thought-provoking, round-table discussions from Bible-centered lessons; while trying to find the crucial link between the Bible and real-world living.40’s & 50’s ClassTeachers - Stuart & Diana CoffmanThis class is focused on individuals in the full swing of life. We offer challenging lessons from Scripture to help provide a foundation for life. We also enjoy times outside of class for fellowship, food and fun.20’s & 30’s ClassTeachers - Mark & Kathy TissueThis class is directed towards young couples growing their faith while dealing with the busyness of life. “True faith is evidenced by actions intended to bring glory to God.”Single Focus Teachers - David & Michelle SchatzOur College and Career Single Adult Ministry is a very active group of young adults who want to make a difference in our world. Ladies’ MinistriesOur church has a very active group of ladies who love to get together and encourage one another. We offer a variety of opportunities through Bible studies on Tuesday mornings and evenings to make it more convenient to fit your schedule; yearly conferences; and an annual ladies banquet.Men’s MinistriesWe believe that men are the foundation of the home and we provide many opportunities to teach, and train men what it means to be godly. We have a men’s breakfast every 2nd Saturday of each month (except in the summer). We also have had many men’s activities throughout the years such as camping trips, sportsman’s fellowship, ball game outings and more.

Other MinistriesCounseling MinistryIn addition to staff members, we have two qualified Biblical Counselors that are willing to assist with any needs you might have.Deaf MinistryWe have qualified interpreters for all of our services including Sunday School.Van MinistryEvery Sunday our caring members pick up children for church in the morning and also for AWANA in the afternoon. Nursing Home MinistryThis ministry allows an opportunity for our members to reach out to those in need by organizing regularly scheduled services at a variety of nursing homes in Winter Haven. Evangelism ExplosionThis outreach ministry includes soul-winning training sessions and face-to-face interactions with people of our community.

Welcome from Pastor Mark D. HodgesDear Friend,Thank you for visiting our website! God has given us a clear purpose to accomplish here in Polk County and around the world. That purpose is to lead people to Christ, help people mature in Christ, and to involve people in the ministry for Christ. As you can tell, we love people at WHBC! Perhaps the Lord would have you to become a part of this great purpose.If we can answer any questions you may have, feel free to contact us at any time. Our prayer is that you might give us the opportunity of ministering to you on a regular basis. May God bless you!Pastor Mark D. Hodges

Church Historyby Mrs. Catherine Good (founding pastor's wife)Having been led by the Spirit of God, the Rev. R. D. Hodges sought permission of the Polk County School Board of Education to begin services in the Lake Elbert Elementary school. Permission was granted and the newly formed group held their first service in the school auditorium on April 18, 1965. On June 6 of that same year the church was organized. The name "Winter Haven Baptist Temple" was the name chosen unanimously for and by the newly organized church. Also on this same date, the congregation elected the Rev. R. D. Hodges as pastor. The first service in the first small building was on Wednesday night April 6, 1966. The building was not completed and it was very hard to find parking because of the sandy condition of this beautiful tangerine grove that the church was built on. We had been using the Haven Hotel on Wednesday evenings for our services and were anxious to meet in our own facilities.One year after our first service in the school, to the Sunday, we moved into our new first building. That was on April 10, 1966. It was a most joyous Easter for everyone. In February 1968 we began to feel the need for expansion of our property holding with a view of future expansion in mind. So the church voted to double our church property to include more highway frontage to eliminate any future parking problems. It was that year also that we built the small Sunday School annex. Because of the steady growth and God's blessings upon us, we soon saw the need for a bigger church. The second church building was built in 1970. Pastor Mark Hodges began working on staff with his father in 1976. The Lord, unbeknown to us at that time, was preparing him to be the next pastor of our great church. The Lord called his Dad home to be with Him on October 25, 1981. It was a great loss, but heaven's gain. The awesome responsibility left for our new pastor was met with God's help and the rallying of God's people to help see the church to move forward. A new gym was built soon after he became pastor. Happy times were enjoyed in it as it was a multi-purpose building. The church later decided to remodel the gym and make it into our new church facility. It was renovated, and was made beautiful by the workmanship of the men of our church. We have been in this beautiful building since 1991. The church voted to change the name of our church to the "Winter Haven Baptist Church."The church is a mission minded church, supporting over 50 foreign missionaries. Each year, Pastor Hodges is asked to speak in many foreign countries and continues to lead the church (for 30+ years) to reach out to the world with the wonderful message that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. In 2010, the church built a 21,000 square foot Activity Center and is experiencing great growth. The church is involved in multiple ministries that are meant to reach out to those who are in need of Christ and also for the spiritual enrichment and enjoyment of its members and their families.

Winter Haven Baptist Church exists for the purpose of: Proclaiming and magnifying the name of Jesus Christ through worship. Providing Biblical teaching and training to equip for ministry. Presenting the Gospel to those in our community and around the world. Producing Christ like maturity in the lives of our members. We Believe: That there is one God, manifest in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit That Jesus is the Son of God, was born of a virgin, was wholly God and wholly man, lived a sinless life, died as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sin of mankind, was buried, arose bodily from the grave and ascended into Heaven In the literal, imminent return of Jesus Christ to earth That the Bible is the Word of God without error, the sole authority for life That man is a special creation of God, made in His image That mankind fell through the sin of the first man, Adam, and that all men are sinners in need of salvation That salvation is a gift given through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ That every person who truly is saved is eternally secure in the Lord Jesus Christ That persons who die in their sins spend eternity in Hell and those persons who die with their sins forgiven spend eternity in Heaven That the church is a local body of baptized believers with the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head.

Assistant Pastor - Visitation/AdultDr. Brown graduated from Tennessee Temple College and Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1971, Masters of Divinity, and Masters of Religious Education in 1975. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Pensacola Christian College in 2003. He has served 21 years as a pastor, 12 years as a college professor in two Bible Colleges and for 5 years as Vice-President of a Bible College.Dr. Brown and Mary were married in 1970. They have five children. Rachel (Sydney, Australia); Rebecca (Washington, D.C.); Tom (Winston-Salem, NC); Tim (Atlanta, GA); and Jamey (member of our church). All are saved, active in their churches, and love the Lord. Mary is a wonderful asset as she is a godly lady who is a true servant of the Lord.

Assistant Pastor - Visitation/Sr. AdultsDr. Brown is a graduated from Tennessee Temple College and seminary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1971, Masters of Divinity, and Masters of Religious Education in 1975. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Pensacola Christian College in 2003. He has served 21 years as a pastor, 12 years as a college professor in two Bible Colleges and for 5 years as Vice-President of a Bible College.Mary and he have been married for 41 years. They have five children. Rachel, 39, is married with 5 children, and is a missionary in Sydney, Australia. Rebecca, 35, is married with 5 children and lives near Washington, DC. The Browns have twins. Tom, 35, is married and has 3 children. He lives in Winston Salem, NC. Tim, 35, is married and lives in Atlanta. Charles Jamerson Brown, IV, “Jamey”, 30, lives with them and is a member at our church. All are saved, active in their churches, and love the Lord. Mary is a wonderful asset as she is a godly lady who is a true servant of the Lord.

Assistant Pastor - Youth/Music & Church SecretaryNathan was born and raised in a pastor’s home in Harrison, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, Nathan attended Baptist Bible College (BBC) in Springfield, Missouri, where he met his wife Sarah. In May of 2006, Nathan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis. After graduation, Nathan worked as a music teacher in the Springfield area while Sarah continued working on her degree. Sarah completed her Office Administration Degree in 2008.During their time at BBC, Nathan and Sarah were very active in the activities at their local church and on campus. Nathan served on the Student Council for 3 years as Sophomore Class President, Student Body President, and Senior Class President.Nathan and Sarah joined the ministry of Winter Haven Baptist Church in June of 2007.

Pastor Mark Hodges & DeniseMark & Denise were married on October 5, 1979. God has blessed them with two children (Robert & Sarah) who are now married and serving full-time in Christian ministry. They also have three beautiful grandchildren.Pastor Hodges is a third generation pastor and has served as our pastor since October of 1981. He has Bachelor degrees in Religious Education and Ministry in Theology from Faith Bible Theological Seminary; and an honorary degree, Doctor of Theology from Calvary Baptist College. He is also an Honorary Alumnus of Baptist Bible College where he has served frequently as a trustee. He recently completed serving a term as President of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.Through Pastor Hodges’ leadership, the church has given over 3 million dollars to missions; sent out six couples to the mission field; has fourteen couples serving in full time Christian service and has started 18 churches (with one that has started recently in the Orlando area). Pastor Hodges places supreme emphasis on carrying out the Great Commission – reaching our world for Christ! He has ministered in over 30 foreign countries and he is presently leading our church into a two phase building project to build an Activity Center and also a new church auditorium to expand our growth. Phase 1 - an Activity Center was completed in 2010.It is the desire of Mark and Denise to be servants to those whom they minister; and to those who need ministering to – at home and abroad.

Visiting Winter Haven Baptist ChurchVisiting any church for the first time can be a tough experience. Well, we want to put you at ease. Your first visit to Winter Haven Baptist Church will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people and a place where you feel welcome and “at home”! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit.When are your services?Sunday AM8:30 - Worship 19:30 - Sunday School10:30 - Worship 2Sunday PM4:45 - AWANA5:00 - Evening PraiseWednesday 6:30 - Bible Study/Prayer Meeting6:30 - Overflow Youth6:30 - All-stars Children’s ChoirHow do I get to WHBC?We are located at 1500 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, FL 33884. Click here for a map.What can I expect on my first visit?As you approach the main building, one of our hospitality greeters will meet you and direct you to the right classes and services. They can also answer other questions you may have.Most adults attend one worship service where they enjoy the beautiful and inspiring music of the choir, ensembles, and soloists. The music is always followed by a clear, helpful, and challenging Bible message from Pastor Hodges. This service is about one hour in length. Also, at 9:30 am there are adult Bible study classes. These classes are smaller group settings where you are invited to meet people, enjoy perhaps some coffee and breakfast, and hear a teaching lesson more directly applicable to your stage in life. The best way to get to know people at Winter Haven Baptist Church is to visit one of these adult Bible classes.Where do I take my children?Starting with an excellent nursery, there is something special for every age child. At every service there are safe, clean, and well staffed nurseries for children newborn - 2 years old. For children two years old through fifth grade there are fun, friendly, and Bible-centered classes. These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well-qualified teachers and helpers who will help make church exciting and memorable for your child.We would like to help you find the appropriate nursery or classes and services for every person in your family. Our greeters and staff are located at the entrances and lobby of the main building and will gladly help direct and even escort you to the right place. Our classes are divided into these categories: Nursery, 2 & 3 year olds, 4 & 5 year olds, Kindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd through 5th grade.What about my teens and college students?Overflow Student Ministries is made up of our middle school and high school students. They meet together at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings for breakfast and Bible study. On Wednesday nights they meet together for Overflow Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Our college students meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. How should I dress?There is not a dress code at Winter Haven Baptist Church for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable on your visit here at Winter Haven Baptist Church!Who is Pastor Mark D. Hodges? Dr. Mark D. Hodges has been the Pastor of Winter Haven Baptist Church since 1981. He is a third generation pastor and the son of our founder, Rev. R. D. Hodges. You can read more about him on his biography page.Am I expected to participate in the offering?No. We don’t invite you to Winter Haven Baptist Church for your offering. We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God’s Word, and a place where you can grow in God’s grace. Please don’t feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest other than filling out a communication card and placing it in the offering.Other questions?If there is something we missed on this list, just give us a call, or ask someone when you arrive. Whether you are new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it has been a long time since you attended church at all, we hope your first visit at Winter Haven Baptist Church will be awesome! We exist to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you will feel right at home from the very first moment you step onto our campus! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!

Welcome From Pastor Hodges

Please join us every Sunday morning. We have two identical services at 8:30am and 10:30am. 863-294-6478 office or church@whbc.info1500 Dundee Road, Winter Haven | MAP