About – Westside Baptist Church

About Us!

Westside Baptist Church: A Family of Faith

Westside Baptist Church is a multicultural congregation dedicated to glorifying God by preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in both English and Spanish. We are a church that loves God and values the people who walk through our doors. At Westside, we believe in the power of family, and our ministries cater to all ages, from babies and children to teens and adults. We are proud members of the Baptist Network of Churches in Palm Beach and the Florida Baptist Convention. You are always welcome to join us and experience the love, peace, and grace of God.

Our History

1978-1980

Starting in 1978, Westside Baptist Church was established in Boynton Beach, Florida. It originated from Boynton Baptist Temple and was acquired with the support of the Florida Baptist Convention. Initially named Westside Baptist Chapel, it was later renamed Westside Baptist Church.

The first service was held on October 1, 1978, led by Pastor Ben “Bro. Ben” Tidwell, with 19 people in attendance in what is now the Fellowship Hall. By 1980, the church had grown to 207 Charter members, laying a strong foundation for its future.

1985-1989

By 1985, the Childcare Development Center (CDC) was established in the Fellowship Hall, beginning with 39 children as a way to serve families in the community.

As the church and CDC grew, the need for larger facilities became clear. In 1986, Westside members decided to expand both the sanctuary and the CDC building to accommodate growth.

1988 – Groundbreaking for the new sanctuary and CDC building began.
1989 – The new CDC facility was completed and opened, now serving 114 children.

These expansions strengthened Westside’s mission and outreach, ensuring space for future growth.

1990-Now / A Legacy of Faith

In March 1990, during a morning service as the choir sang “How Great Thou Art,” Pastor Ben Tidwell, our founding pastor, was called home to the Lord. Just one week later, services began in the newly built sanctuary.

Pastor Tidwell left a lasting legacy of faith, love, and service, which continues under the leadership of Pastor Manny Barahona. Westside Baptist Church remains committed to its mission loving God and loving our neighbors as we carry forward the vision set by our founding pastor.

Our Beliefs

God

The Holy Bible, divinely inspired and authored by God, serves as His revelation to humanity. It is a perfect treasure of divine teaching, with salvation as its purpose and inerrant truth as its foundation. As the ultimate authority on faith and judgment, it remains the true center of Christianity until the end of time.

Man

Man is God’s special creation, made in His likeness as male and female. Originally innocent, man sinned by free choice, bringing sin into the world. Now all inherit a sinful nature and become guilty as they mature. Only God’s grace restores man to His purpose and holy fellowship. Every person reflects God’s image and Christ’s sacrifice, deserving respect and Christian love.

Scripture

The Holy Bible is divinely inspired, authored by God, and teaches inerrant truth. It reveals God’s will, centers on salvation, and serves as the foundation of Christianity, guiding humanity until the world's end.

Marriage

Husbands and wives are equal before God, both created in His likeness. The husband is called to love, provide for, and guide his family as Christ loves the Church. The wife supports and respects her husband, submitting in kindness as the Church submits to Christ.

Salvation

Salvation is for the whole person and is given to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through His blood, Jesus secured eternal salvation for believers. It involves acceptance, transformation for His purpose, and worship of God. Personal faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation.

Family

Family in Christ is united by faith, love, and obedience to God. Believers are spiritual brothers and sisters, supporting and growing together. Earthly families reflect God’s design, with parents guiding children in biblical truth and all members living in unity and grace.

Baptism

Christian baptism is the full immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience that symbolizes faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism represents the believer’s death to sin, the burial of their old life, and resurrection into a new life in Christ. It also expresses faith in the future resurrection of the dead.

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred act of obedience in which church members eat bread and drink from the cup, representing Christ’s body and blood. It serves as a reminder of His sacrifice on the cross and a declaration of faith in His promised return.