THE PLAN OF SALVATION
Believe
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31). "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).
Repent
The word "repent" can be found all throughout the Bible, most prominently in Matthew 4:17, Mark 6:12, Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38, and Acts 17:30. Repentance can be defined as regret or caring afterwards (Strong's 3338; 3340). It is about understanding your sin and asking for forgiveness with the intention of turning away from that sin.
Confess
"if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:9-10
Be Baptized
Baptism, or baptisma in the Greek, is translated as immersion and purification (Strong's G907; G908; G911). It symbolizes your death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Born anew as a follower of Christ. Scripture tells us that baptism is not only a symbolic identification with Christ but also a necessary component of salvation (Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36).
Live Renewed
"Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slave to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." - Romans 6:16-18
Hear
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17. Come to church and you will meet this requirement. One on one bible study is also available to you if needed.
If you are ready for baptism, please do not hesitate. None of us know what tomorrow will bring. Reach out to us today!
TRADITIONS
Truth
The Church is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15). Ephesians 4:25 tells us "having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor." Truth is not always easy but it is often the hard path that leads to good things. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" and John 8:32 states "the truth will set you free."
Communion
Following the example in Acts 20:7, we gather together to break bread weekly. We partake of the bread and fruit of the vine to align our hearts and minds to Christ, reminding us of our purpose, mission, and hope (1 Cor 10:14-22; 1 Cor 11:26). Additionally, it is important to note that the Bible teaches us that communion is for those of us who have become members and have examined our hearts (1 Cor 11:27-34).
Gathering
The scriptures teach that we must gather together for worship and for the edification of yourself and others. We are members of one body, belonging to one another (Romans 12:4-5). Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to stir up love and good works in one another and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
Singing
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col 3:16). "but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph 5:18-19). Instrumental worship is nowhere to be found in the New Testament church, but congregational singing is. Therefore, the church of Christ follows this example.
WEST MILTON
Jason T. Carter
Preacher
Jason T. Carter is a graduate of the Online Academy of Biblical Studies (oabs.org) and has served congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. He began working with the West Milton church of Christ in September 2023, alongside his wife Maria. They have two married sons and one granddaughter. Jason is committed to preaching and teaching God's Word faithfully, encouraging Christians in their spiritual growth, and sharing the gospel with the community. He considers it a privilege to serve the West Milton congregation and welcomes opportunities to study the Bible with anyone seeking to know God's will.
Roger Bell
Elder
Kenny McCall
Elder
Craig Joslen
Deacon
CONGREGATION HISTORY
The West Milton church of Christ had its beginning in 1959 and its first assembly was in the home of John Payne. Raymond Buchanan delivered the sermon and was the first preacher for the congregation. The first Sunday’s collection was $80.00. Those in attendance were Raymond, Francis, and Raymond Jr. Buchanan, Carolyn Buchanan, Myrtle Buchanan, June Gilbert, Mack Williams, Wynell Williams and Lottie Padgett.
​
In the latter part of 1959, the church moved to The West Milton Heights area on the south side of Highway 90. Four years later, in October of 1963, a new brick facility was completed in the Pea Ridge area between Pace and Milton on land gifted to the church by T.J. and Ruth Bower. The masonry work on the first building was done by Brother John Payne who was in his eighties at the time. Those who were a part of the congregation in 1963 included: Raymond, Francis and Raymond Jr. Buchanan; Frank, Myrtle and Carron Buchanan; Ronnie and June Gilbert; Pam and Tink Gilbert; Mack and Wynell Williams; Shorty and Dot Brobst; Ronnie and Joyce Moore; Ora Lee Whitcomb; Bill and Katie Bonifay; Buddy and Mary Bonifay; Erma Butts; T.J. and Ruth Bower; John and Bessie Payne; Charles and Edna Greene; Adrian, Betty and Mike McCall; Jessie Todd and her three daughters Sherry, Pam and Toni.
​
Over the next twenty years, the church continued to grow and thrive. In the early 1980s, seeing the need for Biblical leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4), the congregation appointed brothers Adrian McCall and Thomas Phillips as its first elders. Currently, Roger Bell and Kenny McCall serve as overseers of the congregation. A number of men have also served the congregation as deacons over the years (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Several preachers have filled the pulpit at West Milton. Jason Carter began laboring with the congregation as a preacher in September 2023.
When the membership grew in the early 1980s, the elders decided that a new building housing auditorium, classrooms and an office was needed. Construction began in 1988 on land to the west of the original building also on land donated by Ruth and J.T. Bower. This octagonal shaped building was completed the following year at a cost of roughly $250,000. The first service was held on May 21, 1989. The original building was converted into a fellowship hall and named “The Bower Building” in honor of Brother and Sister Bower’s generosity.
​
During the record setting hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005, the Bower Building suffered damage from three separate storms: Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina. Due to the extent of the damage, the cost of repair and the age of the building, it was decided to demolish that building and build a new facility. The new Bower Building was completed in 2006 and was designed, like the 1988 auditorium, to be hurricane resistant. In addition to a large gathering room and kitchen facility, this new building also included shower stalls in each bathroom for future hurricane relief workers and office space for the church secretary, minister and elders.
​
God instructs us through His inspired Scriptures, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). The West Milton church of Christ has been involved with many outreach efforts over the years in our community. Recent endeavors include sewing pillowcases and providing books for children at the local hospital and providing meals for residents at the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida.
