Tucked into the Minor community along Mulga Loop Road in western Jefferson County, just a short drive from Birmingham, Westmont Baptist Church has anchored the same neighborhood for more than sixty years. The church is known for its warm, family-style welcome, its Sunday and Wednesday programming for every age, and a simple mission summed up in its own words: "To put it simply, our mission is to MAKE DISCIPLES."
From a Basement on Mulga Loop Road
Westmont Baptist Church was founded on November 22, 1959 in the basement of a charter member's home right here in Minor. Six decades later, that first gathering has grown into a faith family that still prides itself on an old-fashioned welcome for visitors and neighbors alike. The church sees itself as a place where the love Christ has shown is passed on through words and deeds, with a heart's desire to make Jesus Christ known through both words and deeds and to show the love that Christ has shown so that the congregation might make a significant, positive impact on the community.
Sunday at Westmont: Bible Study, Worship, and Discipleship
Sundays at Westmont follow a rhythm that runs from morning into evening. Sunday School and small groups begin at 9:45, when members split into age-specific groups for prayer, catch-up conversation, and Bible study in a relaxed setting.
The 11:00 morning worship service follows a familiar pattern: a few announcements, a time of singing led by the choir with special music, a scripture reading, and a sermon from the pastor. There is no dress code at Westmont, though some members take the opportunity to put on their Sunday best.
Sunday evenings bring a more relaxed, age-segmented program starting at 5:00. Children gather for Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action, the youth group meets for Bible study and prayer, and adults gather in the sanctuary for Discipleship Training. A second worship service also takes place at 5:00 in the sanctuary, a more laid-back gathering that the church is gradually shaping into a more contemporary, youth-led service.
Wednesday Nights: TeamKid, Youth, and Prayer
Wednesday evenings are a busy time at Westmont. At 5:00, children head to TeamKid, a program that pairs Bible study with hands-on activities. The youth group meets at the same hour, often hanging out and shooting hoops before settling into Bible study and a time of praise and worship. Adults come together at 6:00 for prayer meeting, briefly studying a Psalm together before breaking into small groups to pray. Choir rehearsal begins at 6:45, once prayer meeting concludes.
What Westmont Believes
Westmont identifies as an Evangelical Christian church and a member congregation of the Southern Baptist Convention. Its beliefs follow the Baptist Faith and Message, and the church summarizes its core convictions in five plain statements: there is one God who created the whole universe and everything in it; this one God is a trinity, a perfect union of Father, Son, and Spirit; humans are separated from this perfect and good God by their sins or wrongdoings; because of that separation, humanity needs rescuing, and Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, became human, died on a cross, and rose again to pay the penalty for sin; and reconciliation with God comes only through a life-changing faith in the gracious work of Jesus Christ.
The church treats the Bible as true and trustworthy in every aspect, and traces its mission to the words of Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission. Everything from Sunday School classes to Wednesday night youth gatherings flows from that single goal of making disciples.
Worship Through Song
Music is a centerpiece of life at Westmont. Minister of Music Tim Shivers leads the music ministry, with the choir anchoring the 11:00 Sunday morning service through special music and rehearsing on Wednesday evenings at 6:45. Instrumentalists Betty Duncan and Penny Anthony round out the music team. As the Sunday evening service continues to grow more contemporary and youth-led, the church is intentionally opening space for younger members to shape the sound of worship.
Children, Youth, and the Next Generation
Kids and students are woven through the full life of the church. TeamKid on Wednesday nights, Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action on Sunday evenings, the youth Bible study, and the annual Vacation Bible School week give children and teenagers a place of their own. A pre-school worker is part of the staff to help care for the youngest members during services and activities. Each spring the church honors graduating high school seniors with a Junior/Senior Banquet and a special moment of recognition during a Sunday worship service, celebrating the milestone together as a congregation.
Life Beyond the Sanctuary
Westmont's ministry extends well past its own walls. The church has partnered with Open Door Church on a community block party held right at Westmont, with free food, games, and a wide-open welcome to neighbors. Vacation Bible School weeks, an Easter egg hunt with crafts and games the Saturday before Easter, and a July 4th patriotic service followed by a picnic in the life center round out the year's biggest family events. The choir adds a familiar touch to the Independence Day gathering, singing patriotic songs alongside pieces with a special message before everyone shares a meal and games. Mission work has also taken the church beyond Minor, with groups joining larger efforts in other cities.
Meet the Pastor and Staff
Pastor Landon Byrd leads the congregation, with Tim Shivers serving as Minister of Music. Heather Dees keeps the office running as administrative assistant, while Mike Powell and Darrel Holcombe handle maintenance. A team of deacons, Mike Jackson, Kristina Hennard, Daniel Duncan, LeeAnn Powell, Rick Poe, David Bunn, and Jeff Nix, serve alongside the staff in caring for the church family. Together, they describe Westmont as a loving faith family that seeks to give visitors and neighbors an old-fashioned welcome.