History of Worthington Baptist Temple
In July, 1998, Pastor James Sickmeyer surrendered to God’s leading to come to Worthington, Minnesota to plant a Bible-believing Baptist Church. After a short-term deputation period in 1999, the Sickmeyer family was sent out under the authority of Empire Baptist Temple, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Sickmeyers moved to Worthington in late October, 1999. Upon their arrival, the LORD led them to purchase the present location via Contract for Deed and thus Worthington Baptist Temple (WBT) was established November 21, 1999.
Pastor & Mrs. Sickmeyer
WBT has seen its membership steadily grow. In June of 2006, we officially chartered the church with 31 charter members. With God’s help, we are bringing His salvation to a community that is large on religion but starving for a relationship. We firmly believe that people of today are hungry for a real relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ that consists of more than just going to church for an hour on a Sunday. We believe the mode of bringing people into this real relationship with Christ is through the preaching of the Gospel from His Word. It is God convicting us of our sinful condition, our turning to Him through repentance from sin, trusting in Christ’s shed blood, death and resurrection, that we receive Him as personal LORD and Saviour.
Since His Word says, “God manifests His Word through preaching,” and “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” it is our prayer that by God’s grace, the people of Worthington and surrounding communities will want to come to WBT and experience a spiritual oasis in this spiritually dry and thirsty land in which we live.
Along those lines, the LORD has opened unto us several ministries including: two Nursing Care Homes, Assisted Living, and now most recently, planting a New Church in Jasper, Minnesota!
Over these past 11 years of ministry, our LORD has impressed upon us a theme for our church that we believe best describes our worship and service to Him. “It’s not about me or thee, it’s all about Him.” Unto Him be glory in the Church! Amen!