By Donna J. Wright

West Mobile Baptist Church (WMBC), affectionally known as WeMo short for West Mobile was chartered January 8, 1990. It originally met in a carpet store. It’s not uncommon to hear stories from charter members of sitting on carpet rolls during the first few services. They progressed from there to sharing the facilities of another church, then to a building they converted from being a boat dealership. In 1993 they built the building they now occupy at 7501 Airport Boulevard.

West Mobile is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Alabama State Board of Missions and the Mobile Baptist Association. It operates under a Constitution & Bylaws and adheres to the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message in belief and practice. This foundation has remained the same throughout its lifespan.

WeMo is not a traditional church. There is no program with an order of service. They don’t even have hymn books except for those that prop up the sound board. The music is a mix of contemporary and traditional music creating a wonderfully inspiring atmosphere for you to experience God in worship. They are always led by a Praise Team and Band.

The building and the worship service are not what make WeMo unique. It is the members, the people. They are caring followers of Christ who love to serve God by serving others, whether it is through the food pantry, reaching out to newcomers, visiting the sick, participating in mission trips, or being involved in a number of other ministries. The people of West Mobile make this medium-sized church feel like a small town where you are known.

In 2005 WeMo made a special investment in their student ministry, and The Hangar was born. It is a large metal building that resembles  an airplane hangar. The concept evolved from a Disciple Now retreat based on the verse John 7:37 (hence the airplane theme…737). The Hangar is a place where teenagers can hang out…play basketball, visit with friends, or eat a snack. But, more importantly, it is a place where they can learn God’s word and put it into practice.

WeMo’s Hangar became the very first location of Ransom Cafe, a pay as you can cafe founded by Ransom Ministries. The Cafe now operated completely by the church and renamed WeMo Cafe opens each Thursday for lunch, along with our food and clothing ministries to help those who need a helping hand. The food and clothing ministry was consolidated into the brick house on McKenna in 2018. Each week clients arrive for help given by our members.

In 2011, the church added an addition onto the back of the building which became the main Child Development Center entry along with more secure younger preschool rooms downstairs and a children’s activity room upstairs the size of half of a gym floor. This room provided space for indoor games for our children, in particular our AWANA games. It also provided some additional space for our largest ministry, the Child Development Center, that has operated since the church has occupied the present property.

In 2012, the church renovated the Worship Center with new design, stage, carpet, and chairs. This new look updated the original design from 1995 but kept the same warm spirit of worship for our services.

The church celebrated it’s 30th anniversary in 2020. Through it all, the church has remained true to its mission: “Partnering with God to change lives.” The church has only had four pastors. One, Charles Gibbs, retired from active pastoral ministry after 24 years serving in this church. The church has a strong college ministry and the Grow Groups provide a small group for every member of the family in any season of life.

The church is more than a building or a particular location, it is people who believe in Jesus, belong to a group committed together to the Great Commission, and those who are becoming disciples and disciple makers of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is the central mission and it permeates into every ministry.

Yes, WeMo is looking back on the past thirty years, but the people are even more focused on what God has for our church in the future. The church elected its fourth pastor, Kevin Cobb, in February of 2020. Kevin had served five years previously as Worship & College Pastor and has a vision to lead the people of West Mobile to be disciple makers and the hands and feet of Christ in West Mobile.

Join us to be a part of this next decade of ministry at West Mobile. You will be welcomed!