Staff members of Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile announced May 6 the congregation’s decision to sell the current property and relocate.
“God is on the move, and so is Dauphin Way Baptist Church,” staff members shared in a press release to The Alabama Baptist.
While the historic church “continues to have an unprecedented ministry to the city of Mobile, the state of Alabama, and with various missions [efforts] throughout the United States and the foreign missions field … the church has experienced a decline in membership,” staff members explained.
The city of Mobile has experienced growth, however, and because the church desires to reach the community with the gospel … “we needed to be able to do whatever it took to further the mission of Christ.”
Working through the process
Pastor Lee Merck, who came to Dauphin Way in February 2024 after serving as Montana’s lead church planting catalyst with the North American Mission Board, quickly focused on next steps.
“He immediately led the church to focus on prayer and began seeking God for revitalization,” church staff shared, adding that the renewed effort at growth “led to some surprising conclusions.”
Merck said, “As the Lord revealed Himself to our church, we became burdened about the potential of using our location and buildings as a Kingdom asset to further God’s work and bring Him glory.”
After months of prayer and walking through a discovery process, the decision to relocate was made even as church members and staff continue working through refining and discerning its next ministry focus.
‘Can’t wait to see’
“We have an amazing church,” Merck said. “I could not ask for a greater group of people to work with in relocating and replanting Dauphin Way Baptist Church.
“As a former church planter, I can tell you that we are in for some amazing days. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do. I believe many others will desire to be a part of a work like this.”
While staff did not provide details of who is purchasing the property nor where Dauphin Way plans to relocate May 6, they did update the information May 7, noting no buyer has been determined yet. The church also has not decided on a relocation spot yet either.
Team meetings, strategy sessions, planning sessions and all aspects that go along with the process are planned to start up soon, according to church staff.
“We praise God for His blessings, for His faithful direction, and His provisions,” Merck said.
“It’s a new day at Dauphin Way. This is no longer just a hopeful expression. God is making it a reality, and it is evident that He has a great plan for our future.”
Share with others: