Attendance at Shocco Springs has almost doubled during the past 10 years, with the Baptist conference center looking toward even greater things for the future.
“The year 2000 has seen us pressing on as we seek to provide a conference environment where God can speak,” Shocco director Buster Taylor told messengers attending the Alabama Baptist State Convention Nov. 14–15 in Montgomery. “We are thankful that God blessed our ministry.”
Taylor said Shocco hosted almost 48,000 guests during the past 12 months, an increase of 10.4 percent during the same period last year. He said guests participated in more than 500 different events.
Most important, he said, is that 1,646 decisions were made for Christ at Shocco during that time.
Don Carroll, chairman of the board of trustees of Shocco Springs, said the past year has been encouraging.
“What an exciting year it has been for Shocco Springs, as we have sought God’s direction in the future of this ministry,” Carroll said. “When I mention Shocco, people express a positive reaction and memories of Shocco Springs.”
Carroll said one of the reasons for Shocco’s success is the unity between the board of trustees and staff. “The teamwork between our board and staff could not be better,” he said.
Addressing the future, Carroll outlined details of changes to Shocco’s master plan that include:
-A new worship center.
Carroll said the new worship center will be connected to the present conference center. A report on Shocco included in the convention’s “Book of Reports” said the center will include worship space, conference areas, child care and expansion of the dining room.
-Additional hotel/motel rooms. Carroll said two new structures will include approximately 240 rooms, in addition to meeting areas.
-Thirteen new secluded retreat lodges.
Also planned is development of Shocco’s Adventure Camp to include additional cabins, a work center and enlarged dining space. Another addition is a planned indoor recreation building.
Carroll said funds are being raised for the master plan through a capital campaign. The first project will be construction of the worship center, which he said includes space for 1,500 people.
He told messengers more information will be forthcoming on the campaign .
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