April 25 was no normal Sunday for South Luverne Baptist Church. “It was a big day … a big celebration,” Pastor Mike Green said of the 25th anniversary celebration that took place that day.
The Alabama Crenshaw Baptist Association church welcomed approximately 300 people including Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, who presented a plaque; Gary Cardwell, director of missions for Etowah Baptist Association and former interim pastor, who delivered the sermon; and Buddy Johnson, former music director of almost 20 years, who led worship.
In addition to a commemorative program that included the history of South Luverne Baptist, the church marked the milestone with a video, homecoming meal and special recognition of current and former members.
“Throughout the years, God has blessed our church,” said Green, who has been pastor since 1991. “I’ve seen our church mature and grow in the Lord and become a lighthouse in our community.”
South Luverne Baptist began as a mission of Siloam Baptist Church, Rutledge, in 1984. On Aug. 2, 1985, the 64-member mission was incorporated into a church. That same year, the congregation began construction on its first building and finished it in 1986. In 2003, construction began on a new sanctuary and additional Sunday School rooms, which were finished in 2004.
Since 2005, South Luverne Baptist members have done missions in Venezuela, Honduras and Guatemala.
Green hopes the church’s future holds even more opportunities to reach the nations.
“The bottom line is we want to do everything to fulfill the Great Commission,” he said.
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