In the two years since Hillsboro Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, transformed into All Nations Church, worship service attendance has increased 25 percent and people of about a dozen ethnicities attend, said Pastor Larry Inman.
And since becoming a fully functioning multicultural, multiethnic church, other positive changes have happened as well. “Our Awana program has exploded,” Inman said, noting between 50 and 60 students now attend.
Before its transformation in 2011, the aging church in a changing community had voted to become intentionally multicultural and multiethnic in an effort to better minister to its community. One of the first orders of business after that decision was made was a name change. The name “All Nations Church” derives itself from Matthew 28, and the church’s motto is “Uniting Cultures in Faith.”
The Madison Baptist Association church recently conducted four block parties at apartment complexes in the community, as well as a backyard Bible club in summer 2013.
In addition the church has a 30-minute weekly program that airs on a local cable TV station, and the community as a whole is becoming more aware of the church, Inman noted.
During its Awana program, All Nations provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for the parents of children who attend Awana. “We’re looking for ways to connect to parents on Wednesday night,” Inman said.
The church is currently gearing up for its Trunk or Treat event Oct. 31 for the community, where typically 1,000 people pass through.
Inman noted that the church also plans to host a community Thanksgiving meal Nov. 28 in its fellowship hall in partnership with Manna House in Huntsville.
Inman said he is “more than willing” to be a resource for pastors in changing communities whose church may be considering the same direction All Nations has taken. For more information, visit allnationshuntsville.org or call 256-539-3729.
(Julie Payne)
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