A broadcast that has been going on for more than three decades proclaims the gospel every Sunday morning across Blount County.
This program — called Baptist Fellowship Hour — airs at 7:30 a.m. Sundays on WCRL radio in Oneonta.
The majority of churches in the Blount association share the privilege of doing the Lord’s work through the program, said Mike Young, pastor of Pine Bluff Baptist Church in Locust Fork, who is also chairman of the associational committee that administers the broadcast.
“Each Sunday, a different church has responsibility for the broadcast,” said Young. He added that the churches also take turns paying the cost of the broadcast.
Young said the broadcasts are produced live through a remote hookup at a building at the association.
In the past, shows were done at the radio station.
Troy Halbrooks of Blountsville, moderator for the Blount Association, said the radio program was established prior to 1967.
Young said the broadcast follows the standard format of a worship service, including announcements, singing, prayer and the message.
The three people serving on the association’s broadcast committee — Young; Johnny Hudson, pastor of Robin Hill Baptist near Oneonta, and Bobby Waddle — take turns introducing the radio show at air time.
The broadcast, Young continued, targets people not able to attend church, as well as those who might be driving through the area and need to hear the gospel.
Through the years, some listeners have made professions of faith as a result of the broadcast, he reported.
Halbrooks noted that the show is an important work of the churches because it reaches out to the older population and others who cannot attend services. “This is the only access they have.”
Young said the churches recognize the need for this work and look forward to participating. They find it worth their effort.
Not only does it serve those who can’t attend church, but the broadcast also functions as a community bulletin board for announcements.
Young explained the format allows an exchange of information from churches in the association, publicizing such events as revivals and special activities.
Young added that it gives listeners the chance to do what they might not be able to otherwise. “It’s their opportunity … to be involved in a service.”
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