Brook Hills births new mission church

More than 500 Shelby County residents came together Jan. 7 at Valley Intermediate School in Pelham for the first official worship service of The Church at Shelby Crossings, the first daughter church of The Church at Brook Hills.
   
For the past 10 years, Brook Hills has dreamed of birthing a daughter church, according to Lynn Bullock, shepherding pastor of Shelby Crossings and former pastor to young adults at Brook Hills. As shepherding pastor, Bullock will fulfill the daily role of pastor, but Jim Shaddix of New Orleans Seminary will serve as interim preaching pastor.
   
“It became evident in the last six to 10 months that God was moving in the hearts of some folks,” he said. “We believe that God has called us to plant our lives in this new work.”
   
The connection between Brook Hills and Shelby Crossings resembles a parent/child relationship. As a parent, Brook Hills provides the resources, guidance and financial support that are necessary for a strong start in the ministry.
   
Shelby Crossings adopted its parent’s bylaws, constitution and philosophy of ministry, but will be a separate entity that hopes to bring forth its own daughter church within the next decade.
   
After months of praying and seeking God’s will, members of Brook Hills initiated an extensive promotional campaign including radio spots, billboards and mailouts to increase awareness in Shelby County about the new church.
   
“Our first official Sunday was just awesome,” said Bullock. “We had a couple of folks say they wanted to be believers and several families say this is where God wants (them) to plant (their) lives. We’re in the process of following up on about 350-375 new prospects that came through the door for the first time.”
   
The name, Shelby Crossings, reflects the purpose of the church. “We’re located in Shelby County, the most unchurched county in Alabama,” said Bullock. “We wanted to go where God was moving and the area was growing. We felt that God had us here for that purpose, to reach people.
   
Although it would be more convenient to have their own facility  currently, volunteers meet on Saturday and transform the school into a church. A new location is not a high priority. “I know God will have a place for us down the road, but right now we will try to do our Sunday worship well, minister to folks and have a Bible study program for all ages,” he said.
   
For information, call 205-444-1189 or visit www.shelbycrossings.org.