Churches across the state recently highlighted the ministry of the state Baptist paper on Read The Alabama Baptist Day. Many used free bulletin inserts that were provided upon request. Others used different methods to note the value of the paper.
A quick sampling of churches across Alabama turned up a variety of efforts that were used and quite a few interesting facts.
Sixth Street Baptist Church, Alexander City (Tallapoosa Assoc.), used its church bulletin to highlight the paper and gave any members not receiving the paper an opportunity to start getting it.
This year Sixth Street hired its first full-time minister of students. In June about 25 members participated in a missions trip to Tennessee, holding a day camp for disadvantaged and unchurched children and repairing the homes of handicapped and elderly people. John Bowles is pastor.
Old Spanish Fort Baptist Church in Spanish Fort (Baldwin Assoc.) worked up a special design for the cover of the worship guide to celebrate the state Baptist paper’s special day. Interestingly, Old Spanish Fort’s members have voted to change the church’s name to Faith Family Fellowship. Members feel the new name will allow them to reach out to more people in the community. Despite the omission of “Baptist” in the name, the church will continue to be a Baptist church and support the Coop-erative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
The church’s old name departs with honor. Old Spanish Fort was recently recognized among the top 4 percent of churches in the nation. The Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Seminary, Louisville, Ky., honored churches that baptized 26 or more persons in the year and had a ratio of members to baptisms of less than 20:1.
The church has designated Sept. 16 as “Coming Home Sunday” and will present its new logo then. Phil Wilson is pastor of the church.
Carbon Hill First Baptist Church (Walker Assoc.) promoted The Alabama Baptist from the pulpit and the bulletin. Their revival started the same day. Pastor David Lowery will spend Aug. 23–Sept. 3 doing revival services in Capetown, South Africa.
James Terpo, pastor of West Highland Baptist Church, Bessemer, pointed out the thorough news coverage provided by the state Baptist paper: local churches, local associations, the state, the nation and around the world. He said West Highland had a successful Vacation Bible School and revival, and “attendance is picking up.”
Pastor Billy Malone at Carlisle Baptist Church, Boaz (Marshall Assoc.), said the church strongly supports the paper and strongly supports missions work. He noted that last month the church sent $2,000 to former Marshall director of missions James Nelson for his work among Pueblo Indians in New Mexico. The church also sends a check of about $600 to -Romania three times each year.
In Marengo County, Pine Hill Baptist Church (Bethel Assoc.) has a new pastor, Dan Urquhart, who promoted the paper. He said the church is excited about missions. He noted that even small churches can have a big impact. Last year the church gave $6,000 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
First Baptist Church, Pelham (Shelby Assoc.), promoted Read The Ala-bama Baptist Day with the bulletin, the newsletter and posters. Pastor Mike Shaw especially encouraged the church’s new members to request the paper.
Brother Shaw’s church is serious about missions work. Last month 129 members took part in a missions trip to Kentucky, and next month 12 members will go on a missions trip to Honduras.
If your church did not recently highlight The Alabama Baptist, remember it is appropriate to promote the paper anytime. The church is strengthened as its members are informed. In promoting the paper, you promote your church as well.
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