I thank God for Alabama Baptists. Each autonomous local church cooperates to further Christ in Alabama, the U.S.A. and around the globe.
In a day when we often hear and read about divisions and strife, I rejoice that such is not the case with Alabama Baptists.
As your state missionary, I wish I had room to share all the victories I witness. I will share one story as an example of what God is doing throughout our state in church revitalization.
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Dee McGuire, pastor of Greensboro Baptist Church, contacted your Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions two years ago, wanting help in church revitalization.
In a town with a decreasing population, God is moving in a special way. Listen to just a few of the encouraging signs from Greensboro Baptist Church:
- Sunday School average attendance has grown from 75 to 106.
- Worship attendance has grown from 85 to 140 in average attendance.
- After much prayer and hard work, the church re-launched missions for children. The empty halls now hear the beautiful sound of children once again.
Today, there are 18 enrolled in GAs with an average attendance of 14. They have 16 enrolled in RAs with an average attendance of 10. Mission Friends has nine enrolled with an average attendance of eight. The youth group is averaging 14 youth weekly.
What about evangelism?
One of the areas identified needing “revitalization” was in the area of evangelism.
Pastor Dee, his staff and the faithful church council led with an emphasis on evangelistic praying and sharing the Good News of Jesus.
In 2021, Greensboro Baptist recorded one baptism. Thus far, in 2024, GBC has rejoiced over 11 baptisms, with four awaiting baptism. Another five people have joined by transfer/statement in the past eight months.
The Episcopal priest in Greensboro recently said, “God is moving in our area.”
Pastor Dee remarked, “The Holy Spirit is creating a spirit of obedience and encouraging greater unity in our church. Furthermore, we are experiencing a renewed joy in serving and seeking God in worship with excited anticipation as to how God will continue to lead.
“God has been faithful in nurturing His church from the challenges that COVID-19 brought to the joy of seeing people respond to the gospel to the glory of God and the uplifting of His church.”
‘Your victories’
I wish I had time to share all of your victories around Alabama. I say “your victories” because of your faithfulness in giving through the Cooperative Program and the Myers-Mallory State Missions offering; every victory IS YOUR victory. As long as Alabama Baptists remain focused on the Great Commission and the Great Commandments, we will continue to thrive and serve our Great God. To Christ alone receive the glory!
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Rob Jackson, director of evangelism and church revitalization, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
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