LAUREL HILL — While some churches are seeing their congregations shrink, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church is making a $160,000 investment in its future.
An addition rising behind the church will house three Sunday school rooms, Pastor Tommie Lewis’ study and brings a 700-square-foot expansion to the sanctuary.
See photos of Mount Zion Church and its new addition under construction>>
But as the 56-member church grows, Lewis is already resigned to the fact that he may not get his study after all.
“It seems at this point I’m going to have to give it up to do what we need to do,” Lewis said. “We’re trying to prepare the hearts and minds of the people that are here for what God is sending us.”
And what — or rather, who — God has sent so far has required the 115-year-old church to expand.
“We have to get up and give visitors our seats to accommodate everybody,” Missionary Mary Bradberry said. “Sometimes we have to put chairs in the aisle.”
CHANGING MINDS, HEARTS
Mount Zion Church was organized Aug. 10, 1910, primarily by black families who worked on the Laurel Hill Goolsby Farm, elder Julius “J.W.” Robbins said.
With established, multi-generational families belonging to the church, gently nudging his flock to accept new ideas for growth has sometimes been a challenge, Lewis said.
“We had to fight that fight when we got here,” Lewis said. “It’s not about what Mama said or what Daddy said. It’s about what God said.
“This is going to be for the future. I’ve come from some churches where you have to fight about everything, but here, I only have to shout a little bit sometimes.”
Lewis established teams to help run the church, including twice-weekly worship, Sunday school classes, construction, finances and community mission work.
“I learned I have to back off a little,” he said. That’s the team aspect.”
IT’S ABOUT LEADERSHIP
Robbins and Bradberry praised their pastor’s leadership skills.
“If you’ve got a good leader, the people will follow,” Robbins said. “All the sheep follow a good shepherd.”
“He had to show the members some new ways,” Bradberry said. “I put in my two cents but I listen, too. It’s all about God and saving our souls. God has given him (Lewis) a vision. We need to follow.”
Among improvements, Lewis built a front porch on the church, which younger members promptly adopted as a great place to eat lunch, Bradberry said.
And after 66 years of leasing, last year Mount Zion acquired the land on which its buildings stand.
But building the addition took a leap of faith, Lewis said.
“Going into debt was very frightening for me,” Lewis said. “We are very blessed and happy that the people can trust us on that.”
FOR YOUTHS
On some Sundays, children outnumber adult worshipers, Robbins said, adding, “The old generation is going out and the new generation starts.”
“That’s where we’re growing: those kids,” Bradberry said.
“We teach from birth to grave,” Lewis said, adding the church’s philosophy includes “preaching, teaching, praying and singing.”
“For the kids, we’re trying to do something that’ll keep their minds on the church and their bodies in the church,” he said.
As he walked through the warm, wood-paneled sanctuary, its walls festooned by Bradberry with materials celebrating Black History Month, Lewis visualized the day when seating will expand beyond the 14, five- or six-person pews.
“I believe the Holy Spirit resides here,” Lewis said. “It excites me to see stuff come together. We believe God and we trust God for what he has in mind for us.”
WANT TO GO?
WHAT:Black History Tea
WHEN:7 p.m. Feb. 26
WHERE:Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 3831 New Ebenezer Road, Laurel Hill
COST:Free
NOTES:Features Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church first lady Geraldine Williams-Lewis as guest speaker.
CONTACT: Missionary Mary Bradberry, 652-1936.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: With growing flock, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church expands (PHOTOS)