Pastor’s Perspective
by Mark Bethea, First Baptist Church, Montgomery
The Rest of the Week
We have a saying around the house, “What’s the rest of the week look like?” We say it often as we try to navigate through meetings, activities, ballgames, and fun opportunities. It helps us know what’s ahead, but it’s also a reminder of all that is ahead.
We’re in a busy time, in a busy culture, in a busy world. We almost wear the badge of busyness as an indication of worth or importance. And with it, we’re tired, worn out, and exhausted.
Let me ask a few questions. Are you:
Drained or overflowing?
Burned out or fueled up?
Exhausted or energized?
Spent or rested?
Do you identify with the left side of the list or the ride side of adjectives? Nearly every person I’ve conversed with in the past several weeks has overwhelmingly identified as drained, burned out, exhausted, and spent. That’s a problem that the Bible gives overwhelming and clear help.
As God crafted the galaxies, stars, earth, universe, and man, He rested on the seventh day. He surely didn’t rest because He depleted or exhausted His resources. He surely didn’t rest because He was tired or in need. As we see outlined later, God rested to set forth the pattern for His creation of rest.
Sabbath rest was given as a blessing to mankind, not as a burden. To put aside work and striving for an amount of time to rest and refuel our souls. God has wired rest into our souls at creation. When we neglect rest, we neglect it to the detriment of our own spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
could have spent much more time with the people helping and healing. Instead, Jesus says, “Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.”
Answering just one more email likely won’t help us to rest better. Responding to just one more text message won’t ease our soul’s exhaustion. Working late one more night will never let our hearts, souls, and bodies to rest better. We have to unplug, disconnect, and intentionally strive to rest.
It feels a little paradoxical to say work to rest, but we know it can be difficult to actually rest well. We have to work at resting. A pastor once said, “We should take our rest as seriously as we take our work.”
At the end of the day, we see God’s hand all over the affirmation of our rest. Jesus words, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Schedule your retirement review today.
It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement. Let’s set aside some time to create positive change for you and the people you care about and understand:
• How much you’ll need to retire
• If you are on track for your retirement goals
• Which IRA is right for your retirement needs – Roth or traditional
• The importance of asset allocation and how it can help as you work toward your long-term goals
It’s more than just money. Investing is about realizing the possibilities of your future.
Sang Y Chung, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor 1951 Berry Chase Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-9573
Jesus affirmed the need for rest when he replied in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” He further reminded us of the need to pull away and rest while with His disciples in Mark 6. They’re all in the midst of tremendous ministry and exhausting needs. They certainly
Isn’t that good? Rest for your souls in Jesus. Not in another email, not in another text message, not in another late night, but in Jesus we find rest.
Allow me to encourage you to work at your rest. Find ways to intentionally rest. After all, Corrie ten Boom was famous for saying, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy!”
Slow down and rest well!
4 River Region Christians July 2023
IRT-2735F-A EXP 31 JUL 2023 © 2021 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Mark Bethea is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street.
Worthy: Living in Light of the Gospel
by Sinclair B. Ferguson
There are some Bible verses that seem to go just a little bit too far. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children... he cannot be my disciple” comes to mind, or “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” And then there’s this one: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ...” (Philippians 1:27). We read a verse like that and rightly ask, “Is it actually possible to live a life that’s worthy of the gospel? Is that a realistic goal? And what would it even look like to say ‘my life is worthy of the gospel?’”
Help comes in the form of Sinclair Ferguson’s new book Worthy: Living in Light of the Gospel, which is the second volume in a series. Ferguson begins the work by explaining why Christians can find the command “live worthy of the gospel” a confusing one. And really, the answer is quite obvious: “the gospel teaches us we are unworthy. We are saved by grace, not by worth.” Besides that, we are rightly attuned to the creep of legalism and can fear that a call to “live worthy” can be a call to emphasize outward actions ahead of an inward posture of the heart. Yet “Paul well knew that emphasizing God’s grace in Christ in reaction to legalism is not necessarily the same thing as understanding the grace of God in Christ.” In fact, “the richer and fuller the exposition of the grace of God in Christ, the safer it is to expound the all-demanding commands that flow from it as a result.” It is when we have the fullest and most confident understanding of the gospel that we will understand what it means to live a worthy life and be most eager to do so.
Those who are familiar with Ferguson’s writing will recognize how he helps the reader understand the way grace relates to obedience. With that groundwork in place, he writes about “The Grammar of the Gospel,” explaining the role of moods (focusing on imperatives and indicatives), prepositions (focusing on Paul’s way of speaking about believers as being “in Christ”), tenses (focusing on what the gospel has done in us and what it will do), and then, finally, the role of negatives and positives—what the gospel tells us to do and not to do and what the gospel tells us to be and not to be.
Ferguson’s book briefly but oh-so-helpfully explains how this is possible and what this should look like. Written briefly and simply, it’s a book I gladly recommend to any Christian.
Reclaiming Masculinity: Seven Biblical Principles for Being the Man God Wants You to Be
by Matt Fuller
I always find it interesting to pay attention to trends within Christian publishing. As certain ideologies appear within wider society or as certain questions are brought to the surface, the publishing industry inevitably responds with books on the subject. In the past couple of years, we have seen a good number of titles dealing with masculinity. And no wonder, for masculinity is now hotly debated.
Fuller’s burden in this book is to provide a positive vision of masculinity—to offer an answer to the question “What kind of man does God want you to be?” A good answer will necessitate setting aside the cultural assumptions of the 20th century as much as the 21st and instead allowing the Bible to guide us in its timeless way. And Fuller does this through seven principles “that describe a biblical, healthy, confident, helpful masculinity.”
The first of these is “men and women are different (but don’t exaggerate).” From the inner person to the outer, it is clear that God has created men and women to be different from one another, even as they share a common humanity. The second principle is “take responsibility.” Though men and women have much in common, God has assigned certain responsibilities to men and he means for them to embrace these. Though this is most often displayed in marriage, there are other ways in which men need to grab hold of their God-given responsibilities.
Next is “be ambitious for God.” Men are tempted to aim their God-given ambition at power or video games or sexual conquests, but God has something better for them. Men are to be ambitious in life, ambitious in work, and ambitious in godliness.
At the end of all this, being a godly man means “taking responsibility to lead, being ambitious for God’s kingdom, using your strength to protect the church and serve others, investing in friends, and raising ‘sons’.” Men who commit themselves to this kind of life will be displaying God’s design and living out God’s purpose.
At a time when confusion about masculinity reigns within the church as well as without, I am grateful for books like this that offer clarity—clarity grounded in the infallible, inerrant, timeless, and culture-transcending Word of God. I trust it will help many men live in a way that is confidently, biblically, and definitively masculine.
6 River Region Christians July 2023
RRC: How do you participate in the spiritual life within your community?
JM: My wife, Marianne, and I are members of First Baptist Prattville. Whether at the park, the pool, or the gym, we are intentional with the families in our city, striving to help them find connections as we did when we moved here in 2014. Through those connections, we found the Christian community and the encouragement needed to live out the Great Commission in our city.
RRC: What does it mean to you to live a Christ-centered life, even when you fall short?
JM: To me, living a Christ-centered life means that I have no life or identity apart from Christ. Every day, I try to remind myself that I’m a Christian who happens to be an engineer, husband, father, etc. That means
seeking to live with the fruit of the Spirit on display as I work and deal with others. When I do well, I thank God for producing obedience in me.
RRC: You grew apart from the church. How did God change your life in 2016?
JM: In 2014 we moved from Auburn to Prattville and joined First Baptist Prattville. The more I became involved, the more I felt guilty about who I was in private versus what everyone else saw in public. In May of 2016, I repented of my sin, and Christ transformed my heart and mind. I then sought a mentor in one of our pastors who could help me learn and grow in God’s Word. Since then, God has given me a burning desire for discipleship and teaching others how Christ saves us from the lies of sin.
RRC: In what ways are you active in ministry?
JM: My calling and passion is discipleship. At FBC Prattville, I have the privilege of teaching a Young Families Sunday School Class and leading a discipleship group in my neighborhood. I’m also part of the Worship Team and serve our church as a deacon.
RRC: Why do you desire to help others understand what God wants?
JM: Since I have experienced the healing from sin from the Gospel of Jesus, I want to disciple and teach others to experience the journey, too. Jesus is still working miracles, and the greatest one of all is being brought from death to life and seeing your desires and actions transformed by Christ. I find joy in teaching others to see God as He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures.
RRC: How do you teach your young daughters about loving and trusting God?
JM: We aim to make Christ central to every conversation in our home. On the way to school, we frequently talk with the girls about how to show Christ to their friends and teachers. As I lie down with them at night, we discuss Catechism questions to help them form language and understand
what they are learning in Sunday School and other church activities. Most importantly, as we discipline, we talk about God’s grace and mercy covering our sins.
RRC: How does devoting time to community service projects within your career impact your life?
JM: Community service, whether through our church or my company’s service organization, is an intentional way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my community. As Jesus came not to be served but to serve, we should take great pleasure in helping others in need.
RRC: How does your wife inspire you with a servant’s heart and through her field of work?
JM: There are not enough words to describe how incredible Marianne is. As a speech therapist, she travels throughout the River Region, providing therapy for children and adults. Marianne has so much energy and passion for trying to see that each person improves. She never treats it like a job, and you can tell that she cares deeply for her clients. She inspires me to treat my business interactions as a ministry just like she does.
RRC: What advice can you offer people who have a challenging time navigating the workplace while maintaining a Christian heart?
JM: The workplace is our mission field. Some mission fields are more friendly to the Gospel than others, but God empowers and is with us. It can be discouraging in the secular workplace, but it is also an encouraging opportunity to be different and set apart. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
7 July 2023 River Region Christians
Jeremy Morgan has been married to his wife, Marianne, for 14 years. They have three girls ages nine, six, and four.
A handful of children walk 100 yards on Atlanta Highway once a week during the school year.
From Capitol Heights Middle School to First Presbyterian Church.
From school to tutoring and fellowship.
From academics to “movement breaks” and dinner with their fami-
lies.HOPES – Helping Our Public Education System – oversees this effort. Starting in 2010 as a way to alleviate the negative effects of poverty experienced by the students and families in Montgomery Public Schools, it is a ministry of Gateway Baptist Church. The ministry began operating under the name HOPES in 2020.
HOPES endeavors to demonstrate the love of God to the students, families, teachers, and administrators of the MPS system by alleviating the crippling effects of poverty. They believe every student is valuable and work to provide those in need with the opportunity to progress from surviving to thriving. HOPES raises awareness and recruits community organizations and individuals to help. And it started with serving Capitol Heights Middle School, providing the basic necessities of food, clothing, teacher and administrator support, and tutoring.
When HOPES initially established its tutoring program with CHMS, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in the fall of the 2023-2024 school year, it will begin its third year of tutoring children from the middle school.
“Our main mission and goal are to share the love of Jesus with students of MPS and their families and school administrators,” said Victoria Campbell, HOPES tutoring coordinator.
“Also, we want to address academic deficits and (work) with admins and ensure students are on grade level.
“After the Covid shutdown, the state of academics nationwide was abysmal. These students entering our tutoring program as 6th to 8th graders were 3rd to 5th graders during the shutdown. There had been a nationwide shift of scores dropping.”
HOPES developed a relationship with Capitol Heights Middle School before beginning its tutoring program. Seth and Megan Rhodebeck moved into the Capitol Heights neighborhood, formed Bible studies, provided a uniform closet at the middle school, helped families with home repairs, and offered rides to appointments.
“It’s important that we formed that trust,” said Campbell, who moved into the Capitol Heights neighborhood from Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband in November 2020. “The original goal was to reach kids on the cusp of failing and get them to passing. Right now, we receive
9 July 2023 River Region Christians
students based on referrals from the school, and we rely on who they give us.”
The tutoring program began with several sixth graders in 2021, and the following year, a new group of sixth graders were added to the seventh graders who moved up in grade level. The original sixth graders from the fall of 2021 plan to return for eighth grade, Campbell said.
“We hope to follow them through high school,” she said. “They’ll move on to Lee High School, and maybe they’ll come
at First Presbyterian
whom live below the federal poverty level. Academically, CHMS is ranked 424th out of 432 schools in Alabama, according to SchoolDigger.
The students are some of the most marginalized and voiceless in Montgomery.
“There’s definitely been an increase in confidence with the book reports, speaking, presenting,” Campbell said of the tutoring program. “We’ve really seen them trust us and see them tell us what’s going on at school. We have seen tough exteriors soften as the year progresses.”
There is often hopelessness in public schools, Campbell said. “It just seems our schools are struggling.
care so much about the students, and we want the families to know that we also care about them. It’s not just a weekly dinner; it’s an opportunity to fellowship together.”
When the HOPES tutoring program began two years ago, Campbell heavily focused on academics. But she learned that the more significant gains have been in the relationships and mentorship.
According to HOPES, CHMS has 729 students in 6th to 8th grades, many of
“When we look at it, we want people to care. These children are our city. I think we want people to see there is hope for the public schools and these kids. And that they are children of Christ, valued and having worth.”
In the future, HOPES wants to expand beyond serving exclusively at CHMS and begin serving other MPS schools, according to HOPES website, which states: All children in MPS are valuable and have the potential to contribute to our society in a
10 River Region Christians July 2023
positive way. HOPES wants to meet MPS students, families, teachers, and administrators where they are, provide care and encouragement, and walk with them into a better Montgomery.
“They are going to grow up and live here and work here. We have to pour into them,” Campbell said. “We love because He first loved us. I’m not a perfect person, I’m human, and the only way I can know love is because I know my sins were forgiven. I know what it’s like to feel the
What does HOPES provide?
School uniforms (shirts and pants), shoes, coats, hats, gloves, eyeglasses, and hygiene products to students. HOPES provides backpacks of food once a week to some of the students most in need to ensure they will have food to eat over the weekend. Providing these basic necessities, along with MPS’s provision of two meals a day, allows the children and their families to shift their focus from survival to education.
How to help:
The biggest need for next year is consis tent tutors who can commit for an entire semester, from 2:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. You may also help by volunteering your time and skills, praying, and supporting the ministry financially.
Get In Touch:
Visit online at www.hopesmgm.com
How to assist financially: https://hopesmgm.com/donate
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
Childrens AL
11/29/22 4:54 PM
11 July 2023 River Region Christians
•org
Kym Klass is a contributing writer and Communica tions Director of the Media Ministry at Frazer Church in Montgomery.
13 July 2023 River Region Christians 1 “Guide me in your truth and teach me” psalm 25:5 Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - Jan-Mar 2018 A Trusted Source Broadcasting the Truth of God’s Word 1-800-239-8900 • WWW. FAITHRADIO .ORG TUNE TO 89.1 FM • DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP LISTEN LIVE ON FAITH RADIO.ORG • TELL YOUR SMART HOME DEVICE “PLAY WLBF” TUNE IN TO GROW YOUR FAITH
It’s Saturday night. If you don’t usually attend a church service on the weekend, you may be thinking, Why even bother going to church this Sunday? I don’t know or like any of those people. What would I get out of spending two hours sitting in a pew? Wouldn’t I be better off watching the game with friends, helping someone in need, or advocating for a cause?
While connecting with people, helping those in need, fighting injustice, and resting are all necessary things, we should not prioritize them above God himself. God alone is preeminent (Colossians 1:18). These activities should flow from life-giving connection with Christ and his people. When we make good things central we give them God’s position, and they become idols.
Our view of Jesus and his church is often filtered through historical, political, and pop-culture lenses. Many see the church as producing cookie-cutter people who follow dominant power structures rather than as a living organism with discipleship and merciful influence in our surrounding communities.
But why should you go? Here are five reasons for gathering with believers this weekend.
1. To remind each other who and whose we are.
In a world offering a multiplicity of viewpoints, there is one place that people can find truth (John 8:26). The church is a lighthouse in an ethical fog (Matthew 5:14–16).
My jazz musician father often said of my elementary educator mother, “She always reminds me where 12:00 is.” Who helps you find your bearings when you’re unsure how to navigate an increasingly complex world? Are you bumbling your way through life, or do you have a steady compass and anchor for your soul (Hebrews 6:19)? We gather with other saints for discipleship, and then are scattered as salt and light in the world as missionaries where we dwell (Matthew 5:13–16; 28:18–20).
2. To remind us that temporal trials we face will have a joyful end.
One of the most impactful funerals I’ve attended was to support a brother whose mother passed suddenly. Our pastor preached from Ecclesiastes 7:1–2 (NASB):
A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes it to heart.
In those somber moments of reflection on God’s word, we were reminded of our own fragility: we will all die, and it could be sooner than we expect. Yet, in that sweet, grace-filled meditation, we
July 2023 River Region Christians
www.wetumpkafirst.com/worship Online and On-Campus Come worship with us! (334) 567-7865 @wetumpkafirst • 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka, AL 36092 secretary@firstwetumpka.com First Methodist Church Wetumpka FIRST METHODIST CHURCH WETUMPKA ATTENTION WETUMPKA AREA FAMILIES
were also encouraged to live purposefully and with integrity, considering ultimate reality. We are not to live our best life now, as proclaimed by the prosperity gospel, but we live soberly and prudently to maximize our brief time on earth (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:16). For Christians, our best life is yet to come (Psalm 16:11).
3. To encourage growth and fight stagnation.
I am blind to my own blindness, and I need the perspective of others who are further along the road to Christlikeness than I am. We are prone to minimize our own faults and focus on others’ (Matthew 7:3–5). Close-knit community lovingly urges us toward maturity (Ephesians 4:13–24; John 8:31–32).
4. To spend time with family.
The church isn’t primarily a building or a set of programs or strategies. It’s a family, with spiritual fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. It’s a body
whose neediest members find help (Acts 2:42–47; Acts 6:1–6; 1 Timothy 5:9–16), whose generous ones cheerfully contribute (2 Corinthians 8; Philippians 4:10, 15–18). In this family, each member’s participation and gifts are essential for the whole body to thrive (Romans 12:4–8; Ephesians 4:11–16).
When I trusted Christ at age 18, I was only a serial church attender. After my college graduation, I focused on my new job and spending time with my parents during my mother’s battle with terminal cancer. When my mother passed away, a co-worker (who was also a pastor’s wife) gently encouraged me during that season, “You need a church home, Tiffany. You need aunts and uncles, mothers and fathers.” Her words resonated in my soul.
A few months later, I was baptized into a local church. They welcomed me with open arms — warts and all. Some of my most precious, poignant, and powerful memories involve the family I’ve found in church. I grew up away from extended family, but I now have a family in my church.
5. To remind us of our living hope.
It’s true, some churches have fallen captive to living for the status quo rather than living for the one who undergirds and intertwines himself in human history (Psalm 90:1; John 1:14). This is not the way of the healthy church, however. A church family that is pressing into Jesus’s mission is forced to trust God for his presence, power, and provision (Matthew 28:18–20). The church gathers as a reminder that we can only experience fruitful mission when we are tethered to and drawing sustenance from the true vine (John 15). His word is our daily bread. There are a million good things you and I could do that would hinder us from locking arms with God’s people. If you’re on the fence: Will you set an alarm with a purpose to join in worshiping God with a local church this weekend? I promise you that as many reasons as you might have not to go, there are even more reasons to trust God, commit, and go every week.
16 River Region Christians July 2023
Tiffany Johnson serves as a deacon and worship leader at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia.
How Our Father Loves Our Unstitched Selves
There is a small, approximate 3-inch white stuffed bear in my home that I have held on to for almost 35 years.
It is a bit faded, and unstitched on the hands – right where the paws would end. The wings once sewn onto the back came off years ago – but they didn’t become lost. The bear holds a small red heart that says, “I love you.”
I received this bear from my father in the middle of a two-week restriction period when I was a senior in high school. He gave it to me on the same evening I brought home an apology card for him. He said, “I guess we’re both feeling bad.”
I don’t remember if he enforced the remainder of my grounding, but this bear has traveled with me through all of it. Through losses, victories, college, 17 moves and homes, tragedies, love. It has been moved from box to box, drawer to drawer. From bedrooms, to closets, to even bathrooms.
I was never willing to let it go.
What I did wrong decades ago isn’t important in this story. It’s what I feel and remember when I look at this bear that brings a level of comfort. It brings love, forgiveness, understanding.
And this is from my earthly father. If we are willing to tote around a 3-inch stuffed animal from our young adult years into our older adult years, are
we just as able and willing to allow the same from our Father?
Are we just as willing to allow our Father to represent forgiveness, love, understanding? Are we willing to tote that around – to feel that in our heart when we wrong another? To believe that our Father continues to love us, forgive us, and understand before us?
Or are we sometimes too filled with shame, distrust, and even disbelief that we have a Father who cares that much. I heard within a message recently that He knows everything – even our heart rate at any given time.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
(Jeremiah 1:5)
When my father gave me the bear, it served as a bridge between what I had done wrong, and his reminder that he still loved me. It was an acknowledgement of his unconditional love – and it was a tearful lesson for my teenage self that I was still valued.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong doing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Can we simply feel how amazing this is? Can we think of every part of our life and fill it into this scripture? Love is patient, it is kind... do we even deserve that every day?
(Day 259: Bible in One Year)
Thank goodness my earthly father does. And my life has been saved over and over again by my heavenly Father who does – who does every single day. I don’t need a small white bear as a reminder. I simply need to hold on to His love, forgiveness, and understanding.
And believe my unstitched self is worthy.
17 July 2023 River Region Christians
36043-Pintlala
Pintlala Baptist Church
73 Federal Road, (334) 281.9439
Web: www.pintlalabaptist.com
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Gary Burton WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children, Youth & Adult Choirs
36054-Millbrook
Central Bible Chapel
3270 Main Street, (334) 285.6524
Website: www.centralbiblechapel.com
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: Scott Leach
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wed. at 7 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Outreach, Men and Women’s Bible studies, Children’s.
The Gathering Place
2410 Wall Street, (334) 230.5444
Web: destinychurch.al
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: DJ Stinard WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 850-1000
MIN: Small Groups, Students, Kids, Meals for Homeless, Reach, and College
Goodship Missionary Baptist Church
1554 AL Hwy 143, (334) 285.0094
Website: www.goodshipmbchurch.com
Facebook: Goodship Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Derwin Perry
DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Youth, Women’s and Men’s Ministry, Choir, Bible Study
Grace Community Church
3515 Highway 14, (334) 285.4655
Web: www.gracemillbrook.com
Pastor: Dr. Albert Russell
WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Youth, Bible Study, Discipleship, Men’s, Women’s, Missions, Faith Training
Grandview Pines Baptist Church
346 Deatsville Hwy, (334) 285-5125
Web: www.mygpbc.com
DN: Independent Baptist
Pastor: Chance Sangster WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Children’s and Youth ministries Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, College and Career, Bus ministry, Ladies’ ministry, Men’s ministry, Music, Community, Missions, Bible Institute
Millbrook Baptist Church
3431 Browns Road, (334) 285.4731
Web: www.millbrookbaptist.com
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Mike Ingram WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children’s, Music, Women’s, Men’s, Daycare
Millbrook First United Methodist Church
3350 Edgewood Rd, (334) 285.4114
Website: www.mfumc.org
DN: Methodist
Pastor: Rev. Jerry May
WT Sunday 9:00 (Contemporary) and 11:15
(Traditional) WS: Traditional and Contemporary
AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, Men &Women, Senior Adult, Youth, College, Out Reach & Care
Millbrook Presbyterian Church
3480 Main Street, (334) 285.4031
Web: www.millbrookpca.com
DN: Presbyterian (PCA)
Pastor: Rev. Brannon T. Bowman
WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Youth/Children, Women’s, Seniors, Men’s, Fellowship Groups, VBS, Mission Trips
New Life Church of Millbrook
4230 Millbrook, Hwy 14, (334) 285.6996
Web: www.nlmillbrook.com
DN: Non-Denominational
Pastor: T. Alan Cova
WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. and Wed. at 7 p.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Young couples, Women’s, Men’s, Seniors, New Life Christian Academy
Robinson Springs United Methodist Church
5980 Main Street, (334) 285-2488
Web: www.rsum.org
Pastor: Rev. Janet Krantz
DN: United Methodist Church
WT: Sunday, 10:00 AM and Wed. at 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Children, Youth, Wed Fellowship & Bible Study, Women & Men, Community Outreach
Victory Baptist Church
5481 Main Street, (334) 285.5082
Email: info@victorymillbrook.com
Website: www.victorymillbrook.com
DN: Independent Baptist
Pastor: Joey Bird
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Juvenile, Jail, Children’s Church, Junior Church, Nursing Home Ministry
36052-Mathews
Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church
15617 Troy Hwy, (334) 584.7957
DN: Baptist
Pastor: C. L Thomas Sr. WT: Sunday school, 8 a.m. and Worship at 9 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150
MIN: Deacon, Deaconess, Ushers, Praise Dancers, Missions, Pastor Aide, Couples Ministry, G.A.P. Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Community Outreach, Youth Ministry, Choirs
36064-Pike Road
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
738 Gibbs Road, Pike Rd, (334) 215.3596
Web: antiochmtmeigs.com
Pastor: Richard E. Griffin
DN: Baptist
WT: Sunday, 9:45 am (Morning Worship) and Wed. at 6 p.m. WS: Traditional
MIN: Nursery, Youth, Men’s, Mission, Prison, Drama, Choir, and Audiovisual/Multimedia
Century Church
1001 Marler Road, (334) 801.9080
Web: www.century.church
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Dr. Patrick Quinn
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Worship at The Well (1001 Marler Road)
WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 200-400
MIN: VBS, Life Groups, Youth Group, Missions
Woodland United Methodist Church
4428 Wallahatchie Road, (334) 272.7230
Website: www.woodlandontheweb.org
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Rev. Nicholas Hughes
WT: Sunday, 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Seniors, Discipleship, Children’s, Youth, Music
36066, 36067-Prattville
Camellia Baptist Church
201 Woodvale Road, (334) 365.0231
Web: www.cbcprattville.org
DN: Baptist
Pastor: James Taylor WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: AWANA, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Women’s, Men’s, Missions, Music, Upward
Centerpoint Fellowship
1200 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville, AL. (334) 356.3076
Web: www.centeringlives.com
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: John Schmidt
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 1200-1500
MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions, Small Groups
East Memorial Baptist Church
1320 Old Ridge Rd., (334) 365.7500
Web: www.eastmemorial.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Glenn Graham, Jr.
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Wed. night at 6:15 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 700-900
MIN: Student, College & Career, Singles, Children’s, AWANA, Seniors, Women’s, Men’s
18 River Region Christians July 2023
Evangel Church
972 McQueen Smith Road, (334) 272.4882
Web: www.evangelchurch.me
DN: Assembly of God Pastor: Mike Rippy
Campus Pastor: Devon LeMaster
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Children, Students, College, Growth Track, Life Groups, Dream Team
First Baptist Church
138 S. Washington Street, (334) 365.0606
Web: www.fbcprattville.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Dr. Peyton Hill
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 800-1200
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Men’s, Women’s, Mission Friends, Choir (all ages), Moms Day Out, Kindergarten, Adult Discipleship, Moms LIFE
First Presbyterian Church
211 S. Chestnut Street, (334) 365.6387
Web: firstpresbyterianchurchofprattville.com
DN: First Presbyterian Church of America
Pastor: Allan Bledsoe
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Youth, Community, Women’s, and Men’s
First United Methodist Church
100 E. Fourth Street, (334) 365.5977
Web: www.prattvillemethodist.org
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Rev. Tony McCullough
WT: Sunday, 9a.m., 11a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Singles, Older Adults, Support Groups, Mom’s Day Out, and Preschool
Fountain City Baptist Church
492 East Main Street, (334) 365.2034
Web: www.fountaincitybaptist.com
DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Moore
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Children’s, Teen, Older Adult, AWANA, Music (adults and youth), Men’s, Women’s, Missions and Outreach
Fountain of Grace
881 McQueen Smith Road, S., (334) 365.5511
Web: www.fountainofgrace.us
DN: Christian Missionary Alliance
Pastor: Tony Butler
WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m. WS: Blended
AT: Under 150-400 MIN: Youth, Sunday school, Women of Grace, Music, Sound, AWANA (during school year)
Glynwood Baptist Church
376 N. McQueen Smith Road, (334) 361.9180
Web: www.glynwoodbc.com
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Reverend James Jackson
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. and Wed. at 6:30 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Music, Prayer, Seniors, AWANA, Mom’s Day Out, Bible Study and prayer Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Heritage Baptist Church
1357 S. Memorial Drive, (334) 365.2372
Web: www.hbcprattville.org
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Ben Richey WT: Sunday, 10a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: AWANA, Youth, VBS, Children’s Church, Adult, Music and Missions Trips
Hunter Hills Church of Christ
330 Old Farm Lane N., (334) 285.2700
Web: www.hunterhills.org
DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Will Collins
WT: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Singles, Support Groups, Leisure, and Small Groups
Journey Church
435 Shiela Blvd, Prattville (334) 351.9994
Web: www.myjourneychurch.com
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: Mike Mozingo
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:45
WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800
MIN: Small Groups, Children’s, Youth, Missions, Growth Track and Outreach
Messiah Church
334 Old Farm Lane S., (334) 290.5215
Web: www.mymessiahchurch.org
Facebook: Messiah Church
DN: Lutheran Vicar: Tommy Lee, Sr.
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: under 150
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Men, Women’s, Life Groups, and Local Missions
36092-Wetumpka
First United Methodist
ad on Back Cover
306 W. Tuskeena St., (334) 567.7865
Web: www.wetumpkafirst.com
Pastor: Rev. Matt Albritton
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s ministry, Youth, Hispanic Ministry, Young adults, Missions, Prayer and Adult ministry
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., (334) 567.4325
Web: www.blueridgebaptistchurch.net
Pastor: Rev. John Carney
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: under 150
Min: Children’s, Adult, Youth, College, Prayer and Missions
Centerpoint Fellowship
9301 US Hwy. 231, (334) 478.7826
Web: www.centeringlives.com
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: Tom Gaylord
WT: Sunday, 9:35 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: under 150
MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions Small Groups
First Baptist Church
205 W. Bridge Street, (334) 567.5191
Website: www.fbcwetumpka.com
DN: Baptist Pastor: Dr. Clint Landry
WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Men’s, Women’s and Older
Adults
Grace Baptist Church
304 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka (334) 567.3255
Email: info@gbcwetumpka.com
Web: www.gbcwetumpka.org
Pastor: Justin L. Teate
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Wed.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Sunday school, Adult, Youth, Children’s
Mountain View Baptist Church
1025 Rifle Range Rd, (334) 567.4458
Web: www.mvbaptist.com
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Dr. Tim Thompson
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m.
MIN: Food closet, AWANA, Upwards Soccer, Op-
eration Christmas Child, Children, Youth, College, Men and Women’s Ministry, Seniors, Music, Education and Library.
Mulder Memorial UMC
3454 Firetower Rd., (334) 567.4225
Web: www.mulderchurch.co
Pastor: Jonathan Hart
WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: Children’s ministry, Adult, Youth, Groups, Outreach, Missions and Prayer
Redland Baptist Church
1266 Dozier Road, (334) 567.8649
Web: www.redlandbaptistchurch.org
Facebook: Redland Baptist Church
DN: Baptist Pastor: Bryce Cox
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Senior, Adult, Choir, VBS
Redland Hills Church
3105 Rifle Range Road, (334) 986.0001
Web: www.redlandhills.org
Facebook: Redland Hills Church
DN: Non-Denominational
Pastor: Wes Gunn
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Children’s, Youth, VBS, Community Groups
Ridge Church 109 Company Street, (334) 567.8591
Web: www.ridgechurch.com
Facebook: RidgeChurchAL IG: RidgeChurchAL
DN: Non-Denominational
Pastor: Trip Healey WT: Sundays, 9:45 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Kid’s, Student’s, Small Groups and Outreach
Santuck Baptist Church
7250 Central Plank Road, (334) 567.2364
Web: santuckbaptist.org
DN: Baptist Pastor: Ben Nobles
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. AT: 400-800
MIN: Pre-school, Children’s, Student, Worship, Small Groups, Adults, Missions, Celebrate Recovery
36104-Montgomery
First Baptist Church
ad on Back Cover
305 S. Perry Street, (334) 834.6310
Web: www.montgomeryfbc.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Mark Bethea
WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., and 6:15 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: over 1500
MIN: Preschool, Children’s, Youth, College, Singles, Adults, Seniors, Internationals, Music, Special Needs, Community, Television, Support Groups, Counseling Center
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
454 Dexter Avenue, (334) 239.9305
Email: contactdakmbc@gmail.com
Website: dexterkingmemorial.org
DN: Baptist WT: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
Min: Youth, STEP and Missionary Society
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
315 Clanton Ave, (334) 263.5529
Website: www.coascension.org
Rector: Reverend Candice Frazer
DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Music, Children, Youth, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Food Pantry, Shut-in, Outreach, Stephen Ministry, Tutoring
19 July 2023 River Region Christians DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 3)
600 Columbus Street, (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison
Co-Pastor: Elder Kylee McKinney & Lady
Kimberely McKinney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life
Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
St. John’s AME Church
807 Madison Avenue, (334) 265-4136
Website: www.saintjohnsame.com
Facebook: St. John’s AME Church –Montgomery, Alabama
Pastor: Rev. Roosevelt Williams III
DN: African Methodist Episcopal
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
MIN: Youth, Clothes Closet, Food Pantry, Free Transportation, and Prayer
St. John’s Episcopal Church
113 Madison Avenue, (334) 262.1937
Website: www.stjohnsmontgomery.org
DN: Episcopal
Rector: Reverand Duncan Johnstan
WT: Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m.; Thursdays, 12:05 p.m. AT: 150-400
MIN: Christian Education, Youth, Children’s, Adult, Missions and Outreach, Homeless ministry
Trinity Presbyterian Church
1728 S. Hull Street, (334) 262.3892
Web: www.trinitypca.org
DN: Presbyterian Church in America
Pastor: Claude E. McRoberts
WT: Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Summer schedule: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 400-800
MIN: Adults, Children’s (Catechism Classes and Pioneer Clubs), Youth, Missions, Choir, Preschool, and Singles
36105-Montgomery
Community Congregational Church
3481 South Court Street, (334) 265-4411
Web: www.cccmontgomery.org
Pastor: Rev. Ray Speller
WT: Sunday 10:45 am WS: Blended
MIN: Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Food Pantry, Clothes
Closet, Usher Ministry, Acolyte Ministry and Benevolence Ministry
Rebirth Christian Ministries
321 W. Fleming Road, (334) 281.0910
Web: http://rcministries02.wix.com/rcministries
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: Willie E Summerlin Jr.
WT: Sunday 10:00 a.m., Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150
Snowdoun Baptist Church
6564 Norman Bridge Road, (334) 280.0217
Web: www.snowdounbaptist.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Steve Campbell WT: Sunday 11 a.m.
PMWS: Traditional AT: Under 150
MIN: Worship, Children, Youth, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Missions, Music
36106-Montgomery
Capital City Church of the Nazarene
4450 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.8176
Web: www.capcitynaz.org
DN: Church of the Nazarene
Pastor: Dr. Bill Hamby
W T: Sunday School 10 am, Worship 11 am, Hispanic Service 1:30 pm, Wednesday Study 6 pm Worship Style: Traditional Attendance: 25 Ministries: Sunday School for all ages, Wednesday Night Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday Night Men’s Bible Study, Wednesday Night Children’s Bible Study and Quizzing, 4:12 Ministries for children and youth, prayer, Facebook Live services, Hispanic services with Templo Biblico
Cloverdale Baptist Church
608 E. Fairview Avenue, (334) 265.9223
Website: www.cloverdalemontgomery.org
DN: Southern Baptist
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and Wednesday, 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Preschool Academy, Fun and Fellowship, Seniors, Cloverdale Idle Wild Association, Youth, Choir for all ages
Eastwood Presbyterian Church
1701 E. Trinity Blvd., (334) 272.3103 Web: www.eastwoodchurch.org
DN: Presbyterian (PCA)
Pastor: Bart Lester WT: Sunday, 10:55 a.m. (10:30 during summer) and 5:30 p.m.
Evening service meets at Chantilly Campus located at 9299 Vaughn Road. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Missions, Counseling, School, College, Youth, Women, and Military
Evangel Church
3975 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.4882 Web: www.evangelchurch.me
DN: Assembly of God
Pastor: Michael Rippy WT: Sunday, 10:30
WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800
MIN: Sunday school, Children, Students, College, Growth Track, Life Groups, Dream Team
First United Methodist Church
2416 W. Cloverdale Park (334) 834.8990
www.fumcmontgomery.org
DN: Methodist
Pastor: Dr. Jay D. Cooper WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 800 to 1500
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Men’s, Women’s
Heritage Baptist Church
1849 Perry Hill Road, (334) 279.9976
Web: www.hbcm.net
Pastor: Teman Knight
DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:15
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: Children, VBS, Seniors, Journeymen Men’ Ministry, Zoe Women’s Ministry, Lifestones, Youth, College, Family Life Center, Child Development Center, Footprints Ministry and Heritage FaithRiderz.
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 1) 1615 Mulberry Street, (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison
Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark & Evangelist Sharon Clark WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life
Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 6) 1601 East Trinity Blvd., (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Rodney Brannon & Shawna Brannon
WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
Vaughn Park Church of Christ
3800 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.2665
Web: www.vaughnpark.com
DN: Church of Christ
Pastor: Tim Rine WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m., Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 400-800
MIN: Agape, Bible Class, Children’s, Financial Peace University, Life Groups, Food Pantry, Ladies, Inner City, Marriage, Men’s, Student, Upward, World Bible School and Worship
20 River Region Christians July 2023
36107-Montgomery
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
2514 Madison Avenue, (334) 264.6461
Web: www.capitolheights.org
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Russell K. Zwerner
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Worship & Music, Children’s, Families, Men’s, Seniors, Students, Women’s
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
1550 East Washington Street, (334) 265.1807
Website: www.pilgrimrestmbc.org
Pastor: Rev. Walter E. Ellis
DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: Sunday school, Youth Mentoring, Youth Choir, Women’s, Bible Study
36108-Montgomery
Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church
3323 Day Street, (334) 263.2171
Website: Find us on Facebook
Pastor: Rev. Henry Carnegie
DN: Missionary Baptist
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. AT: under 150
MIN: Sunday School, Health and Wellness Ministry, Food Bank, Youth, Children’s Church
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 4)
4781 Mobile Highway, (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison & Lady J Ellison
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life
Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
Rosa Parks Avenue Church of God
1701 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, (334) 265.6008
Pastor: James I. Marshall
DN: Non-denominational
WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. AT: under 150
MIN: Youth, GED Program, Bible Study, Singles, Seniors, Counseling and Choir
36109-Montgomery
Dalraida United Methodist Church
ad on page 9
3817 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.2190
Email: info@dalraidaumc.org
Web: www.dumc.tv
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Rev. Michael Cobb
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Music, Outreach, Sunday School, Youth
All Saints Episcopal Church
645 Coliseum Blvd., (334) 272.2591
Web: www.allsaintsal.com
Rector: Rev. David Peeples
DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Outreach, Children’s, Women’s, Men’s, Youth
Beacon of Hope Church of God
1045 Coliseum Blvd.
Pastor: Mark Brown
DN: Church of God (HQ. Cleveland, Tennessee)
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (Sunday School), 10:45 a.m. (Worship), 6:00p.m. (Evening Service) and Wednesday night, 7 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Nursery, Pre-School, Children, Jr. Church, Student, Youth, Graduates & Professionals, Men’s, Women’s, Older Adults, Choir Music, Sunday School, Worship, Adult Bible Study, World Missions, Church Planting, Food Ministry, Community Outreach Ministry
Cornerstone Christian Church
301 Dalraida Road, (334) 273.8595
Web: www.cornerstone-cc.org
DN: Non-denominational
Pastor: Jay Thompson
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: Under 150
MIN: Sunday school, Children’s, Youth, Women’s, Seniors, AWANA, Cornerstone Kids, CC Quilters
Dalraida Baptist Church
3838 Wares Ferry Road, (334) 272.2412 Web: www.dalraidabaptist.com
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Rick Evans WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Music, Sunday school, Discipleship, Children’s, Youth, Ladies, Seniors, FAITH Outreach, Missions
Eastern Hills Baptist Church
3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, (334) 272.0604 Web: www.ehbconline.com
Pastor: Interim WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 400-800
OL: Spanish
MIN: Children, Teens, College & Career, Adults, Senior Adults, Men, Women, Music, Hispanic, Childcare and Homeschool
Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway, (334) 277.6300 Web: www.eastmont.org
DN: Baptist
Pastor: Frank Bowling
WT: Sunday, 8:10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: above 1500
MIN: Children’s, Student, College & Career, Singles, Men’s, Women’s, Senior, Music, Missions, Hispanic, Technical
First Presbyterian Church
5 Arden Road at Atlanta Highway Website: 1stmgm.com
DN: Presbyterian Church in America
Pastor: Reed De Pace WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional, Blended AT: Under 150
MIN: Men’s, Women’s, and Seniors
Morningview Baptist Church
125 Calhoun Road, (334) 272.2304
Web: www.morningview.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Shawn Merithew, Ph.D.
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Family, AWANA, Student, Adult Bible Studies, Fellowship Groups, Senior Adult, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, Music and Worship, GRACE outreach teams, Hands of Christ, Orphan Care, International Missions, Partner Trips
Perry Hill United Methodist Church
910 Perry Hill Road, (334) 272.3174
Web: www.perryhillumc.org
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Mark Osgood
WT: Sunday, 10:30
WS: Traditional AT: Under 150
MIN: Senior, Family, Men, Women’s, Music, Prayer, Church, and Prayer Shawl
St. Paul Lutheran Church
4475 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.6214
Web: www.stpaulmontgomery.org
Pastor: Reverend Carey Elam
DN: Lutheran
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (Contemporary), 10:30 a.m.
(traditional) WS: Multiple Styles Offered
AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Choir
University Church of Christ
5315 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 386.7320
Web: www.ucoc.org
DN: Church of Christ
Minister: Randy Medlin
WT: Sundays, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 400-800
MIN: Youth, College, Prison and Children’s
36110-Montgomery
Jubilee Christian Fellowship
55 Red Eagle Road, (334) 451.0059
DN: Congregational Holiness
Pastor: Mark H. Pate
WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 100
Min: Children, Outreach, Sunday school, Youth and Women’s
36111-Montgomery
New Life Church of God in Christ (Main Campus) 4116 Narrow Lane Road, (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark & Evangelist
Sharon Clark
WT: Sunday, 8 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
Resurrection Catholic Church
2815 Forbes Dr., (334) 263.4221
Web: www.rcmsouth.org
DN: Roman Catholic
Pastor: Rev. Manuel B. Williams
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m.
WS: Catholic AT: 400-800
MIN: Vibrant and soulful choirs, liturgical dancers and drummers, CCD/Sunday School, RCIA, Instruction in Black Catholic History, Vacation Bible School, Annual Childrens’ Sabbath and Parish Picnic, Parish Council, Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, Our Lady’s Sodality, Youth Group, and Biannual Parish Mission/Revival.
Whitfield Memorial United Methodist
2673 Fisk Road, (334) 281.2467
Web: www.whitfieldumc.org
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Rev. Kathy Fisher
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children, Youth, And Older Adults
21 July 2023 River Region Christians DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.
WS: Multiple Styles Offered
AT: Over 1500
OL: Chinese and Spanish services. American Sign Language and Korean interpreters available
MIN: Children, Students, Singles, Men, Women, Adult Sunday School and Life Groups, Older Adults, Hispanic, Chinese, Music, Recreation, Community and World Missions, Stephen Ministry, Support Groups, Counseling Clinic, Financial Peace, Marriage and Parenting, TV, and many more.
36116-Montgomery
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
6610 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.6152
Web: www.aldersgateumc.org
DN: United Methodist
Pastor: Dr. Brian Miller
WT: Sundays, 8:15 (Chapel Worship), 10:30 a.m.
(Traditional and Contemporary)
WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 400 to 800
MIN: Children’s Ministry, Youth, Music (all ages), Young Adults (College & Career), Seniors, Stephens, Weekday Children’s Ministry Day Care & After School Programs, Men’s, Women’s, Wednesday Night Connections Dinner & Small Groups, Youth and Adult Sports, Food Pantry, Library
Calvary Baptist Church
8197 Decker Lane, (334) 284.3737
Web: www.calvarymontgomery.org
DN: Independent Baptist
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Married, Singles, Seniors, Men, Women, Preschool, Children, AWANA, Bus Ministry, Summer Program, Youth, Missions, Worship
Church of the Highlands
4255 Taylor Road, (205) 980.557
Website: www.churchofthehighlands.com/ campuses/Montgomery
Pastor: Chris Erwin
WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
WS: Contemporary Attendance: 800-1500
Ministries: Small Groups, Outreach, Youth, and Motion & Missions
Gateway Baptist Church
3300 Bell Road, (334) 272.9494
Web: www.gatewaybaptist.com
Pastor: Grady Smith
DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Small Groups, AWANA, Student, Youth, Seniors, Men and Women’s, Military
Messiah Lutheran Church
6670 Vaughn Road
(334) 277.4213
Web: www.messiahlutheranmgm.org
DN: Lutheran
IPastor: Rev. Steven Renner
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Youth, Music, Missions, and Lunches for Learning
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 5)
5600 Carriage Hills Drive, (334) 558.0258
Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison
Co-Pastor: Lois Russell
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry. 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 2) 5000 Patterson Road, (334) 558.0258 Web: www.nlcogic.org
DN: Church of God in Christ
Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison
Co-Pastor: Elder Theodore Williams
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: Over 1500
MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School) Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Women’s Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
5260 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.0011
Web: www.rbcmontgomery.com
DN: Southern Baptist
Associate Pastor: Tom Smith
WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Music, Children’s, Youth, Single, Married, Senior, Women’s and Men’s
Young Meadows Presbyterian
5780 Vaughn Road, (334) 244.1385 Web: www.youngmeadows.org
DN: Presbyterian Church in America
Pastor: Kevin Beeker
WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, Youth, Choir, Growth Groups
36117-Montgomery
Frazer Church
ad on page 3
6000 Atlanta Highway (334) 272.8622
Web: www.frazer.church
DN: Free Methodist
Pastor: Dr. Chris Montgomery
Frazer Hispanic Congregation
Meets in North Gym
ad on page 3
6000 Atlanta Hwy., (334) 495-6414
Web: www.frazer.church
DN: Free Methodist
Pastor: Mario Aman WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Nursery and Children, Please check the website for all Ministries.
Christchurch
8800 Vaughn Rd., (334) 387-0566
Website: www.christchurchanglican.net
You Tube Channel: Christchurch Anglican
DN: Anglican
Pastor: Rev. Andrew M. Rowell
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite II
WS: Traditional AT: 400-800
MIN: Adult, Small Groups, Outreach, Celebrate Recovery!, Wednesday Night supper and programs for all ages, Older Adults, Young Adults, Men’s, Women’s, Parish Life, Music, Youth, Parish Life, Pastoral Care, Children’s, Puppet Ministry, Nursery, Stewardship.
Eastern Meadows Church of Christ
8464 Vaughn Rd., (334) 273.0001
Website: www.easternmeadows.org
DN: Church of Christ
Minister: Steve Housley
WT: Sundays, 10 a.m., Sunday night, 5:00p.m. and Wednesday at 6:30
WS: Traditional AT: 150-400
MIN: Youth, College, Young Adult, Senior, Mens, Women’s, Educational, and Missions
Eastern Oaks Baptist Church
7505 Waresferry Road, (334) 396.9811
Website: www.easternoaks.org
DN: Baptist
Minister: Dr. Daniel Gillenwater
WT: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Small Groups, Youth, Children and Missions
Fresh Anointing International Church
6000 Monticello Drive, (334) 613.3363
Web: www.anointedchurch.org
DN: Independent
Pastor: Kyle Searcy
WT: Sunday, 9:00 and 11 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 800-1500
MIN: Singles, Nursing Home, Prison, Children’s, College, Drama, Angel Food, Marital Counseling, Intercession, Fresh Start Christian Academy, KCS Ministries
GracePointe
1565 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 271.2525
Web: www.grace-pointe.com
DN: Church of Christ
Pastor: Scotty Harris
22 River Region Christians July 2023
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 150-400
MIN: Children’s, GPS, Life Groups, Women of Grace, and Men of Grace, Prayer Ministry
Grace Presbyterian Church
5 Bell Road, (334) 272.4930
Email: info@discovergrace.org
Web: www.discovergrace.org
DN: Evangelical Presbyterian
Pastor: Bill Thompson
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: Under 150
MIN: Children’s, Community Groups, Journey Groups, Creative Arts Camp, Baseball Ministry, Discipleship for all ages and Outreach
Harvest Family Church
7245 Copperfield Drive, (334) 277.1156
DN: Non-Denominational
Pastor: Bill McNeese
WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Children, Youth, Women and Men’s
Lakeview Baptist Church
9225 Atlanta Highway, (334) 213-3080
Web: www.lakeviewbaptistchurch.cc
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Paul Hubbard
WT: Sunday, 10:45 am.
WS: Blended AT: Under 150
MIN: Children’s, College and Career, Seniors, Women’s, Music, Student, and Young married.
Landmark Church of Christ
1800 Halcyon Boulevard, (334) 277-5800
Web: www.landmarkchurch.net
DN: Church of Christ
Pastor: Buddy Bell
WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 800 to 1500
MIN: Children, Youth, College, Recovery, Inner City, Life Groups, Missions, and Life Center
Legacy Church
2323 Bell Road, 334-396-2001
Web: www.thelegacychurch.org
Pastor: Rev. Doug McCurry
DN: Anglican
WT: Sundays, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: under 150
MIN: Men’s, Women’s and Children’s
Passion Church
6825 Waresferry Road, (334) 271.3800
Web: www.mypassion.church
DN: Inter-denominational
Senior Pastor: Steve Vickers
Lead Pastor: Bruce and Sandy Whitehill
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400
MIN: Life Groups, Volunteer Teams, Passion Works, Teens and Kids
Providence Presbyterian Church
2130 Bell Road, (334) 274.1018
Web: www.providencepres.life
DN: Presbyterian
Pastor: Rev. Nan Adams
WT: Sunday, 11:00 a.m.
WS: Traditional AT: under 150
MIN: Daycare, Women’s, Youth, Adults, Seniors, Food Ministry, Music, and Children’s
St. James Church
9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037
Web: www.sjlife.com
DN: Global Methodist
Pastor: Lester Spencer WT: Sunday, 10 (Contemporary), 11 a.m. (Traditional)
WS: Traditional & Contemporary AT: 800-1500
MIN: Recreation, Prayer, Recovery, SJ Kids, Pre-school, College, Men, Women and Seniors.
Taylor Road Baptist Church
1685 Taylor Road, (334) 271.3363
Web: www.taylorroad.org
DN: Southern Baptist
Pastor: Daniel Atkins
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
WS: Blended AT: 400-800
MIN: AWANAS, Children’s Missions, Home Groups, Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth & Adult Choirs, Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Women’s, Youth and Adult Bible Study, Mothers Morning Out and Kindergarten.
Thorington Road Baptist Church
450 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 396.9376
Web: www.trbaptist.org
Pastor: Michael Trull
DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Wed. at 6:25
WS: Blended AT: 150 to 400
MIN: Nursery, Pre-School, Children, Student, Men’s, Women’s and VBS
Vaughn Forest Baptist Church
8660 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.5433
Web: www.vaughnforest.com
Pastor: Interim
DN: Southern Baptist
WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
WS: Contemporary AT: 800 to 1500
OL: Spanish and Korean
MIN: Small Groups, Preschool, Student, Singles, Older Adults, Worship, and Hispanic
23 July 2023 River Region Christians DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
One of the areas about which there seems to be no absence of discussion in the Christian community at large has to do with how we are to relate to our country. Regarding our civic involvement, we can recognize that Christians should bring our worldview based on Scripture to every area of life. Words from the great preacher Adrian Rogers, who is heard weeknights at 6:30 on Faith Radio, were featured in a recent article on NotTheBee. com, a division of The Babylon Bee, which included these quotes from him:
Patriotism is not bad. When our government is good we praise our government. This scripture says “give honor to whom honor is due...”
Patriotism, love of the fatherland, is not wrong. We are to give honor to whom honor is due.
Next, we are to preach to our country... God’s people dare not be silent. We will be civil. But we won’t be silent... As long as they’re killing babies and practicing infanticide, I will not be silent. As long as we have a government that is trying to normalize sexual perversion, I will not be silent. As long as they’re handing out condoms to high school and junior high school students in so-called God blessed America, I will not be silent. And as long as a free born American is told he cannot pray out loud anywhere, I will not be silent...
We must say to our government, whatever is morally wrong is not politically right!
According to the transcript of the message on “Christian Citizenship” at the website for his ministry, Love Worth Finding, he declared we are to “preach to our country,” reminding the audience:
Good Citizens
We will be civil, but we won’t be silent. Nathan warned David. Elijah preached to Ahab. Eleazar warned Jehoshaphat. Daniel preached to Nebuchadnezzar. Moses warned Pharaoh. John the Baptist preached to Herod.
Rogers went on to say:
Our government is, “A government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” And I’m telling you, friend, if you do not participate in your government, you have not rendered to your Caesar the
recently and discussed a piece he wrote for the Centennial Institute of Colorado Christian University, in which he stated, “...our ultimate allegiance is to the King of Kings, not a particular nation state. There is nothing wrong with loving one’s country, but it should be a properly ordered love that does not result in blind obedience. This proper love of country is best referred to as patriotism...” He also wrote: “We cannot let critics shame us into privatizing our faith and abandoning our responsibility to ‘seek the peace and prosperity of the city’ (Jeremiah 29:7).” The professor offers defense of religious liberty, which is a cornerstone principle of our nation.
We can consider that God is not against us loving our country. Paul at Mars Hill, quoted in Acts 17, pointed out how people have been organized into nations by God’s hand. He also related that, “in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28, NKJV) So, we are to recognize God first, our allegiance is to Him ultimately; but that does not preclude us from loving the country in which He has placed us.
things that belong to your Caesar. If, for example, you do not vote, if you do not inform yourself, in my estimation, you have disobeyed the Lord Jesus Christ. It is inconceivable that God would’ve ordained human government and told His people to stay out of it. If that is true, who does that leave to run it?
The NotThe Bee.com article offers perspective on the way we should regard our country and relationship to it, noting: “Christians ought to favor a nation that rules in accordance to God’s law.” It also offers a statement consistent with Scripture: “Punishing good is bad but punishing evil is righteous.”
Mark David Hall, professor at George Fox University, was on The Meeting House
That is where our citizenship in heaven and our earthly citizenship intersect. We are to work for the benefit of these authoritative units: nation, state, municipality, etc., in order that God might be glorified. So many of our laws reflect the principles of Scripture and laws for the betterment of a society are encased within the Ten Commandments. I believe we are to function as good citizens, advocating for freedom of religion and taking advantage of that liberty afforded to us so that we might influence good laws, laws that are inspired by godly wisdom and are not hostile toward people of faith.
We can choose and support candidates that best line up with our deeply held Scriptural beliefs. Dr. Rogers reminds us that God didn’t ordain human government and tell Christians to stay out of it.
24 River Region Christians July 2023
