I Must Decrease - Part 1: First Baptist Elberta

Introduction: In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, your host Matt delves into an inspiring conversation with Pastor Mike Woods, the final pastor of First Baptist Church, Elberta, Alabama. Join us as Pastor Mike unravels the remarkable story of how his congregation made a profound decision to donate their cherished building to another congregation. Discover the heartwarming journey of collaboration, unity, and shared mission as Pastor Mike worked hand-in-hand with the pastors of The Point Church.

3 Takeaways for Dying Churches: 

1. Every church needs a realistic self-image. FBE accomplished this through self-assessment tools.
2. FBE recognized what they need to do to serve their community, but also saw that they were no longer capable.
3. Mike and FBE made selfless decisions at the end of their church's life cycle to serve their community and the Gospel.

Key Highlights:

1. The Decision: Pastor Mike takes us back to the pivotal moment when the members of First Baptist Church, Elberta, Alabama, made the decision to donate their beloved church building. Learn about the profound motivations and the collective spirit that led to this selfless act of generosity.

2. Building Bridges: Dive into the behind-the-scenes narrative of how Pastor Mike, alongside the leadership of The Point Church, crafted a seamless transition plan. Explore the challenges they faced, the solutions they devised, and the lessons learned in fostering a true sense of unity and community.

3. Creating a Family of Faith: Pastor Mike shares the heartwarming details of the collaboration with The Point Church, emphasizing the creation of a family-like bond among the congregations. Discover how they overcame differences, celebrated similarities, and embarked on a shared mission to continue spreading the message of faith and love.

4. Lessons for Congregations Everywhere: Gain insights from Pastor Mike on the valuable lessons learned through this unique journey. Whether you're a church leader, member, or part of any community organization, this episode provides practical wisdom on fostering collaboration, unity, and a common mission.

Conclusion: Join Matt in this deeply moving episode as he explores the incredible story of First Baptist Church, Elberta, Alabama, and their journey of selfless giving, unity, and common purpose. Pastor Mike Woods' insights and experiences offer a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to build stronger, more connected communities. Don't miss out on this enlightening and heartwarming episode on The Last Service Podcast!

Resources

Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive by Thom S. Rainer - https://www.amazon.com/Autopsy-Deceased-Church-Yours-Alive/dp/143368392X

Credits

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/arend/lavender
License code: ZIXQF4BKKOTTJFRX