New Market and Big Cove are growing congregations in North Alabama

by Brad Hall and Rosemary McMahan

New Market and Big Cove are two congregations in North Alabama Presbytery that have seen fresh growth after years of dormancy. New Market's stated supply, Bradley David Hall, and Big Cove's Commissioned Lay Pastor, Rosemary McMahan, explored their congregations' differences and similarities, and what, if anything, might be learned from their experiences.

BH: New Market was always a family church. It had dwindled to around twenty for Sunday worship. We got together at mutual low points in our existence. I preached a sermon about a vacation at the beach that included fire ants, getting my finger ripped open on a beach chair, and getting my head stuck in the battleship Alabama. They figured I needed help.

New Market was in "survival mode." They were fresh from bad experiences with a former pastor, the presbytery, and each other.

RM: In 2002, Big Cove Church had shrunk to 18 worshiping members. The mood was one of helplessness, hopelessness, and weariness. I had been unsuccessful in pursuing ordination in another denomination, and the Presbyterian Church literally called me to Big Cove. I knew something about disappointment, church politics, and feeling abandoned and wounded. But more importantly, I believe in resurrection. I was able to preach that vision and the members faithfully accepted it.

The relationship between Presbytery and Big Cove had become soured and distrustful. But Interim Executive Presbyter, Lewis Fowler, and the present Executive Presbyter, Warner Durnell saw great potential at Big Cove. They helped heal old wounds and ignite energy. Big Cove's partnership with First Church, Huntsville, gave it a much-needed dose of recognition and credibility.

Q: Was there a particular time when the congregation seemed to "come around"?

BH: We felt pretty happy with ourselves when our average worship attendance rose to forty. But our Big Moment was Easter Sunday, 2005. We took in thirteen new members, with four receiving baptism.

RM: Unfortunately, our "come around" moment involved the sudden death of longtime elder Bobby Birdsong, just six months after my arrival. His death united the congregation, and we were able to pay for a $6,000 community picnic pavilion in his honor. Later, church members funded paving our parking lot. These updates to the facility drew new members.

Our first milestone was reaching 50 in regular attendance. Our second was when session approved budgeting 10% of our income to Presbytery. Considering the broken relationship between the two, and that Big Cove had been surviving "paycheck to paycheck" for many years, this was a great vote of confidence.

Q: Has the congregation adopted any mission statements, etc.?

BH: Our official statement is, "A historic church, seeking new ways to serve." But lately we have been operating according to two principles: "Everybody gets our best," and "On earth as it is in Heaven."

RM: Big Cove adopted a Biblical Mandate a year ago to use as our guide in all that we do: "Let us work for the good of all" (Gal. 6:10).

Q: What lessons might other congregations learn from your experience?

BH: I can't imagine hiring a pastor with less than a four-year contract. A pastor is not a hired gun, but a part of the community. The connections necessary to serve a congregation aren't fostered overnight. Also, don't be scared into seeking numeric growth at all costs. Try to find out what your congregation's gifts are, and go with those.

RM: Mainly, water the roots of the congregation through prayer, worship, and love. Focus on what you have, not what you don't have, and empower the congregation to be the disciples Christ has called them to be.

Q: What does the future look like?

RM: Our future looks hopeful but money and space are real problems. New neighborhoods are popping up all around us, but we don't have the financial means to offer programs and provide the space that is needed. But we trust God will provide the means when we (and He!) are ready.

BH: We have enough sense of ourselves now that we're not afraid of new voices and new blood, even if they're as odd in their ways as we are in ours. I was pretty sure New Market and I would get along when one of the elders told me, "Nobody in this congregation is normal."