The Southern District covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Panhandle of Florida. From the farthest east in Mexico Beach, Fla., to the farthest west in Shreveport, Miss., is 1,000 miles as the crow flies. Within this large geographic area we have 149 congregations. I attempt to visit every congregation in the district at least oncea triennium. I am out in the district almost every Sunday preaching, teaching, ordaining, installing, and connecting with pastors and congregations.
A. Congregations The district has 149 congregations with 28,000 baptized members. Our average congregation worships with fewer than 50 people in attendance. Of the 22 historic Black congregations in the district, 12 cannot afford a full-time pastor and are in danger of closing. Circuit 12, centered in Selma, Ala., has 7 historic Black congregations being served by 2 pastors. The challenges are great, but so is our God.
B. Schools The district has 18 early childhood development centers, 9 K–8 schools, and 1 high school.
C. Missions There is more work to do in mission than we have money or trained people to support. We are currently working to train 500 lay missionaries that will help revitalize the ministry and mission of their home congregations as well as act as core groups for future church plants. Our newest church plant is happening in Helena, Ala., just outside of Birmingham. We are also seeing congregations begin to grow with new families from their area. We are also seeing young men in their 20s beginning to seek out our churches and pastors, desiring greater theological, biblical, confessional, and liturgical depth. One common denominator, though, is the pastor and congregation being welcoming of new people. To God alone belongs all glory, honor, dominion, and kingdom in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever.