Elkdale Baptist Church - Chamber Member of the Week

Congratulations, Elkdale Baptist Church, for being selected as our newest Chamber Member of the Week!

Inside the fellowship hall

Elkdale Baptist Church started when a group from First Baptist Church began a prayer group that met at Elkdale Park.  Shortly after, they began meeting in homes and found a need for a church in North Selma.  The church was officially planted in 1953 and the 63 charter members put their money together for a building, which is now the fellowship hall at the church.  Six of the charter members are still living and active members in the church.

Elkdale has something for everyone including a traditional Sunday service, contemporary Sunday service, small groups, and mission opportunities.  The traditional service is on Sundays at 8:30 am and is led by Guy Anderson and the choir.  The contemporary service is on Sundays at 11:00 am and is led by John Andrew Castleberry and the Elkdale Worship Band.  Small groups for men, women, co-ed, youth, and children meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in a variety of areas in the church.  There is also an optional meal that is served at 5:15 pm on Wednesday nights.

If you have a heart for missions, Elkdale has a large selection of mission opportunities.

The current pastor developed the Acts 1:8 plan for the church that has become their mission.  

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8, NIV

The mission is to take the Gospel into our city, state, country, and to the ends of the earth.  Elkdale has developed a relationship with Edgewood Elementary School, which is right across the street from the church.  They have a partnership with Sav-a-Life, a pregnancy care ministry dedicated to offering free and confidential services in a loving environment to women, men, and families facing an unplanned pregnancy.  Elkdale partners with Laurel Lakes Baptist Camp in Corbin, Kentucky each summer for their faith family mission trips.  Last year their mission team consisted of 60 people ranging from age 18 months to 78!  They have also partnered with a church planter in Guatemala and the church takes mission teams there each year to help churches get started in a community that does not have a significant church presence.

Another unique aspect of Elkdale is its Faith Family Blessings ministry.  Its purpose is for the church to join with the family from the child's birth to their high school graduation.  They believe there are seven essential blessings that are essential for every family in order for one generation to pass their faith on to the next generation.

1. Parent/Baby Dedication
2. Salvation and Baptism
3. Scripture Memory
4. Purity for Life
5. Rite of Passage
6. Written Blessing
7. Family Mission Trip

Once a quarter Elkdale offers seminars for these blessings so that parents can be one step ahead of the crucial moments in their child's life.

"...We are a part of this community and God calls us to be the salt and the light in the world. We want to bring something that the city needs. We want to remind the city and ourselves that we are here to help the community." - Cory Horton, Pastor

"Change lives. Real relationships."

Photo courtesy of Elkdale Baptist Church

Elkdale Baptist Church

2221 Elkdale Street

Selma, Alabama 36701

334-872-3456

www.elkdalebaptist.org

Elkdale's passionate ministry team consists of:

• Cory Horton, Pastor
• Bob Frazer, Minister for Students and Education
• Guy Anderson, Minister of Music and Senior Adults
• Kim Lewis, Minister to Children and Preschoolers
• Jon Andrew Castleberry, Communications Coordinator and Praise Band Leader
• Debbie Sorrells, Ministry Assistant
• Linda Caver, Ministry Assistant
• Robin Little, Nursery Coordinator

To become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, call 334-872-7241.