Soul City Church in Jackson, Mississippi, Wants to ‘Raise a Generation’

Soul City Church in midtown Jackson recently reopened an abandoned city swimming pool to the neighborhood surrounding the church. The four-year-old church plant is using unorthodox ministries like the pool to reach people with the Gospel. (The Baptist Record/Johnny Ervin)

JACKSON, Miss. (BP) — After months of work, Soul City Church in the heart of midtown Jackson has reopened an abandoned city swimming pool as a ministry to the neighborhood served by the church – and that’s not all.

Under the leadership of pastor Scott Fortenberry, there’s also a bicycle shop, pottery studio, and a monthly event called Burgers and Basketball to attract the area’s young people – and that’s not all.

“We’ve done work on houses,” Fortenberry said. “We’ve cut yards. We fix things. We’re giving opportunities for people to feel valued. As a result of meeting someone’s needs and then having your needs met by meeting others’ needs, we’re watching people lead a life of worship.

“My job as pastor of Soul City is to leverage the relationships that God has given me on behalf of those I serve.”

Fortenberry recalled driving by the dirty, dilapidated pool and saying, “I think God is going to let us use that pool one day.’ Two years later, we just celebrated baptizing kids in the pool. We have the largest baptistery in the state.”

Click here to read more.
Source: Baptist Press