HUMBOLDT —A small Baptist church on the brink of closure experienced a remarkable turnaround after forming an unexpected partnership with a men’s recovery facility.
Fruitland Baptist Church was facing the same fate as many rural congregations across the South. With attendance dwindling to mostly members in their 60s, 70s and 80s, church leaders met April 13 — the Sunday before Easter — to discuss shuttering the doors. Only 12 people were present.
One week later, on Easter Sunday, 104 worshippers filled the pews.
“Between April 13 and April 20, something miraculous happened,” said church member Tony Moore. “Easter Sunday was the day God chose to resurrect Fruitland Baptist Church.”
The dramatic change came through the church’s connection with Alliance Housing, a faith-based recovery facility that also helps men reintegrate into society after incarceration. The partnership began when Alliance CEO David Webb and Moore discussed the church’s struggles and Alliance’s need for a ministry opportunity.
Webb, who has led Alliance for about two years and been involved with the program for eight years, said the church partnership was essential for the men’s recovery. “It was important for the men to get out and go to church and give back,” he said.
The new congregation represents a stark demographic shift for the traditionally white, elderly membership.
The church now includes a multiracial cross-section of the community, with many attendees being what Webb describes as “justice-involved” men — some court-ordered to complete Alliance’s one-year program, others seeking help.
Alliance Housing describes its mission as helping “men rise above” through a comprehensive approach focusing on God, sobriety, finances, and savings. The facility provides transportation, housing and staffing services while residents work through the recovery program.
Since Easter, the church has maintained weekly attendance of about 115 people and has conducted four baptisms, according to Moore and Webb. About 75 men from Alliance, along with some of their families, now attend Fruitland, contributing through tithing and working in church ministries.
The revival reflects broader challenges facing rural churches nationwide, where aging congregations and declining membership have forced many to close. Fruitland Baptist’s experience suggests new models of community partnership may offer hope for struggling congregations.
“God had other plans for His church!” said Mike Kemper, director of missions for the Gibson County Baptist Association. “We had done everything we knew to do and it still seemed though the church would cease to exist. And, all of a sudden, when we had basically said, ‘there’s nothing more we can do,’ God showed up and showed out and met a need that we had no idea about.
“We, in the church and the association are rejoicing and giving God the glory for this blessing!”
The church continues to welcome both longtime members and newcomers from the Alliance Housing program. B&R
More details about Alliance Housing are available at alliancehousingllc.com.
