By Baptist Message staff
SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – Facing increased maintenance costs, Summer Grove Baptist Church has voted to move to a different location, but did not set a deadline for the move.
In a special called business session following its 11 am worship service Aug. 24, 64 percent (347) of those who voted chose to consider options to lease or construct a new facility in another location. However, the church will remain at its current location until they relocate.
Members had been presented with three options several weeks ago: do nothing and wait on a new pastor; remain in the same location and reduce the building size; or consider options to lease or construct a new facility. According to a 3 p.m. email sent Sunday to members from Interim Pastor Tim Purvis, 91 votes (17 percent) were cast to do nothing and wait on a new pastor while 106 votes (19 percent) were cast for remaining in the building but reduce its size.
SGBC moved into the former South Park mall 21 years ago.
“I want to thank each of you who prayed, sought God’s guidance, and participated in this vote,” Purvis wrote. “Your faithfulness and love for the church were evident throughout this process, and I am deeply grateful for the spirit of unity we have shared as we walk through this season.”
In the letter, Purvis asked for prayers.
“There are those of us who did not personally choose this option. I understand your point of view, as I have spent late nights and early mornings in prayer, going over each of these options. As we move forward in faith, we now can come together as one family in Christ to support the direction affirmed by the body. Scripture reminds us that unity does not come from perfect agreement amongst ourselves, but from walking humbly with one another, bearing with one another in love, and seeking to glorify Christ above all else (Ephesians 4:2-3).
“Please continue to pray for our church as we begin to explore next steps. May we move forward with faith, humility, and grace, trusting that God will use this decision to strengthen His church and further His kingdom through us.
I am thankful for each of you and blessed to serve our LORD and Savior alongside you.”
