God is doing great things here in Robertsdale! Over the past several months, He has been leading us through a time of transition, and has given us a fresh vision and mission for our church. We have been convicted and corporately repented of trusting in our own resources, becoming complacent, and living in maintenance mode. Since then, the Holy Spirit has set a fire down in our souls, and our vision is to see God do measurably more than all we could ask or imagine according to His power at work within us. We are already seeing this vision come to pass, and looking forward to the new thing God is doing here.
A major step in moving forward with this vision is the need for revitalization. Andrew Davis writes, “A church that stops reforming is dying. And a church that has been in that state for a long time will be rescued only by revitalization.” Oxford Dictionary defines revitalization as “the process of making something stronger, more active or more healthy.” Another step we need to make moving forward is rebranding which began with the name change. In a recent article concerning the rebranding of a church, a blog writer with ChurchTrac wrote, “Maybe your church started with a focus on one mission, but over time, that mission has evolved…Rebranding can help you realign with your current mission so that it’s accurately portrayed to the community and those around you.”
As per the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, our church board submitted an official request to the District Superintendent to legally change our church’s name, and he gave us his blessing. We had a vision meeting on Sunday, November 17, 2024, immediately following the morning service to share this with the congregation, and a unanimous decision was made in favor of this name change. Following this meeting, the DAB approved the name change, and we are grateful for the encouragement and support we have received from Rev. Ryan Brown, D.S., and our district leaders.
Our congregation stands in unity with our vision and mission, the need for rebranding, and the even greater need for revitalization, and we are all filled with anticipation and hope for the future as we become a stronger, more active, healthier church.
How did we decide on the name MidPointe? For years, we have dreamed about planting churches on the northern and southern ends of Baldwin County. We believe that one day we will, but for now we are awaiting God's timing and direction. So first, the name is visionary as we would be the midpoint between the general areas where these churches would be planted. Secondly, we are the midpoint north/south and east/west in the county so it is geographically appropriate. The City of Robertsdale is considered the central location for the county, and several of the businesses or churches use the name "Central" or "Hub City" so MidPointe also sets us apart as there is no other business or church with that name.
Rev. Melissa Aaron
Lead Pastor