Allen—An Eastern Kentucky church is taking a page out of University of Kentucky’s Coach John Calipari’s book. Members of the growing congregation of Allen Baptist Church have adopted as their theme, “Love the Grind,” a phrase borrowed from “Players First.”

Allen Baptists’ strategic plan calls for a team approach as they move toward the beginning of a new church calendar year.

“The plan’s design is not everybody doing everything, but that everybody does something,” said Pastor Timothy Searcy.

Church leadership describes the plan as “Christ-centered and financially stable.” The plan involves leadership teams for all areas of church life that are accountable to the church, reporting on a monthly basis at business meetings.

The mission statement of the church is to carry out the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. Objectives to be accomplished include the following:

– Worship: Lead people to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength.

– Ministry: Lead people to love their neighbor as themselves

– Evangelism: Lead people to make disciples.

– Missions: Lead people to make disciples of all nations

– Discipleship: Lead people to do all things that Christ has commanded.

– Fellowship: Lead people to identify with Christ and His church through baptism.

During this past year, the church has experienced growth. Jody Conley, worship team leader, reported that church attendance was up over 50 percent, and giving has increased by nearly 20 percent.

“We have seen the addition of 43 members lately, and we have two more on the way,” Searcy added.

Located in a convenient location, near an intersection of U.S. 23 and Highway 80, the current worship center was constructed under the leadership of long term pastor, Arnold Turner.

Allen Baptist is having a “fresh encounter” with the Lord, as they accept His invitation to be a church on mission with Him. (WR)