What if we baptized someone? This was the question Randy Harling, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Simpsonville, posed to his staff in planning a groundbreaking service. Just one month later, four people were baptized where the baptismal pool will be located in the new worship center to be completed by the summer of 2008.
Chris Gilmore was one of four people who were baptized by pastor Randy Harling at the site of the future baptismal pool in the new worship center for First Baptist Church, Simpsonville.On June 3, approximately 750 people gathered to worship God at the site of the new worship center. People encircled the site, with construction equipment setting the stage in the background waiting to be unleashed the next morning.
“It was an awesome afternoon,” stated minister of music Randy Kirby. “What better way to dedicate a building than singing praises to our God, praying, and baptizing before the concrete is even poured.”
The worship time featured prayers led by new Christians, baptism, and was capped off by groups holding hands as they asked God to bless the project.
“We didn’t want this to be a traditional groundbreaking ceremony. This needed to be a time of celebration of what God is doing in people’s lives and what he will do in the future. Baptism is a focal point of the church, and we believed that, if he would honor it, God would provide for baptisms before the first brick is laid,” said Harling.
Simpsonville First began its “Kingdom Cause” in January of 2007. A campaign focused on bringing glory to God through sacrificial giving, which will culminate with the new worship center. The building – designed by Neal Prince Architects and built by Warren and Associates Design-Build – will seat approximately 1,400. The $11 million building is being constructed across the street from the current sanctuary.
A rendering of the new worship center under construction for First Baptist Church, Simpsonville.As the staff and church prayed, it was determined that this project was necessary. The new building will give Simpsonville First expanded capacity to accommodate growth and a state-of-the-art facility to reach people for God’s kingdom.
“This is truly a ‘kingdom cause,’?” stated Harling. “The people of First Baptist just want to love Christ fully to see others drawn to him. The new worship center is another tool to allow us to do just that.”
Rooks is minister of recreation at Simpsonville First Baptist.