Twenty-Five Years Later

 

Roy T. Nix, Sr - Pastor Emeritus 2004-2021

Until his untimely death at age 93½, Pastor Roy, affectionally known as “Big Daddy” to beloved wife Sue, church family and friends, served as a constant reminder of the blessings that God poured out on Birmingham First Church. He shared the life changing love of Jesus with everyone he met. His leadership, mentoring, and friendship influenced generations of fellow pastors and believers for the sake of Christ. Remembered for his candid assessments and directness, his favorite reply when asked how he was doing on any given day, was “Better than I deserve”.

 

Don Cowan - 2004-2007

Pastor Don served as Lead Pastor for 3 years, focusing on outreach and discipleship. The church grew under his leadership and very effective preaching, which sometimes included dressing as Biblical characters. He introduced the vision and mission of “OTHERS” (Obedient Testimonies Helping Everyone Reach Salvation) through “Loving God and Loving Neighbors”.

 

Craig Baird - 2007-2010

Pastor Craig served as Lead Pastor for 3 years. He focused on outreach, meeting people in the gym and among his fellow motorcyclists. He played the bass guitar with the Worship Team. During his tenure, the church name was changed to Crossroads Community Church.

 

Michael Johnson - 2010-2014

Pastor Mike came to First Church as an associate pastor serving with Pastor Cowan, and briefly served as interim pastor in 2007. He returned in 2010, serving 4 years as Lead Pastor. Known as a man of prayer, he led the church to become a more effective people of prayer. The church had a large and vibrant worship team with multiple singers and instrumentalists.

 

Jake Smith – 2014-2017

Appointed by former District Superintendent, Rev. Greg Story, Pastor Jake served for three years as interim pastor, commuting from Oneonta. During his tenure, a very active youth group developed, and the church name was changed back to First Church of the Nazarene.

 

Huey J Davis – 2017-Present

Pastor Huey’s focus on outreach and discipleship has brought new life, new hope, and new people into our congregation, many from non-traditional backgrounds. Returning to our Nazarene roots by reaching out to the disheartened has led to numerous conversions, baptisms, new attenders and new members. At the same time, Pastor Huey has reinvigorated the congregation with an engaging preaching style, and with the help of many in the congregation, has led numerous improvements across our facilities, as well as many local and world mission activities, including funding the drilling of 7 community water wells in Africa. A favorite saying of Pastor Huey’s is, “Our ministry footprint is much larger than our congregation.”

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Twenty-Five Years Later – Lay Servants

 

We thank God for the dedicated Pastoral leadership He has provided to Birmingham First Church of the Nazarene throughout its history. While there are too many to name, we also want to recognize these dedicated lay servants that have been a vital part of God’s plan for His people in this local congregation over the last 25 years, and who are now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

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Robert and Norma Bumpus

Stan and Ruth Burleson

Vaughn and Jerri Burrell

Rhonda Cook

Rother Davis

Mildred Hamner

Ed Thompson

 

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The 100th Anniversary History Committee

Ron Boisclair

Roy Nix

Rev. Huey J Davis