On Sunday, July 25, 2021, representatives from the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association (BMBA) celebrated the passing of the torch from Fairfield Highlands Baptist Church of Midfield to Faith Church. During the shared worship service between the congregations, pastor Aubrey Miller of Faith Church received the challenge from pastor Ed Cruce of Fairfield Highlands to “continue the vital ministry of Jesus Christ in the community.” Pastor Cruce remarked, “Although Fairfield Highlands is closing, the Gospel must continue.” In response, pastor Miller pledged, “We will do the work, and these facilities and your legacy will continue to bless here.”
Dr. Josh Cook, BMBA Church Revitalization Specialist, shared the following comments from the platform:
“The real reason we are here today is that God is still doing abundantly more than we could ever ask or think in His church for His glory. One of the most challenging aspects of church revitalization is remembering that this is God’s church, not ours—the mission transcends us. However, when we surrender to God’s plan for His church, we get to be a part of something amazing.
Fairfield Highlands was born out of a missional passion for Midfield. The church faithfully embraced that call to be a lighthouse in this community for decades. Today, we can celebrate that the missional passion will continue for generations to come through the Faith Church.
This legacy replant is proof that God is not done with His church, and I am excited to see what God does here in Midfield over the next 95 years through Pastor Aubrey and Faith Church.”
After Dr. Cook’s comments, I had the honor of facilitating a moment wherein Fairfield Highlands passed a symbolic torch—representing the ministry of the Gospel work in Midfield—to the Faith Church. After this decisive moment, pastor Aubrey Miller preached a challenging message centered on the Great Commission’s work. Dr. Mike Jackson, representing the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, led in a commissioning prayer.
I wish that each of you could have attended!
Perhaps your church is striving to discern how to move forward. The Fairfield Highlands/Faith story is only one example of how God uses the BMBA to walk alongside churches. No situation is alike. Call on us! We would be honored to meet with your church leaders.
With sincere gratitude,
Chris Crain
Executive Director, BMBA