First Church Lindale growing through a FAITHful approach to evangelism

First Church of Lindale is making quite a name for itself these days and putting the town on the Baptist radar screen as a going and growing church. The progress of the church is particularly impressive in view of the transitions that have taken place since the closing of one of the major community industries several years ago.

Originally established 106 years ago as a mill village for Massachusetts Mills (and later Pepperell, West Point, and then Lindale Manufacturing – the sixth largest employer in Floyd County at one time), Lindale is a close-knit Georgia community comprised of 1,682 households and nestled less than four miles south of Rome.

Interestingly, the Pepperell baseball team in Lindale produced some professional athletes that made it to the Major Leagues, such as Willard Nixon of the Boston Red Sox, who typically pitched brilliantly against the Sox’s nemesis, the New York Yankees, in the 1950’s.

But now, FBC is battling their nemesis, the Devil, through an effective witnessing campaign. Pastor Tim Burnham has led participation in the FAITH evangelism strategy for more than five years. The church started FAITH with four people and has grown to average 15 teams every semester.

Burnham says, “We now have 79 laypeople trained to share their faith. We offer four levels of training each semester. We will average 221 visits a semester, contact 416 people and average sixteen professions of faith. It is the fabric of all we do in evangelism, ministry, discipling and worshiping.”

David Evans

Pastor Tim Burnham offers prayer and counsel to a young woman who responds to the invitation at First Baptist Lindale.

On March 16 of last year the church experienced the greatest spiritual moment in it’s history. Forty-two made a profession of faith on that Sunday morning. Burnham reports, “There was no special emphasis. God just showed up in a supernatural way that won't be forgotten.”

In the weeks that followed Sunday, another sixteen professions of faith were recorded. “People that were visited by FAITH teams months and years before were responding to receive Christ,” Burnham states. “Church members were finding Jesus for the first time.

“I believe God honored the church’s passion to evangelize the unchurched and to equip believers to experience a life of faith,” the Lindale pastor added. “Five years ago our people really started believing the Bible – that there is a harvest field, and we have continuously prayed for the Lord to send workers out.”

Although Burnham leads the basic study for FAITH every semester, leads a FAITH team each week and systematically promotes FAITH through his pulpit ministry, the four men presently on the ministerial staff are expected to participate in FAITH each semester.

Burnham glows as he expresses confidence in his staff, “They go beyond just showing up. Each leads a FAITH team and alternates in teaching FAITH classes weekly.

John Cooper, a key layman at First Church, assisted Burnham in leading the church to participate in FAITH. The pastor said, “John was an answer to my prayers; and what we’re attempting to do would never work without a committed laity.”

As Burnham reflected upon his twelve years as pastor, he remarked, “We have changed from a church that was content to merely exist with zero growth to a people committed to evangelism, developing disciples and growth through Bible Study.”

Both morning worship services at FBCL are filled to capacity and next year all existing Sunday School spaces are expected to be used. The church leadership is looking at the possibility of a new worship center as well as the renovation of educational space.

Burnham voices great hope for the future, saying, “Our desire is to be a Great Commission Army, not just an audience on Sundays. We believe our best years are yet to come.

“Every church should be specifically and consistently committed to an evangelistic strategy. Don’t underestimate what God can do through laypeople – they can win people to Christ! Never quit! There’s always someone who needs the Gospel.”