Jackson church changes name

Editor's note: The following story has been edited to correct the church's former name.

Jackson First General Baptist Church has been part of the city of Jackson since July of 1959. In 2012, the congregation envisions an even greater presence in the community, but they will do it under the new name of ConnectionPoint Church.

"The name change," said senior pastor Dr. Chris Vaught, "is a better reflection of our threefold mission and purpose -- to connect people to God, others and service. We will remain affiliated with the General Baptist denomination. Our beliefs and doctrine will remain the same. We are a Bible-believing church. Our name has changed, but our faith remains the same."

The idea of the name change had been talked about for many years by church leaders, but was never brought up in a formal recommendation. The new name was finally proposed to the church members in a business meeting last September, and the church voted to proceed with the change, effective in 2012.

In a service of celebration, the church will launch the new name on Sunday, Jan. 1. On that day, several people are scheduled to be baptized and join the church. A new sign bearing the new name will be on display.

"The congregation has been in a steady state of change over the past year," Vaught said.

Last December both worship services were moved to the activity center in order to accommodate more people. Services will remain in that building until a new sanctuary is built sometime in the near future.

"An artist's rendition of the new building is displayed in the temporary worship center as a constant reminder of where we are going," Vaught said.

The church began 2011 with a brand new pastor when the Rev. Luther Rhodes retired after 25 years of leading the congregation. Dr. Chris Vaught from Kentucky is now the senior pastor.

The church has built a new children's worship area and is working on a new youth worship center as well. The congregation hopes to launch a new nursery area on Jan. 1 and is planning to launch a new ministry geared specifically to minister to special needs children and their parents in the spring of 2012.

Pastor Vaught invites everyone to come check out the many ministries the church offers. They are located on South Farmington Road, across from Coca-Cola. On Sunday mornings they offer a traditional service at 8:30 and a contemporary worship at 10:45. Connection Kids children's worship is offered during both services. On Wednesdays, Fusion youth meet at 6:30 p.m. and midweek Connection Kids meets at 7 p.m. Small group Bible studies for adults meet on and off campus at various times during the week.

To learn more about what the church has to offer, check them out on the web at www.YourConnectionPoint.com.

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