Small Town Church Refuses to Close Its Doors Despite Dwindling Numbers

Faith Facts

• The Waldo Church of Christ in Arkansas has launched a two-year revitalization plan focusing on children’s ministry despite attendance dropping from 150 to 20 members.
• Forty-two members of Abilene Christian University’s football team were baptized during a Christ-centered boot camp before fall practice began.
• Multiple Christian educators and ministry leaders across Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, and Nebraska have been appointed to new positions serving churches and Christian institutions.

Arkansas Church Chooses Faith Over Closure

The Waldo Church of Christ has launched a two-year revitalization plan through outreach and a renewed focus on children’s ministry. The congregation, which once had 150 attendees, now averages 20 worshipers on Sunday mornings.

The decline mirrors challenges facing the surrounding community, where the population fell from 1,400 residents in 2010 to 1,100 in 2024, while the poverty rate reached 23.7 percent, according to the U.S. Census. Rather than accept defeat, the church is investing in children through rebuilding relationships within the community.

“If you reach the children, you’ll reach their parents,” Waldo minister H.L. Shirley said.

Through the vision titled “Come Over and Help Us,” based on Acts 16:9, church leaders are seeking financial support for part-time teachers and youth ministry workers. The churchwide initiative hopes to provide children’s ministry materials, meals and other outreach resources to attract families.

“We’re letting too many congregations close their doors. I’d rather be an optimist than a pessimist. We ought to believe there’s still work to do.”

Massive Baptism at Christian University Football Camp

Few besides Abilene Christian University head football coach Keith Patterson knew what to expect for the program’s Christ-centered, identity-focused boot camp right before the beginning of fall camp. Even if the players did, it would have been hard to imagine the results.

Forty-two members of the team — 40 current players, one former player and one assistant coach — were baptized in Jesus Christ during the intensive summer gathering. The ACU football staff partnered with the Beltway Park Church’s men’s ministry to lead players in worship, lessons and small group discussions.

“It will be two days that I’ll never forget. Probably my best two days I’ve ever had in my life, and it was very impactful for me.”

Quarterback Marcos Davila was one of the players immersed on campus at Jacob’s Dream. Linebacker Bryce Morton witnessed the transformative power of the event.

“I started tearing up a little bit seeing everyone getting baptized. It made me say, ‘I’ll give my life to Christ.’ He deserves it. He’s changed my life.”

Christian Leaders Step Into New Roles

Spencer Adcock received Coach of the Year honors by Natural State Baseball. Adcock coaches for Crowley’s Ridge College in Paragould, Ark., which is associated with Churches of Christ. CRC Pioneers players Lawson DeVault and Aiden Smith earned honorable mention recognition on the 2026 All-Arkansas Collegiate Team.

Curtis Janz was named NCAA Division II Athletics Director of the Year. Janz is director of athletics for the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith. He spent more than 30 years at Oklahoma Christian University as a student, assistant coach and administrator.

Chris McCurley received honorary membership in the Dickson Firefighters Association Local 3145 in Tennessee. McCurley, preaching minister for the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, is chaplain for the Dickson Fire Department.

Scott Adair was named dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Harding University, beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. Kevin Burr will serve as assistant dean. Garret Best becomes assistant dean of the College of Bible and Ministry and director of the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.

Tim Hall is the new preacher for the Grassy Church of Christ in Arab, Ala. Leon Lewis begins service as campus minister for York University in Nebraska. Sam Marshall joins Ezell-Harding Christian School in Nashville, Tenn., as elementary and middle school Bible teacher. Marshall is a recent graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville and worships with the Owen Chapel Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tenn.

Cary and Ginger Richie have been named houseparents at Cherokee Home for Children in Texas. Cary is retiring after 32 years with the Wichita Falls Fire Department in Texas. Ginger taught grades pre-K through high school for more than 25 years. Cary recently earned a degree from Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas.

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