By Kayla Hayes
Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon has planted a second campus in Apollo Beach, lead by Campus Pastor Dr. George Thomasson. Since its establishment on November 4, 2011, attendance has increased from 12 to nearly 300 people.
Bell Shoals Apollo Beach offers ministries for adult men and women, youth, and children (including Preschool and Day Care). The style on Sunday mornings is similar to Bell Shoals in Brandon, with contemporary praise and worship and an engaging message for individuals of all ages.
With its growing children’s ministry, and general congregation, one of the campus’ limiting factors is its ‘space.’ But on November 25 the church celebrated the groundbreaking for a new modular building on the four acre property, dedicated specifically to the children’s ministry.
Thomasson believes that this campus was started to have a “multiplying congregation.” Rather than focusing on growing where they are planted, their mission is to multiply the number of congregations to areas lacking engaging churches.
According to Thomasson, the biggest way people can contribute to the mission of this campus is to pray for God’s guidance and provision. The church has very little staff right now and Thomasson said “We need people to use their spiritual gifts to plug in.” Individuals are especially needed to get involved with the growing children’s ministry.
The Apollo Beach Campus will be holding two candlelight services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve – a great evening for people to visit the campus and see what they are all about! “It is easier to pray for a church after visiting it,” said Thomasson.
Bell Shoals Apollo Beach is located at 6414 Golf and Sea Blvd. in Apollo Beach. Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday prayer services are at 7 p.m.Visit www.apollobeachcampus.com.
