Hikes Point Christian Church: a healthy church in a changing environment
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Since retiring from local ministry in 2006, I've had the privilege of preaching in countless churches, both large and small. What I've seen has been overwhelmingly encouraging. With only a few exceptions, I'm consistently reminded that the Lord's church is alive, well, and powerfully making a difference in people's lives. In this series, I want to share some of those experiences with you—stories of great churches I've visited that are thriving, transforming lives, and shining as lights in their communities.
Hikes Point Christian Church: a healthy church in an aging and evolving community
In 1998, Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, relocated to a massive new campus about seven miles east of its original home in Hikes Point, where the church had started 36 years earlier. The move left behind two campuses. The larger campus, which featured a 2,400-seat sanctuary and twenty acres of land, was sold to Canaan Christian Church.
The smaller campus, Southeast's original site for 25 years, had been used for youth and other ministries after the church's first relocation. It included a 350-seat sanctuary on less than two acres of land. Its unique aggregate concrete façade, reflecting its distinctly 1960s non-traditional design, along with its age—nearly 40 years old—and limited acreage, made it difficult to sell. Around the same time, Southeast's leaders learned that dozens of members, mostly older adults who lived near the area, were reluctant to make the drive to the new campus. At the same time, Heavenly Heights Christian Church, a small congregation nearby, expressed interest in merging with Southeast. Recognizing an opportunity to continue serving the local community, a new congregation was formed: Hikes Point Christian Church.
Scotty Richmond, a respected and experienced minister in his early sixties, stepped into the role of pastor. Under Scotty's leadership, the church began to grow—much to the delight of those who had spearheaded the effort. When Scotty retired 11 years ago, he graciously passed the baton to his associate minister, Jeff Wallace. If you googled the phrase "humble, caring pastor," I'm convinced you'd see Jeff's picture next to it. Jeff is a wonderful man, made even more likable by his wife, Debbie. A pediatrician by profession, Debbie is a joyful, supportive partner in ministry. Together, they make an inspirational leadership team.
The results have been remarkable. Today, Hikes Point Christian Church conducts three worship services every Sunday morning, averaging nearly 1,000 in attendance. A few years ago, they added a $3 million functional office and classroom building and purchased two adjacent acres to expand parking.
I've been honored to preach at Hikes Point Christian Church two or three times each year. When I'm not preaching out of town, I often visit—not only because I enjoy hearing Jeff Wallace preach, but because my grandson, Tommy, became their worship leader a year ago. And, of course, he's really good!
Hikes Point is a vibrant, multigenerational church with a young and talented staff. Their nursery, children's department, and youth group are thriving. They also have an effective Hispanic ministry led by Henry Herrera. Spanish-speaking attendees worship during the third service, where worship songs are sung in two languages, and sermons are translated via headsets.
Hikes Point Christian Church illustrates several timeless truths about healthy churches:
#1 A healthy church is led by a faithful shepherd.
In Part 1 of this series, I shared that a healthy church is almost always led by a faithful shepherd who loves their congregation and feeds them a steady diet of God's Word. That truth rings just as clear at Hikes Point Christian Church under the leadership of Jeff Wallace. Jeff has faithfully served as senior pastor for nearly 12 years, carrying forward the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Scotty Richmond. Jeff embodies humble, servant-hearted leadership. He hasn't viewed his ministry at Hikes Point as a stepping-stone but as a calling. He and his wife Debbie humbly shepherd and serve. On Easter Sunday, I noticed Debbie, who spends her entire work week caring for children as a pediatrician, serving in the nursery—not because she has nursery-aged children, but because there was a need for volunteers.
#2 A healthy church has supportive, Godly elders.
Jeff doesn't lead alone. Hikes Point's elders demonstrate another essential characteristic of a healthy church. These men aren't high-profile businessmen; they're wise, courageous, Spirit-led leaders who fully support their pastor. They work alongside him to shepherd the congregation with unity and prayerful dedication.
#3 A healthy church is devoted to reaching the lost and serving the community with compassion.
Hikes Point began as a congregation of predominantly older adults, yet they embraced growth and change with remarkable faithfulness. That aging congregation remained committed to reaching the lost, and they have done so, in large part, through their compassionate ministry to the local community. As President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Hikes Point demonstrates they care about others through various programs: back-to-school events that provide supplies and haircuts for local children, a free monthly community meal, Thanksgiving dinners, and an annual medical clinic. Their support of Seneca High School—offering pre-game meals to the football team—is another example of their commitment to the neighborhood. Vacation Bible School, which draws hundreds of children each summer, is a major outreach effort.
#4 A healthy church has a courageous commitment to the Word of God.
In a multigenerational, multiethnic church with many new believers, it might be tempting to avoid some Biblical truths that have become "hot button" cultural issues. Yet Hikes Point remains committed to boldly and lovingly preaching the complete truth of Scripture. Their unwavering dedication to the Word has led to countless lives being transformed.
Through godly leadership, a steadfast commitment to biblical truth, and compassionate outreach to the community, Hikes Point Christian Church demonstrates that a healthy church can grow and thrive despite external socio-economic and cultural challenges. They have proven:
- A healthy church can grow into a thriving, multigenerational, and multiethnic community. Starting with a congregation of mostly older adults, Hikes Point has shown the power of an active commitment to evangelizing the lost and serving their community. Their gracious, selfless spirit has fostered growth across generations and demographics, reflecting the beauty of heaven.
- A healthy church can flourish through challenging community life cycles. Despite aging infrastructure, economic challenges, and shifting demographics, Hikes Point has adapted with wisdom and compassion. Their intentional ministry to the local community has built trust, forged connections, and welcomed many new believers.
- A healthy church can thrive even in the shadow of a megachurch. Proximity to Southeast Christian Church could have overshadowed Hikes Point or led to complacency. Instead, they embraced their unique mission, serving a diverse congregation and addressing the specific needs of their community with excellence.
I continue to be encouraged by churches like Hikes Point Christian and Dogwood Community, for they serve as a powerful example of the early church described in Acts 2:43-47:
"Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Once again, I am reminded of Jesus' enduring promise:
"On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matt. 16:18).
This is part 2 of a series from Bob Russell. Find Part 1 featuring Dogwood Community Church.
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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