For the pastoral team at Bluff First Assembly of God, their outlook on 2021 mirrors their church’s theme for this year: “The Best is Yet to Come.”
The Poplar Bluff church, located on Katy Lane just off Westwood Boulevard, is led by T.J. Woodard, lead pastor, Max Southern, executive pastor, and Nathan Smith, worship and youth pastor.
The mission statement at Bluff First is “to reach people with the hope-filled mission of Jesus.”
Their mission strategy takes three parts: 1) Know God; 2) Share Life; 3) Step Up.
“This is what we want for people in our community,” Woodard said.
Knowing God comes through weekend services and making connections with others, which leads to sharing life experiences in a small group structure.
“Life change happens through relationships,” Woodard said.
Small groups meet in a variety of locations — church, homes, parks, coffee houses, wherever people find a connection.
The third step occurs when people volunteer to serve in a variety of different ministries the church offers.
“It’s all about using your gifts,” Woodard said.
Southern, who oversees these ministry teams, says Bluff First’s relaxing environment has a strong appeal for many churchgoers.
“We want people to come and be blessed,” Southern said. “We invite anyone to come, hang out, and enjoy the experience.”
Part of the experience is the worship music. Smith’s strategy for leading worship is simple: “Pick songs and praise Jesus.”
Like most churches, Bluff First has had to cope with all the familiar COVID-based experiences: shutdown, virtual worship, followed by a gradual reopening.
They actually experienced growth as a result, however, expanding from one Sunday service to two, now meeting in person on Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m.
“I’m excited about starting new small groups and being in service for Easter,” Woodard said.
In regards to church growth, Woodard said, “We have to get larger and smaller at the same time. We want to reach more people but still build strong personal relationships.”
“That’s where our vision comes into place,” Southern said. “As you grow, there are things you have to prepare people for. It’s how you handle growth that really matters.”
“That’s what makes us wake up in the morning,” Woodard said. “We want to reach people who are still far from God.”
“We’re probably not going to stay the size of church where everyone knows everybody,” Woodard said. “But we want to be a place where everyone is known.”