What We Do
The Bible School Program - The Bible School Program at Roebuck Parkway Church
of Christ is truly a source of our strength. It is a strong, Bible-centered curriculum
that builds faith and courage through an intense study of the scriptures. From cradle-roll
to adult, our Bible School Program is very effective in equipping us to take a moral
stand for righteousness in the world.
Youth Program - We believe our young people need all of the support and resources
we can supply to maintain a spiritual relationship with God. We currently have more
than 115 teenagers under the direction of our Family/Youth minister, Jon Podein.
We are dedicated to providing them an atmosphere of encouragement to help them grow
spiritually. Each year, our teens get the opportunity to work in a foreign mission
field, do mission work in the eastern United States, become involved in the National
Lad to Leaders/Leaderettes program, work and learn at Maywood Christian Camp, and
make friends as they work side-by-side with other teenagers who are attempting to
put Christ first in their lives.
Missions - Our mission work is more than just sending money to various places.
We have annually spread the gospel of Christ in the country of Belize, Central America,
since 1969. Back then, the Church of Christ did not exist there. Today, there are
churches in all of the major cities, and we are supporting two full-time missionaries
in the country -- both of which were born in Belize, and converted by the members
of our congregation. Dozens of our members travel each year to Belize to continue
supporting these churches and their effort to win more souls to Christ.
In addition to foreign work, our members -- twice a year, load buses and travel
within the United States to work with struggling congregations. Our members canvass
neighborhoods, conduct gospel meetings, and work in many other ways to strengthen
the churches.
Here in Birmingham, we encourage each member to be a soul-winner for Christ. Our
members are very active during our gospel meetings, Vacation Bible School, and other
special events. Many of them walk through nearby neighborhoods, knocking on doors
to encourage others to attend services. Others assist in preparing and sending out
flyers and mailouts. Our Education Minister, Kyle Massengale, leads a group of trained
members who seek out and setup personal Bible studies.
Christians in Action - Active Christians are growing Christians. Christians
in Action is a group of members who meet each Tuesday at 9am for Bible Class. Together,
they check on the sick members of the congregation and send cards to the shut-ins.
The group is often involved in many other service projects and programs. They go
on field trips together and often share fellowship meals.
Membership Edification Program - Edifying the body of Christ keeps the congregation
happy and healthy. This program is designed to assist members in carrying out this
work. The membership is divided into groups, based on the area where they live.
These groups meet after Sunday evening services to identify the needs and concerns
of people in their area. Many visits and prayers have occurred thanks to the work
of the Membership Edification Program.
Prison Ministry - Our prison ministry has evolved into one of the most effective
means of teaching the gospel. Men from our church hold regular worship services
at the St. Clair Maximum Security Prison, the Birmingham Women's Work Release Center,
and the St. Thomas Men's Work Release Center in Birmingham. Every year, men and
women are led to Christ because of this effort.
Television Ministry - In 1976, our minister, Jerry Jenkins, began hosting
a weekly television series called "The Living Word." Today, that show continues...
making it the longest-running religious television program in Birmingham. The program
is shown both here in Birmingham and abroad, including all five TV stations in Belize.
The program has and continues to be a powerful tool in fulfilling God's commandment
of spreading the word of God.
Deaf Ministry - Our church has the largest deaf ministry in the United States.
In 1975, the elders recognized the need for a new mission among the deaf members.
Three years later, the Birmingham Bible School for the Deaf was established. The
program continues today, under the leadership of Tim Shoemaker and Hal Suddreth,
training men to preach the gospel to the deaf. And the school's legacy shines bright
-- graduates of the school now preach at congregations throughout the United States.
The school also provides Sign Language instruction classes for the community.
What to Expect
Singing - One of the first things you will notice about our worship is our
"acappella" singing. Every heart is God's chosen instrument of worship (Ephesians
5:19). By using this universal instrument, each member is able to praise, teach
and instruct as they follow the acceptable pattern and teaching found in the Bible
and in first-century assemblies. No matter what kind of voice you have, it sounds
wonderful to God.
Praying - We believe in prayer and the impact is has on our lives. We also
have prayer times for specific needs and prayer requests.
Lord's Supper - Each Sunday, we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection
of Jesus Christ by taking communion. Our communion is open to everyone who has obeyed
the Gospel. It is a personal decision to partake of the Lord's Supper.
Offering - Each Sunday, a collection is gathered to maintain and fund the
Lord's work.
Preaching - You will find the lessons taught each week to be centered on
Jesus Christ. Each lesson has been designed to help guide our daily walk on this
Earth.
Why Should I Consider the Church of Christ?
You will find a group of people who know we are redeemed souls standing in the grace
of God. We look to the Bible and to Jesus Christ for our salvation. We want you
to worship and serve with us for the Lord. In fulfilling the words of Jesus, we
encourage each member to find an area of work he or she can best utilize their talents
and seek joy in serving Christ. We want you to be part of the family of God. If
you haven't heard the message of Jesus Christ, or you need assistance in finding
out how your Bible answers your questions, we are here to help. Thank you for allowing
us the opportunity to introduce the Church of Christ and the wonderful gospel of
love to you.