This beautiful little country church, with its rich history, became our family's new passion. We started by cleaning around the grounds and worked our way inside. Each week we did a little more in the building and in the community.”Pastor Greg Leonard, Jones Chapel United Methodist Church
JONES CHAPEL – There’s been some big news in Jones Chapel this month. Jones Chapel United Methodist Church has been revamped and is taking the small community by storm. God is working in many great ways at the small, historic church, and its new pastor, Greg Leonard, along with his family, are following God’s leadership and working hard to do their part. After preaching in various churches throughout Alabama, Leonard was given the opportunity of a lifetime: the Jones Chapel community needed him.
“In June of 2015, our family was called to Jones Chapel United Methodist Church as a restart,” he began. “This beautiful little country church, with its rich history became our family's new passion. We started by cleaning around the grounds and worked our way inside. Each week we did a little more in the building and in the community. Our first service was August 2nd 2015 with 41 in attendance,” he beamed.
“Jones Chapel UMC now has new life with passionate members who wish to know Jesus in a meaningful relationship, praising God with their whole hearts, and led by the Spirit,” he continued. “Our goal is to connect with each other, tear down barriers by offering love and compassion while never judging; having discernment and offering accountability.”
Leonard has been married to his high school sweetheart, Christina, for nineteen years. Together they have four daughters that span in age from college years to second grade. He started his Christian education at Southeastern Bible College where he received a certificate in Biblical Studies.
“At that time, I was working with the youth of our home church and filling in for Wednesday and Sunday nights in the pulpit. Then I was called to preach and serve as a pastor. I decided to start back to school at Liberty University to receive my Bachelors Degree in Religion and a Minor in Christian Counseling during my second appointment. I am scheduled to graduate around May of 2016. I hope to attend Memphis Theological to obtain a Masters in Theology,” he smiled.
I have a better understanding of why we are called to be the bread and salt of the earth and the "Living Bread". Wonderful message inspired by God and presented by Pastor Greg Leonard.
Posted by Jones Chapel United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 9, 2015
Leonard has accepted his calling as an adult, but growing up he also played around with it. Thankfully, he grew into his position as preacher.
“My mother says when we moved from McComb, Mississippi to Hoover, Alabama in the late 1980s, I would sit on the steps outside our apartment and share the Sunday school lesson with other children at the apartments,” he chuckled.
“By my teens, I really struggled with who I was in Christ. It was after I married my beautiful wife that I started to step up my role as a godly man. Wow! I struggled,” he shook his head. “What grace that God has for us all!”
When speaking of Jones Chapel United Methodist Church, it is easy to see how Leonard feels. It is quite dear to his heart and he is proud to call it his home. The small congregation is proud of their place of worship and will continue to grow with time.
“Being a new church with old roots is wonderful,” he added. “We have a history, but better yet, we have a future that will be built on God's Word alone. We have a mixed group that attends, ages ranging from Pre-K to the elderly. It does not take much for us to meet to fellowship and eat; we love being together as a church,” he grinned.
“A children's church is held after worship and taught by my wife, Christina. The worship team does a lot of contemporary music but also some beloved hymns. In time, we are looking to add Sunday school classes and mid-week fellowship as well as activities to reach the community around us. We are growing, and every gift can be used for the kingdom.”
Service at Jones Chapel United Methodist Church begins at 10:30 a.m. with the ringing of the church bell at 10:15 a.m. The church is located at 101 County Road 1082, Cullman AL, 35057.
For more information, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/Jones-Chapel-United-Methodist-Church/927759027286415 or e-mail jones.chapel.umc.cullman@gmail.com.
