Southside Baptist Church in Monroeville wasn’t sure how much longer it could keep going.

“They knew they were headed in the wrong direction and needed to change,” said Steve Dunn, associational missionary for Bethlehem Baptist Association.

Turning to the State Board of Missions for help, Dunn and State Missionary Rob Jackson began walking alongside the church to start a new vision. Then they hit an unexpected obstacle, and things got more difficult. A key leader in the church passed away.

“That took the wind out of their sails,” Steve said.

But leaning on the Lord and the support of partners, the church started to walk forward again. At that point, their pastor realized it was time to retire. Steve continued to walk alongside the church as their coach and connected them with a new pastor, Stephen Smith, whom he had been mentoring.

In Stephen’s first year, Steve connected Southside to an evangelism strategy from the State Board, and they went from 25 to 50 in attendance and began renovating their building.

“I think a lot of churches get discouraged, and I think they need to realize that perspective can change — just start,” he said. “The support and partnership are key.”