Jonesboro Road Baptist Church
2176 Jonesboro Road
McDonough, GA 30253
Historical Page
Jonesboro Road Baptist Church began as a new mission church in November of 1998. The property upon which the church is located was purchased by the Henry Baptist Association. The Georgia Baptist Association and the Henry Baptist Association provided assistance to the mission for the first two years which included property payments and salary. Rev. Joe Durham was called as the original church planter.
In the beginning, Rev. Durham led the church in Bible studies in a neighboring home. Later, a modular unit was obtained from the Georgia Baptist Convention and the church began to meet on the property at 2176 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA 30253. The church body sponsored events to encourage the community to be a part of this growing fellowship. As the church membership grew, plans for the building of the first permanent structure began.
In October 2001, as the plans began for the structure, the church found itself at a turning point. Rev. Durham left the church and Rev. Ronny Barnes was called as the new church planter. At this time, the church had a “restart” and once again began to dream their dream of building a permanent structure on the property.
On June 30, 2002, the ground breaking ceremony was held. At the time of the ceremony, the church membership had grown to 50 members. Construction followed the ceremony beginning in 2003. Up on completion, the construction would consist of a two-story building which would be 8,400 square feet in size. The sanctuary, two offices, restrooms, and nursery would be on the upstairs level. The basement level would include the fellowship hall, restrooms, kitchen, and six classrooms.
As Rev. Barnes led the church through the building process, not only did the building continue to become a reason to celebrate but the outreach events were also a reason to celebrate. The church continued to grow through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other outreach events for the community.
On June 20, 2004, Father’s Day, the first service was held in the new sanctuary. The service began with the Ordinance of Baptism. The service was dedicated to the James Bradley family in memory of Mr. Bradley who had worked hard to help establish the church. Following the music and message, the Lord’s Supper was observed. There were approximately 224 person present and $4291.40 being received as the offering.
To God be the glory! The construction was finally completed which marked a new beginning for the church. The new building dedication service was held on August 29, 2004. Rev. Jim Millirons, specialist with New Church Development Ministries of the Georgia Baptist Convention, delivered the dedication sermon. A fellowship meal followed in celebration of completion of the structure. By 2005, the church was constituted with a membership of 180.
Rev. Barnes continued to lead the congregation in its new facility until February 2007. Upon his resignation, Robby Mullinax, who was the worship pastor, became the pastor. During his leadership, other additions and changes came to the property. The awnings, playground, and outdoor lighting were added. The church also voted on their first deacons whom included, Billy Jenkins, Joe Cagle, Carol Adams, Bob Smith, and Steve Hood. Shortly after the election of deacons, the church said a sorrowful good-bye to Carol Adams who was terminally ill. Later, another farewell was said to Bob Smith. They went to be in a far better place.
During 2008, the first Women on Mission group was started by Annette Hudgens and G.R.O.W. outreach continued to be a vibrant part of reaching out to others as a testimony to the community and the world. The church continued to be vibrant in the community; however, there was a growing desire by the pastor to follow his calling into other ministry choices. By June 2008, the church, once again, found themselves without a pastor. Due to the family ties with the pastor, upon his resignation, the church suffered a great loss in membership. The church would once again start a rebuilding process. It was said that God always leaves a remnant and God did just that.
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At the time of rebuilding and searching for a pastor, the church body continued to serve God diligently. Not only were all the financial needs met in the church, but the Women on Mission Group continued to use their talents and finances to do for others locally and in foreign countries. Within a few weeks, the congregation was given a choice to call an interim pastor. Clayton Hampton served for several months, later followed by Rev. Ronnie Barnes until the church elected a pastor. During this time, the attendance was averaging 12 to 20. Even though the attendance was low, the church completed a much needed storage building, actively participated in Fall festivals, Easter Egg Hunts, missions, and visitation.
In April 2010, the church called Rev. Michael McCoy to be their pastor. While the church has been in the rebuilding process, it has grown to an average attendance of approximately 40. As of July 2011, Michael McCoy is serving as the pastor. The church continues to be a place where Christ is preached and love is shown to the community.
If you would like to be a part of a loving congregation and you enjoy hearing God’s Word and songs of praise to our Father, God, we invite you to join us as we continue
to grow.