God delights in taking what we see as loss, disaster, and inadequacy and creating renewal, beauty and plenty. In the Bible, we see this with Jonah in the belly of the whale, with Daniel in the lion’s den, with the boy and his lunch, and with infant King Jesus in the manger. This is the story of how God revealed His plan to plant a church in Auburn, Alabama in the midst of a global pandemic, and taught His children how to use their unique spiritual gifts to further the Gospel.
In March of 2020, daily life began to change drastically as the covid-19 virus made its way across America. Routines and rhythms were interrupted and rearranged, and church suddenly became a time for believers to worship in their homes using technology. Simultaneously, God gathered several families together and they began to share their callings, their gifts, and their dreams for how church could look in the future. Through many prayers, affirming conversations on park swings, and dreaming aloud over family picnics, the idea of worshiping safely together in the backyard was rooted in their hearts. What began as a way to connect and worship during a time of uncertainty and loneliness, soon became the answer to earnest prayer for clarity and vision. The Lord began to affirm the calling to not only plant a church, but to plant a church in Auburn, Alabama in the Stonewood Farm and Tuscany Hills neighborhoods, literally in the backyard at 2640 Cantera Court.
As the gathering began to grow, each decision was drenched in prayer. In His infinite wisdom, the Lord allowed Backyard church to come into the world at just the right time. The gathering in the backyard continued to flourish in the months of April-August 2020. The need to keep the group small created an intimate, inviting space for neighbors and friends to come and feel safe, loved, and a part of a community during an incredibly difficult time. Covid-19 was initially seen as a potential road block, but became an integral part of the very DNA of Backyard church.
On March 22, 2020, Backyard church (BYC) met for the first time as a small worship gathering of families in the backyard. With a simple and inviting style, all are welcome to participate. Communion, prayer, worship, and a message with time to share are a part of the BYC experience.
Backyard church is built on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. We believe in the power of discovering and implementing our natural gifts to serve God and love others. We believe that disciple making is essential to the spread of the Gospel in our city and worldwide. On October 25, 2020, Backyard church will officially launch with the mission to worship Jesus together, serve our neighbors, and reach the lost.