The story of three Shreveport area churches relocation
is so remarkable there is no doubt “that God was in this,” Morningside
Baptist Church pastor Terry Lodatto insists.
Lodattos congregation recently sold their property to
From Bondage to Freedom, an African-American Bossier City church.
The story of three Shreveport area churches relocation
is so remarkable there is no doubt “that God was in this,” Morningside
Baptist Church pastor Terry Lodatto insists.
Lodattos congregation recently sold their property to
From Bondage to Freedom, an African-American Bossier City church.
Morningside then bought Brookwood Baptist Churchs facilities
with the monies received from sale of its property.
Meanwhile, Brookwood is proceeding with construction of a new
church plant.
Until it is completed, Morningside and Brookwood congregations
will share facilities – with church offices located across the street from
one another.
“All three churches are winners because of this,”
Lodatto says. “(From Bondage to Freedom) is going to minister to the community
we left, well minister to the Brookwood community and Brookwood will have
a new church.”
The story began 13 years ago, when Mark Sutton was called as
pastor of Brookwood. He says he felt God wanted him to relocate the church to
the Interstate 49/Bert Koons Loop intersection, although there was not an interstate
there at the time.
Unfortunately, the desired property was out of the churchs
price range, and they bought a nearby piece of land.
However, two years ago, the owner of the original property
swapped for the piece Brookwood had purchased, giving the church the land they
desired.
“Gods timing was perfect in all of it,” Sutton
says. “If well be true to his vision, hell come through for
us. We have to learn patience, and those 10 years, we were patient. Patience
and vision has paid off.”
While Brookwood bought the property, Sutton says he was concerned
about what to do with the current church building, because he wanted the structure
to stand as a witness in the community.
Sutton and several others at Brookwood began talking about
the possibility of Morningside moving into their facility, although they had
not contacted Lodatto about a move.
Meanwhile, a friend asked Lodatto about a possible move to
Brookwood, but he immediately dismissed the idea.
At the same time, Bossier City wanted to buy From Bondage to
Freedoms property, forcing that church to move.
“One day through prayer I asked the Lord that if we should
sell our church building and relocate, he would have to provide a buyer,”
Lodatto says.
“Two hours after that prayer, a realtor called me out
of the blue. The realtor had randomly called the church.”
A few hours later, the prospective buyer, From Bondage to Freedom,
looked at Morningside.
The price that was quoted was beyond the buyers budget,
but a counteroffer was made.
Lodatto and his associate pastor then met with Sutton and his
associate pastor. Sutton said Morningside was the only church to which Brookwood
wished to sell.
After the meeting, Lodatto presented the Brookwood information
to his deacons, and they voted unanimously to bring the idea before the church.
Lodatto then called From Bondage to Freedom, and the two agreed
on a compromise price. He contacted Brookwood, and they also agreed to the compromise
price.
The next step was bringing the matter before the church. Ninety-five
percent of the Morningside congregation agreed to sell the building, and 96.7
percent of Brookwoods congregation agreed to the deal as well.
“There were several minor glitches in the process, but
the Lord worked everyone of those problems out,” Lodatto says.
Morningside meets on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Thursday
nights instead of Wednesdays. Lodatto says they had one of their largest crowds
ever on the first Sunday, which was Sept. 29.
Brookwoods new facility will include a 1000-seat worship
center, education space to accommodate 880 in attendance, 500 parking spaces,
kitchen and choir space. Sutton says he hopes his congregation can move into
the new facilities within the target date of 14 months.
“Ive never had attendance goals,” Sutton says.
“All of us are responsible for reaching as many as possible.
“(But) Were preparing for growth,” he adds.
“We have to be prepared for it with a great worship service and program.
We will be more visible than ever before.
“We have curious people out there, and theyll turn into seekers.”