In 1988 my husband and his family moved to Camden County Georgia in hopes of starting a church. When they arrived in the small town of Kingsland, they rented a single wide trailer and started a bible study group. From this group came Fellowship Baptist Church. As the years went on the church grew; however, the heart of the pastor was changing. He wanted to reach beyond the already convinced and help those seeking God. He made a bold move and started a nondenominational church geared toward the seeker. The church lost many of its followers, but he was sure he did the right thing. Now sixteen years later the church is Southeast Community Church, and is the fastest growing church in Camden County. At SECC you will find three separate services geared toward children, youth, and adults.After entering the children building to drop off my son, I always notice the walls. On the right- hand side of the building where the younger children attend classes, the walls are painted with murals of farm animals and farmers. In front of the nursery is an indoor playground for the children. The classrooms are brightly painted in yellows and greens, and the walls are covered in artwork done by the kids in class. There is wall to wall toys and activities for the children to do in each room. After I dropped off my son in his class, I walked to the other side of the building where the kindergarten through fifth grade were having their music time. All the kids were dancing and clapping to the music and having a good time. After the music is over all the kids separate and go to their classes for the lessons of the day. The atmosphere of this building is so bright and cheerful that I always leave with a smile. As I leave the children, I am on my way to the youth building to see what the youth pastor is doing with his kids.The youth building is always my favorite place to go. When I walk in, the high level of energy in the room just takes me over. When the youth does their praise and worship, they listen to everything from Christian top forty to Christian metal. Sometimes they use videos, and live bands to enhance the presentation of the music along with, black lights, fog machines, stage lights, and strobe lights. When they do this, it feels like being at a mini concert. After the music is done, the kids will sometimes do dramas to help get the point of the message across. When the drama is done, it is time for the youth pastor to give his message. I always get chills when he gets up to speak, it is almost like he cast a spell on the kids. All of the kids become so alert and attentive to what he is saying to them. He has such a unique way of getting his message across to the children, just like the senior pastor has a unique way of getting his message across to the adults in his services.When I step into the adult building, I am greeted with a warm smile, handshake, and a handout about the service. As I walk to my seat, I take in the casualness of the people and things around me. Most of the people around me are wearing jeans and shirts, or khakis and button up shirts. The building itself does not have much for decorations, but it is a comfortable setting. The walls are white with no pictures hanging on them, and their are trees up on the stage and in the corners of the building. The windows let in just enough light to add a soft warm glow to the room. The chair I have chosen to sit in is a lavender color with cushioning on the back and in the seat area of it. After everyone takes a seat, the band plays the praise and worship. The music is mellow yet upbeat, and has a style like Eric Clapton. After the music is done, the pastor gets up to do his sermon. Pastor Steve is a great speaker. His messages are about everyday life, and they give the people something to relate to. It is hard not to get caught up in his speaking. The pastors' voice is very soothing, and I can tell he puts his heart and soul into everything he says.The all-around atmosphere of this church is very casual. The children get to sing and play while they learn about God. The young adults get to stage mini concerts, and watch videos to help them enjoy getting the message on Jesus. The adults get to kick back in their cushioned chairs while the pastor tells them stories to help them learn about and interact with the lord. Because of this church, I have gotten to meet new people in my area and make new friends. Southeast Community Church is a home away from home for me.
