By SHELBA NIVENS / Community Columnist

Chelsea Bible Church is in the midst of several changes in an effort to fulfill its vision “to worship God and to build authentic Christian community by making, maturing and mobilizing disciples,” according to information furnished by Head Deacon Pete Jackson.

The church began in Alabaster in 1988, as a “planted” church under the leadership of the Rev. Dick Martin of Grace Missions and was then named Grace Community Church. The non-denominational congregation moved to Chelsea in 1997, and purchased their present building from Simmsville Bible Church.

Some of the Simmsville members joined Grace, Jackson said, and the congregation later changed their name to Chelsea Bible Church. The church continues to emphasize both foreign and home missions, helping support several missionary efforts around the world.

The Rev. Nathan Ingram, its pastor of seven years, resigned in January. While a student at Southeastern Bible College, Ingram served on a voluntary basis in music and pulpit ministry.

Dr. Bruce A. Pickell began as interim pastor in February.

Dr. Pickell taught for 12 years at Southeastern Bible College. His educational background includes college and seminary with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has experience in pastoral ministry, interim ministry, and has served as a hospice chaplain.

“As a Bible church, CBC stresses the exposition of the Scripture,” Dr. Pickell said. “The messages may teach through a book of the Bible or teach a topic based on scriptural development.”

Music is a blend of old hymns and new “praise choruses.”

The church has an active youth group for grades seven through 12, which meets Sunday evenings from 4-6 p.m. Some of the youth play in the praise band and serve in other areas of the church, including special “Youth Day” services. During the summer, young people attended Florida Youth Bible Camp.

Sunday morning services are 10:30-11 a.m., including children’s church classes for children through sixth grade. A nursery is also provided.

Chelsea Bible Church is located on SCR 36. Find them on the web at Facebook.com Chelseabible.org; and itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/Chelsea-bible-church.

Shelba Nivens can be reached by email at Shelbasn@juno.com.