Pastor says church merger has drawn more visitors, increased energy

ROCKINGHAM — Since July 4th of 2021, Highland Acres Church of God and Abundant Life Christian Ministries have been working hand in hand in a rare display of unity between two congregations.

The two churches operate under one roof — Highland Acres’ church, but now going by the name Abundant Life Christian Ministries — with their respective pastors and staff now sharing the responsibility of leading services.

“You don’t hear about churches merging, you hear about churches splitting,” said Pastor Joe Wilkes, who has been with Abundant Life since before the merger. “It’s time for the body of Christ to come together in more churches and merge if any way possible. It’s really worked out good for us.”

Wilkes, who has pastored in Richmond County for 22 years, said that Highland Acres was going through a “tough time” and it worked out to combine the two ministries.

“In the very near future, I think that we will see more churches coming together and merging,” Wilkes said. “You can just do more together than apart. It’s been a great atmosphere.”

While there can be difficulty in getting two separate congregations to come together, Wilkes said the move was met with excitement. The merger has brought an increase in visitors, and the church has been able to install new lighting and carpet, according to Wilkes.

The church has not had to shut down due to COVID-19. Wilkes said that they’re seeing more people attend church in person, but he remains concerned that if there is another large wave of COVID, many may never come back. He added that he’s seen many churches lose large portions of their membership.

In addition to their regular Sunday School classes and Sunday morning and evening worship, free Taekwondo classes are offered to children who attend a Sunday morning church service.

Abundant Life will be celebrating 22 years of ministry on March 24.

“I want people to know that they are welcome here,” Wilkes said. “They can come just as they are and not be criticized. Even though we have moved from one location to another, we are still the same people and body. All people are welcome here.”