MACON, Ga. — Many places of worship had to adapt when the pandemic forced in-person services to stop, but Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church found a creative way to manage.
They host weekly drive-up worship services in the church’s parking lot. It started in September and the pastor says it will continue through at least November.
Hundreds of people attend the church's drive-up worship. Some travel from as far as Milledgeville, like Deaja Brown.
“For a while I hadn't found a church that really connected with me, and then I came here, found my home,” said Brown.
Brown became a member right before the pandemic hit. She says she attended in person for five months before going virtual -- and now drive-up.
“Our pastor has been very positive, uplifting about every single change that we had, and because he was excited, he made us excited about it. So when we were virtual, it was great, and then we had the opportunity to come back and kind of be closer to being inside the church. It's just been a really fun experience. I really love the drive-up," said Brown.
Pastor Paul Little says they wanted to step outside the box.
“We have great online participation, but we wanted an opportunity for people to be able to drive up and have a personal experience, and we see this as a safer alternative than being inside of our sanctuary,” said Little.
He says they're being flexible and adaptable. This opportunity has even allowed them to grow.
“We've seen a growth in membership, we've seen an increase in terms of outreach, we have to do things more creatively... yet, still, we see it as an opportunity to do ministry,” said Little.
Brown says no matter where they are, she'll be there.
"But in the meantime, our pastor has done a phenomenal job of reminding us that church is not a place, and that as long as we are all celebrating in worshipping God, it doesn't matter where we are,” said Brown.
Pastor Little says they don't have a return date for in-person service just yet, but they're looking forward to it.
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