Ellington

The Rev. Rocky Bradford is getting acquainted with his new congregation at Sale Creek First Baptist Church.

“This is a holy ghost hospital for everyone hurting and lost,” said Bradford, who became senior pastor at SCFB this spring. “This is where we meet God. This is one of the most loving groups of people I have ever been around.”

In the first week of his term, the nursery was transformed with new paint, swinging doors and pagers for parents. He said the next step for the church will be to re-carpet the hallways.

“It has been a blast so far. The people are so fired up and excited,” said Bradford. “I baptized my first convert recently and seven have been saved.”

Bradford said the ultimate goal is to renovate the sanctuary to make room for more people and update the overall look. The plans include putting up a video screen and putting together a strong praise and worship band. To transform the outside, church members are landscaping around the church by adding bushes and flowers.

“Our church is packed on Sundays,” said Bradford. “A lot of people around here are spiritual, honest, hardworking people. They want someone to teach them, love them and take care of them — everything a shepherd is supposed to do.”

Bradford is leading Wednesday night classes in order to help residents learn more about the Bible.

“If you don’t know what you believe in the scripture, then you will fall for anything,” said Bradford. “The Fundamental Doctrinal Study: Back to the Basics will teach about the person of Christ.”

According to Bradford, Sale Creek First Baptist Church seeks to reach out to the lost or those not attending church.

“This is God’s house,” he said. “We want to create excitement. We are sailing on the rock.”

Before each sermon Bradford said he prays that those in attendance leave better than they came.

Bradford was ordained in 2004 at Shiloh Baptist Church. He has a Bachelor of Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary. He is currently studying to obtain his Master of Divinity at Liberty University online.

For more information about Sale Creek First Baptist Church visit www.salecreekfirstbaptist.org.