How it all started...
Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has been quickly growing and developing. In particular, the D'Iberville area of the Gulf Coast has been one of the fastest growing areas both commercially and residentially. Sadly, by 2017, instead of expanding along with the population, many area churches were closing.
With this situation in mind, the Gulf Coast Baptist Association team reached out to a local pastor, Adam Bennett, to discuss starting a new church around the D’Iberville area. Adam sought out his friend Justin Daniel to begin the process, and by January 2018 they had their first interest meeting.
With this situation in mind, the Gulf Coast Baptist Association team reached out to a local pastor, Adam Bennett, to discuss starting a new church around the D’Iberville area. Adam sought out his friend Justin Daniel to begin the process, and by January 2018 they had their first interest meeting.
Initial funding for the church and church planter training for Adam was provided by the Mississippi Baptist Convention through the 242 Network. On Sunday, August 5th, 2018, nine people committed to one another to form Back Bay Church. The inaugural members were Adam Bennett, Becky Bennett, Justin Daniel, Catie Daniel, Craig High, Jill High, Randy Weitzel, Ben Eisman, and Kaylee Eisman. Our initial focus was clear. We would ask God to build us into a family of believers that loved and cared for one another while growing closer to Him through sound Biblical teaching.
Expanding the vision...
As Back Bay Church grew closer to one another, we also grew numerically. People in the community were coming to Back Bay Church, one after another, each with their own unique story. The Lord was also expanding the ministry into the military community. We started with one airman from Keesler Air Force Base, but soon saw family after family from the base join Back Bay Church.
By January 2020 we moved to a childcare facility called In The Zone located in St. Martin, MS, which is a few miles from our original meeting location at a dance studio. Excited about the new location, we planned a new location celebration for Sunday, March 15th, 2020.
By January 2020 we moved to a childcare facility called In The Zone located in St. Martin, MS, which is a few miles from our original meeting location at a dance studio. Excited about the new location, we planned a new location celebration for Sunday, March 15th, 2020.
It was on this Sunday that the country shut down and everyone stayed home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For three months we held virtual worship services, like many other churches. In that time, 17 of the roughly 45 members of our Back Bay Church community moved away due to military reassignment or job transfers.
When we decided to start worshipping in-person again in June 2020, we assumed that we would begin a rebuilding stage. What we didn't realize is that many new families had started watching and worshipping with us online. In the next six months, we grew by 50% from our pre-pandemic numbers.
When we decided to start worshipping in-person again in June 2020, we assumed that we would begin a rebuilding stage. What we didn't realize is that many new families had started watching and worshipping with us online. In the next six months, we grew by 50% from our pre-pandemic numbers.
The community groups have multiplied, and our military ministry expanded exponentially with the addition of MilSpo Co., which focuses on military spouses and families. At Back Bay Church, people have been saved and baptized. We’ve affirmed new elders, deacons, and ministers. We continue to see the Lord expand our ministry and our membership.
Where we are headed...
As Back Bay Church continues to grow, so do our ministries. Every ministry at Back Bay Church exists because three things have come together. First, we have prayed for a specific ministry or demographic in and around our community. Second, the Lord has sent a person or people to our church with a passion for a specific ministry. Third, we have obtained the physical and financial resources to equip that person to lead and serve in that ministry. The Lord has continued to bless Back Bay Church with all three of these variables.
There is more on the horizon. We have many children at our church, and we are planning an expansion of our family and youth ministries. We have begun theological training cohorts in partnership with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and we are going to extend that theological training to airmen who are here temporarily for military training. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a thriving hospitality industry that desperately needs the Gospel, and we want to begin a strategic ministry into that community. To continue our efforts to see people saved, we are involved with church revitalization and church planting.
There is more on the horizon. We have many children at our church, and we are planning an expansion of our family and youth ministries. We have begun theological training cohorts in partnership with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and we are going to extend that theological training to airmen who are here temporarily for military training. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a thriving hospitality industry that desperately needs the Gospel, and we want to begin a strategic ministry into that community. To continue our efforts to see people saved, we are involved with church revitalization and church planting.
In the news.
The Baptist Record
August 4, 2022
Back Bay Church in Ocean Springs has developed a special ministry that focuses on military families, particularly the ones from nearby Keesler Air Force Base.
Back Bay Church in Ocean Springs has developed a special ministry that focuses on military families, particularly the ones from nearby Keesler Air Force Base.
Fox Business - Varney & Co.
October 18, 2021
Adam Bennett, Back Bay Church planter and lead pastor, on accepting cryptocurrency payments as donations and argues blockchain networks will 'revolutionize the way we do financial resources.'
Adam Bennett, Back Bay Church planter and lead pastor, on accepting cryptocurrency payments as donations and argues blockchain networks will 'revolutionize the way we do financial resources.'
WLOX
October 10, 2021
While online giving has been an option at many churches, one South Mississippi church is taking its giving method a step farther into the future and allowing parishioners to give offering or pay tithes using cryptocurrency.
While online giving has been an option at many churches, one South Mississippi church is taking its giving method a step farther into the future and allowing parishioners to give offering or pay tithes using cryptocurrency.
Baptist Press
September 30, 2021
Adam Bennett believes in what is tried and true – namely, the Gospel he preaches each week at Back Bay Church. However, the self-described tech nerd also believes in looking for new ways to advance that message.
Adam Bennett believes in what is tried and true – namely, the Gospel he preaches each week at Back Bay Church. However, the self-described tech nerd also believes in looking for new ways to advance that message.
WLOX
June 5, 2021
Many groups and organizations worked to reconnect after the pandemic. Back Bay Church in Ocean Springs came together Saturday to refuel its spark with military families, hosting its annual Women’s Ministry Conference after a year off.
Many groups and organizations worked to reconnect after the pandemic. Back Bay Church in Ocean Springs came together Saturday to refuel its spark with military families, hosting its annual Women’s Ministry Conference after a year off.