Our Story…
Since 1971 First Baptist Church Hollister has faithfully served the community of Hollister and the greater Branson area. However, in the Spring of 2021 after a year of seeking the Lord’s guidance and direction the church decided it was time for something new…First Baptist Church of Hollister would be replanted. It would become Real Life Church Hollister. Real Life Hollister would have new leadership and a new mission and vision for how to reach and serve our community.
Replanting … what does this mean? Replant?
Think of it like this …
You were given a plant that was beautiful! Everyone that came to your house complimented you on its size, health, vibrance, and the fragrance was breath-taking. Now one day you noticed the plant was changing. It’s leaves were turning pale yellow and the plant looked slightly withered. You didn’t forget to water it. Maybe someone else watered it too much. Maybe it isn’t getting enough light. You love this plant and you will do whatever it takes to save it! If you don’t act now it is going to die! Quickly you get the plant into a pot where you can get back to the basics. You get good soil in the pot with some quality nutrients. You now can make sure it is getting ample sun shine and water. Deep green color starts to return to the leaves and its strength starts to return. It takes time but it is coming back!
Now replace the flower in a pot to a church in a community. This is “replanting.” As Christians, we need to lock arms and fight to stop the trend of the dying churches in our communities. First Baptist Church Hollister has done their part.
There are thousands of people in our county that have yet to experience “Real Life” in Jesus Christ. Real Life, i.e., the real meaning of life, both now and in eternity, is found in the restoration of our relationship with God. This restoration is only possible through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God. Yet, tens of thousands in our county have yet to enjoy the hope that is only found in Jesus. Even many of those who attend church regularly still fail to experience “Real Life” in Jesus Christ. Though the number of Christians in the population at large is growing, the percentage of Christians compared to the population growth is actually in decline. Taney county has many healthy and growing churches. Some of you have been blessed by sister churches and we need to pray for their continued fruitfulness. However, if our neighbors, co-workers, and friends throughout Taney County are going to come to know Jesus and flourish to God’s glory – we need dozens of new churches. We believe in a both/and approach. We want to see established churches increase in fruitfulness AND we want to see new churches multiply across our county and beyond experiencing real life in Jesus Christ.
This is who Real Life Hollister is as a church, it is our heart. We look forward to meeting you and to having you as our guest and please know we are praying for you and our community. Hope to see you this Sunday!