Reaching out at Cross Point
By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
It takes only a few minutes of conversation with Guy Heath to realize what his passion is – outreach, as in reaching people for Christ.
As the new pastor of Cross Point Baptist Church on Jack Springs Road, he’s leading the charge in reaching out to the community.
“Jesus said, ‘Go out and compel them to come that my house may be full’,” Pastor Heath said. “We’re trying to do whatever it takes to reach people … We want to develop the mindset of reaching beyond ourselves.”
And, he added, he’s having “a delightful time.”
The church has had toy drives and has started a food pantry. A spring festival is in the works. As he talks about the church and its ministry, his enthusiasm seems boundless.
In referring to Pastor Heath, one could also say Reverend Heath or Professor Heath. He teaches in the Humanities Department at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla. His subjects include philosophy, religion and ethics, among others. On campus, he has conducted 27 Broadway musicals.
But his titles don’t stop there. One could also add doctor (as in PhD), musician, songwriter, musical conductor, music producer, and evangelist.
Pastor Heath’s story begins in California. He pastored two churches there, serving as youth and music minister, and in Oklahoma City. He also pastored at Brownsville in Pensacola.
Pastor Heath spent many years in evangelism which meant traveling.
He was also heavily involved musically with the television ministry PTL with Jim and Tammy Baker.
“I wrote most of music they sang,” Pastor Heath said. “I also write for Jimmy Swaggert. In fact, I recently got word that Jimmy is recording my song’ Sweet Anointing’ for the ninth time.”
In addition, he has recorded gospel CDs of his own.
For his college job, he commutes from Pensacola to Niceville. For his pastor’s position, he commutes from Pensacola to Atmore.
The Sunday morning service is at 10:30. The first Sunday night, Pastor Heath started Sunday Night Live, an evening of gospel music.
Every Wednesday evening, potluck supper is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with teaching from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
About the Spring Forward Family Festival – The lawn chair event is planned for Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. It’s free and open to all.
So far, nine gospel groups and soloists are scheduled to perform including Brandon and Jennifer Johnson (praise and worship group who performed at Fire in the Field), Turman Family Bluegrass Band, Buddy and Kerri Mullins (Buddy sang with the Gaithers), Higher Calling (from Pensacola), Sound and Spirit, Smith Family and Atmore’s Lana Langford.
Kids can enjoy pony rides and inflatables and more.
A car show is planned.
Vendors are invited at no charge.
“We have twenty-five vendors,” Pastor Heath said Friday, March 8. “There’s no charge for a vendor to set up. If they make a profit, they may want to make a donation to the church … We want to raise money for the church to continue to feed, to continue to do toy drives, to continue to serve.”
All proceeds from the festival will benefit feeding local families.