SMYRNA - When attendance began to dwindle at Norton Park Baptist Church, the remaining 50 members realized it was time to step forward and take action to save their church.

Charter members of the 40-year-old church such as Bob Taylor knew it was just a transition phase, but a phase they needed help to work through.

"There was no problem in the church," Taylor said. "We were running only about 40 people, and we had to change because we couldn't operate as a church."

To motivate a rebirth, they brought in the Rev. Josh Laxton, 25, whose vision to breathe new life into the church focuses on reaching out instead of focusing solely inward.

"God's giving us a second chance so we're just taking it slow to make sure we serve the needs of the community," Laxton said.

With its white steeple, Norton Park Baptist Church, off of Old Concord Road and 2 miles southwest from the Smyrna Market Village, is a fixture along Church Road. To draw fresh attention to a building that has stood in the same location since 1967, the church's name has changed to Lifepoint Church at Norton Park.

"We live in a day where people are skeptical of the church," he said. "A lot of times, the church is known for what it's against as opposed to what it's for. That's why I really believe that we build bridges to reach people."

Another obstacle he faces in reaching the community is sharing God's message with more families and a younger crowd alienating his current congregation.

"That's the challenge we have. My heart is not to go to the extreme, where the senior adults don't like it and they leave," Laxton said.

While some churches attract a younger audience by changing the building's appearance or focusing worship on a contemporary music angle, he said their goal is to modernize in stages. The sanctuary is undergoing renovation with a new coat of paint and updated sound equipment. The pews are being taken out and replaced with chairs, but only so they can accommodate more people.

"Just basically giving it a new, modern feel," he said.

In the meantime, they're still holding services at 10 a.m. Sunday mornings down in the fellowship hall.

One month into his role as pastor, Laxton attributes the ease of his transition period to his predecessor, the Rev. Tony Powers, who retired because of health reasons.

"He has laid a solid foundation for this church to move ahead and really leave a legacy," Laxton said.

Lifepoint's period of rebirth is also aided by its association with First Baptist Church of Woodstock, where part of their mission work is helping struggling churches. The Rev. Dr. Johnny Hunt of First Baptist and Laxton's mentor said his mission is also aided by the young pastor's faith.

"He brings vision, hope and encouragement," Hunt said.

By Easter, Laxton plans be fully operational as Lifepoint Church at Norton Park.

"We really are trying to get back to the basics," he said. "We need to be intentional every day in the way we live."

The change won't happen overnight, or even in a month. But with the church family's faith in God to use Laxton, they'll be patient.

"He's a fine young man," Taylor said. "He really is a man of God."

acrissup@mdjonline.com

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