New Beginnings Church celebrates one year anniversary of its ‘new beginning’ in Russellville

Pastor Zach Isom and the congregation of New Beginnings Church of Russellville recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the church, the manifestation of a vision Isom said the Lord put on his heart two years ago.

Isom, an ordained minister in the Church of God of Prophecy, knew the denomination did not have a presence in Russellville. Isom and others in the movement began praying about starting new churches when he said the Lord put Russellville on his heart and tasked him to replant the flag and reach Russellville.

A man of action as well as devout faith, Isom has been amazed at what the Lord has done in a short time with New Beginnings.

“It’s truly been an amazing blessing, not just for our people but even those watching from a distance,” Isom said. “When we started, the congregation was 10 or so. Now, when everyone is there, we’re in the low 20s.

“But more than the numbers, we’ve added some people since we first launched who bought into the vision and became part of the family. And that’s what we are at New Beginnings—truly a family,” Isom added.

There is meaning to the church having been named New Beginnings and it’s reflected in its vision statement: “We believe that God has called our church to be an open door in the community for those who are seeking a new beginning in their lives. A new beginning that starts with an encounter with Jesus and leads to a daily relationship with the King of Kings. We are committed to being a place for all to come to Know Jesus, Experience Transformation and Find Purpose.”

At New Beginnings’ one year anniversary service on September 7th, the church celebrated the special day by taking in several new members and approve some incoming member transfer requests. Church of God of Prophecy District leader Bishop Mark Williams was the guest minister and delivered a timely message on winning the spiritual battles.

After holding its initial services in the Russellville Recreation Center twice monthly, Isom said the church was invited to hold services at WMTY television’s Russellville studio on Highway 24 West. 

“Keith Nichols was the one who encouraged us to come to the TV station and hold services there,” Isom said. “But we all were sensing we wanted a place that would be home for New Beginnings. We started looking, praying and checking locations around the city. In May, we signed an agreement to relocate to our new church home in the Franklin Shopping Center. “

For Isom, it’s not about growth in congregation size. It’s about spiritual growth.

“There are churches with thousands of members but that doesn’t make them a healthy church. True health is found in the midst of each individual who attends that church. During the week, when they are out in their community as a true reflection of Jesus Christ. That’s what I want to see,” Isom said.

“We are in a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation without any rush, where can truly pour into our people there now, build them up and become a healthy church in the process,” he added.

The task of starting a new church in Russellville, where so many churches are established already, is daunting. He first credits the Lord for the past year, but also knows there are other important reasons he’s been able to balance the challenge of a full-time secular as a Shift Coach at Essity Tissue Plant, his pastor duties and his recent successful campaign to serve on the Hackleburg City Council. And her name is Ashanti, his wife.

“A pastor’s wife sees the other side of the pastor not everyone else sees. She’s the one often giving me advice. Wives of pastors can get overlooked. Without her by my side, none of this would be possible,” Isom said.

The couple has two sons, Bentley and Kamden, and a daughter, Kalayha.

New Beginnings has a weekly Sunday morning service at 11 a.m., and it recently launched a Wednesday night Bible study at 6 p.m. Melissa Roberts serves as Associate Pastor and the children’s ministry is run by Katelyn Frazier and Ashanti.

The church is located at 14001 Highway 43, Suite 4, in the Franklin Shopping Center.

For more information on New Beginnings Church of Russellville, visit the church Facebook page or contact Isom at 256-324-8332.