The Master's Builders Work at South City Church

By Rose Bittner, Reporter

      The Master’s Builders loaded up and headed to Little Rock to work with Pastor Drew Cline and South City Church starting on Sept. 11. This was job #184 for the Master’s Builders (TMB).

      South City was formally known as Temple Baptist Church. In July of 2023, South City Church closed on a vacant 8,000 sq. ft. restaurant space (formerly PF Chang’s) that had been empty for 4 years. The Builders were called to build office and classroom spaces as well as helping with the re-purposing of some of the restaurant areas. God had other plans though!

      Two weeks before TMB’s arrival, the building was vandalized and all the electrical was torn out, so The Builders helped the church by pulling out cut wires and cleaning up the wiring and the building for other contractors to come in. In one area of the building, TMB were thankful to be able to frame up four office spaces. Since the building had no electricity for the campers, The Master’s Builders were blessed to find the six camp sites they needed at Maumelle Park, Corps of Engineering campgrounds right in Little Rock! What thieves intended for harm turned into so many unexpected blessings for TMB and the South City Church family!

      About six years ago, Pastor Cline and the South City family began praying about a renewed vision for a family of disciple makers and a strategy to reach the Little Rock community for Christ. They were reminded that the church is not the building they meet in, but a family of believers committed to loving each other and being on mission together. This vision included selling their former building and property, with so much underutilized space, and buying a smaller building that would not sit empty most of the week. God answered so many prayers with the purchase of the new building that was smaller and more affordable for South City. They will have space for worship gatherings, offices, student ministry, meetings, training and children’s ministry. They are also praying for an income-generating business opportunity so all South City’s tithes and offerings can go to the local church on mission, not building-related expenses. The vision is to possibly have a coffee and sandwich shop open each day during the week to serve the local community.

      The Master’s Builders enjoyed meeting Pastor Drew, his wife, Lori daughters, Daisy and Jovie, along with many of the South City families. Several meals, and a few of the gatherings, were held out at the pavilions in the campground — what a beautiful setting for praising and worshiping our Risen Savior!

      During the 2 weeks, the Master’s Builders ladies were able to pack 55 shoe boxes for the Everlasting Smiles Ministry and several had the added blessing of being able to deliver them to Conway in person! We are so thankful for the loan of the church van to get that done!

      The Builders would like to thank the South City Church family for all the good food, sweet fellowship, help at the building and for the opportunity to serve them as they begin this new chapter. A special thank you to Mindi Stewart, the church executive assistant, for all her communication and coordination efforts for TMB during their stay in Little Rock. The Builders saw the church really live out their mission statement during their stay — “South City exists to love God and all people by becoming authentic disciples who make disciples for the glory of God and the good of the city.”

      Please pray for this church family, and all churches, as they endeavor to make disciples and spread the gospel. We also ask you to pray for God to send workers for our Master’s Builders group to come alongside us as we continue to work for His Glory!

      I encourage each of you to “Follow” and “Like” us on Facebook so you can see what we do each day and pray for us. Just type in “The Master’s Builders” on Facebook (the one with the arbor logo) and follow us.

      If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Mike Green at (972) 935-3877, David Axe at (903) 918-0729 or Eddie Sikes at (479) 462-1675.