Members of Haven Baptist Church manned a booth for a 5k run at Bob Jones High School that benefited the Downtown Rescue Mission. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The Haven Baptist Church congregation strengthens their faith with home discipleship groups, in outreach and by spreading ‘the good news.’

Founded in 1981, the church originally met on University Drive in Huntsville, Rev. Steve Grissom said. The church moved to its current location in Madison at 1840 Slaughter Road in December 1985. Haven Baptist has 70 active members.

The church’s major ministries include discipleship classes that meet on Sunday mornings, along with home discipleship groups. “We minister to Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Mountain View Mobile Home Park,” Grissom said.

“As a body of believers, we seek to proclaim Christ in all areas of life. We gather together to know God and to make him known in our community and across the world,” Grissom said. “We want to love God and love others in response to God’s generous grace.”

In outreach efforts, Haven Baptist actively ministers alongside Choose Life of North Alabama, the Downtown Rescue Mission, Huntsville Assistance Program and Loads of Love. “These organizations are Christ-centered and seek to meet physical and spiritual needs. It’s a joy to partner with them,” he said.

The church offers Bible classes for children and has offered children’s classes on missions and music. “Throughout the year, special events, like Vacation Bible School and backyard Bible clubs, provide additional opportunities for kids to engage in a fun way on their level,” Grissom said.

Sunday Bible classes meet at 10 a.m., with morning worship at 11 a.m. and evening services at 6 p.m. A prayer meeting is open on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Haven’s music director is Pam Randall. Tracy Cook is church secretary.

The Grissoms moved here in 2011. He grew up in Fairview Heights, Ill. “My wife and I were church planters in Newfoundland, Canada before coming to Haven Baptist,” he said.

His wife Sheena home schools their children: sixth-grader Sierra, fourth-grader Steven Hershael, second-grader Shelby, kindergartner Sadie and three-year-old Susanna.

For more information, call 256-830-4962, email to havenbap@knology.net or visit havenbaptist.org.