Josh and Michelle Britt are ‘planting’ or founding a new church in south Madison.

Josh Britt has been serving as student pastor at The Brook.

Michelle and Josh Britt

“Over the last year, it became very evident that God was calling us to step out in faith to plant a church,” Britt said. “We always expected that to be far away, but, the more we prayed about it, God continued to lead us back to our love of north Alabama.”

Driving often down Zeirdt Road, the Britts were attracted to the area, which has had population growth from 3,000 to more than 6,000 in recent years.

The new church will align with the Southern Baptist Convention “on a global level but very much a church IN the community FOR the community,” Britt said.

He cited Barna Research’s finding that up to 75 churches close each week and more than 80 percent are ‘plateaued’ or declining. “Over 200 million people in America don’t know Jesus, making us the third largest unchurched country in the world,” he said.

To reach people, the Britts are “church planting,” or leaving an established church to mentor new leaders and establish a new congregation.

“We’re very excited about this new opportunity,” Britt said. “I’m so grateful for The Brook, who has been behind us 100 percent. Our pastor Brian Mayfield has been one of the most encouraging, supportive and courageous leaders.”

Britt earned a bachelor’s degree at Mississippi College and a master’s degree in divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Previously, he worked at First Baptist Church in Falkville, Decatur and Mize, Miss.

Michelle Britt graduated from Athens State University and currently is a stay-at-home mom. Their sons, all younger than five, are twins Jonathon and Nate, Caleb and Joel. “Michelle definitely has her hands full,” Josh said.

Britt will conduct a “church planting vision gathering” at The Brook on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Launch date for the new church is Aug. 19.

For more information, visit plantthegospel.net.