It was already part of Fairhaven’s Christian and Missionary Alliance network, formerly the Northmont Community Church. Following some renovation to the building, Fairhaven’s Northmont Campus opened in September.
“We started with around 20-some people,” said campus pastor Doug Carroll, “and now we have about 100. We have 18-25 kids (in youth groups). We started with two.”
It is the youth that helps drive the church, Smith said.
“We recognize today it’s not parents bringing kids to church,” Smith said, “it’s kids bringing parents to church. If we get the kids, we’re probably going to get the parents.”
To get there, the church focuses on missionary work with a central theme of Jesus, and programs, events and classes with kids in mind.
At the Centerville campus, about 4,000 people attend one of four weekend services — Saturday night at 6 and Sunday mornings at 8, 9:30 and 11:15. There is a 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at the Northmont campus with video of Smith giving his sermon.
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