7 Unmissable Updates And Dual Worship Styles At Shades Crest Baptist Church Hoover AL
Shades Crest Baptist Church (SCBC) in Hoover, Alabama, continues its mission as a vital center of faith and community outreach, building on over 70 years of service to the Birmingham metro area. As of this writing in late December 2025, the church is actively embracing a multi-faceted approach to worship and ministry, balancing deep-rooted Baptist traditions with modern, engaging services to cater to a diverse congregation.
The latest developments at SCBC highlight a commitment to robust leadership and expanded community impact, particularly with the recent addition of key pastoral staff and the ongoing success of their unique dual-service Sunday schedule. This deep dive explores the current landscape of Shades Crest Baptist, from its leadership to its most impactful programs, offering a fresh perspective on this long-standing Hoover institution.
The Current Pastoral Leadership and Staff Roster (2025)
A church’s vitality is often reflected in its leadership, and Shades Crest Baptist Church maintains a strong, dedicated pastoral team committed to its mission of helping the community "find our home in Jesus." The recent addition of new staff underscores the church’s focus on growth and expanded administrative and outreach capabilities.
- Pastor: Nic Seaborn. As the lead pastor, Nic Seaborn guides the church’s overall vision and spiritual direction. His leadership is central to maintaining the balance between the church's traditional foundations and its modern outreach efforts.
- Associate Pastor, Administration and Missions: Ryan Kirkland. A significant recent update for the church was the welcoming of Ryan Kirkland to this role, as reported in The Alabama Baptist. His position is crucial for overseeing the operational health of the church and coordinating the extensive local and global missions programs.
- Associate Pastor, Worship and Music: Hiram Rollo. He is responsible for directing the church's various worship experiences, ensuring both the traditional and contemporary services are spiritually enriching.
- Associate Pastor, Next Steps and Students: Denis Tanner. Focused on youth and student ministries, Pastor Tanner is instrumental in planning events like Super Summer Alabama and guiding the next generation of the faith family.
- Worship Leader, Rising Service: Carter Naftel. He leads the music and worship for the modern service, utilizing a praise team and band.
- Church Pianists: Susan Berg and Tom Saxon. These individuals play a key role in the traditional worship and music ministry.
The church also honors its history, particularly the legacy of longtime pastor James "Jim" Auchmuty, who served the congregation for many years before his passing, leaving a significant spiritual footprint on the Hoover community.
The Dual Worship Experience: Rising vs. Majestic Services
One of the most distinctive features of Shades Crest Baptist Church is its commitment to providing two distinct, vibrant Sunday worship experiences. This approach successfully bridges the generational gap, ensuring every member of the faith family has a service that resonates with their preferred style of worship.
1. The RISING Worship Service (Modern)
The Rising Service is the contemporary expression of worship at SCBC. It is designed for those who prefer an informal setting with modern Christian music.
- Style: Contemporary and informal.
- Setting: Held in the Fellowship Hall, which is transformed for the service.
- Music: Led by a dedicated praise team and band, featuring modern worship songs.
- Accessibility: The Rising Service is typically the one that is livestreamed, offering a digital connection point for those unable to attend in person.
2. The Majestic Worship Service (Traditional)
The Majestic Service is the traditional anchor of Sunday worship, offering a more formal and classic Baptist experience.
- Style: Traditional and formal.
- Setting: Held in the main Sanctuary.
- Music: Features hymns, choral music, and traditional instrumentation, often utilizing the church pianists.
Following the early Rising Service and preceding the Majestic Service, the church hosts Connect Groups—their term for Sunday morning Bible studies—which serve as a crucial component for community-building and in-depth scriptural learning for all age levels.
Community Outreach and Foundational Ministries
Shades Crest Baptist Church is not merely a place of worship; it is a foundational pillar of the Hoover, Alabama, community, evidenced by its long-standing outreach programs and facilities. The church's commitment to sharing the love of Christ extends far beyond its Sunday services, touching various aspects of local life.
The Shades Crest Preschool
The Shades Crest Preschool is one of the church’s longest-running and most impactful community outreach initiatives, having served the area since 1974. This ministry provides a Christian-based early education environment, demonstrating the church's dedication to supporting families and the educational development of young children in the Hoover City Schools district area. Its operations are closely tied to the local school calendar, further cementing its role as a local institution.
The Family Life Center (Gym & Recreation)
The church’s Family Life Center (FLC) is a significant asset that benefits both the congregation and the wider community. The FLC provides gym and recreation facilities, offering a safe and healthy space for physical activity and fellowship. Importantly, participation in FLC programs is available not only to church members but also to members of the surrounding community, fostering a direct link between the church and its neighbors.
Evangelism and Missions Focus
Under the guidance of the Missions staff, SCBC maintains a strong belief in Evangelism and Missions, viewing it as the duty of the church to extend the gospel "in word and deed to all people." This means the church is actively involved in mission trips and local outreach efforts, working to make a tangible impact both globally and right in their own backyard in Jefferson County, AL.
A Heritage of Faith and Future Growth
Serving the Hoover area for over 70 years, Shades Crest Baptist Church has established a deep and lasting heritage. Its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) places it within a vast network of cooperative churches, but its identity remains firmly rooted in the local Alabama community.
The church actively communicates its ongoing activities and spiritual focus through The Spire Newsletter and its Midweek Archives, ensuring the congregation is continually updated on events like the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and various holiday fellowships. The recent appointment of a new Associate Pastor for Administration and Missions signals a forward-looking strategy, preparing the church for continued growth and deeper engagement with the evolving needs of the Hoover community in the coming years. By honoring its traditional "Majestic" roots while embracing the contemporary "Rising" spirit, SCBC stands as a dynamic and welcoming faith family on Park Avenue.
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