A quick online search of churches in the Milton area reveals 22 listings, with only two of these in East Milton. Seeing a need, Pastor Jared Owens answered the call God put on his heart to serve in the East Milton community.
A "plant" of Living Truth Church on Chumuckla Highway in Pace, Living Truth Church East Milton opened its doors in the East Milton Community Gymnasium in March.
“God led us to start LTCEM to provide a worship opportunity where people could come as they are and encounter Jesus," Owens said. "We want to journey through life with the people of East Milton.”
According to the church’s website (eastmiltonlivingtruthchurch.com), LTCEM’s vision statement is “We are aiming to be the type of church described in the Bible that is ‘of one accord,’ where there is relevant teaching, genuine worship, real friendships, constant prayer, and compassionate care for those in need. Essentially our desire is to have the kind of contagious Christianity that leads to transformed lives within the community.”
While currently meeting in the community gym on Bobby Brown Road, Owens said the new church has plans for the future.
“For the short term, we are partnering with other community agencies so that we can minister to our community and make sure needs are being met," he said. "Long term, we plan to build our own facility that meets the needs of the folks in our area.
“We plan on offering monthly respite care for special needs families, addiction recovery groups, and professional counselors,” he added.
Accommodating special needs children touches Owens' heart in a personal way, as he and his wife Tammy are parents to 8-year-old Silas, who has cerebral palsy. Lifelong area residents, they also have a 3-year-daughter, Elsie.
“Living Truth Church East Milton is real people doing life together – don’t do life alone,” the LTCEM website says. Owens added to that message.
“We’re just regular people here, nothing fancy, no pretenses," he said. "We just want to be good and faithful servants.”
The church meets at 10 a.m., offers small groups that meet in homes for connection points, and is planning a drive-in movie night for the community in the gym parking lot on Nov. 21. Check their website for more information.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosas Press Gazette: Living Truth Church East Milton: A great place to call home