Founded in 1890, New Albany Advent Christian Church has long stood as a faithful presence in its community. Now, after more than a century of ministry, the church is stepping into a new season! In June 2025, the congregation made the significant decision to pursue a church replant, believing that God was not done with the congregation’s presence in New Albany. Over the past year, members have been actively preparing for this transition, faithfully cleaning and restoring the church building in anticipation of the new ministry to come.
Advent Christian General Conference (ACGC) has played a key role in this process, working diligently to recruit and assess a church planter. On March 18, Jesse and Penny Barnett were officially introduced to the New Albany Advent Christian Church community as the leaders who will guide this new work forward. To support this effort, a provisional elder board has been formed to provide spiritual oversight and leadership. This team includes Ron Thomas, retired executive director of ACGC; Jeff Eason, pastor of Villisca Advent Christian Church; Gordon Nettle, chair of deacons at New Albany; Adrian Dixon, ACGC coordinator of church planting; and Jesse Barnett, church planter.
The team is working toward a projected launch in the fall of 2026. In the months to come, Jesse and Penny will focus on building relationships with the New Albany Church community, establishing a core team and laying a strong foundation for a thriving, gospel-centered ministry in New Albany.
Please be in prayer for Jesse and Penny, the provisional elder board and the New Albany church community as they embark on this new season of ministry.
