The new senior pastor at Mineral Springs Baptist Church is focusing on church growth and the church’s youth department.

Harold Hazel of Talladega County became the senior pastor of Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Pell City in December.

“I think the Lord directed me to Mineral Springs Baptist Church,” Hazel said.

He said there was an opening, and the church needed an interim pastor.

“I was interim pastor for about a month, then they wanted me to stay,” he said.

Hazel said he has been a pastor for 29 years. He and his wife, Necie, recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary.

Hazel began his ministry as senior pastor at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Pell City. From there, he served as associate pastor at Second Baptist Church in Pell City, and senior pastor at Blue Eye Baptist Church in Lincoln before accepting the position at Mineral Springs Baptist Church.

“Right now, we are getting our feet on the ground,” he said. “We are doing in-home visits with both church members and non-members and trying to get to know the membership and the community.”

Hazel said there is a lot of work to be done.

“We want to push church growth and our youth department,” he said. “Hopefully, by following the leadership of the Lord and with the help of the church members, we will get those goals accomplished. The help of the church membership is important, because it is hard to be a leader without followers.”

Hazel said Mineral Springs Baptist Church is a small community church.

“We are working to get to know the members and their needs, both spiritual and otherwise,” he said.

Hazel said he has a homebound ministry.

“We have been visiting homebound members, and also visit the local nursing homes,” he said. “It is a full-time job, especially when you are the only pastor and are just getting started.”

Hazel said he is familiar with the Pell City area, and knows many of the people through mutual friends.

In addition to the 10 a.m. Sunday school and 11 a.m. worship service on Sundays, there is a 5 p.m. worship service each Sunday, and a 6:30 p.m. Bible Study/Youth meeting on Wednesdays.

“Anyone is welcome to attend our services,” he said. “Our doors are open to everyone, and anyone who wants to come and worship is welcome.”