Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s Staff Unity Linked to Growth in Rural Cochran, Georgia

Mount Calvary Baptist Church, located in rural Bleckley County, Georgia, was established in 1840 by seven charter members. The congregation has grown over nearly 185 years, with Pastor Lane Collins crediting the church’s unity and collaborative staff as key factors in its development.

Collins, who led Mount Calvary from 2005 to 2017, emphasized the importance of staff harmony in fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers. He described his current staff as equals, expressing deep appreciation for their contributions to the church’s ministry.

In 2017, Collins transitioned to pastor at Zion Baptist Church in Covington. His return to Mount Calvary came after a significant health event that reshaped his perspective on life and ministry.

On June 15, 2018, while driving near Zion Baptist Church, Collins lost consciousness and veered into oncoming traffic, causing his vehicle to go down an embankment. Although he managed to steer back onto the highway and drive home, his wife, Julie, insisted he seek medical attention.

At Piedmont Newton Hospital, tests revealed the severity of Collins’ condition. A physician warned that leaving the hospital immediately could be fatal. Collins was then transferred to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, where he received a pacemaker and a cardioverter-defibrillator.

The incident prompted Collins to reassess his life and future. When Mount Calvary began seeking a new pastor, he asked Julie, “Would you be interested in going back to Mount Calvary?” The church extended an invitation in 2020, and Collins affirmed his decision to remain in Cochran until the end of his pastoral service.

Collins, now 59, expressed a clear commitment to his current congregation, reflecting on the importance of unity and service in the church’s mission. His journey underscores the impact of personal experience on leadership and ministry.

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