Two local pastors are challenging the old saw about Sunday being the most segregated hour of the week.
On Jan. 4, 2015, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville—a predominantly black church— took over Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park. Ridgewood’s congregation is mostly white.
Ridgewood had struggled financially. So several months ago, Ridgewood Pastor Michael Clifford reached out to Shiloh Pastor H.B Charles Jr, who leads a congregation of 8,000. The two men eventually decided to form a union.
The new multi-racial congregation is now known as Shiloh Baptist Church of Orange Park. It’s an announcement that has generated waves of goodwill in a city that’s often been racially divided.
“Honestly, we haven’t focused much on the racial aspect,” said Charles. “We’re just thrilled to bring people together to spread the joy of Jesus Christ.”
Charles will serve as the primary teaching pastor at the new Shiloh, while Clifford will oversee all of the Christian education along with a weekday and Sunday morning training program.
“Everyone has an ego, including pastors,” said Clifford with a smile. “But after praying about this, I’m very happy about the new partnership and the future of our church.”
You can listen to Melissa Ross's conversation with Pastor Charles and Pastor Clifford here.
