September 18, 2024
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Christ Covenant church launched on Sept. 17, 2017, with 73 charter members. Since that time, the growth has been spectacular and on Nov. 6, 2022, the church celebrated the grand opening of a new facility with 1.750 in attendance.
David Deeter, a member of Christ Covenant attributed much of the church’s success to Pastor Jason Dees, defining him as “smart, a theologian, with limitless energy, an incredible work ethic, and a natural leader.”
While Christ Covenant was thriving, Sandy Springs First Baptist Church in North Atlanta was struggling with only 12-15 people present for Sunday worship services. There was a time when the church had experienced roaring growth, but in recent years there were trials and challenges that resulted in a drastic decline.
In 2022 the church turned to the Greater Atlanta Baptist Network and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board for help. Carl Marshall was called to be the transitioning pastor. He explained, “When I got here, I discovered a group of people who had a big heart for Lord. They loved the Lord, and they loved this community, but they had gotten to the age when they could no longer effectively do the work that needed to be done to move the church forward.”
The church considered a partnership with three prospective churches. Members ultimately settled on Christ Covenant as the most likely to reverse the precipitous decline they had experienced and help them become a viable and dynamic fellowship again.
Marshall continued, “Jason Dees lovingly and patiently worked with the people of Sandy Springs; and they demonstrated an unselfish spirit and a willingness to follow the leadership of Pastor Dees. I am thrilled with what God is doing to make this partnership a blessing to everyone involved.”
Through a smooth and deliberate process Dees and the leadership of both churches crafted a strategy to enliven and invigorate the Sandy Springs church. Gradually and methodologically the facilities of the church in Sandy Springs were refurbished. In some cases, asbestos was uncovered and removed to beautify the property and ensure the safety of those who would utilize the buildings.
When Christ Covenant paid to remove the asbestos and beautify the church, they chose to utilize the funds that had been provided by the original members of First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs.
On Oct. 1, 2023, Pastor Jason Dees and Christ Covenant Church agreed to provide leadership in worship and help develop a vision and purpose for Sandy Springs First Baptist Church.
In February 2024 members from Christ Covenant Church began attending worship services at the Sandy Springs church campus and a month later staff members from Christ Covenant Church began to serve there. Jackson Randall, who served on the pastoral staff at Christ Covenant, succeeded Marshall in May, and has become the regular pastor of Christ Covenant at Sandy Springs.
Prior to the “official launch,” Christ Covenant pastor Jason Dees wrote a letter to announce the beginning of a new chapter in the ministry of Christ Covenant – the launching of the church’s second campus in Sandy Springs.
He declared, “We embark on this journey with a clearer understanding of the identity God is shaping in us as a congregation. Still, we carry the same hope and anticipation that He will use this step of faith to advance His kingdom in Atlanta and bring glory to His name.”
Dees continued, “As we prepare for Sunday’s launch, I want to express my deep admiration for Carl Marshall and the legacy members of First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs. This new endeavor would not have happened without their obedience and faith. Carl, a faithful minister of the Gospel for over 60 years, has guided this congregation to take a bold step forward, and the legacy members have followed his leadership into something that we all believe will be truly beautiful for the advancement of the Gospel.”
The church had a “soft launch” on July 14 with more than 300 present. The “official launch” on August 11 included two worship services with 525 adults and 95 children present and was highlighted by the baptism of one adult.
Randall explained, “We had about 180 from Christ Covenant to come for the ‘official launch.’ However, there were people in the community who came because of the flyers they received. Others came because they knew that Christ Covenant was expanding its ministry to a campus in North Atlanta. There were some who came from other local churches just to support what we are trying to do. We also had some to come who were not believers.”
The church’s rebirth encouraged one man to come who had grown up in the Sandy Springs church. He returned because the church had meant so much to him in the past.
“It was an incredible day – one I will never forget, Randall said, “We just want to love God and love people, and we are just trying to do old things contextually.”
Randall, a native of Birmingham, Ala., received his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Biola University and Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif. For the past two years, he has been the discipleship pastor at Christ Covenant Church. He is married to Raelyn and they have three sons.
Marshall observed, “I am convinced that fewer churches will close their doors if they turn their property over to another church that is strong enough to replant, revitalize or refresh their ministry.”
