BMH Books’ newest author, James Pearson (pictured), was featured this past week in the Fort Wayne (IN) News-Sentinel newspaper in an article by Nicole Lee on the innovative new children’s ministry area in Pearson’s Fort Wayne church. A short excerpt is reproduced here-to read the entire article click here.
It’s not all kid’s play in church renovation
Brookside adds something for whole family, new members
By Nicole Lee
Colorfully painted storefronts along a faux-cobblestone street greet you on Brookside Boulevard, a mini “children’s main street” of sorts that contains a library, boutique, pet store, even a barbershop with a working red-white-and-blue pole out front.
Depending on the age, children can engage in activities on the beach, in outer space, a construction site or a racetrack. There are video games available and a unit where children can slide, tumble, climb and romp to their heart’s content.
No, there’s not a new amusement park scheduled to open in Fort Wayne. Rather, it’s the new children’s area at Brookside Community Church, and organizers say they can’t wait to unveil the renovations to the congregation.
Next month, Brookside will open the 38,000-square-foot addition to its current facility, which will include the new children’s area, a fellowship space and adult classrooms. The congregation will begin to use the new areas in December, but the official grand opening will be Jan. 8.
This is a multigenerational effort to engage the entire family in worshipping Christ and have the space to welcome new families moving into the area, said Brookside pastor Jim Pearson.
Pastor and author
Brookside Community Church pastor the Rev. Jim Pearson, with assistance from Kelly Hahn, has released the book “Minefields in the Marketplace: Ethical Issues Christians Face in the World of Business” (BMH Books, $10.95).
The book focuses on ways Christians can maintain their spiritual character while trying to avoid the pitfalls of materialism and ethical compromise that can occur in the corporate world.
Before entering ministry full time, Pearson worked in sales and marketing in Indiana and Ohio. His last corporate job was as a metals broker with the Fort Wayne-based OmniSource Corp.
“Minefields” is available at the Anchor Room, 4530 Lahmeyer Road.