GULF SHORES, AL - Yes, we’ve grown, both in need and support, to meet those needs.

From a casual conversation among three ministers at lunch 25 years ago concerning challenges their congregations faced helping to provide basic support for individuals and families in their time of need to the tremendous community outreach program that is now the Christian Service Center, the results have been amazing.

One of those original ministers still active in the organization, Pastor Deral Rollings of St. Jude’s by the Sea Lutheran Church, was on hand to help install new officers to begin the Center’s 26th year. The installation, led by Father Jeff Garner of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, also involved the Rev. Steven Kurtz of Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. Larry Wood of St. Andrew by the Sea Community Church, Amelia Fletcher of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church and Pastor Hope Knoble of Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Glenn Butler of GSUMC was also present as well as many of the volunteers serving in various leadership and support capacities.

An organization that had its beginnings in a small storefront in the current Winn-Dixie Shopping Center is now housed in a three building complex and has over 200 volunteers with no paid staff.

The chart above provides a clear indication of how the service has evolved over the two and a half decades. This work could not continue without the faithful support of the Island’s churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals.