One needed more room, the other more followers.

Together, one of Auburn’s long-established, neighborhood Baptist churches promises to be even stronger.

A merger is in motion and a new name is being sought as groups belonging to the North Auburn Baptist Church and the Celebration Community Church in southeast Auburn come together.

Separated by just a few miles, the churches decided it was time to unite.

They have passed this way before. Historically, the churches were one entity before going separate ways. But both sides grew closer together over the past six years, having collaborated on several functions, including picnics, a food bank and tutoring ministry.

The reasons for the merger are many, but none are more acute than the financial and spiritual needs. In these trying and desperate times, one needs the other to survive.

“Actually, we would have folded if nothing had happened,” said Nelva Whitt, a member of the North Auburn Baptist Church since 1981. “It’s been rough, but we have made it. We have survived. I think it will be good for everyone. I think it will be good in the long run.”

Church leaders haven’t officially declared a new name for the Baptist church, but the congregations will combine talent and resources at North Auburn Baptist Church, off 22nd Street NE. A new name could be announced as soon as Sunday after morning services.

The need for a strong Baptist church – located in the heart of a blue-collar neighborhood plagued by poverty and other social challenges – has never been stronger.

“The merger is going to be awesome,” said Wendy Moe, who directs the North Auburn Baptist Church’s food bank ministry. “They’ve had the building here, but we haven’t had the people.

“And having a church here is important,” she added. “We’re in a neighborhood with generations of poverty. They have not gotten out of (poverty). They have to be taught how to get out of it … but we’re here to help them. They need us.”

The church’s mission actually extends beyond its neighborhood borders.

“It’s here for the community, not just north Auburn,” said Paul Butterfield, associate pastor of the new church. “It starts here, but our mission literally goes all over the world.”

The merger is welcomed. The church is promoting openness, looking to mix the old with the new.

Celebration Community churchgoers needed a bigger building, and North Auburn worshippers, an older congregation, needed an infusion of new blood.

“They seem to embrace it,” said Jeff McCann, a senior pastor, who comes over from Celebration Community Church. “We’re better together, more vibrant together, we really are. We offer more together than we do separated.”

Good following

Combined, the congregation is 125 strong, including four retired pastors of varying backgrounds.

“Attendance remains strong,” Butterfield said. “New people are coming through the doors on a continuing basis. The potential for this church to grow is very strong, greater than the combination of both churches.”

The dynamics of the church have changed, and so too have its followers, McCann added. The new church plans to reconnect significantly to its constituency, its followers.

“It’s been really positive,” McCann said of the new approach. “People are catching the wave of possibility that we can make a difference in the community.”

A new sign bearing the name of the church is in the works and a remodel is being discussed. Some of the changes will be cosmetic, others more profound, like adding an elevator to the church, McCann said.

Some things won’t change. The food bank will continue to serve needy families. The weekly distribution of donated food-filled bags reached as many as 70 families last week.

The church will also offer crucial youth and other important ministries.

Given time, the unified church will work as a strong, supporting voice in the community, leaders vow.

“This happens to be the eighth church I’ve pastored over 40-plus years,” Butterfield said. “And in the time span, there’s only been one other church that I’ve pastored personally that I’ve seen an extremely caring congregation.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a church go an extra mile, in some cases five miles, sort to speak, for people they just barely know,” he added. “This is a movement of God that cannot be described any other way.”

For more church information, call 253-939-7099.