TEBA CHURCH AND PASTOR SPOTLIGHT: Alan Hale at Grace Village Church
In this month’s Church and Pastor spotlight, we spoke with Alan Hale, pastor of a new church plant, Forest View Church, located in Roman Forest within New Caney, where he has pastored for almost one year. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Lee University (Cleveland, TN) and has completed two years of seminary with DTS in Houston. He and Elizabeth have been married almost 13 years and have 4 children, Rosalyn, Brannen, Ingrid, and Emmett.
Tell us about your current ministry context.
Alan: We just recently moved into an older church building previously owned by a church that shut down after Covid, having previously been worshiping in the Tavola Elementary School cafeteria on Sundays, just a few miles away. Since Tavola is a newer community developing, it has attracted lots of younger families with children. Once we moved deeper back into Roman Forest at our present location, we started seeing more older couples from within Roman Forest visiting our church. Our context contains several different demographics with gaps in both age and income levels. We’re above the national average for crime and substance abuse. Both elementary schools in our area are seeking male volunteers to serve in schools due to the strong need for a male presence. It’s an interesting mix for sure.
What is God teaching you in this season?
Alan: To listen. Really, really listen. I’ve been in so many conversations where I’m listening, but at the same time praying, ‘God help me understand.’ Our people have vastly different backgrounds: denominationally, culturally, theologically, polity, etc. I’m trying to understand them and help them understand what we’re about, but we’re all so very different. Unity within the church is what I’m striving for. I’ve gotten myself in trouble more than a few times. I was stepping over my own words because I wasn’t listening carefully. The second thing he’s showing me is to be decisive with people who are strong-willed. I’ve had to step in when drama levels rise – but do it kindly. I’m used to this dynamic, being a middle school teacher, but not amongst adults.
What advice would you offer to other pastors or new church planters?
Alan: First, you’re going to do more than you think you’ll do – in every respect – in terms of meetings, preparation work, organization, etc. The biggest advice would be to empower your people to take over things. With the exception of things being substandard, accept what they’ve done, even if it might not have been the way you would have done it. Empowering people and having them work alongside you in ministry is just so much fun! The second piece of advice I would offer is don’t let yourself get alone. Even though you’re serving a Body, be a part of the Body, don’t be above the Body.
How can the churches of the TEBA be praying for you?
Alan: We’re entering into building campaign season, with stresses about timeline, money, etc., which can add issues of drama or stress within a church. Please pray that God would grant us wisdom and preserve unity, and that we would be able to use that wisdom to map out the next season of our lives at Grace Village.
