Our Story
The Love Fellowship/ The Oasis of Love came together on a plane ride to Florida in early 2014. It wasn't known then that it would become what it has today.
Upon resignation of a previous pastorate on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, an organized meeting was held on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Open Door Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL where over 100 men, women, and children of all ages attended, with Rev. J. C. Carter. presiding over the meeting.
The present body voted and elected Pastor Jeffery C. Thompson, Sr. as pastor; Charlie Prewitt as the ONLY ordained deacon; and also adopted the name "The Oasis Baptist Church" of this said body of believers. This name was also the name given to Pastor Jeff during the early part of 2014 while on a plane to Florida, and Charlotte as the Oasis of Love.
Hence we are known as "The Oasis Baptist Church-The Love Fellowship". A church business meeting was later held after service to appoint the Board of Directors. The first official service was held at 12 PM on June 15, 2014, which just happen to be Father's Day as well as the 18th anniversary in ministry for Pastor Jeff. With an almost packed sanctuary, oh what a glorious time we had in a power-packed 90 minutes of FREE WORSHIP & PRAISE GLORIFYING GOD! That following Wednesday, June 18, 2014, was the first Wednesday night services of intercessory prayer, Bible Study & Youth AWANA fellowship.
The Oasis would continue to grow weekly even with naysayers and growing pains. Just like in our own personal lives change happens; people come and people go. Well, that’s no different in ministry. And that’s certainly true about with and for The O. The ministry has seen members come and members go as well as change within ministry leaders. However, The O has continued to strive for Kingdom building with and through Pastor Jeff’s consistent obedience to God leading the congregation daily not just weekly.
As he was going through a period of life happening in his own personal life, as well as with the O. Pastor Jeff (as he often does) took time to pray for direction. He was in secret silent pray for months to no one’s knowledge not even his wife, Carol. In January, initial contact was made with Presiding Bishop Snorton & Presiding Elder Horton. After further prayer, full connection into the C.M.E. Church was given in July 2018. With 125 of the charter members, The Oasis Baptist Church became The Oasis Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
“We didn’t leave the church. God is still God. We are still a part of the Full Gospel Fellowship, as the fellowship is not a denomination. After four years of trying on our own and God having been faithful, we chose to connect with like minded individuals. We were met with great applause welcomed with all love. We Thank God for our new connections, thank you to the North Alabama Center Regions for rescuing us in our time of need. We are looking for the next phase of The Oasis Church, The Love Fellowship. …… WE CHANGED THE NAME BUT WE’RE STILL THE SAME”
If you haven't visited, we invite you to see for yourself how exciting church can be when the focus is simple and people are free to go after God with passion!