Written by Ben Cox – Across from Commerce Square, in a plain building behind some trees is a church whose mission is caring for the helpless, and homeless, of Brownwood.
New Beginnings Church, lead by pastor Kelly Crenshaw, is known for housing those with no place else to go on those cold winter nights or during heavy storms. However, they have now opened their church house, which they call the House of Refuge, as a year round option for those seeking shelter from life’s storms.
Crenshaw is not your average preacher, saying that “in my head there’s a constant battle between Billy Graham and George Carlin. And sometimes on a Sunday I don’t know who’s gonna show up!” Often seen in jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals, Crenshaw says “once in a while I’ll wear a shirt with a collar to just mess with everybody!”
The former homeless drug user turned preacher says that he has a heart for those who are searching regardless of their appearance. “We try our best not to put on airs. We have some businessmen in there and they might be sitting next to the bag lady.” He continues “To me it’s all about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not about who gives the most or who looks the best. Everyone has their niche in life. We’re trying to take in those who nobody else wants.”
Crenshaw is adamant about keeping things simple, and not overcomplicating the Gospel. “We sure do complicate it, don’t we? Five easy steps to seven keys to the thirteen ways of the twenty two dimensions of…. c’mon, just love Jesus!”
Crenshaw says that his approach to ministry is a softer approach than some. “I’m not gonna ram truth down your throat, but I’m gonna give you truth with the best of my ability. Nobody comes to Christ because they lost a theological argument, they came to Christ because of love and feeling loved.”
Missions is also one of the pillars of New Beginnings, through the outreach of Kaleo ministries, run by former HPU student Joshua Muse. Ministering to Juarez, Mexico and other parts of that country takes Crenshaw “to Mexico more times than I can count.”
Beginning by working with a single preacher who had been run out of his home by the Cartel, six months later Crenshaw was leading a ministers conference for over 40 pastors.
Crenshaw is proud of the work that has been done in the community, through donations to the House of Refuge and ministry to the homeless by his church. “We’re just doing what we can to make a difference in our little part of the world.”
New Beginnings Church is at 1001 Belle Plain, and meets Sunday mornings for Adult Sunday School at 9:45, with worship at 10:30, with Children’s Sunday School and youth running at the same time. They can be found on Facebook, and would like to invite all who care to join them to an open house for House of Refuge next Friday the 15th at 6:30 so they can show what all the donations and work has done for the needy in this community.
