Ronnie McBrayer moving on, but Simple Faith will always be his ‘home church'
A Simple Faith Church was born in South Walton four short years ago around the dining room table of Michael and Cheryl Belk.
Today, that handful of folks and approximately 200 more worship each Sunday in a storefront at WaterColor Crossing under the leadership of Rev. Ronnie McBrayer.
True to its name, the church has no membership, just supporters and worshipers.
The church has proven to be popular among residents and visitors alike due to McBrayer's following and his weekly poignant columns in The Walton Sun. Not considered a “mainstream” preacher, McBrayer preaches from convictions formed by early church experiences, life experience, and extensive Bible study. His simple messages and likable, personable manner resonate with his followers.
However, McBrayer recently announced that his family will be leaving the area in early summer and moving to north Georgia to be close to extended family due to health reasons.
"We thought at first it would be a disaster," said Billy McConnell, one of the founding churchgoers. "When he made the announcement, we were heartsick. We were all Sunday punched and there was a lot of weeping, moaning, and passing of tissues."
With their charismatic leader moving on, church organizers feared the worst. However, questionnaires currently being filled out by the congregation have led them to believe that possibly only two people will leave the flock as a result of McBrayer's move.
Meanwhile, the congregation is making plans for the transition, with McBrayer's help.
"My family has a condo here and we will be back frequently. When we are here, I will speak at the church, and during transition, that may be monthly. In many ways, A Simple Faith will always be our home church," McBrayer said.
When he is not here, Niall Scally, who McConnell describes as “a knowledgeable Bible person” who lives in the area, will preach.
In Ellijay, Ga., McBrayer said he will not seek to pastor a church right away. Instead he will concentrate on speaking engagements and his writing. He writes a weekly column for The Sun and has a fourth book due out later this year.
"Writing for The Sun has been one of the greatest surprises because of people's positive response to it," he said.
"I enjoyed the starting of A Simple Faith, but it will be fun to give it away to someone else with a different set of skills. I'm not the best manager and the church has matured to where it needs a good manager," McBrayer continued. "The people at A Simple Faith have become like family. It's a dynamic, diverse group of people. Leaving them will be the hardest."
The feeling is likewise for his flock.
"There's no one like him," said McConnell. "He's the finest preacher I've ever had anything to do with. His ability to tell and weave a story is better than anyone I have ever heard or read. He's a master at it. We knew we wouldn't be able to keep him forever. We understand and know that family comes first."
McBrayer moved to Walton County seven years ago to become Walton County's first director of Habitat for Humanity. He then served as associate pastor at Seaside Chapel before forming A Simple Faith, along with 15 others from the Chapel.
