KEARNS, Utah – At least 149 people have been baptized this year at The Point Church, where Corey J. Hodges has been pastor since 1997.
It’s his first pastorate. His first Sunday the congregation numbered 35 people. The Point Church today is the largest Southern Baptist Church in Utah, with about 1,200 people crowded into two services at the church squashed into a residential neighborhood of tightly-boxed-in older, smaller, homes.
“Our church grew because the Gospel is preached clearly, consistently, and with intentionality,” Hodges told Baptist Press. “Each message is informational, inspirational, and invitational. The growth has been steady, year by year, soul by soul, life by life.
“Every service includes a clear invitation for people to make a decision, and we regularly encourage next steps in faith,” the pastor continued. “I preach intentional sermon series focused on evangelism, mission, Christian living, and stewardship, which helps create a spiritually healthy and outward-focused church environment.”
Every service also is a production, with professional-sounding vocalists and instrumentalists highlighted by immersive lighting. The musicians came from the congregation, the pastor said. As for the sound, lighting and graphics team, “Each person learned to use the equipment through observation, hands-on practice, and prayer,” Hodges said.
“There have been several events in recent years that drew people back to church. There was 9/11 in 2001. That brought most people back together for a time. There was an uptick of congregants the summer of 2020, with the George Floyd riots, and I do think Charlie Kirk’s death was an uptick this summer for a lot of people.” For nearly 150 people to be baptized this year was about 25 percent more than last year at this time, the pastor said.
An uncommonly large part of The Point’s congregation is between the ages of 18 and 35, a time in their lives when younger adults begin to figure out what really matters, Hodges said. “We preach a non-judgment but non-compromising Gospel. We preach a strong emphasis on the saving grace of God, and we try our best to preach the truth with love. We have a strong emphasis on Matthew 28, the Great Commission, and Mathew 25, living out the Great Commandment. We’re a strong Gospel church and a strong missional church.”
It takes “a genuine call from God, discernment, patience, humility and courage to be a leader people follow,” the pastor said. Today Hodges mentors others – and not just those with his skin tone – as he was mentored by the Rev. Dr. Henry J. Lyons, his pastor who in time led the National Baptist Convention USA., Inc., a Black Baptist denomination.
In 2010 New Pilgrim was renamed The Point Church as it moved from a commercial location to its current residential neighborhood and became intentionally multicultural. Today people from several nations attend Sunday services and its weekly ministries.
“We intentionally diversified our culture, worship experience, preaching, and our leaders,” Hodges said. This included his preaching. It changed from the more impassioned Black-preacher mode to a more self-contained and deeply doctrinal yet transparent style.
“This is not my church,” he preached one recent Sunday. “It’s not your church. It’s God’s church, and He welcomes everyone.” At the same time, he spoke from 2 Peter 2 on the need for each Christian to check continually to be sure they are following only God without any hint of heresy, any belief that doesn’t align perfectly with the Bible.
Sunday morning worship at The Point Church is emotional, driven by the worship team’s heart-thudding vocals, professional instrumentation and evocative lighting. The Point’s crowded worship center, with seemingly everyone praising God, worshipping God, honoring God, magnified and multiplied the experience.
Hodges, who preached in an untucked sports polo, blue jeans and Nikes, announced that he would have to leave the church quickly after the service because he needed to get to the Utah Jazz basketball game – he’s in his ninth year as the team’s chaplain – but he stayed until the last person in line was able to have a few private words with him.
As to how a suburban pastor became the pro team’s chaplain, “It was truly a God connection,” Hodges said. “The Utah Jazz corporate office called me, and I answered that call. It was a divine appointment from God. After 32 years of faithful service, the previous chaplain passed away, and God opened the door for me to step into this assignment.
“I enjoy helping the team members build their relationship with Jesus Christ. Being their chaplain is not only spiritually rewarding but it’s recreation too.”
The Point Church has a constant flow of missions and ministry opportunities throughout the year, including Thanksgiving dinner for about 200 families, with enough food for three or four days, and gifts for children at Christmas based on what the children themselves say they want.
While The Point reaches out community-wide, Kearns Elementary School is a specific focus.
“They’re the hub,” Hodges said. Guidance counselors identify children’s families in need. A member of the church adopts a family and provides Christmas gifts for their kids. “The kids make their lists and we shop based on that,” the pastor explained.
The Point Church does have some corporate sponsors who help with big-ticket items such as bicycles and PlayStations, “so our members are not so burdened with the cost,” Hodges added.
Other local ministries include the Salt Lake City rescue mission, a prison ministry, at least two other food ministries, and an ongoing partnership with Salt Lake County’s Unified Police and Fire departments. One recent discussion panel at the church was titled, “Stop and Frisk.”
“We’re located in a city that definitely needs the light of Christ,” Hodges said. “We have gangs and food insecurity here. This church is right in the middle of homes so we have a great opportunity to be a light in the community for Christ.”
For global outreach there are mission trips – adults one year; teens the next – to places like Puerto Rico, Mexico and – perhaps next year – Spain.
“Planting a church in Utah is difficult,” Hodges said. “It takes way more time to plant roots in Utah and see the tree of life grow. If you really believe God has sent you to Utah, you have to stay around and commit to staying where you have been planted. You also have to believe He will let you see the fruit of your labor if you faint not.”
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