By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Entering the pool of candidates for the senior pastor position at The Church of Brook Hills was a big decision for Pastor Matt Mason, but it was one inspired by love for the church community.

“I wasn’t sure what the search team was going to do… Either way was going to be weighty,” Mason said of the potential outcomes of the senior pastor search process. “I absolutely love this church and love these people, and I don’t want to go anywhere else for the rest of my life.”

After a nine-month search process, The Church at Brook Hills announced on June 28 the congregation had selected Mason to serve as the senior pastor. Mason was chosen through an extensive, multi-step interview process from a pool of more than 70 applicants from nearly 15 states.

“I am just thrilled beyond belief,” Mason said. “I have two driving passions that make pastoral ministry my dream. I love the Bible… I believe it changes lives (and) I love people.”

Mason immediately assumed the duties of senior pastor to the 4,500-member congregation following his June 28 selection.

Mason came to The Church at Brook Hills in 2012 to serve as worship director. Prior to that, he was the worship director and college pastor at Lakeview Christian Center in his home city, New Orleans. In addition to nearly 15 years of experience serving the church, Mason was raised in a family deeply rooted in the church.

“I grew up a pastor’s son in New Orleans, my dad planted a church there… (I grew up) loving the church and being loved by the church,” Mason said. “I’ve been a son in a pastor’s home, but (The Church at Brook Hills) is much different.”

With a congregation of 4,500, The Church at Brook Hills is far larger than his father’s church, but Mason said he looks forward to the challenges and is excited to lead the faith community he loves.

“It’s a church that’s active in faith, that’s one of the first things we fell in love with here,” Mason said. “They want to put the word on in practical ways through their daily lives… it’s so much more hands-on, there’s nothing more exciting.”