Alabama Pastor Reaches Nonbelievers Through Chaplaincy
Alabama Pastor Reaches Nonbelievers Through Chaplaincy
Pastor Mahlon LeCroix believes ministry should reach far beyond church walls. He has preached that message for years at Shoal Creek Church in Priceville. Then came the moment when he realized he needed to embody that message more intentionally. Nearly everyone in his personal circle already knew Christ. That realization stirred something in him. He wanted to step into spaces where people felt disconnected from church and faith, so he began seeking new ways to engage those who might never walk into a sanctuary.
His calling led him back to familiar ground and into unexpected places. It brought him to the sidelines of a high school football field and into the close-knit world of motorcycle clubs. In both environments, he soon discovered open doors to relationships and conversations that felt genuine and needed. Those relationships allowed him to share the Gospel in simple, meaningful ways.
LeCroix once coached football at Priceville High School, a role he stepped away from when the church began to grow. His connection to the school remained strong, and when new head coach Seth Parker arrived last year, he asked LeCroix to stay involved. Parker believed the team needed a chaplain even if the position had to be part time. LeCroix agreed, and by this season he returned to serve the team through the entire year.
As he considered how to guide the players spiritually, he prayed for direction. The answer came through the book of Joshua. Each week he shared a short devotion rooted in that story of courage and commitment. The themes resonated with the athletes, who faced pressure on and off the field. Joshua’s example offered perspective and hope.
As the season neared its end, LeCroix sensed it was time to offer the players a chance to respond personally to Christ. He approached Parker, who is also a believer, and asked permission to extend an invitation after one of his devotions. Parker agreed wholeheartedly.
Standing before the team, LeCroix reminded them of Joshua’s declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The locker room fell quiet. Then he asked if anyone wanted to choose Christ that day. Seven players stood. The moment was simple but powerful.
Soon after, the team gathered around the ice tub traditionally used for recovery. This time it held warm water. One by one, LeCroix baptized the seven young men. Joy and laughter filled the room. Coach Parker later described it as the highlight of his coaching career. He said LeCroix’s influence strengthened the team’s spiritual life and inspired them on the field. He believes the relationship with LeCroix will continue to shape the program for years to come.
ALSO READ : Why Churches Must Fund Their Mission Again
Two of the players have since attended services at Shoal Creek Church, while the others are being discipled at school by Jonny Pool. Pool serves as both a youth pastor and a member of the coaching staff. He said it is a blessing to walk with the players and to witness how God is transforming their lives. He also expressed gratitude for LeCroix’s steady presence among the students.
Chaplaincy, however, is only part of LeCroix’s mission. His love for motorcycles has taken him into a very different community one where many feel unwelcome in traditional church settings. His background in riding helped him gain access to various motorcycle clubs in north Alabama, and he eventually joined a group known as the Sin City Disciples. Once the riders got to know him, they gave him the name Preacher, a title that reflects both who he is and how they see him.
Many riders carry heavy stories and hesitate to step into church buildings. LeCroix understands that. He doesn’t pressure anyone. Instead, he attends meetings, listens and shares truth when the moment is right. None of the riders have accepted Christ yet, but many have opened the door to deeper conversations. LeCroix knows trust forms slowly in these circles.
He is thankful that Shoal Creek Church fully supports his work in both settings. Not every congregation would allow a pastor to spend so much time out in the community, especially in environments that fall outside traditional ministry models. But his church recognizes the mission behind it. They know he stands among people who do not believe and trust him to be salt and light wherever he goes.
The commitment is significant. He spends long hours at the school and with the motorcycle club. Still, he said every moment is worth it because the spiritual fruit is real. Each conversation has meaning. Each connection opens the door for hope. He views these places as valuable mission fields where God is already working.
LeCroix believes pastors must move into the world, not wait for the world to come to them. His experiences this year have shown him that ministry thrives in locker rooms, school hallways, motorcycle garages and open roads. He has watched young athletes surrender their lives to Christ. He has watched hardened riders soften during honest conversations. He has learned that powerful ministry often happens far from a church stage.
For him, chaplaincy is not a side assignment. It is an extension of his calling. It is practical, relational and deeply needed. Through presence and prayer, he is living out the message he preaches. And through his faithfulness, seeds of belief are taking root in unexpected corners of Alabama.
Content Credit : Boluwatife Abiola
Image Credit : Google. Com
