Mitchell County Church teaching GED classes

St. James Baptist Church of Baconton is bringing education to the people. St. James Baptist Church and Albany Technical College have partnered to help individuals who did not complete their high school education obtain their GED and possibly further their education.

“It is the church’s responsibility to reach the whole man,” said the church’s pastor, Rev. Lawrence Knighton. “We can no longer remain quiet about the issues that affect every community. Some people feel intimidated going to a college campus to obtain their GED when they didn’t finish high school. This gives them an opportunity to feel more relaxed in an environment that is not intimidating. Years ago, the church was everything to everybody and we have got to get back to that same mindset.”

At the GED Program kickoff last week, the GED program at the church had 35 people in attendance. On Monday, 11 more people began the program. The ages range from 16 to 73 years of age.

GED classes will be held every Monday and Tuesday at 6 p.m. and there is still room for enrollment. To participate, call Cullena Morman at 787-5334.