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"The Christian life is not to be lived in seclusion from the rest of the world, it's to be lived in the middle of the world," Platt said. "My mission is to make disciples of all nations and mobilize other people to do the same."

Herndon, 55, said older ministers on the staff have embraced Platt's leadership, which often takes off in unexpected directions.

In concluding a recent sermon, Platt made what seemed to be a spontaneous call for donations to build houses for earthquake victims in Indonesia. He asked those who would give over their usual offerings to step forward at the two morning services in the 2,100-seat sanctuary.

The congregation gave $110,000 to build bamboo huts with tin roofs for Indonesian villagers ravaged by a massive earthquake.

"We did not expect this kind of response," Herndon said. "We can almost build a village now."

Platt hopes to send teams from the church to help oversee construction.

Trained at a Southern Baptist seminary, Platt said he mainly views denominational affiliation as a useful tool for mission work. The Church at Brook Hills, while avoiding the word "Baptist" in its name, has continued to be affiliated with the 16 million-member Southern Baptist Convention.

"Denominations can be helpful, particularly in organizing for overseas work," Platt said. "I don't think loyalty to a denomination is a biblical priority for the church, but if it helps the church better accomplish missions goals, it's a good thing."

The church will continue to support denominational missions while also Platt said he believes the Brook Hills congregation will take on his challenges to engage in worldwide missions.

"The possibilities are endless," he said. "That's one of the reasons I'm here."

Greg Garrison writes for The Birmingham News.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

The Church at Brook Hills website has more information on Platt, including a biographical video, a video clip from a local news broadcast, sermon audio and video, and other resources.

Platt's Why Not Ministries has information on his ministry before he became senior pastor at the Church at Brook Hills.

Edgewater Baptist Church has Platt sermons online as well.

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August (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50