About Connect
At Connect, we desire to light a spark in each and every person through the love of Jesus Christ, to see that they meet their God-given potential.
Our Vision
We exist to touch the world
through our community.
Our Pastors have two goals:
1. That you would live a life that not only discovers God’s love for you, but a life that also is lived displaying our love for God and others.
In everything that we do we keep two things at the forefront:
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Love God
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Love People
2. To help you discover, establish, and maintain a healthy relationship with God.
"For God so loved the world He gave His son… for we so love God we give our love in surrender."
Our Story
Connect Church in Opelika was born out of El Shaddai World Outreach, founded by Dr. Robert and Linda Brogdon, whose vision was to raise up and train ministers to impact the world for Christ. Out of that legacy came a new chapter: a church focused on helping people connect with God, grow in faith, and live on purpose.
Pastors John and Amanda Brogdon first met on a blind date in 1995—neither knowing that God was writing something bigger than they could imagine. At the time, John was running from his faith and Amanda didn’t yet know Jesus. But in 1998, after a life-changing encounter in California, both surrendered their lives to Christ. They were married in 2000 and later graduated from El Shaddai Theological Seminary, with Pastor John also earning a degree from Columbus State University.
After years of serving faithfully under leadership as an assistant leader at New Covenant Fellowship, Pastor John sensed God calling him to step into a new season. In January 2013, the Brogdons launched what is now Connect Church, stepping forward together as co-pastors with a simple mission—to help people experience real connection with God and others.
From humble beginnings in Smiths Station to our growing church family in Opelika, every step of this journey has been marked by God’s faithfulness. In 2019 with a mission to be debt free, Connect Church sold our property and transitioned to meeting on the campus of New Life Christian Center, while actively pursuing our next permanent home.
At Connect Church, we believe life change happens through connection—with God, with people, and with purpose. Our story is still being written, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
We invite you to continue to explore more about our church, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Better yet, join us in person for a Sunday service—we’d love to welcome you!
Kyle + Josie Whitby
Grand Central Directors
As front of house leaders, the Whitbys manage our volunteers and are active on our Prayer Team.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Greeters, Ushers, Hospitality Volunteers, Parking Crew, Clean Team
Erika Elle Ghiai
Media Director
From paper to presentations, this team manages Connect communications.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Presentation Lead, Camera Operator, Social Media Team, Photography
Gather With Us
There’s Room for You Here
Come experience the Connect Church community this Sunday!
See what to expect and plan your visit—we can’t wait to meet you!
Ministry at Connect Church goes beyond Sunday services—it’s about building relationships, serving others, and growing together in faith.
Discover the many ways you can get involved and be a part of our mission.