ROBERTSDALE, Ala. -- A little more than a week after taking role as pulpit minister for the Robertsdale Church of Christ, Andrew Itson already feels like part of the family.

“My philosophy has always been that you first build a relationship with God, then build relationships with other people,” he said. “In the short time that I’ve been here I can tell that this congregation fits well with my philosophy. I can tell that they truly love God and love each other.”

And, said Itson, 27, he and his wife Lauri Ann and their infant son, Crews, have been welcomed into the church, which boasts a congregation of just under 200 members, with open arms.

“When came there were cards all over the desk and welcome signs everywhere,” he said. In fact, the interview was briefly interrupted by a couple who came with a birthday card for Itson’s wife. “It’s truly like a family here.”

For Itson, the son of a minister, the dream of being a pulpit minister is one that began at a very young age.

In fact, he began preaching when he was 13 years old at a small church in Marbury, near his home in Montgomery, where he served for two years.

He attended Faulkner University where his father works and received a master’s degree in Biblical studies. From there he served for five years as a college minister at the University Church of Christ in Montgomery. During that time he also served as chaplain for the Faulkner University football team.

“It was a really good experience ministering to college student,” he said. “They are one of the largest groups that is falling away from the church and I feel like that really prepared me for a bigger role in reaching out to people and meeting their needs.”

While the numbers are similar between his former congregation and new congregation, Itson said, there is a lot more diversity offering a wider range of groups at the church in Robertsdale.

“We were happy in Montgomery, but this was such a good opportunity for us,” he said. “This is a good opportunity for our future.”

While there are a lot of young families at the church in Robertsdale, one of the biggest things that attracted Itson was the diversity offered at the church.

“It offers a wide range of groups that one can fit into,” he said. “If anyone is looking for a church home I invite them to worship with us.”

The church is located at 18250 Pennsylvania St., just east of the entrance to Garrett Park. Bible study is held every Sunday morning at 9:30 and Wednesday evening at 7 with worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call the church office at 251-947-7128 or visit churchofchristatrobertsdale.com.

The Robertsdale Church of Christ is a non-denominational congregation, Itson said.

“I guess you could say that ultimately we only answer to Jesus as the head of our church,” he said.