Our Story

Everyone was excited, the moment came as a slightly nervous minister stepped to the pulpit and viewed his congregation. He smiled and welcomed everyone to the first of many Sundays at the new “Southside Assembly of God” church.

This story began with a pastor's dream. Rev. Manuel Mann had discovered that the new Lakeview Pentecostal Church of God, pastored by Rev. Wayne Weaver, was selling their old church house located at 750 South Broadway, in Booneville, Arkansas. But first he would have to get the approval of the Assembly of God organization. So stepping out in faith, Rev. Mann contacted them only to be informed that the answer was “no” because there already was an Assembly of God church in Booneville. Then God stepped in and Rev. Mann was told he could indeed establish another Assembly of God church in Booneville. THIS WAS THE 1st MIRACLE SEEN AT SOUTHSIDE.

God began to move in a mighty way as Rev. Jiff Grissom came to Rev. Mann with a donation of $25,000. that he felt the Lord wanted him to invest in Southside. THIS WAS GOD'S SECOND MIRACLE. God had many miracles planned for Southside, from remodeling the Parsonage to the growth of the church. Rev. Jiff and wife, Anna Grissom was vitally important to the church's existence. In less than five years, Southside Assembly of God was debt free. They had been able to purchase pews, altars, and the pulpit from another church. So on December 11, 1983, the first sermon was preached by Rev. Manuel Mann to a congregation of 29 souls.

In the years ahead, Rev. Jeff, wife, Anna Grissom, Sister Mildred Clay, widow of Rev. Murl Clay, would play a big part in Southside by serving in whatever capacity they were needed

Around 1994-95, the congregation remodeled the inside of Southside, dropping the ceiling, up dating the PA system, and fixing Sunday School rooms. Robert and Juanita Courville gave the carpeting to finish off the new look at Southside Assembly of God. Every person in Southside has played a vital part in making our little church a “Lighthouse” to the community, from hands on to prayers, from financial to giving of their time.

In the past two years, Southside has been improving even more, thanks to our “angel” by the name of Michael Breedlove. We now have a wonderful ramp onto the stage, a beautiful large bathroom with convenient diaper changing table. It is also handicap accessible. From windows to the parsonage, new paint has been applied, carpeting has been replaced and many more changes have occurred all due to Michael's love for the Lord. Kathy Flemming has dressed up the front with flowerbeds of colorful pansies. Other members have worked very hard also, cleaning the church, mowing the grass, and keeping our church beautiful for the Lord. We are blessed to have such dedicated members.

During these past thirty years, Rev. Manuel and Sister Betty Mann have helped not only our church but also the community. We have had a food bank to help the needy, young ministers have gone out from our church, and new churches have sprang up, all due to the unselfish ministry of these two people. Pastor Mann's vision has touched many lives, homes, and families. We at Southside Assembly of God are grateful to our Lord for sending to us Pastor and Sister Mann, to gently and lovingly guide us to our Heavenly Father's perfect will.

In May 2026, Southside Assembly of God entered a new season under the leadership of Pastor John and Courtney Goodman. When Pastor John first visited Southside on a Wednesday night, he immediately felt the love of its people. By the end of that service, he knew it was no accident that God had brought his family there. Two weeks later, John and Courtney were selected to lead Southside into its next chapter.

Today, the heart of Southside remains simple: love God, love people, and see lives changed through Jesus Christ. We believe God has called Southside to be a beacon of hope in Booneville—a place where families can grow, hurting people can find hope, believers can go deeper, and people can experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to Deliver. Disciple. Deploy.—to see people find freedom in Christ, grow as His disciples, and become workers in His Kingdom.

We're ordinary people who need Jesus just like everyone else. We preach the Bible, believe in the moving of the Holy Spirit, and love people. You don't have to dress a certain way or have everything figured out. Come as you are.

Southside's story began with a dream and 29 people who believed God was doing something in Booneville. More than four decades later, we still believe God has a plan for this community—and that Southside's story is far from finished.

There is a place for you here. You belong here.