Nate Ballard is stepping down from his post as Russell Christian Academy’s head football coach and athletic director to become the full-time pastor at Springfield Methodist Protestant Church in Thomasville, Ala., where he’s expected to take over June 4.

The move brings Ballard back home.

“That’s where I grew up and where I answered the call to preach,” Ballard, 40, said. “It’s where all of my family’s at, so it’s going to be good.”

The opportunity to lead Springfield Methodist presented itself to Ballard at the beginning of the year. After mulling the decision with his wife, Jami, Ballard decided to accept the position.

“After my wife and I had been praying about it we just felt this was God’s movement and this is where God wanted us,” Ballard said. “It was definitely hard because of school, but also because I have a church. We just know this is a God thing.”

Ballard, who has pastored Collinsville’s Sharp Memorial Methodist Protestant Church for nine years, joined Russell Christian in 2010. He said although he’s looking forward to leading his new congregation, leaving Russell Christian is bittersweet. 

“I told the team the Thursday before spring break,” Ballard said. “The relationships you build, the bond you have with the players and the parents and faculty and staff, that’s what’s makes it hard — the relationships you’ve built over the years. It’s just hard when you have to leave.”