You'll recall the historic church was destroyed by a massive fire last December. The cause of the fire may never be known.

Talking with Dr. Shields I sensed the fire has given the church new life and a greater sense of purpose.

When I met up with Pastor Shields he was reading his bible and planning services on a small table tucked into a corner of the kitchen of a homeless center the church runs.

Dr. Shields came to Zion Baptist five years ago as the interim pastor. He told me he tought he'd stay just about a month until a permanent pastor was called. It's now been five years. Perhaps only now is Dr. Shields learing why he was called to the church and why he stayed.

Pastor Shields told me he's fought cancer since coming to the church and lost a mother, a brother and an uncle. And each step of the way, he told me, church members have been there for him. Now he wants to be there for them and lead the church and this vital inner-city ministry.

Despite the fire, Dr. Shields told me his congregation remains upbeat. Out of the rubble have come a lot of good things. The congregation holds services at the Sheriff's Academy. They are performing baptisms, and holding bible study. People have called to offer them hynmals, office space and robes.

Zion Baptist is not looking back. Instead, they are looking to a brighter future and looking into adding ministries to reach out to even more people in need--young mothers and job training.

Pastor Shields showed me the old brass collection plates recovered from the fire. They sit by his desk in the kitchen. He says they're perhaps a symbol of blessings yet to be received.

The road back will be long--perhaps three years. But Pastor Shields told me, until then, "The church will not stop being the church."