A Bradenton church finally has stability after their beloved pastor was murdered in the church's courtyard in December.

Now the new pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church says he is ready to help the congregation move forward.

Bayshore Baptist Church in Bradenton is welcoming new pastor Toney Hill with open arms. The sign to the churches entrance way reads “Welcome Pastor Toney Hill.”

Hill has been the pastor for two weeks, and he has some beloved shoes to fill. Hill is replacing Pastor James "Tripp" Battle who was killed in the church courtyard nine months ago.

“I have heard that he loved people and he was just a great guy,” Hill said.

The church’s members have had to dig deep to find the strength to recover, and it's that strength that led Hill to move his wife and six kids to Bradenton from Greenville, Florida.

“God just kind of worked everything out so here we are,” he said.

Bayshore Baptist is still honoring Pastor Battle. A peace garden was built to remember him in the courtyard of the church where he was gunned down.

As a result of his murder, there are now security cameras around the church.

Pastor Hill says he feels very safe.

“I am in God’s hands,” he said. “I’m not worried about it at all.”

Hill’s focus now is his congregation and helping them continue to heal.

Battle was one of three people killed on Dec. 4.  Amber Avalos, 33, and Denise Potter, 46, were also killed. Andres "Andy" Avalos has been charged in their murders and is awaiting trial.