I remain amazed at all those little churches I pass when driving around in the South. I am sure this is just as true in other parts of the country, but it is rather amazing.
Churches everywhere. Every intersection seems to have a sign for one or more churches somewhere down that road, in addition to all the churches you actually see on the road you are traveling. All those little churches.
And pastors. All those pastors of all those little churches, at least the ones who are not looking for pastors right now. It is a subsection of the economy. Small churches with hopeful pastors, sitting in old buildings on land that has been a church for a very long time.
Makes you wonder how they will do over the years. How well are they taught? How good is the pastor they have in their church? Does he preach powerfully or deeply, or is it just a cliche sermon they have all heard many times before? My experience in visiting churches does not make me hopeful about the teaching and preaching, but the people still come.
Some of these churches once served thriving but small communities that have disappeared, but the churches remain, older members driving from far away to keep the light burning at the old church.
Setting aside all the questions and issues and problems, I find it rather encouraging to know that there are so many people who want to have a church. They want to feel connected to fellow believers and to minister through programs supporting missionaries. They want to know more about God and reach more people for Christ.
I think we who live in cities do not really understand how many little churches are out there, staying faithful and hoping to do God's work in their communities.
May God bless them as they move forward.
Churches everywhere. Every intersection seems to have a sign for one or more churches somewhere down that road, in addition to all the churches you actually see on the road you are traveling. All those little churches.
And pastors. All those pastors of all those little churches, at least the ones who are not looking for pastors right now. It is a subsection of the economy. Small churches with hopeful pastors, sitting in old buildings on land that has been a church for a very long time.
Makes you wonder how they will do over the years. How well are they taught? How good is the pastor they have in their church? Does he preach powerfully or deeply, or is it just a cliche sermon they have all heard many times before? My experience in visiting churches does not make me hopeful about the teaching and preaching, but the people still come.
Some of these churches once served thriving but small communities that have disappeared, but the churches remain, older members driving from far away to keep the light burning at the old church.
Setting aside all the questions and issues and problems, I find it rather encouraging to know that there are so many people who want to have a church. They want to feel connected to fellow believers and to minister through programs supporting missionaries. They want to know more about God and reach more people for Christ.
I think we who live in cities do not really understand how many little churches are out there, staying faithful and hoping to do God's work in their communities.
May God bless them as they move forward.