At the old country church
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Reflections
Michael J. Brooks
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20 percent of America is “rural.” Most rural churches have bi-vocational pastors with other full-time employment. And some pastors serve multiple churches.
A friend preached at three churches, one early, one late and the third at the full moon, or something like that (I never understood his complicated schedule.).
Rural churches share similar congregational DNA.
They love the old hymns. They have “red-backed” hymnals they pull out on Sunday nights to sing, “He set me Free” or “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.”
They are extended family.
I was pulpit guest one Sunday when the music minister stopped after leading a hymn and said, “Daddy, would you have our opening prayer?” It was almost comical to hear “daddy” from the pulpit. Pastors in the country learn to be nice to everyone so as not to generate a family feud!
The deacon chairman at our seminary church agreed to things we discussed, but often his wife came to me later and explained what we ought to do instead. So much for confidentiality. She once called the deacons and me “boys” and said, “You boys can’t do that!” And we didn’t. Beneath her rough exterior, Rachel had a good heart.
Rural churches are full of love. Our church in Perry County, Ala., initially called me “stiff” when I didn’t initiate the hugs they freely gave me. I patiently explained that I worked at a women’s college during the week, and we were instructed not to touch.
Preachers used to joke about safely hugging only the women “under 6 and over 60,” but even this is questionable today. In time I learned to be a hugger on Sundays for those who welcomed them.
Fellowship meals in rural churches are a foretaste of heavenly manna. I’ve often suggested overeating is the only sin we Baptists can enjoy since we can’t go to movies, dance, play cards, smoke, or drink. But you couldn’t eat just one piece of Rosanell’s caramel cake!
Rural churches are generous when people need help with medical bills, funeral costs, or other issues.
I filled in for a friend one Sunday since his morning worship was earlier than ours. The week previous was a terrible one with devastating tornadoes, and our state organization asked us to consider special gifts for relief work.
The congregation had what I later called a “bidding war” and eventually pledged $5,000 for this special offering. Later that morning I encouraged our church by telling them what our neighbors had done.
Rural churches love their pastors, gospel preaching and faithfully share Christ with neighbors and friends.
God does good work in the city, but country churches are close to His heart.
Michael J. Brooks is pastor of Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala., and previously served on the faculty and administrative staff of Judson College. His writing explores the intersection of faith, culture and civic life. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.
