Circuit Thoughts

I grew up in a small church. Reagans Chapel in Patton, Mo. was on the Old Union charge. (In Methodist circles, the preacher is a circuit rider, and the circuit is called a charge.) The charge consisted of three churches, Old Union, Pine Hill, and Reagans Chapel. I believe only Reagans Chapel is still in the Methodist fold. The pastor served every church every Sunday. Our attendance averaged about 21 or so, and our membership was 54. It was a small church, and everyone was acquainted.

That church was small, that is true, but from that church came business leaders, lawyers, teachers, artisans, mechanics, contractors and farmers. Though it was a small church, it provided a community and support and above all, love.

The gospel was preached in that church, and even though there was no light show or praise band, we worshiped God. It was a good place, and a place where I started my journey to ministry. That little church prayed me through college and supported me through seminary. If anyone visited, they were welcome with open arms. If any were sick, meals were taken to the house. The baby showers were great fun and provided for the new family. Each family took turns cleaning the church, and it was spotless all the time. Missions were considered an honor, and more than one well was dug in far off lands by that church. If a need came up in the community, it was met. Roofs got repaired, families got fed, hay got put up. We loved one another and we loved God.

It is small but it is mighty.

I currently serve two small churches. I am a circuit rider on the Doniphan/Neelyville Charge. I know the love these churches provide, and the mission these churches offer. I have watched them overcome obstacles that would have dissolved bigger churches. They pay their share of ministry for the UMC, and they take care of their community in every way they can. Why do I tell you this?

Because I am tired of people leaving the small church and the small community. The most used excuse that I get for someone going to a big church out of town is this, “The small church has nothing for me”.

That’s true, there is nothing for you to receive at a small church. There is, however, plenty for you to offer. You see, worship is not about what you get, it is about what you are willing to give.

Worship is about God, not about how you feel when you leave. Worship is about being focused on God, not about focusing God on you. Church is the place where we come to offer ourselves to God. We worship with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. We don’t seek to receive; we offer to give.

I really think we need to stop avoiding and start supporting our local churches. These small churches are places where ministry happens on a personal basis. You don’t need to go out of town to see God at work, that church next door is doing remarkable things. Trust me, I know. Small does not mean weak, just ask David or Gideon.

Oh, and as for being blessed, you will be, but on God’s terms.

See you in church.