Conventional wisdom says, “Small town churches cannot grow”.
Apparently, the people in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan have not received that memo yet.
This past weekend, our family was “traded” to Gravelbourg in a “preacher swap” (I went there for the morning and their minister came here) and it was great! We have some good friends there, so that would have made the trip worthwhile in itself, but I was also encouraged by what I saw there. Not only is the congregation “holding its own” but it is also expanding numerically (several new families) and physically (a large, beautiful addition to their building).
Ultimately, all growth comes from the action of God. That was Paul’s point when he talked about the growth of the church in Corinth: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6) and I am certain that the Christians in Gravelbourg would say something similar about their growth.
However, I as I looked out over the crowd on Sunday morning, I thought, “There are some new people, but there are also a lot of familiar faces”. In the early 1990s, I used to go to Gravelbourg every summer to help with their “Vacation Bible School” and many of the faithful workers from those days are still the faithful workers in these days. They may be a little older, but they have not quit. They are continuing to live what they believe and are still making a difference in their community.
Their example made me think about Hebrews 11. That chapter recounts some of the greatest things that ever happened in the history of God’s people and each account starts with the phrase “By faith”. In part, it says that “By faith”… Noah built an ark… Abraham left his home to follow God… Moses’ parents hid him to save his life… Moses led the people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea… The walls of Jericho fell. The chapter ends with these words, “These were all commended for their faith” (verse 39). Their faithfulness allowed God a place to work in them and through them.
Several years ago, Eugene Peterson wrote a book entitled, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”. I like that title because that is what is required of us. We do not need to do spectacular things. We just need to continue to be led by God and his Spirit. If we are faithful, God can do amazing things.
If you don’t believe me, take a trip to Gravelbourg.
Apparently, the people in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan have not received that memo yet.
This past weekend, our family was “traded” to Gravelbourg in a “preacher swap” (I went there for the morning and their minister came here) and it was great! We have some good friends there, so that would have made the trip worthwhile in itself, but I was also encouraged by what I saw there. Not only is the congregation “holding its own” but it is also expanding numerically (several new families) and physically (a large, beautiful addition to their building).
Ultimately, all growth comes from the action of God. That was Paul’s point when he talked about the growth of the church in Corinth: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6) and I am certain that the Christians in Gravelbourg would say something similar about their growth.
However, I as I looked out over the crowd on Sunday morning, I thought, “There are some new people, but there are also a lot of familiar faces”. In the early 1990s, I used to go to Gravelbourg every summer to help with their “Vacation Bible School” and many of the faithful workers from those days are still the faithful workers in these days. They may be a little older, but they have not quit. They are continuing to live what they believe and are still making a difference in their community.
Their example made me think about Hebrews 11. That chapter recounts some of the greatest things that ever happened in the history of God’s people and each account starts with the phrase “By faith”. In part, it says that “By faith”… Noah built an ark… Abraham left his home to follow God… Moses’ parents hid him to save his life… Moses led the people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea… The walls of Jericho fell. The chapter ends with these words, “These were all commended for their faith” (verse 39). Their faithfulness allowed God a place to work in them and through them.
Several years ago, Eugene Peterson wrote a book entitled, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction”. I like that title because that is what is required of us. We do not need to do spectacular things. We just need to continue to be led by God and his Spirit. If we are faithful, God can do amazing things.
If you don’t believe me, take a trip to Gravelbourg.
Comments