Category: Christian Living

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#13- The Simple Pattern

By Kathy Pollard

God was good to us when He gave us a guidebook for the church. Everything we need to know about His church is in His Word. We don’t have to come up with it on our own. We don’t have to vote on it. We don’t have to hope we’re getting it right. All we have to do is open the Bible and follow the pattern.

Consider some fundamental, important aspects that we learn about in the New Testament:

  • who is the head of the church
  • the organization of the church
  • how one becomes a member of the church
  • what we are supposed to do in worship
  • how we live as members of the church

Every congregation that follows God’s pattern in these areas will look like and be His church. It’s that simple. “We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent.” I’ve heard this saying for years and find it reassuring because using the same divine pattern promotes unity and removes contradiction or confusion.

How do we know if we’re a part of the New Testament church in the sea of today’s church choices? How do we know if the worship we lift up to God is what He really wants? It is wonderful and empowering to know that all we have to do is compare it to what we read in the Bible. Hold it up to the pattern and see if it looks the same!

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.“

(2 Timothy 1:13)

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#12- All the Connections

By Kathy Pollard

Don’t you love visiting a congregation while traveling and discovering some sort of connection with one of the members? It seems like no matter where you go, you find someone who knows someone you know. What do we say when that happens? “It’s a small world!”

It makes me smile when that happens because that seemingly random connection is a reminder that we are all united in Christ (John 17:22-23). We are one body, made up of many members (Romans 12:4-5). If you’ve attended a family reunion, you know that there could be people there you haven’t actually met. The first thing you do is discover how you’re related. They explain, “I’m your aunt’s first cousin’s husband’s sister.” You say, “Oh wow, that’s so great, nice to meet you!” What’s so great about it? Just the fact that you’re connected. And when it comes to family, the more the merrier! (Or maybe I just feel that way because I come from a relatively small family.) With that connection comes a sense of belonging, confirms that sense of belonging. And we all want that.

The fact that we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ whether we’ve met or not is already a beautiful blessing of Christianity. But there’s something extra special about those threads that bind us together when we run into people who somehow know our people. When that happens, it’s like discovering a “kindredness” because of the mutual connection. God keeps giving us reasons to enjoy being with His people!

“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

(Romans 12:5)

One big happy family!

Just got this message from Roger Johnson and had to share it because I love what he says at the end:

Several years ago, when Laura was about 14, we went to an annual family reunion of Joyce’s dad’s family (a large family, as all his brothers and sisters were still living). Accompanying Laura was a friend from church, so she wouldn’t get too bored I suppose. Anyhow, it was humorous to observe multiple family members speculating on who Laura’s friend was. “I think she’s one of Uncle Doug’s granddaughters.” “No, I think she’s with David and his wife. What’s her name?” “She might be Chester’s youngest granddaughter.” But nobody thought she was a party crasher.
We’ve laughed about that for 35 years.
There are no party crashes when we visit other congregations. Agree?

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#11- Our Shepherds

By Kathy Pollard

Each congregation is to appoint mature men who are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the church (Acts 14:23). These men are good leaders of their own families, self-controlled, patient, holy, and strong in the Word (Titus 1:5-9). Their responsibilities include being examples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:2-3), watching and warning the flock (Acts 20:28-31), and keeping watch over souls (Heb. 13:17). In addition to these important roles, they are to serve because they want to not because they have to (1 Pet. 5:2).

Neal and I have served under elderships in three different works in our ministry. This has allowed us to see much of their work up close and personal, and I can tell you, theirs is a 24-7, often difficult, and sometimes thankless job. They receive criticism from people who don’t have all the facts. They are usually the first to receive blame when problems arise in the congregation. And many of their tasks are not for the faint of heart. No wonder Paul wrote that they are “worthy of double honor” (1 Tim. 5:17)!

“Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:12). This is truly an easy command. I know elders who literally stay up all night praying for individuals. I’ve seen elders drop everything at any hour to help someone in need or show up for a baptism. I know elders who give out of their own pockets when someone is struggling. I’ve seen elders shed tears when sharing difficult truths or helping members through tragedy. Far from feeling lofty or overly important, our humble shepherds put their hand to work that brings no glory or recognition. They truly care for souls. They love people. They take their job seriously. They strengthen others. They encourage the weak. They pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:14-17).

God organized the church this way for our benefit. His shepherds lead us to Him, patiently, lovingly, courageously. How can we encourage them back? Pray for them (and their wives!) every day. Encourage them as often as possible. Thank them for their diligence. Trust them when they make decisions we don’t understand. And ask them how we can help.

To adapt something my son, Dale, said…”They’re not perfect, but they’re perfect for the task God has called them to do!”

“Esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

(1 Thess. 5:13)

Russell Simpson, one of our shepherds

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#10- All the Prayers

By Kathy Pollard

“Be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Col. 4:2). “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

When you faithfully attend worship, you are continually led in prayer. When your family goes to Bible classes, you and your children are probably led in prayer. When ladies get together for Bible studies and ladies’ retreats, prayers are shared. When teens participate in their special events, they pray together. When someone makes a need known, the church prays on their behalf. The elders pray for your congregation and your congregation prays for your elders. When you meet for any kind of fellowship, you pray together. And, of course, you probably pray for others throughout the week, and others are praying for you.

Have you heard a prayer that left an impression on you? I think of a sterling gentleman in his 90s named Johnson Kell. You could almost feel the anticipation of the whole congregation as he slowly made his way to the pulpit. His prayers were tender and thoughtful, and often accompanied by tears. I think of Loretta Carver, who said something in a prayer during ladies’ Bible class that I’ll never forget. She said, “Lord, sometimes we draw away from You and forget how much You love us.” I actually lifted my head and looked across the room at her because I was so struck (and comforted) by the fact that someone as sweet and faithful as her struggled with that, too. These two individuals are no longer with us but their prayers still impact me.

There are so many reasons to be thankful for all of those prayers being offered up:

  • Prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
  • It’s comforting to know that someone is “remembering me to the Lord,” as the old song goes (Eph. 6:18).
  • Prayer strengthens us, individually and as a congregation (Rom. 8:26-27).
  • Prayer draws us closer together (Rom. 15:5-6). Think of all the people you’ve heard pray…young, old, new Christian, or seasoned saint. When they prayed, you saw a glimpse into their heart.

Prayer is a beautiful gift from a loving Father to His children. I hope you soak them in when you’re with your church family, and carry them with you when you’re apart.

“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

(2 Cor. 1:11)

Laura Warnes praying with me right before our first son got married. (photo credit: Carl Pollard)

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#9- Patient Growth

By Kathy Pollard

About six weeks ago I was watching little Jude. Janelle asked me to try giving him some sweet potatoes. (Jude’s doctor had suggested starting him on some food.) I had some sweet potatoes from the garden, so I cooked them and pureed them until they were satiny smooth. I put a tiny spoonful in Jude’s mouth. He made a face that can best be described as fearful. He worked his mouth around as if he didn’t know what to do with that stuff. When he actually started gagging, I knew for sure he wasn’t ready. I cleaned up his face and got his bottle. You know what I didn’t do? I didn’t say, “Hey, I went to the trouble to make this for you. And this is good quality. It’s organic! What’s the matter with you?” How ridiculous that would be! I wasn’t the least bit disappointed in him. I didn’t take it personally. He’s a baby and it was just too soon. Just this week Janelle sent us a video of Jude eagerly eating some banana baby food. His eyes were lit up and he was reaching for the spoon with his hands and making all kinds of happy noises. Now he’s ready!

The Lord’s church is made up of Christians in various degrees of maturity. Some are new babes in Christ. Some grew up in the church and heard the gospel all their life. Some were completely “unchurched” and are starting from scratch. Some have baggage. Some may have good understanding in one area but still struggle to understand another. Some may be eager for knowledge but still don’t grasp that it should result in transformation. We’re all in various stages. We’re all still growing. The beauty of the Lord’s church is that we understand that about each other and we’re patient with each other.

For example, if we hear someone use a verse out of context, we recognize that they still have more to learn. When a brother or sister’s words or actions show spiritual immaturity, we don’t think less of them. And in those teaching moments, when someone doesn’t seem to get it, we know they’re just not ready yet. We try not to judge or feel superior. We know we have our own areas that need work!

We’re all trying to learn the worthy walk and trying to grow in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10). We’re all doing our best to grow beyond the milk of the Word (Heb. 5:12). And since we’re family, we’re doing it together, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2).

Jude rejecting sweet potatoes

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#8- New Births!

By Kathy Pollard

Ask any Christian and they will probably tell you that the most meaningful moments are witnessing someone put on their Lord in baptism. It never gets old!

Here are just a few reasons why baptisms bring such joy:

  • Memories. You can’t help but think back to your own baptism, that very pivotal moment when you obeyed the gospel and had your sins washed away (Ac. 22:16).
  • Family. A new brother, a new sister. Whoever came up out of that water is now a part of your family, thanks to the uniting blood of Christ (1 Tim. 3:15; 5:1-2).
  • Priority. Sometimes a soul is ready to obey the gospel late at night (Ac. 8:25-33). We experienced just such an occasion this week as a dear lady didn’t want to wait a moment longer. It was after 10 pm when she arrived at the church building. I loved seeing the individuals who were willing to come at a moment’s notice to be there for her!
  • Rejoicing. The best pictures are the ones that capture that first moment out of the water. They’re experiencing that beautiful “new life” promise (Rom. 6:4; 2 Cor. 5:17) and you can see it in their eyes. And what a contagious joy it is! When you look around at those gathered, you see it on their faces, too (as you see in the photo below).
  • Encouragement. Negativity is all around us and sometimes it seems like things are going downhill fast. But every baptism is a reminder that the Word is still powerful, that hearts are still searching, that the church is still growing, and that God’s purpose is still reigning (Mk. 16:15-16)!

We often look forward to the happiness of Heaven. Surely baptisms are a taste of the joy to come and make us long for it even more!

“Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”

(Acts 8:36)

Look at those amazing smiles!

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#7- Sweet Fellowship

By Kathy Pollard

Life isn’t meant to be lived in isolation. As I shared in an earlier post, we need each other. We need the comfort, encouragement, and strength we offer one another through the challenges that come. But oh how the church provides even more than that! Our church family sweetens our lives through fellowship. What makes this fellowship so special?

We’re like-minded. We’re united by our desire to follow Christ. We certainly don’t expect perfection from each other, but we can relax in each other’s presence, knowing that we will enjoy a spirit of harmony. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Age doesn’t matter. Of course we might find that people in the same phase of life have more comfortable similarities, but the beauty of the church is that we’re FAMILY. And as it is with our physical families, age doesn’t matter. We love each other, learn from each other, and want to be with each other (Ac. 2:44-46).

The fun feels good. Whether we’re playing games together, preparing a meal, enjoying a night out, doing a project together, or throwing a party, it’s going to be good, clean fun. We don’t have to worry about how we’ll feel later because we won’t be making regrettable choices. We know how to have a good time in ways that still honor Christ (Rom. 12:2)!

I think the world should see Christians having fun together, enjoying each other’s company, acting like we WANT to be together. Jesus said that our love for one another is how others will know that we’re His disciples (Jn. 13:34-35). Sweet fellowship. Let’s talk it up and invite others to be a part of it. And let’s create more opportunities to enjoy it.

“…that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith“

(Romans 1:12)

Learning “The Chameleon” game at the Adkins’ house (photo credit: Cassie Adkins)

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#6- Examples of Courage

By Kathy Pollard

This past Sunday, a man rolled his wheelchair-bound mother into the auditorium of our church building. As she passed by our pew, I leaned over to tell my young friend Collins that the sweet lady in the wheelchair recently got baptized. Collins said, “Was it hard for her to get in the water?” I answered, “Yes, it was.” It was actually very difficult for her. A couple of nights earlier I watched her slowly make her way up a few stairs to the changing room, flanked by her son and daughter-in-law. Halfway up, they had to give her an inhaler and let her rest. Several of us watched a little later as she came up out of the baptistry water, happy, but hanging on to Neal’s arm and gasping for breath. Her conviction led her to get in the water. Her bravery moved the rest of us to tears.

I’ve seen many other baptisms where it was ‘hard for them to get in the water’ but it had nothing to do with physical limitations. I knew a very vocal atheist who surprised everyone when he embraced and obeyed the Truth. I met a young couple who obeyed the gospel knowing their family wouldn’t approve. (They were actually disowned by their family.) I’ve seen individuals put on Christ only after painfully acknowledging that what they’d always been taught was wrong. I’ve seen people willing to get baptized knowing full well they were going to have to significantly change their worldly lifestyle. You can’t help but be moved by such examples of humility and faith!

These memorable moments have been happening since the very beginning of the church. Can you imagine what Paul must’ve felt as he went from “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” to becoming one of them (Acts 9)?

Every single baptism is special, but I’m especially thankful for those who were willing to overcome obstacles. Perhaps your own conversion story involved something that made it hard to get in the water. If so, I hope you realize that, in addition to making the very best decision of your life, you also inspired others by your courage!

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#5- The Greeters

The greeters are the friendly faces who welcome visitors and members as they show up for worship. Some people are greeters because they signed up to serve in that role for a certain amount of time. What a wonderful thing to do! Others are greeters because that’s just who they are. Wherever folks enter the building, they are typically nearby with a warm smile and a “good to see you!”

I can easily think of several people I know who will brighten my day when I see them. They’re reliably friendly and fill my heart with their sweet attention. I believe our congregation is welcoming, and they are the reason why.

If you feel like your church family is less than warm or welcoming, the good news is you can change that. All you have to do is be a greeter yourself! If you are consistently warm and friendly, then you are making your church family that way because you ARE the church.

I hope all church greeters know how dear and valuable they are. They help everyone feel seen. They make sure no one leaves without being spoken to. They are helping the Lord’s church make a great first impression on those who are visiting for the first time.

We should all be greeters, shouldn’t we?

“By this all people will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

52 Reasons to Love the Church

#4- The Singing!

By Kathy Pollard

What is the very first hymn you can remember singing in worship? Neal asked this question in class recently when teaching the Psalms. He said the first one he can recall is “Farther Along.” The first one I can remember as a little girl was “Old Rugged Cross,” led by a skinny old man named Mr. Ketchup in a small church in Florida. Looking back, he probably wasn’t that old and his name was probably Ketchem. But the song that was clearly a favorite of his has remained a favorite of mine as well.

Many of my long-time favorite songs have special memories tied to them. “A Beautiful Prayer” makes me think of sitting next to my grandma and hearing her sing alto. “Where The Roses Never Fade” takes me back to singing 4-part harmony with my family (I was tenor). And “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All” will always remind me of my earliest years with Neal because we sang it often when dating and first married.

I could go on and on, and would enjoy it immensely. I could talk about the songs that my sister and I sang together while washing dishes (“The Steadfast Love of the Lord”), or songs Neal and I sang with our boys when they were little (“Wonderful Love of Jesus”). I imagine you have your own list of songs that are close to your heart.

I have all of these “precious memories” (ha) because every worship service I’ve ever been to has been filled with singing. What a gift God gave us when He commanded it!

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16).

What is it that’s so special about lifting voices together in praise? The harmony, the unity, the emotion, the conviction, the joy…? It’s a lifelong blessing. New memories keep being made and new songs are learned (my current favorite is “Behold Our God”). Singing ties us together, reminds us who we are, and sets our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2).

I thank God for that. I’m thankful for song leaders who put their heart into it and for the Christians around me who do the same. I’m thankful for friends through the years with whom we’ve gotten together just to sing. I’m thankful for our young friend, Collins, who sits with us in worship and sings out with her pure, sweet soprano.

Oh, the power and beauty of congregational singing! Let’s make the most of it! Let’s get together more often to sing!

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise” (James 5:13).

My grandma, alto extraordinaire!