By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

What you see here is known as the St. Andrew’s Church at Prairieville (near Gallion), AL.  This tiny little church building has seen many a faithful person come through her doors and worship from her pews.  She has heard many a beautiful voice sing praises to On High.  This church building, very familiar to folks who live in my area of the state, is on the National Register of Historic Places and has also been declared a National Historic Landmark.  Built with slave labor about 1853, St. Andrew’s Church offers a nice photo opportunity for the occasional passerby.  It is indeed a beautiful place to visit.  But is that all there is?

No disrespect to those who may occasionally gather there or in any other church these days, but if the only “claim to fame” of our church is its historical significance, are we doing our job as God’s people?  Is your church known in your community for making a difference in the lives of those who live there?  Is your congregation faithful to deliver the love of the Father in such a neighborly way that others want to come and be a part?

I once heard it said, in speaking of youth group gatherings, “Feed them pizza!  It doesn’t matter how you get them there.  Just get them there.”  While there is a lot of truth in that statement, getting them there is just part of it.  We need to keep them there.  We need to engage one another in worship and in service.

Many of our churches these days are still on a coronavirus-disrupted schedule of some sort and are longing for brighter days ahead.  As your church works in your community and neighborhood, are you doing your part?  A beautiful building is one thing.  Beautiful Godly worship, praise, and service coming from those who gather within its walls is even greater!  Be a part of something great this week.  Share the love of Jesus.

Just a thought.