I visited local churches for a year. What I saw might surprise you.
Public opinion of ministers and churches has suffered of late. When bad things happen in churches, we hear all about it on a global scale. What we don’t often hear about is the vast network of faithful individuals and churches quietly doing the work of the ministry without fanfare. Good news doesn’t make the headlines the way bad news does. What I experienced during my
visits to local churches both inspired me and deepened my prayer life as I witnessed the joys and demands of ministry right here on the North Coast of California.
After over twenty years on the staff of a growing and dynamic evangelical church, I retired from the challenging pace of ministry life. Life in the ministry brought many blessings into my life, as well as the stresses associated with navigating the inevitable obstacles one encounters when caring for human souls.
I heard of Fishbowl Ministries through my former senior pastor’s involvement. I learned that the staff of Fishbowl, a national organization, were seasoned ministers who took it upon themselves to nurture and care for the next generation of ministers. There is nothing like experience to encourage and uplift those who are currently “in the trenches” of ministry. After a season of prayer, I applied to this organization and felt honored that they welcomed me into their ministry endeavors.
During my first year as a staff member of Fishbowl Ministries, I made it a point to visit a variety of local churches for their Sunday morning services. I chose Trinitarian churches (churches that believe in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). [For clarity, Google the Nicene Creed, which is the statement of the Christian faith first adopted in 325 A.D.].
I visited some churches once, and others for more extended periods of time. I appreciated the welcome from each church and the warmth of Christian fellowship that was extended to me. Here are some takeaways from that year:
Most churches in the Eel River Valley are small in size.
The congregation’s love and care for one another was evident. The phrase “I love my church family” became a familiar one.
It is common for the lead pastor to be bi-vocational. Small churches often struggle to afford a living wage for their pastors, so a second job or income-generating endeavor is necessary to make ends meet. Spouses often work as well.
The pastors and their spouses are devoted to their work. Every ministry couple I met has a husband or wife who is also involved in the church’s ministry. Single pastors have their hands full!
The ministers are well educated and committed. Whether the minister is seminary-trained, a graduate of Bible school, or informally trained through conferences, mentoring, and online studies, a thorough education in the Scriptures is the foundational component of the pastor’s ministry. When one considers the amount of academic education required in comparison to the job’s pay scale, it is clear that the pastorate is not for individuals seeking to build a large bank account.
These churches are generous. Most churches require basic funding for salaries and operational expenses. Yet, although there is often a lack, these same churches regularly raise funds for other local ministries and overseas missions.
Most church buildings show evidence of a prior larger congregation. The parking lot is large and there are plenty of open seats inside the sanctuary. The 2020 pandemic, for instance, had a significant impact on church attendance. To stay connected with the congregation, many churches transitioned their worship services online. A percentage of congregants never returned to the church building.
The churches in the Eel River Valley are actively involved in the community. My heart was warmed to learn of the many wonderful ministries taking place in the churches, and it seems that each church has its own special niche. One church collects items for foster homes. Another church ministers to struggling college-age students (God bless the pastor’s wife who accepts those late-night crisis phone calls). Another church gathers backpacks and school supplies for children, while yet another church dedicates a tremendous amount of time and effort to the Operation Christmas Child worldwide ministry. There are multiple churches involved in providing food to those with food insecurities. Most churches support missionaries serving in various countries. Some churches support outreach ministries for those struggling with addictions. It is not unusual for a church to sponsor AA and similar programs. There are summer camps, vacation Bible Schools, Sunday schools, and youth groups. Another church has a special ministry for senior adults. Some churches provide extra food during holidays, offer meals after funerals, and lend their aid to The Rescue Mission. More than one church reached out with a special service during the holidays to those grieving “an empty chair around the table.” And no doubt there are many more outpourings of Christian care and compassion of which I am not aware.
Where would our community be without the quiet, devoted ministry of the Eel River Valley and Humboldt County Churches and their leaders? I shudder to think of what our community would be like without the stabilizing and life-giving influence of Christ through the churches in our area.
I am thankful for the year I had of visiting churches. I think and pray for the many churches I visited and the believers I met with a warm affection. My closing prayer would be for the increased unity of all those churches that worship Christ as King. More than ever, we need each other!
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for
you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other,
making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep
yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one
body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Ephesians 4:1-4 NLT