The opinion piece by Matt Lovelace “War respects worship and America should too” in the Feb. 19 edition of The Alabama Baptist is one all should read.
I’m so glad you shared it with TAB to publish.
What happened in Minnesota was unbelievable, but it was true. It happened.
All who believe in prayer need to pray for the people in our country. We need to pray for all leaders everywhere.
We also need to pray for our military troops and their families, and for the people who have lost someone in the service and for those servicemen and women who now have disabilities.
These heroes should be treated as heroes always.
TAB reader
Birmingham-area
I found the article “Finding grandeur of God’s love in rural ministry” in the April 2 edition very relatable.
I have been involved with a production-oriented church in the past. Now belonging to a smaller church, I definitely agree with Rich Bitterman.
The closeness of a smaller congregation is comforting and uplifting. In other words, we are family!
Jerri Sherer
Jasper, Alabama
The April 2 article “Finding grandeur of God’s love in rural ministry” was well written and a great example of the importance of both getting back to our roots and staying the course.
I like the fact that the focus of their church is based on warmth, longevity, values and relationships instead of entertainment. With entertainment the show must get bigger and bigger as the congregation gradually gets desensitized, until the message gets lost entirely in the pomp and circumstances.
Stephen Aycock
Jasper, Alabama
In the April 2 “Finding grandeur of God’s love in rural ministry” article, Rich Bitterman highlights, without being antagonistic or jealousy-oriented, numerous components of the Christian faith in church life and worship which may all too often be overly prized, mitigated, neglected or ignored.
The captioned sections — “Present not polished” and “Heartfelt and grounded” — so accurately capture the tenor and tone of his selected words regarding his appraisal and assessment of Christian pragmatism at Cedar Ridge Baptist Church.
Without a spirit of meanness or unnecessary critique, his notice of some elements in contemporary churches may create an “ouch” to the unsuspecting.
Nevertheless, Bitterman breathes freshness and encouragement to those Christians and churches which may be struggling with just how well things are going in their corner of contemporary Christianity.
After all, mega churches do not have a monopoly on God’s preferred style or pattern of worship and service. So, this article could be a wake-up call for strong and steadfast faithfulness where you are, what you are doing and contemplation of just how well God measures modern versions of the Christian faith.
Conversations sometimes mention a concern about the lack of fancy productions and lights and other items, but these may actually be or become substitutes for “digging deeper” and “ministry in its purest form.”
Morris Murray Jr.
Jasper, Alabama
In response to Jennifer Rash’s 30-for-30 challenge, I want to say I appreciate your work.
I find encouragement in the columns by Jennifer and by Ken Lass.
The email updates put me in touch with stories around the world.
I enjoy Stephanie Hendricks’ feature in The Kids Edition, although I am decades older than a child.
Thanks for bringing truth with a touch of grace.
Mike Mayfield
Bessemer, Alabama
In response to the opinion piece “Finding grandeur of God’s love in rural ministry” in the April 2 edition of The Alabama Baptist, I agree with the author Rich Bitterman.
I don’t think you get the kind of meeting concerns which fellow Christians need in a mega church. I think some of these mega churches are impersonal and it actually takes away from the worship experience. Our smaller church makes people feel the warmth and love of our members which this article clearly documents and displays.
Darrell McBride
TAB reader
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