Comments for Rural Rev

Comment on My Merry (and Ambivalent) Christmas by Bekah

Bekah — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:28:19 +0000

Yes. Thank you.

Comment on Our Love for God’s People by Terry Reed

Terry Reed — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:51:12 +0000

I like your phrase. And it is true that small church members tend to have great love for one another. It is also true that many times guests get overlooked. As a small church pastor for most of my life, I have seen guests come in and go out with hardly a word from a member. Now sometimes it is the guest’s fault–they come in late, sit in the back, and beat it out the door at the last amen. But too many times it is the fault of our people not taking the time to speak to the newcomers first, then talk to friends later. Thank you for a good read.
Terry Reed
Small Church Tools

Comment on A Special Note Concerning Recent Events in the Local Baptist Association by Anne Conover

Anne Conover — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:30:02 +0000

Thanks for your comments. I am glad I live in the 21st century and not in the 1st century when women had no status. I believe we have to interpret scripture in its cultural context. I am praying for Flat Rock Baptist Church and their new clergywoman! I hope everyone will see God’s love, grace and peace working in and through her as she ministers there!
Thanks so much!
Rev. Dr. Anne Conover
Yadkinville United Methodist Church

Comment on About Alex Martin by Bob McPherson

Bob McPherson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:25:37 +0000

I am somewhat behind on reading your blog. Julie made comment how much she enjoys your writing. Since I was here I thought I would read the “About” section (just to see if there were any surprises, but there are not). I did like your analogy of the Rural Rev and came up with another spin on that. It could also be Rural Revelation. A revelation that is down to earth, simple, and plain, yet powerful in the message that it carries. A revelation that can help support the revolution.

Comment on About Alex Martin by Charles Young

Charles Young — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:58:05 +0000

Glad to see you found your place in Mount Airy. My wife and i say Hello and tell your wife and Windham we miss them both … Oh and you as well.. We are on facebook if you care to come and talk .. again nice to see you in a pastorate again Alex

Comment on Can You “Here” Me Now? by deena

deena — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:53:36 +0000

AND BOY ARE WE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!
Thanks for a great Easter service. Hope you get some much needed and deserved rest.
In Christ,
The Martins

Comment on The Journey Is the Thing by Don Walsh

Don Walsh — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:37:48 +0000

I believe you mentioned some very critical issues in the instructions from God in how to cross the river this past Sunday Alex. The first instruction given was to “consecrate ourselves”. What does that mean in terms of the “Baptist” experience? Are there any solemn ceremonies we as Baptists historically honor as a means of “Ceremonially Cleansing ourselves” as a community of believers devoted to God through our Lord Jesus? Is there understanding among Baptists that consecration is a corporate response God requires of us before He will come down and walk our streets among us. I seem to remember week long periods of “revival” meetings in the old Southern Baptist churches I grew up in. Or, have we come to believe that we no longer need to bathe our body in preparation for a date with The Bride Groom?
The second instruction is to let the “Priests” move ahead with the “ARC of HIS PRESENCE” into the midst of the waters and there stand while the people pass safely to the other side on “Dry Ground”. This was critical instruction because unless the Priests/Shepherds go down into the water first (a cleansing metaphor) carrying in themselves God’s Presence, there would be no safety in crossing. I believe the correlation of the Priesthood to the structure of our church leadership, would include the elected leaders as well as church staff. In terms of your commentary, this process of “forward motion” is where First Baptist Marshville has been going. You have the heart of a High Priest, Alex, you and the leadership have preceded us into the water and God has provided a safe passage. Let us gather some stones and make an alter to God so when our children ask, “What is that for?” we can say “God provide a way where there was not a way”.

Comment on Blessed Is the Nation…that Lives in the Tension by Sheila Crump

Sheila Crump — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:02:15 +0000

I’m sorry to have missed this one.My alarm person is not here to keep me disciplined.It always reminds to go back to God,when all is said and done when I read or hear a sermon from Alex.The freedom I enjoy is at many others expense,and I should at least wake up in time to come to church and personally thank God at his house instaed of mine.I was once too young to appreciate the sacrifices made on my behalf to be free and live a good life.It has taken many years for me to realize that committment and contentment come at a price that should be high so that I truly value its worth.Thank you for posting this wonderful message for folks like me who need an occasional do-over when you mess things up.

Comment on The Power of Code by Chris

Chris — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:19:47 +0000

Alex,
You might like the 2 minute you tube presentation below demonstrating the “attractional church” vs “missional church”

Comment on Who’s Missing the Party? by Sheila Crump

Sheila Crump — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:23:10 +0000

I enjoyed the sermon more than you can imagine.I am waiting for more of the same.I felt as though you were talking with us and not to us.I remember just about everything you said and it made so much sense to my life.My missing nephew has been here and was rejoiced.My missing sister is locked in her mentally ill mind,and my missing niece is overcome by her drug addictions.It has felt like a part of my life was missing.Thanks so much Alex.Wonderful job!One of your sheep here,hopefully not missing.