“There but for the grace of God go I” – John Bradford
This well-known phrase is often attributed to John Bradford, a 16th century English reformer, As the story goes, Bradford witnessed a group of prisoners being led to execution and humbly remarked, “There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford,” He recognized that it was only God’s mercy and grace that kept him from a similar fate. His words serve as a timeless reminder of humility, gratitude, and the awareness that we are all dependent on God’s grace.
This phrase has resonated deeply with me over the years, especially when I think about the role my church has played in my life. Carla and I have been blessed to be part of the same Sunday School class for 32 years. That class has been a constant source of encouragement, accountability, and companionship. They’ve stood by us through battles, sickness, and celebrations. They‘ve prayed with us, laughed with us, and provided a listening ear when we needed it most.
The title of this article, “My Church,” partly inspired those experiences. But I also couldn’t help but think of the song “My Church” by Maren Morris. In it, she sings about the freeing, soulful experience of driving down the highway with the windows down and country legends like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams on the radio. She describes it as a spiritual release, a moment where she feels her sins are washed away. While Morris’s church may be found on an open road with the hum of an engine and a good song, her words speak to a universal truth- that we all seek moments of peace, renewal, and connection.
She sings:
“Can I get a hallelujah? Can I get an amen? Feels like the Holy Ghost runnin’ through ya, When I play the Highway FM.”
I get it. Music has a powerful way of touching our souls, stirring up memories, and giving us comfort. And while I believe in the joy of those moments – those sacred spaces where the world falls away and God feels near – I also know that we need something deeper. We need people. We need community.
A Lesson in Grace
To illustrate this, I share a story from a different season of Carla’s and my life.
In our first year of marriage, we lived in Stephenville and attended a small church. Our Sunday School class was led by Duane Bruener and his wife. Under their leadership, that class became a lifeline for us. They welcomed us into their lives and taught us what it meant to live in genuine community.
One Sunday, something happened that I’ll never forget. During our class, one of the members stood up and made an announcement. She said that she and her husband would not be returning. Her reason? She claimed the church was not “feeding” them and that they had found a new church that better met their needs.
What made her announcement particularly painful was that only a few months prior, Mrs. Bruener had hosted a beautiful baby shower for the couple. The class had celebrated their joy and invested deeply in their lives. Her words stung, and the discomfort in the room was palpable.
But then, Duane Bruener did something remarkable. Without a trace of bitterness, he spoke with the utmost kindness. He said the couple’s name, looked them in the eye, and said, “I’m happy for you and sad for us. I pray that your new church will continue to feed you for years to come.”
It was a powerful moment of grace. There were no arguments or defenses. Just a genuine blessing. Then, in what I can only believe was a prompting of the Holy Spirit, Duane shifted the lesson to talk about the importance of living a life of service. He reminded us that sometimes, loving people means letting them go and trusting that God has a plan for them – and for us.
I don’t remember the specific scripture Duane used that day, but I often think of Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love, Honor one another above yourselves.”
That’s exactly what he did. He honored them by releasing them with love, and in doing so, he taught the rest of us how to respond with grace.
The Role of the Church
There will be moments in our spiritual lives when we’ll want to walk away. Maybe the church won’t feel like it’s “feeding” us. Maybe we’ll be hurt or disappointed. But the truth is, the church is not a place designed solely to meet our needs – it’s a place where we meet the needs of others. It’s a family.
Just like Maren Morris finds solace in the rhythm of a familiar song on the radio, we often find peace in the comforting rhythm of a church community – even when it’s not perfect. There will be misunderstandings and people will disappoint us, but there’s beauty in working through those moments, in offering grace just as we’ve received it.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:13:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone, Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
And that’s the thing—the church isn’t meant to be flawless it’s meant to be a place where flawed people come together to grow in faith, serve one another, and point each other toward Christ.
Extending Grace to Your Church
Just as we rely on God’s grace in our personal lives, we are called to extend that same grace to other’s –including our church. There will come a time when your church will disappoint you, overlook you, or hurt your feelings. It’s not a matter of if – it’s when and how bad.
But that’s where grace comes in.
Grace doesn’t mean ignoring the hurt. It means acknowledging it, seeking understanding, and choosing reconciliation when possible. It means remembering that the church isn’t just a place to receive – it’s a place to give, serve, and grow.
“My Church” might not always be a joyride down the highway, but it’s where I’ve found lifelong friendships, unwavering support, and countless lessons in patience, forgiveness, and love.
So, my encouragement to you is this – find your church, get involved, serve, listen, and grow. And when the hard days come – because they will – give your church the same grace that God has given you.
Because in the end, it’s not the perfection of the church that makes it beautiful. It’s the grace that holds it together.
And for that, I say, “Can I get a hallelujah, can I get an amen”
More from Stan Leech’s Faith & Leadership column: For the calling that flows from this faith, read A Call to Serve. For another reflection on grace and a leader worth following, read Maybe So.
