Every Pastor Should Be Required To . . .

Yesterday I worshiped with the wonderful people of Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Every pastor should be required to visit another church from time to time simply to learn from others. I worshiped with the church because our daughter Emily gave birth to Luke Bradford Kirby Friday morning early. Though she had been scheduled for today, this little guy beat everyone  to the punch and we came as soon as we heard the good news.

First day home--Brad, Reagan, and Luke

Our son-in-law Brad (that’s where the Bradford comes from) serves as one of the pastors of the church. I took big sister Reagan to church while Brad served and Martha took care of Emily.

That’s where the part about where every pastor should be required comes in.

This is what I noticed about the church.

First, guest parking is a must. This is a very large church with limited parking. My family usually rides a shuttle bus to the front door, something Reagan (age 4) thinks is a treat. Today, we parked in guest parking and it was a blessing. If you’re new taking care of a 4 year old, and don’t know where you are going, you need to be sure that you can find a place to park without a hassle. Those of us who know the lay of the land need to make sure new people have a place to park close in.

Brad, Emily, Reagan, and Luke Kirby

Second, making sure children are safe and well-cared for is an absolute necessity. Sugar Creek is super organized and ready for children. When you are a grandfather bringing a four year old, you want to know that the child will be cared for and will want to attend. Sugar Creek has activities already laid out on tables for preschoolers, guaranteeing the child wants to stay.

That’s where one of the funny parts of the day came from. Reagan insisted on bringing a stuffed animal with her–a furry little lamb. Though I tried to get her to leave it in the car, it was to no avail. I explained to the workers I couldn’t get it away and asked them to watch for it. That was no problem until Reagan decided she didn’t want it and that I must keep it.

I can say with assurance I was the only adult in the Worship Center with a lamb for comfort. Although, I thought it especially fitting since we celebrated the Lamb of God given for the sins of the world by taking the Lord’s Supper. I kept the lamb firmly in hand all morning long.

By the way, the worship was extremely well done. A wonderful end to a wonderful experience.

If you would like to see more pictures and read about the family, click on It’s Boy!.

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4 Responses

  1. It just warms my heart to read about you and your family. What a blessing and inspiration you are to everyone. Thank you for sharing.

  2. Thanks for sharing this Pastor Bailey and glad to hear that all is well with your family. Jay Johnston did an excellent job filling in for you at the very last minute. It was nice yesterday when the picture of the three of you was shared on the screen in church. Isn’t technology amazing! Love, the Whiting’s.

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