Three years ago he accepted the leadership of Bethel Church, it had barely more members than Jesus had disciples. The church was 60 years old but active membership had dwindled to about 15. However, 12 or 15 is enough to make the beginning of something big. Now, after three years of Brother Abbey's ministry there — we call each other brother — the church now has more than 150 participants.

In mid-September he wrote to report that times are tough in Killeen because of the heat. They had suffered more than 80 days of higher than 100 degrees, and many days close to 110. To further complicate things, there has been almost no rain. And worse, about 100 miles away were the fires we've been reading about. More than 1,400 homes had been destroyed as of the date he wrote. So the folk in that region have been in great need of some relief.

The Rev. Abbey mentioned that he needed some relief at Bethel Church, too. He had some folk who wished to be baptized. He had to delay their baptism because the water in the pool was too hot! I laughed aloud when I heard that. The purpose of baptism is not to cook converts. Baptism is intended to have a spiritual effect, not a thermal one. So, for the past few weeks I have been praying for rain and cooler temperatures in Killeen, Texas.

Brother Abbey's church is part of the World Wide Bible Way Fellowship, a group of about 400 churches across the nation. They are not a denomination. They are an interdenominational and Pentecostal fellowship. Pastor Abbey describes his congregation as comprised of folk who come from Assemblies of God, Baptist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Church of Christ and other church traditions. He describes his church's focus as boiling down to a "simple faith."

I'm writing about my friend's ministry because his story ought to be an encouraging word to anyone who is entering their autumn years of life. Just because one is approaching or entering retirement, it does not automatically follow that his or her life has lost its vitality and value. It is also worth noting that Brother Abbey's work at Bethel began after he suffered a mini-stroke at the age of 62. This is a reminder that when age and health issues begin to mount up, it does not necessarily mean that God has finished with a person.

One's most exciting days may yet be just over the horizon.

There is also a word of encouragement here for many very small congregations. Bethel Church demonstrates that great vitality can grow from small beginnings. It is good to ask what is required to make an honest-to-God church? How about this for a beginning list of ingredients to make a real church? 1) It needs enough folk to provide the critical mass necessary to make a loving fellowship. Twelve or 15 people? 2) It needs enough financial resources to maintain itself with at least an equal amount going to minister to others beyond their own fellowship. 3) It needs someone willing and able to provide spiritual leadership for the group — perhaps someone who earns his or her livelihood from secular work. 4) It needs a place to meet. Perhaps a room like your own living room. 5) The most important ingredient is a vision of what God wants the group to be and do. With these essential ingredients, a little group and God can make a church.

Thanks Brother Abbey for leading the way. We'll keep praying for rain!

Harold Bales is a semi-retired Methodist minister who lives in Kannapolis. He's also got a new book out and advance copies are available for sale. For more information, visit www.TheSouthernFriedPreacher.com. Send him an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .