There Is Still Work to Be Done

On May 3, 2026, the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Selma, Alabama, held its final worship service. Established in 1875, it had long been one of the oldest congregations in the denomination, and with a storied history. Through its Knox Academy, an academic and vocational school for all grades, the church played a role in educating the African American community following the Civil War. Then, during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the church used its resources to further the cause of equality. Most notably, the church shined the light of Christ for 151 years in a city of darkness, as it preached the gospel faithfully and gathered each Lord’s Day to worship our King and Redeemer. 

At this final gathering, there were a number of guests in attendance, including grown children and former members of the congregation, as well as friends from other churches in Alabama. I traveled from Lafayette, Indiana, to attend, having served in a provisional role to assist the church for the last twelve years. After the service, we enjoyed a fellowship lunch together, accompanied by a time of sharing, in which many expressed their gratitude for the ministry of this church and how it had shaped their relationships with the Lord. It was especially moving to hear one former member tell of the impact Reverend Bob Hemphill had upon her spiritual well-being when she was much younger. He served as pastor in Selma from 1983-1991, and was also in attendance for this service and fellowship time.

There were mixed emotions during the time of sharing. Sadness was present because it was the end of an era. Some of the members had been born into this congregation, making it the only church home they ever had. What’s more, it’s always disheartening when a gospel-preaching church has to close its doors. However, there was sweet joy as we celebrated with thankfulness God’s work over the past century and a half, and family and friends had occasion to reunite. While tears were certainly shed, joy prevailed over sorrow as those in attendance remembered God’s grace to the Reformed Presbyterian Church over the years of its long existence in Selma. 

The highlight of this final gathering was not the fellowship, however; it was the worship. In the midst of joyful psalm-singing and thankful prayer to God, the preaching was the focus of the service. Reverend James Martin, one of the church’s elders who had provided much of the pulpit supply in the recent years of pastoral vacancy, preached from Joshua 13 where God reminds the Israelites that “there remains very much land yet to be possessed”. In the sermon, the congregation was also reminded that there is still work for them to do as God’s people in Selma. This message was most fitting for the occasion, given that the church members would soon join other congregations and had not yet finished their race on earth. 

The sermon also added to the importance of the day. Because, while the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Selma, Alabama, had come to a close, the presence of Christ’s disciples in the city had not, and there was still work for them to do. Yes, they would now be scattered, but they could (and should) continue shining the light of Christ as they work to advance His kingdom in their new church homes. In my mind, this was the message the people needed to hear, because it served as a kind of commission for them. Instead of continuing to dwell on the bygone days, it encouraged them to lift their eyes to Jesus and exhorted them to press on for His glory and service. 

Perhaps you, too, have come to the end of an era; or, maybe you are tempted to dwell on the past. If so, remember this: as long as you are still here on earth, there is still more work for you to do, too - more praise to give, more testimony to share, more godliness to pursue, and more prayers to offer - and all for the sake of your Savior.