On the Road Again

Leading worship in the park: Pam, Kathy, Nora, Neil, Jimmy, Marty, Bob and Charlie

In the three years that Neil Bendixen has been pastoring Canasawacta Valley FMC (Norwich, NY), the congregation has doubled. Amazingly, this bi-vocational pastor (who averages 60 hours per week managing 182 contract milk-haulers in 13 states) gets it all done — but not without the invaluable contributions of the church’s incredibly committed core group.

“I’m intentionally bi-vocational,” Bendixen says. Why? Because then no one can simply say, “It’s pastor’s job.” Instead, everyone has to step up to the plate. And they do!

Worship is one noteworthy area. “We worship with every style of music we can get our hands on,” says Bendixen. “And we do it even though we’re slim on musicians.” The church sings a cappella, uses accompaniment CDs, violin, flute and a Suzuki Q-Chord for everything from high-energy rock to Wesleyan hymns. And they do it so well, they’ve been invited for the third year in a row to lead Thursday night worship in the park as a kickoff to VBS, and to advise other local churches seeking to improve their worship experience.

At VBS: Amber and Bill

Vacation Bible school is another major ministry, usually bringing a couple of new families into the church. This year the average attendance was 71, with five first-time salvations and more than 30 recommitments.

Canasawacta Valley FMC also has a vibrant prayer ministry — one that receives requests from both inside and outside of the church. Bendixen says the congregation is known for its prayer warriors. “Prayer permeates everything we do,” he adds. Periodic celebration services afford opportunities to testify to the Lord’s work in response to the prayers of His people.

While the pastor may be out of the area several days a week, he knows he can count on those he’s left behind. Leaders, emerging leaders and congregants are eager to minister. On Sundays, when he’s in the pulpit, Bendixen is preaching the truth — faithfully leading his flock to the throne of grace where they find reconciliation, restoration and joy for the journey.