The Empty Pew
Poet: Jason Kirk BartleyHave we become numb?
Have we fallen asleep?
The signs are all around us,
We're playing for keeps.
Our comfort zones keep us from going abroad.
Fear of the unknown sometimes keeps us from pleasing our God.
Urgency demands us to open the church doors,
with the gospel message of Jesus,
We sit at our church with empty pews,
While the time draws nigh,
prophecy is in the news,
while some soul goes to meet their maker.
Did we give it our all to bring them within?
to help,
to save,
From their wretchedness of sin.
Did we help them meet Jesus?
That's what we do!
Did we do all we could to help fill that empty Pew?
Key Message in the poem, The Empty Pew:
Too often, we sit and wait, thinking someone else will share God's word. But empty pews remind us that faith is not just about comfort—it's about action. Have we done all we can to invite others in, to share the love of Jesus, and to help those in need? Fear and hesitation may hold us back, but time is passing, and the need is great. Let's step out, reach out, and do our part to fill the pews—not just with people, but with hearts ready to receive His grace.
Some Go To Church To ...
Poet: Job ElletsonSome go to church to take a walk,
Some go there to laugh and talk.
Some go to church for observation,
But some go there for speculation.
Some go there to meet a lover.
And some go there a fault to cover.
Some go there to meet a friend,
And some go there their time to spend.
Some go there to sing a sonnet.
But some go there to show their bonnet.
Some go to church oppressed with grief.
Some go there to find relief.
Some go to hear a grand oration,
Some go to glorify the nation.
Some go to hear about the war.
Some go to show how good they are.
Some go repentant and repenting,
But some go hardened, unrelenting.
Some go to praise, to pray and weep.
But some go there to lounge and sleep.
Some go to better their condition,
Some go to gain a good commission.
While some go there to doze and nod.
There's many go to worship God.
Key Message in the poem, Some Go To Church To ...:
People go to church for many reasons—some out of habit, some for show, and some with hearts unsure of why they are there at all. But among them are those who come with sincerity, seeking God’s presence, comfort, and truth. This poem reminds us to reflect on our own purpose for attending church. Are we truly there to worship, to grow in faith, and to draw closer to God? Church is more than just a building—it is a place to open our hearts, to seek His wisdom, and to honor Him with genuine devotion.
A Grounding Place
Poet: Catherine PulsiferIn the stillness of the pews, hearts find solace,
A refuge from life's tumultuous flow.
Church stands as an anchor, a blessed grace,
Where souls seek respite and God's presence know.
For within these walls, whispers of peace thrive,
Melodies of faith whispering through souls.
A sanctuary where weary spirits revive,
Church binds us close to our purposeful goals.
From Sunday's embrace to each week anew,
Church, a grounding place guiding us through.
Spiritual Poems
No Perfect People
Poet: Catherine PulsiferA church is not the place
For perfect people to go,
It is a place for sinners
Seeking insight and woe.
Forgiveness hangs in the air
With Heaven's sweet scent,
We plead and pray for mercy
Asking him never to relent.
The sound of hymns and praises
Lifts up to heaven's throne,
Where our souls are cleansed
From sins that atone.
Peace and guidance await
Those who pray with humble heart,
At church we call upon God
Who never leaves us or parts.
Key Message in the poem, No Perfect People:
Church is not a place for those who have it all together—it is a place for those seeking God’s grace. We come as we are, imperfect and in need of His mercy. Through prayer and worship, we find forgiveness, peace, and strength to walk in faith. No one is beyond God’s love, and in His presence, we are reminded that He never turns us away. Church is not about perfection—it’s about seeking, growing, and trusting in the One who offers endless grace.
Guided by His Word
Poet: Catherine PulsiferInstead of seeking self-help guides,
I walk through church where peace abides.
The pastor speaks, the scriptures show,
The greatest truths I’ve come to know.
No need for books or worldly plans,
Just trust the work of God's own hands.
His words bring light, His love is true,
Each message guides in all I do.
Through every sermon, I receive,
The strength to live, the faith to believe.
No better help could I embrace,
Than Jesus’ wisdom, love, and grace.
Key Message in the poem, Guided by His Word:
The key message of "Guided by His Word" is that true wisdom and guidance come from faith in Jesus and the teachings of the Bible, rather than relying on worldly self-help methods. The poem emphasizes the importance of attending church, where sermons and scripture provide the best life lessons, bringing peace, strength, and direction for daily living.
Church Renews My Soul
Poet: Catherine PulsiferEach week I walk through church’s door,
To leave behind the rushing chore.
The world so fast, it pulls and sways,
But here I find my peaceful place.
The hymns remind, the prayers restore,
My heart feels lighter than before.
The week ahead may twist and turn,
Yet faith will guide with lessons learned.
Poems About Faith
Four-Wall Christians
Poet: Greta Zwaan, © 1994Four-wall Christians, safe in our way;
Make little impact if all we do is pray.
We may share our dollars, the few we may not need,
And call it generous giving, but God will call it greed.
We think not of our neighbour, or pain in other lands,
We have to make a living, achieve our goals and plans.
We go to church each Sunday, like Christians ought to do,
But after every service, we haven't changed our view.
We live so isolated, so far from hurt and pain;
We stifle our own conscience time and time again.
But what if a "RWANDA" should happen in our land?
And we should feel that heartache, and need that helping hand?
Would we think that a Christian, who had the means and power
Should send relief and comfort in our most desperate hour?
If mortar shells were falling and bombs dropped everywhere,
Would we want other Christians to just kneel down in prayer?
I'd think we'd want assistance, involvement and concern,
With no thought of repayment or favours to return.
Not just a token offering, not just a passing glance,
But genuine love and caring; a new start, a new chance.
If we want that from others, we ought to give the same,
Not out of sheer compulsion, but give in Jesus' name.
Don't be a "four -wall" Christian who doesn't get involved,
Who gives a meagre dollar and prays that wars are solved.
Become a burden-bearer, become a caring friend,
Stretch forth your hand in mercy, just let your life be spent.
The things that are important are what God gives to you,
And how you use that talent that makes His message true.
You cannot take it with you, you've heard that line before,
But souls won for God's glory will share that heavenly shore.
Key Message in the poem, Four-Wall Christians:
Faith is more than just going to church and saying a prayer—it’s about living out God’s love through action. Too often, we stay comfortable within the church walls, giving only what’s easy while ignoring the deeper needs of others. But true faith calls us to do more—to care, to help, and to serve with genuine compassion. When hardship strikes, we hope others would come to our aid, so why not extend that same kindness now? God blesses us so we can bless others. Being a Christian isn’t just about words—it’s about how we live and love in His name.
Come To Church
Poet: Guy HootmanCome to the church,
To the little white church;
Good sermons you'll hear,
And God will seem near
As you praise Him and pray
In an old fashioned way
In the plain little church in the valley.
Come to the church,
To the little white church;
A welcome receive
From those who believe
That Christ is the Lord
As we read in His word
In the little plain church in the valley.
Praise God Poems
God Bless All Churches
Poet: Caleb Davis BradleeWe have but one Leader, Christ Jesus, the Lord,
We'll join in his praises with gracious accord;
May all Churches love the one Guide to proclaim,
And write on their banners the Saviour's blest name.
With Jesus as Leader, Defender, and Guide,
The other great doctrines we will not decide;
But we'll leave to each Church its own special plea,
And each one shall speak it as each one shall see.
We'll all look to Heaven as a right blessed home,
We'll all do our best whilst on earth we shall roam;
We'll love one another forever and aye;
And "God bless all Churches" we daily will pray.
Key Message in the poem, God Bless All Churches:
No matter the church, no matter the name, we all follow Jesus just the same. Rather than focusing on differences, we should unite in love, lifting His name high. With Christ as our guide, we can serve with open hearts, respect one another, and walk in faith together. Our goal is not division, but to do our best while we are here, knowing heaven is our true home. If we love as He taught us and pray for all churches, we reflect the unity and grace God desires for His people.
The Bride Of Christ
Poet: Clara M. BrooksO church of God, thou spotless bride,
On Jesus' breast secure!
No stains of sin in thee abide;
Thy garments all are pure.
Of unity and holiness
Thy gentle voice doth sing;
Of purity and lowliness
Thy songs in triumph ring.
Thou lovely virgin, thou art fair,
Thy mother's only child.
Thy heavenly music let me hear;
Thy voice is sweet and mild.
Thy cheeks adorned with jewels bright,
Thy neck with chains of gold;
Unfurl thy banners in thy might,
Thy graces rich unfold.
She stood attired in spotless dress
The early morning through,
And then into the wilderness
On eagle's wings she flew;
And, nourished there from heavenly clime.
She lived for many years;
Now in this blessed evening time
Her glory reappears.
She leans upon an arm of love:
No sin her garments taints;
They're made of linen woven above -
The righteousness of saints.
The marriage of the Lamb is come;
His bride all ready stands;
The Bridegroom soon will take her home
To dwell in heavenly lands.
Christian Poems Of Hope
The Church Triumphant
Poet: Daniel S. WarnerMen speak of a "church triumphant"
As something on earth unknown;
They think us beneath the tyrant
Until we shall reach our home.
Oh! can not the great Redeemer
Prevail over Satan here?
Or must we remain yet under
Confusion, pressed down in fear?
He built on a sure foundation,
And said that the gates of hell
Against her divine munitions
Can never indeed prevail.
Then how can you say, dear people,
You can not be kept each day?
The infinite arm is able;
His word has not passed away.
'Tis not in the church of Jesus
That people yet live in sin,
But in the dark creeds they're joining
And vainly are trusting in.
God's church is alone triumphant,
In holiness all complete,
And all the dark powers of Satan
She tramples beneath her feet.
Thank God for a church triumphant,
All pure in this world below!
For the kingdom that Jesus founded
Does triumph o'er every foe.
Key Message in the poem, The Church Triumphant:
The church is not weak or waiting for victory in heaven—it is strong, triumphant, and built on the foundation of Christ. Jesus promised that no force, not even evil itself, could stand against His church. Yet, some live in fear, thinking they cannot stand firm in faith each day. But God’s power is greater! True faith is not found in empty traditions but in a heart fully surrendered to Him. His church, pure and steadfast, will always overcome because it stands on His truth. We don’t have to wait for triumph—it is already here through Christ!
Within The Gates
Poet: David W. FoleyI love to step inside a church,
To rest, and think, and pray;
The quiet, calm, and holy place
Can drive all cares away.
I feel that from these simple walls
There breathes a moving sound
Of sacred music, murmured prayers,
Caught in the endless round
Of bygone worship, from the store
The swinging seasons bring —
Gay Christmas pageant, Lenten tears,
And the sweet hallowing
Of all that makes our human life:
Birth, and the union blest
Of couples at the altar wed,
And loved ones laid to rest.
Into my soul this harmony
Has poured, and now is still;
The Lord's own benediction falls
Upon me, as I kneel.
Once more, with lifted head, I go
Out in the jarring mart,
The spring of gladness in my step,
God's peace about my heart.
