Chuck Girard - Little Country Church Lyrics
Lyrics
Little country church on the edge of town
Doo-do- do-dn-do-do-do
People comin' everyday from miles around
For meetin's and for Sunday school
And it?s very plain to see
It?s not the way it used to be
Preacher isn't talkin' 'bout religion no more
He just wants to praise the Lord
People aren't as stuffy as they were before
They just want to praise the Lord
And it?s very plain to see
It's not the way it used to be
They're talkin' 'bout revival and the need for love
That little church has come alive
Workin' with each other for the common good
Puttin' all the past aside
Long hair, short hair, some coats and ties
People finally comin' around
Lookin' past the hair and straight into the eyes
People finally comin' around
And it?s very plain to see
It's not the way it used to be
Video
Chuck Girard Band "Little Country Church" 1979
Meaning & Inspiration
Chuck Girard’s "Little Country Church," originally from 1979 and widely available on digital platforms as of April 24, 2015, stands as a profound lyrical testament to spiritual transformation within a faith community. This powerful composition paints a vivid picture of a small church on the cusp of revival, moving beyond stagnant tradition into an vibrant, authentic expression of faith. The narrative unfolds as a reflection on a shift, where the familiar structures of religious observance are shed in favor of a genuine encounter with God and with one another, asserting that "it's not the way it used to be."
The song immediately zeroes in on the heart of this transformation, highlighting how the focus within the church has dramatically shifted. No longer is the preacher primarily concerned with mere "religion" – the outward forms, doctrines, or legalistic interpretations that often define institutionalized faith. Instead, his central impulse, and indeed that of the congregation, is simply "to praise the Lord." This mirrors the New Testament emphasis on worshiping God "in spirit and in truth," as Jesus taught in John 4:24, moving beyond ritualistic performance to an sincere outpouring of the soul. The depiction of individuals shedding their "stuffy" demeanor underscores a liberation from pretense and spiritual pride, inviting a humility that, as James 4:6 reminds us, finds favor with God, who "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." It's a call to strip away the unnecessary layers that often hinder true communion with the Divine.
As the narrative progresses, the song explicitly champions "revival and the need for love," proclaiming that the "little church has come alive." This is the very essence of Christian experience—a spiritual awakening that is fundamentally rooted in divine love. Jesus Himself declared that His followers would be known by their love for one another (John 13:34-35), and Paul expounded on its paramount importance in 1 Corinthians 13, portraying love as the greatest virtue. This newfound vitality isn't merely internal; it manifests externally through individuals "workin' with each other for the common good" and "puttin' all the past aside." This speaks to the transformative power of forgiveness and unity, echoing Ephesians 4:32, which encourages believers to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." It cultivates a community where mutual support and reconciliation supersede old grievances and divisions, reflecting the communal spirit envisioned in Romans 12:10.
Perhaps one of the most striking and enduring messages of "Little Country Church" lies in its celebration of inclusivity, captured in the lines about "long hair, short hair, some coats and ties" and people "lookin' past the hair and straight into the eyes." This imagery profoundly challenges superficial judgments based on appearance, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. It’s a powerful affirmation of the biblical principle found in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God states, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." In a faith context often susceptible to tribalism or exclusive cliques, this song champions a radical acceptance that sees the inherent value and spiritual potential in every person, transcending external markers that once divided. This unity, embracing diversity while focusing on the shared journey of faith, truly brings the church alive, embodying the Spirit's work in binding together diverse individuals into one body, as articulated in Galatians 3:28.
Ultimately, "Little Country Church" offers more than a nostalgic look at a bygone era; it serves as an inspiring anthem for the church in every age. It articulates a longing and a blueprint for authentic faith—one characterized by unreserved praise, humble hearts, transformative love, and radical acceptance. It's a compelling reminder that the true strength and beauty of any spiritual gathering are not found in its adherence to tradition alone, but in its vibrant, Spirit-led transformation into a community reflecting Christ’s love and truth to a world desperately in need. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its hopeful vision of what the church can be when it truly lets go of external trappings and embraces the heart of the Gospel.