The Word of God

The Holy Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, concerning the things of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's without doubt the most special revelation of God, inerrant in its original manuscripts, and infallible on matters of faith and morals. There is no council, committee, or pastor who has authority greater than that of the Bible, because every council, committee, and pastor are subject to its teaching. It's supernaturally clear on those matters that are necessary for our salvation and sufficient to convict, direct, and correct those that read it. For those that believe in its teaching concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's a means of grace through which the Holy Spirit works to save sinners and restore wayward souls.

The Purpose of Church

There are three marks of a true church: Preaching and teaching the Holy Bible, celebrating Baptism and Lord's Supper, and exercising Christian discipline for holiness. The church doesn't consist of perfect people, only people that covenant with Jesus by grace through faith in the Gospel. We're meant to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the spreading of the Gospel, and that's accomplished through the three marks. Preaching and teaching the Bible is the means through which the Holy Spirit works to save sinners and restore wayward souls, Baptism is the initial sign and seal of our covenant with Jesus, and Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of our ongoing covenant relationship with Jesus. The exercise of Christian discipline is also important. It's when Christians hold one another accountable for sin and work together to fight injustice by meeting needs in the community.

Our History

Our house of worship was created in 1890 by settlers of the Baptist faith. After over a century of saving souls for Christ, the original organization decided to put the church up for sale and the congregation was directed to find refuge in larger nearby churches. Blodgett mayor and businessman, David Russell, was approached by a local realty company to buy the church and convert it into housing. Russell purchased the church and then toured the inside to strategize the conversion process ahead. Russell, being the child of missionaries, was troubled when he noticed the hymnals were still sitting in the pews. The Sunday curriculum was also in its place and the only thing missing was a preacher in the pulpit. As Russell left, he became distraught. It was as though the pews cried out to him. Bewildered by what to do next, he went to the Blodgett cafe and told the story to whomever would listen. Local minister, Bro. Kenny Bollinger, said to Mr. Russell, "Can I meet with you outside? I am interested. I have been praying hard and God has sent you to me for a purpose. I want salvation not just for one denomination but for all denominations of faith alike. I just want to preach love." Bro. Bollinger asked, "What can I do? Can I lease the church?" Mr. Russell replied, "Occupy it and spread the word, let's see what happens!"

In the following months, old and new members from all walks of faith began to fill the pews. Bro. Bollinger and the new congregation then gave the church a new name: 'Blodgett Community Church.' The next couple years were a challenge, but exciting to say the least. COVID hit and caused the church to close its doors again, but only for a time. Bro. Bollinger reached out to Mr. Russell in his capacity as mayor and said, "Dave, I am so worried. My flock needs led, and I feel helpless. I need to reach them somehow." The mayor agreed to bring a stage and sound system to the city park, which allowed for church services in the open air. Bro. Bollinger was excited and said, "Mayor, don't worry, we will all social distance and use masks when necessary." Mr. Russell joked that would be hard for Bro. Bollinger since he was a hugger. Many people were blessed and the congregation was fed during those church services in the park. However, in late 2020, our dear Bro. Kenny became afflicted with brain cancer and the Lord took him home July 21st, 2021. We will always be grateful to Bro. Kenny Bollinger for his selfless compassion for others and his bright vision for Blodgett Community Church. The church remains today a simple, interdenominational country church dedicated to the people of Blodgett, Missouri, and she is still guided by the compassion and vision of her beloved founding Pastor.