ROCK VILLAGE CHURCH

Rock Village Church was started in 1761 by Baptist preacher Isaac Backus. We’ve had a back-and-forth history of both liberal and gospel preachers, but by God’s grace the previous pastor of 41 years brought the church back in line with its founding beliefs. When I became pastor 2½ years ago, there were 18 members and 25-30 in attendance, most over 65. Our daughter Olivia was the only child. Thankfully, these people love Christ and the Word, and have embraced us as family. 

Today membership is up to 33 and average Sunday attendance is around 45. More importantly, I have witnessed the Spirit work in the hearts of these seasoned saints, helping them see Christ in all of Scripture and apply the gospel to their lives. There are a number of unbelievers who regularly attend, and some who seem close to salvation, if not already there. We have even seen conversions and baptisms, praise God! It’s humbling to see the heart work that only the Spirit can do and the effect He has had on the growth of our church culture. 

Our dream for Rock Village is to see elders and deacons raised up with a burning passion to care for the flock and evangelize the lost. Paul‘s words in 2 Timothy 2:2 are not optional: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” My prayer and dream is to train up men to revitalize dying churches in southeast Massachusetts and to plant in cities with no gospel-preaching church along the coast and on Cape Cod. I pray God would allow our church to get a better taste of that vision, and that He would provide the laborers and resources. We’d also love to start a college ministry at nearby Bridgewater State University. And we’d love to train up men as missionaries to plant in other countries. My desire is that we’d become a bigger supporter of NETS and even partner with them to put the men NETS is training in pulpits that need them.

Jeremy Ervin, Lead Pastor, Rock Village Church