by Dr. Mark Creech
Director of Government Relations
Return America
I once heard a preacher say he was happiest whenever he stood in the pulpit. I understand exactly what he meant. That is one reason I rejoice at every opportunity to present the Word of God to a congregation.
I am still basking in the afterglow of my time with the brethren at Briggs Memorial Baptist Church in McLeansville, N.C. Sunday, March 1st. They may be a small body of believers, but their love for the Lord is anything but small.
In my role as Director of Government Relations for Return America, I was given the entire Sunday School hour to share about Return America’s ministry during the 2025 Legislative Session of the North Carolina General Assembly. I also preached during the Morning Worship service from Psalm 10:4, in a message titled “It’s a Bad Thing When God Dies,” addressing the tendency among Americans to live as though God were absent — as though He does not exist. I spoke again during the Evening Worship service from Revelation 2:12–17 in a message titled, “America’s Greatest Peril: The Church in a Pergamos Age.”
Perhaps the following quote best captures the burden of that message:
“If America falls, it will not likely be because our enemies outside the gate were stronger. It will be because the enemies inside our church sanctuaries and standing in our pulpits were far more subtle than we realized, preaching a gospel without a Cross and a Christ without a crown. Nothing is more dangerous to this nation than the church emptied of the truth.”
The accompanying photo captures a group of gracious saints who lingered after the evening service, many of whom expressed how deeply they felt blessed by our day together. Their words were both humbling and encouraging. James said the preaching helped them “understand where we are in the country as far as the church,” while Linda described the day simply as “a real blessing,” noting that their pastor had prayed for the right speaker in his absence and that “it turned out very well.”
Others spoke of more personal moments. Ruth expressed gratitude for a one-on-one conversation after the service that she and her husband had with me, in which we discussed marriage, the importance of the husband loving his wife as Christ loves the church, and the wife respecting and affirming her husband. Joyce thanked the Lord for hearing “words that were really the truth.” Perhaps most striking was Evan’s testimony. Connecting the sermon to a recent workplace conversation about Psalm 37:4, he said the message felt like he was actually “experiencing God,” reminding him that the desires we nurture in our hearts and the choices we make, whether for the Lord or against Him, ultimately shape the direction of our lives.
I left Briggs Memorial Baptist Church grateful for the warm fellowship, encouraged by the evident hunger for God’s Word among these dear believers, their love for our great country, and thankful for the privilege of sharing such a meaningful Lord’s Day with them.
INVITATION
Pastors and church leaders are warmly invited to prayerfully consider Rev. Mark Creech for worship services, revival meetings, conferences, and special events. As Director of Government Relations for Return America and a longtime pastor and public advocate, Rev. Creech brings a compelling blend of biblical conviction and cultural insight. His messages are known for being faithful to Scripture, deeply relevant to our times, and courageously challenging in their call to Gospel-centered living.
To inquire about scheduling Rev. Creech as a speaker for your next event, please visit: https://revmarkcreech.org/booking/
You may also call 919.915.3033 or email mark@revmarkcreech.org
