Elsie Walker
This year, Neil Lines marks his 35th anniversary as the pastor of the Mt. Olive Community Bible Church, 200 Flanders Drakestown Road in Mount Olive. “I’ve been humbled and grateful that God has sustained me in ministry…that all of these things are by God’s grace,” shared Lines. Even having a brain tumor 22 years ago did not stop Lines’ ministry. Recently, he reflected on what drew him into the ministry, some highlights of his ministry, and what about it brings him joy.
Lines went into the ministry because he saw a great value in helping people understand the Bible. Being a minister would allow him to teach it publicly (Sunday worship) and privately (Bible studies). “I teach the Bible from a Jewish perspective.” He helps people see it through the eyes of a Jewish interpretation. He noted that the writers of the Bible were Jews and understanding the Jewish culture and customs makes it easier to understand what the Bible is saying. He noted that that the purpose of what he shares with people is not to give them “head knowledge” but so they can apply the teachings in the Bible to their lives. That helps them to make good decisions and live better lives.
Lines attended Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Besides having a good reputation, it was his father’s alma mater. His dad had attended there in the 1950s. The younger Lines did a number of internships during school, but his heart was drawn to the Mt. Olive area. After graduating, there was a position open for an assistant minister to his dad at what is now the Mt. Olive Community Bible Church. Lines took the position in 1991 and assumed his dad’s position after his death.
Lines will tell you that when he thinks of the highlights of his 35 years in ministry, they are not things like physical additions to the church or the numbers in the seats. “I think of the people who have grown in their walk with God. What encourages me as a pastor is people growing spiritually, God at work in people,” he shared.
A favorite yearly event is Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year the church did something different and made it a sports VBS. “We make it fun, from teaching the Bible to game to skits, etc. It was really unbelievable.” It gives Lines joy seeing people significantly growing in God.
Doing wedding and funerals both involve a type of joy for Lines. With weddings, the joy comes not just from the celebration during the reception, but from seeing two people commit their lives to each other. It shows God’s plan in marriage. With funerals, he noted there is a different mood and purpose, but still there is a deep joy. That joy comes when he knows that the person has known the Lord and is now in a better place, a place where there will be no more suffering.
Now, marking his 35th anniversary as pastor at Mt. Olive Community Bible Church, Lines feels that it doesn’t seem like that long at all. He noted that even after so many years, he’s not burnt out but is full of energy and enthusiasm.
“I feel like I’m just starting,” said Lines.
