Because: Reflections on the Red Wing Church and the Hidden Power of Small Congregations

 “Because Moment” – To Be and Do Podcast

In the latest episode of “To Be and Do,” Philip Amerson leads us through a quiet, contemplative “because moment”—a unique segment dedicated to meditation and poetry. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on the enduring symbolism of churches through the text of “The Red Wing Church,” a poem by former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser.

While Philip Amerson is the sole voice in this particular segment, his insights and the chosen poem converge to invite listeners to reconsider what defines the church and where we might find sacredness amid change. Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. The Power of Transformation and Repurposing

Through Kooser’s imagery, the poem chronicles how pieces of a once-standing church have been scattered throughout a small Nebraska town—its steeple now a hen house, stained glass windows decorating the mayor’s home, and pews repurposed as porch furniture. Philip Amerson guides the audience to see that while the building itself changes purpose, its spirit and the marks it left on the community persist.

This symbolism suggests that places—and even institutions—may transform, but their value and the goodness they foster can be found in unexpected forms. Faith, care, beauty, and communal memory live on in how we adapt and reuse, rather than just in “perfect” preservation.

2. Brokenness and Redemption are Interwoven

One of the most powerful lines of the poem comes at the end: “the cross is only God knows where.” Philip Amerson gently unpacks this, reminding listeners that the message and meaning of the cross—and of the church itself—aren’t lost amidst crumbling buildings or shifting cultural tides. Instead, the cross, and the redemptive spirit it represents, reside wherever there is suffering, brokenness, and acts of kindness.

It’s a call to recognize that true spiritual work happens not just at an altar, but in daily, sometimes messy, life. Redemption is ongoing, appearing in small congregations and “insignificant” places, often quietly but powerfully.

3. Small Churches are the Heartbeat of Communities

Philip Amerson passionately argues against the narrative that mainline churches are fading into irrelevance. He insists that small, seemingly overlooked congregations remain vital centers for what God is doing in the world. Far from diminishing faith, these scattered sanctuaries and their communities quietly sustain and share goodness.

His reflections encourage us to celebrate everyday acts of faithfulness and belonging, reminding listeners that the sacred often persists where we least expect it, not in grand gestures or institutions, but through small, steady contributions.

Final Thoughts

This “because moment” is gentle, poetic, and hopeful—a meditation on continuity, adaptation, and enduring values. With both nostalgia and wisdom, Philip Amerson invites us to recognize that the sacred can be found in transformation, that redemption takes root in daily life, and that even small churches still radiate spiritual vitality. This episode is a gift for anyone yearning to find beauty and meaning in ordinary places and quiet acts of community.

If you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection and a fresh perspective on faith and belonging, this episode is not to be missed.