The following is a transcript taken from the first question and answer session at the 2014 Ligonier National Conference.
Questioner: “This couple writes, ‘we live in a rural area without access to solid Biblical teaching, let alone Reformed teaching. The nearest Church with such teaching is two hours drive away. How should we choose a group to meet with and serve when we disagree with the things taught from the pulpit?’ What would you say practically to this couple?”
Dr. R. C. Sproul: “Drive two hours!”
Questioner: “Drive two hours?”
Dr. R. C. Sproul: “Lots of people do. Its that important. If you had to go to the hospital and it was a two hour drive you wouldn’t stay home. You would go to the hospital. You wouldn’t go to a dog pound because it was convenient. Would you?
Seriously! I mean its the old thing. I learned this from a former coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chuck Noll. His phrase was “whatever it takes!” and the spiritual nurture of your soul and of your children’s souls are so important that if you have to drive two hours for worship, and for instruction in apostolic truth, then that’s an obvious decision. You drive two hours, or move! But it has to be a priority in every Christian family to be somewhere where there is true worship, true gospel, true doctrine, for the sake of eternity.”
To view the interaction, it can be found at the 36 minute mark on this video:
Dr. Sprout is right. I’m sixty years old. I raised five children in that same rural scenario. We attended a armenian Baptist church with constant issues which I tried to relate to my family. Looking back, I wish I would have driven the two hours. My dilemma was involvement, i.e. Sunday night, Wednesday prayer, work days, etc. Moving wasn’t an option. So I sacrificed sound doctrine for church involvement. I can only trust that God will protect and preserve especially my children who are adults now.