In this episode we discuss...
- rural churches dying and how you can help!
- Lots of churches are dying.
- Thomas Rainer: 6,000-10,000 churches close every year in the US.
- The problem is especially pronounced in rural places.
- Rural towns have a smaller population base.
- Fewer people in rural communities than ever.
- Jobs are leaving.
- Consumerism.
- Church shopping.
- Rural churches will fall short!
- Student loan debt.
- Churches can’t afford to pay what a fresh seminary grad needs.
- Big dreams.
- Books, conferences, and articles naturally exalt bigness.
- Bivocational ministry is underrated.
- A church of 20 growing Christians with a faithful bi-vocational pastor is a glorious demonstration of the manifold wisdom of God! It is a beautiful display of the bride of Christ. It is a bright beam of light in a dark place.
- Rural people can be stubborn and may never have been taught the Gospel!
- Legalism.
- Tradition based instead of conviction based.
- Legacy.
- Patriotic religiosity.
- Rather see the church close than change.
- YOU CAN HELP!
- If you’re a rural pastor:
- Love Christ.
- Love Christ’s church.
- Love Christ’s church He has entrusted to you.
- Preach the Word of God better than you have been.
- Empower disciples.
- Be thick skinned and resilient.
- Be willing to suffer.
- If you’re not a rural pastor:
- You're from a small town, but you’re pastoring in a city: Consider going home.
- You are preparing for ministry: Pray that your greatest desire will be God’s glory and your greatest vision will be faithfulness. At least study the need for rural pastors and prayerfully consider it.
- You are wondering if you’re called to ministry: Go talk to your pastor, your elders, your spouse, your friends and read Dave Harvey's Am I Called. Seek the Lord and consider meeting the desperate need in a rural place.
- You are from a large church and want to help: Pray for the rural mission field like you’d pray for any other mission field. Find a rural church and back it financially.
Our Top Two's:
- Timothy Lane & Paul David Tripp's how people change
- Praying for lost people by using the calendar you already have.
- Dennis Johnsons' Power of the Lamb
- Cloth Cloth Hammock
- Learn Some Sound Tech!
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: ruralpastorstalk@gmail.com
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Twitter: @ruralpastors
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