In this episode we discuss...

• our 5 points on if the rural church is dying:
  1.  Rural churches are closing.
     • We have watched churches in our county close doors.  We have spoken with a number of pastors thinking of quitting.  There are probably as many pastor-less churches as there are with pastors, and there are lots of dwindling congregations made up of a few families.
     • Some really beautiful, quintessential buildings sitting empty.
     • Towns are hurting: closed grocery stores, banks, etc.
     • Even post offices departing.
  2. Rural resources are slim.
     • No nearby conferences.
     • No targeted conferences.
     • Few books.
     • Few guys you can just go get coffee with.
     • No seminary close by.
     • No biblical counseling center.
  3. Rural ministry is reviled.
     • Precious resources should be maximized (example from Simeon Trust)
     • People not dreaming of it.
     • People dreaming of leaving it!
     • Movements not happening here.
  4. Christ is there.
     • Proverbs 15:3
     • Jeremiah 23:24
     • Psalm 139:7-10
     • 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
     • Psalm 103:19
     • Ephesians 3:10
  5. Christ's people are there. 
     • Genesis 1:26–28
     • Acts 20:28
     • Romans 12:15
     • Matthew 28:19-20
     • Acts 2:41
     • John 4:23
     • Matthew 16:18
     • Titus 1:5
     • There is a perception of decline and death in the rural church, but the reality is that it is an overlooked gem! It is precious to Christ and should be precious to all His people!

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need some profession business cards or letter head? Check out Hoban Press OR Hoban Press Cards!

Our Quote of the Day:

• "If we lose our passion for rural America, then we will have abandoned a critical part of the gospel call." Glenn Daman, The Forgotten Church 

CONTACT

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Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/

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