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: [email protected]

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

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