December 04, 2024 -- Daniel Stegeman
It’s easy to look down on small places. We live in a culture that for generations has believed “bigger is better.” I am certainly not immune to that sentiment. During my seminary days, I was planning and preparing to plant an urban church after graduation. Thankfully, God had different plans. I ended up taking a job at a country church in Ohio, and it turned out to be a massive blessing. Since that time, I have never left the rural context. Over the years I have learned some lessons, often through my own mistakes.
What does it take to thrive in the context of rural ministry? In no way is what follows comprehensive, but success in rural ministry involves embracing no less than three things – pace, space, and grace.
Pace
Even though some rural churches are a hive of activity, most rural churches operate at a slower pace than their urban counterparts. Rural churches tend to be more seasonal. For example, I quickly learned not to schedule too many extras during hunting season because most everyone hunts.
There have been times where I have wanted to push the accelerator button when it comes to moving along with a particular project or ministry. But on multiple occasions I have felt the Lord saying, “be patient.” Sure enough, in due time those projects came to fruition with very little effort on my part.
While it drives some pastors crazy, I have come to embrace the slower pace that is typical of rural ministry. In reality, change happens slowly in rural places. You are setting yourself up for failure if you push too hard and expect that change will happen rapidly.
Concentrate on a few key ministries. Don’t think that you need to be all things to all people. You are not going to be like the big church down the road that has it all. Try to set a reasonable pace, be patient, and let God go to work through His Word and Spirit. I guarantee that such an approach will decrease your anxiety and increase your effectiveness.
Space
I have always enjoyed traveling to big cities, looking up and seeing skyscrapers, and taking in all that cities have to offer. I don’t see that ever changing. But one of the things I love about rural living is the space. Our family often goes on walks in the fields and woods around our home.
God’s creation is marvelous (Psalm 19:1)! By and large, rural living allows you to enjoy creation in a way that urban living does not. When I need to pray and clear my mind, there is nothing better than going on a hike, and taking in some fresh air. Having a quiet space to pray and study God’s word is absolutely invaluable for any pastor.
If you are a pastor, you will often feel the tyranny of the urgent. No matter where you are located, pastoring is demanding. There is always one more thing to do. One of the great things about rural ministry, however, is having space to process and the opportunity to retreat when you really need it.
Mark 1:35 explains Jesus’ early morning pattern. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” The space of rural ministry makes it easy to retreat, in the same manner that our Lord did.
Grace
The gospel reminds us that we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). And since we have become recipients of God’s amazing grace, we now have the privilege and responsibility of giving grace to one another as believers (Ephesians 4:32). Gospel ministers should always be the pace setters in this area.
There will be things that annoy, confound, and even infuriate you about the people and culture of your church. But in the midst of such frustrations, be patient and slow to anger. As God has been astoundingly gracious to you, aim to show forth grace to your people.
Conclusion
The most important task for any pastor, whether rural or urban, is to pursue Christ (Philippians 3:10-11). More than aiming to be a proficient manager or motivator, aim for holiness (1 Timothy 4:8). Be the best picture of Jesus that you possibly can be.
Not everyone is called, but if this is where God has you, strive to embrace the pace and the space of rural ministry. And strive to embody grace to your people.
At the end of the day, remember that rural ministry is just ministry. People need the Lord everywhere (Romans 10:13). It is an immense privilege to shepherd the people of God anywhere. I am just thankful the Lord placed me in a rural context.
Daniel Stegeman, (DMin, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as Director of Pastoral Care with Fruitful Vine Ministry. Daniel and his wife Stephane are the proud parents of four children and they reside in Lewistown, PA. Daniel is the author of “Help! I Want to be a Loving Husband” and has contributed to several online publications including the Gospel Coalition. You can find his blogging at: www.pastoral-theology.com.
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