Who would ever want to minister in a small town? Most of my ministry (28 out of 36 years) has been in small town America. I love being a small town pastor. While not an expert, I want to debunk some misconceptions of small town ministry.
Misconception #1: Small town ministry is basically all the same.
Since all small towns are not the same, neither is small town ministry. A small town in New England will not have the same values and needs as a small town in Missouri. Every small town is unique. Even churches in the same small town are different. No two are alike.
The truth is every community is unique and churches must have a unique ministry Click To TweetThe truth is every community is unique and churches must have a unique ministry. This is one reason that, especially in the small town, long-term ministry is vital. It takes years to understand and adapt a church’s ministry to the small town.
Misconception #2: Small town ministry is the same as big city ministry, only smaller.
We often think that if something works there, it should work here. This has been the problem with attending church conferences. Who speaks at conferences? Usually the pastors of big churches in big cities speak. But when small town pastors apply big city methods, they often fail. Or at least the methods do not produce the same results as promoted.
The truth is small town ministry is not the same as other ministries. Never allow pressure from ‘successful’ ministries to dictate methods that will not work.
Misconception #3: Small town ministry is easy.
Smaller numbers do not mean less work. Small town pastors often have various duties including preacher, worship leader, Bible study teacher, youth pastor, secretary, janitor, etc. Small towns have fewer professionals available to help the congregation. The pastor often is needed as financial advisor, marriage counselor, medical assistant, and many other roles.
The truth is small town ministry is hard work. Long hours, variety of duties, with few breaks can be difficult. Yet, a long day in ministry can be rewarded with a quiet evening by the lake.
Misconception #4: Small town ministry is a stepping stone to a more influential ministry.
Small town churches have been abused by many young pastors only wanting to gain experience to look more appealing to bigger churches. While small churches can be a great place to gain experience, small town churches need pastors who will truly care for them. Pastors can invest their entire life in a church and community.
The truth is small town ministry is a great ministry. Though the pace is often slow, the relationships are rewarding.
Misconception #5: Small town ministry has limited growth.
With a small population, the chances of seeing big church attendance are slim. However, it’s all a matter of perspective. Suppose a church had an attendance of 100 in a town of 2,000. That is 5% of the town. In a city of 1 million, a church would need an attendance of 50,000 to equal the same small town saturation.
The truth is small town ministry has unlimited potential for growth. Since Jesus will build His church, He often defies logic to expand His kingdom through unexpected means. Pastors need to be good and faithful and God will reward.The truth is small town ministry has unlimited potential for growth. Click To Tweet
These misconceptions may be true in all ministry locations, but they are far more evident in small towns where there is a more obvious presence and the relationships are much more up close and personal. Authentic ministry that points people to Christ will produce many years of fruitful and rewarding kingdom work.
You might be a small town pastor if …
- If you receive fruits and vegetables for Pastor Appreciation Month.
- If a paint-by-number portrait of Jesus hangs on your church wall.
- If an old upright piano sits in the ladies restroom.
- If you have more plants on your stage than musicians.