As major ministries and church planting have become more centered in urban and suburban areas in recent decades, evangelical priorities have tended to shift away from small-town America.
And while we celebrate Gospel advances through urban church-planting, it’s pretty clear that, in the move toward major population centers, the small places have been increasingly passed by. The city has a “cool factor” the countryside simply cannot rival. But if we’re not careful and we minimize the small places, we fail them. Some of us will be called to live and minister in small towns, and these places are worthy of care, respect and a long ministry. No one is too skilled, godly, or educated to devote his or her entire life to serving a small, unknown place. After ministering 40 years at Stillwell Baptist Church in Clarksville, Arkansas (population around 10,000) I’d like to share a few of the benefits of staying at one church for a lifetime in a small town.
1. Everybody knows everybody.
When new people come to church, they are warmly greeted and loved. Generally, our local visitors were not strangers, because somebody already knew them. This created a natural follow-up process, even if they didn’t fill out a visitor’s card. Research shows that the main reason people first attend a church is because friends or family invite them. The small community is the perfect place for that to happen.
2. Word of mouth travels fast.
If something exciting happens at a small-town church, everybody is going to know about it. That’s called free publicity! Churches in larger settings spend megabucks for advertising to make the community aware of their existence. You would be amazed how many people show up for a baptism at the lake in a small community. Word of mouth works great in small places. But the key is to make sure good things are happening. You’ll also find that negative stuff will spread just as fast.
3. You can be a big fish in a small pond.
Longevity as a minister in a small place builds credibility and influence. I have discovered that people actually value my opinions and insights. It is a privilege to shepherd an entire community and provide moral leadership, especially during times of crisis and uncertainty. As the pastor in a small community, I was often called upon for weddings, emergency room visits, funerals, and crisis events, as well as regularly being the designated “pray-er” for civic functions. Even trips around town often lead to ministry moments. A quick trip to Cecil’s Hardware might end up being a divine appointment.
4. You get homegrown tomatoes and more.
When the gardens start producing, people bring in the bounty to share. Tomatoes, sweet corn, and onions, are available in the foyer free for the taking! During hunting season fresh venison was a staple on the pastors table. In contrast, I have attended many megachurches and they frequently offered me a coffee, but not once did anyone offer me a squash.
5. Quiet and solitude is only a short trip away.
From where I served as a pastor, I could be in the woods or by the lake in under five minutes. Once I’m outside of town, it is all open country. Rural ministry provides a wonderful opportunity for solitude when solitude is needed.
6. Family.
I saved this one for last. The Bible doesn’t say the church is like a family, but that it is a family. And nowhere does this prove more real than ministering for a long time in a rural church. I have shared the gospel with four generations and Debbie and I have been the godparents for more children than I can now remember. They really are my church family.
Yes, small towns are still worthy of our attention and devoted service, if for no other reason that the eternal souls who still live in them. Yes, small towns are still worthy of our attention and devoted service, if for no other reason that the eternal souls who still live in them. Click To Tweet
