Rural Think Tank Podcast : Episode 10 – Reaching out into your community for impact
The Church Is Not a Building
One of the most persistent myths in rural ministry is that the church is a building. People come to the building. Ministry happens in the building. And if people are not coming to the building, something is wrong.
But the church is not a building. The church is people. And ministry happens wherever people are.
Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him. He went to them. He ate with sinners. He touched lepers. He talked to Samaritan women at wells.
Why Community Outreach Matters
Rural churches are often the most trusted institutions in their communities. Lifeway Research found that 83 percent of rural pastors say they are becoming a trusted part of their town’s life.
But trust alone is not enough. Trust must be accompanied by action. People need to see that the church cares about the community — not just the people who attend on Sunday morning.
Practical Ways to Reach Your Community
Be present. Attend school events. Support local businesses. Volunteer for civic organizations.
Serve. Organize a community clean-up. Offer free car washes. Provide meals for first responders.
Partner. Work with other churches, schools, and community organizations.
Use your facilities. Open your building to the community. Host a food pantry. Offer a meeting space.
Tell your story. Every church has a story. Share it through social media, local newspapers, and word of mouth.
The Dare2Share Model
Dare2Share has developed a model that works well in rural settings: equip students to share their faith and empower youth leaders to mobilize teens for outreach. When young people are equipped and empowered, they become the most effective evangelists in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we reach people who have never been to church?
Start with relationships. Be present in the community. Serve without expecting anything in return.
What if our church is too small for outreach?
Small churches can be incredibly effective at outreach because they are relational by nature.
How do we measure the success of outreach?
Not by numbers. By faithfulness. Are you building relationships? Are you serving your community?
What if the community does not respond?
Keep going. Trust takes time to build. Some of the most effective outreach efforts take years to bear fruit.
Where can we find outreach resources?
MinistryPlace.net offers free evangelism training and outreach toolkits for rural churches.
Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He has seen churches transform their communities through simple, consistent outreach.
Rural ministry is different. Your resources should be too.
MinistryPlace.net exists to serve small and rural church leaders with free and low-cost resources — curriculum, toolkits, and practical guides that help you build God’s kingdom in your community without the big-church budget.