What is Rural Think Tank?
Rural Think Tank is a content and research platform focused on the unique challenges of ministry in small-town and rural America. It provides articles, research analysis, and practical resources for rural church leaders.
What topics does Rural Think Tank cover?
Rural Think Tank covers:
- Rural church health and revitalization
- Pastor search and church transition
- Bi-vocational ministry
- Rural demographics and population trends
- The rural brain drain (young people leaving rural communities)
- Rural health and healthcare access
- Substance abuse and the rural drug epidemic
- Youth ministry in small churches
- Church leadership in resource-limited contexts
- Rural housing challenges
- Community engagement for small churches
Who writes for Rural Think Tank?
Rural Think Tank content is written by Brent Lacy and contributors who have direct experience in rural ministry. Brent Lacy served for over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry contexts, from youth pastor to bi-vocational senior pastor.
What is the Rural Church Health assessment?
The Rural Church Health assessment is a framework for evaluating the vitality of small and rural congregations. It goes beyond attendance numbers to measure community engagement, leadership development, financial sustainability, and ministry impact.
How many rural churches are there in America?
According to the National Congregations Study, the median American church has 70 people on Sunday morning. Faith Communities Today reports that 70% of U.S. congregations have 100 or fewer in weekly attendance. Rural churches make up a significant portion of these small congregations.
What is bi-vocational ministry?
Bi-vocational ministry describes pastors who serve in ministry while also working a secular job. According to Lifeway Research, 47% of evangelical pastors work a second job. In rural contexts, bi-vocational ministry is often the norm rather than the exception.
What is the rural brain drain?
The rural brain drain refers to the pattern of young, educated people leaving rural communities for urban and suburban areas. This demographic shift creates significant challenges for rural churches, which lose both future members and potential leaders.
Does Rural Think Tank offer resources for pastor search committees?
Yes. Rural Think Tank provides guidance for churches navigating pastoral transitions. Additionally, MinistryPlace.org (a related site) offers a complete pastor search committee toolkit free of charge.