The Rural Think Tank
…It's Different Out Here.
Rural churches often face homelessness, addiction, and family instability before anyone else sees the pattern. Small towns hide pain differently, not less deeply.
Sometimes a church’s prayerful language hides unrealistic expectations. Discernment is not the same thing as endlessly waiting for a perfect candidate who does not exist.
The aging rural pastorate is not a single-cause problem. It is the result of compensation pressure, delayed retirement, seminary debt, shrinking pipelines, and changing expectations about ministry life.
School consolidation, charter options, and homeschooling are reshaping rural community life. Here is why churches serving children and teenagers need to pay attention.
In the backdrop of beautiful landscapes and close-knit communities, rural areas face a significant challenge known as the “rural brain drain.” This phenomenon refers to the outward migration of talented young individuals from small communities to larger urban areas in search of better educational and career opportunities. The consequences of this migration pattern are far-reaching …
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual needs of those living in rural communities. The bustling cities often take center stage, attracting attention and resources, while the rural communities are left longing for a touch of God’s love. However, as followers of Christ, it is our duty and privilege to …
This episode is about the usefulness, pros, and cons associated with using an outside independent church consultant in cooperation with your search team. I share some of the things that I have experienced serving in this role for several churches. As always, if this is a blessing, share this podcast with others. If you feel …
This podcast episode addresses the question – Can how a church conducts business in the community help or hinder it’s witness and reputation? The answer may not be as clearcut as you think… If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.