The Training Gap in Rural Ministry
Rural pastors face a unique challenge: they are expected to be experts in everything — preaching, counseling, administration, technology, youth ministry, senior care, and community outreach — but they often have access to training in none of these areas.
Traditional seminary education is expensive, time-consuming, and often designed for full-time pastors in well-resourced churches. For the bi-vocational pastor serving a small congregation in a rural community, the options are limited. But that is changing.
What Is Available Now
The Christian Leaders Institute offers free, high-quality training for individuals passionate about serving God in rural areas (christianleadersinstitute.org). Their courses cover theology, leadership, counseling, and practical ministry skills — all available online, on your own schedule.
The North American Mission Board’s rural replanting hub provides video sermons, small group materials, leadership training, and other valuable resources specifically designed for rural churches (namb.net).
The Presbyterian Church in America maintains a comprehensive list of books, websites, and training materials for small-town and rural ministry (pcaac.org).
What Kind of Training Do You Actually Need?
Not every resource is right for every pastor. Preaching and teaching are essential. Counseling and pastoral care are critical. Leadership and administration are necessary. And technology and communication are no longer optional.
The key is consistency — a little bit of training every week adds up over time. Listen to a podcast during your commute. Read one chapter a week. Take one online course per year.
The Mentorship Multiplier
Training resources are valuable, but they are even more valuable when combined with mentorship. A good mentor can help you apply what you are learning, avoid common pitfalls, and stay encouraged when the work gets hard.
Find a mentor. Take a course. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. The resources are there. You just have to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free ministry training for rural pastors?
Christian Leaders Institute (christianleadersinstitute.org) offers free online courses. MinistryPlace.net offers free and low-cost toolkits and guides.
How do I find time for training as a bi-vocational pastor?
Start small. Listen to a podcast during your commute. Read one chapter a week. Consistency matters more than intensity.
What is the most important training for rural pastors?
Preaching and pastoral care. If you can preach the Word faithfully and care for your people well, everything else can be learned along the way.
How do I find a mentor in rural ministry?
Look for an experienced pastor in your area or denomination. Ask if they would be willing to meet with you regularly.
Are there conferences for rural pastors?
Yes. The Rural Home Missionary Association, the Rural Church Institute at Wheaton College, and various denominational organizations host conferences for rural pastors.
Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He knows the training gap firsthand and is passionate about connecting rural pastors with the resources they need.
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.