Rural Think Tank Podcast : Episode 2 – Back 40 to 10/40
How Technology Has Made the World Smaller
Technology has made the world smaller, making it easier to get the message of Christ across the world in ways that we never would have imagined twenty — or even ten — years ago.
A church that meets in a building with forty seats on Sunday can reach hundreds more during the week through online content, social media, and digital communication.
The Global Reach of a Small Church
The North American Mission Board reported that in 2024, there were 767 church starts, including 83 replants — an 18 percent increase over 2023. Many of these new churches are being started by small congregations partnering with global missions organizations.
What Small Churches Can Do
Support missionaries. Use online resources like Operation Christmas Child and Ethnos360. Share your content online. And partner with global churches.
The Back 40 to 10/40 Window
The “10/40 Window” is a term used in missions to describe the region of the world between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude — home to the majority of the world’s unreached people groups.
But there is also a “Back 40” — the rural and small-town communities in the U.S. that are often overlooked in missions conversations. When we talk about global missions, we need to include the Back 40.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a small church participate in global missions?
Support missionaries. Use online resources. Share your content online. And pray.
What is the 10/40 Window?
The region between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude, home to the majority of the world’s unreached people groups.
What is the Back 40?
Rural and small-town communities in the U.S. that are often overlooked in missions conversations.
How do we use technology for missions?
Record sermons and share them online. Use social media to connect with global partners.
Where can we find resources for global missions?
SAMARITAN’S PURSE and ETHNOS360 are great starting points. MinistryPlace.net also offers resources.
Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He has seen how technology can extend the reach of a small church.
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.