The Gone Generation
What happens when a generation leaves the rural area to seek education and employment in other parts of the country? The Southern Illinoisan Newspaper did a series looking at the students that leave small communities.
The article points out that we are training our best and brightest to leave, and reaping the benefits elsewhere. This is not a new phenomenon. But the effects are cumulative.
The Data
The USDA Economic Research Service reports that the number of rural people between ages 15 and 64 has fallen from over 30 million in 2010 to 28 million in 2023. That is a loss of 2 million working-age adults in just 13 years.
When young people leave, the tax base shrinks. Schools consolidate. Businesses close. And the remaining population ages.
Why They Leave
Young people leave for education, employment, culture, and lack of opportunity. Many rural areas do not have colleges or universities. Job opportunities are limited.
What Churches Can Do
Invest in young people. Mentor them. Train them. Give them opportunities to lead. Create community. Support local businesses. And pray.
Lifeway Research found that 63 percent of rural pastors say they feel called to ministry to their specific church. That calling often brings people back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we keep young people in our community?
You cannot force them to stay. But you can create a community worth staying for.
What if our church has no young people?
Build relationships with the young people who are still there. And pray for the ones who have left.
How do we reach young adults who have left?
Use technology. Stay in touch through social media. And invite them to visit.
Is the rural brain drain reversible?
It is difficult. But not impossible. Some rural areas are experiencing a resurgence.
Where can we find resources for rural church growth?
MinistryPlace.net offers church leadership resources. The Rural Church Institute has research.
Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He has watched young people leave and has prayed for their return.
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.