Guiding a rural church in a world of change

Conclusion

It is not easy to be a rural minister today. Rural churches are small. Their resources are limited, and a church can afford only one minister, who must direct the whole program of the church.

Because of the multiple demands upon one who goes to the country it is even dangerous to become a rural minister. In a rural pastorate a man is free to make his own choices, to determine his own discipline in life and study. He confronts two major dangers: He may become so absorbed in such a variety of work that he will fail to do anything well. Because no one is pressing him to fit into patterns already established he may become lazy and undisciplined, following lines of least resistance. Cutting new patterns, doing pioneer work, always carries such dangers. But if one is strong within himself, the kind of freedom he has in a rural community is a source of real strength.

If rural America is to be strong, if its people are to possess character and integrity, and if community consciousness is to be preserved in small places, tens of thousands of little churches must have ministers who understand the resources, problems, and needs of rural people. They must be able to show the people how to develop great churches in small communities.

The spiritual destiny of our nation in the tomorrows will be affected by what takes place in our rural churches during these decades of revolutionary change.