Transforming Church in Rural America

Transforming Church in Rural America
Author: Shannon O'Dell
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2010-04-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1614582130

"No matter what size church you are a part of, this book will challenge your traditional thinking, force you to look beyond the status quo, and enable you to grasp a bigger vision of what God has in store for your ministry and your leadership." -Ed Young, Fellowship Church "Shannon O'Dell's passion for the rural church in America is contagious" -Craig Groeschel, LifeChurch.tv Small church buildings dotting the countryside are home to ministries that often struggle with limited attendance, no money, and little expectation that change can revitalize their future. In Transforming Church in Rural America, Pastor Shannon O'Dell shares a powerful vision of relevance, possibility, and excellence for these small churches, or for any ministry that is stuck in a "rural state of mind." The book reveals: how to generate growth through transformed lives ways to create active evangelism in your community no-cost solutions for staffing challenges, enhancing the worship experience, and inspiring volunteers Focusing on vision, attitude, leadership, and innovation, you can learn the practical strategies and biblical guidance that helped to grow a church of 31 into a multi-campus church of several thousand, with a national and global outreach. Discover effective structure and ways to cast God-given vision so others can follow and make an impact. Experience the blueprint for transforming into effective, dynamic, and thriving churches no matter where the location or how small it may be. MORE INFO

A Little History Of The English Country Church

A Little History Of The English Country Church
Author: Roy Strong
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2012-05-31
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1448138795

Beautifully illustrated narrative history of the English country church In his engaging account, Sir Roy Strong celebrates the life of the English parish church From the arrival of the missionaries from Ireland and Rome, to the beautiful architecture and rich spirituality of medieval Catholicism; from the cataclysm of the Reformation, to the gentrified cleric we meet in Jane Austen novels, Roy Strong takes us on a journey - historical, social and spiritual - to explore what men and women experienced through the age when they went to church on Sunday. ‘Anyone with the slightest interest in the English parish church, of its life today, or its history will be intrigued, informed and enchanted by this lucid, and occasionally provocative, account’ Country Life

Mission-shaped and Rural

Mission-shaped and Rural
Author: Sally Gaze
Publisher: Church House Publishing
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2006
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780715140840

Using a mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, case studies and personal experience, this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church. It offers insights into issues facing rural England and explores the nature of mission with reference to the rural situation.

Church and Countryside

Church and Countryside
Author: Tim Gibson
Publisher: SCM Press
Total Pages: 153
Release: 2013-01-03
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 033404765X

While in recent years much attention among theologians has been focused on the city and on what makes a good city, much of (church) life in Britain takes place in the context of rural communities. In the context of their daily work, clergy find themselves confronted with complex ethical, political and social issues. "Church and Countryside" maps out a rural theology that addresses some of the concerns faced by Britain's rural population and those who minister to them. While other books in this field focus on practical (mission-orientated) aspects of ministry in the countryside, Tim Gibson offers a discussion of some of the relevant issues from the point of view of Christian ethics. An accessibly written and thoroughly researched piece of contextual theology that should become core reading for mission and ministry courses in theological colleges and ministry training courses.

Historic Rural Churches of Georgia

Historic Rural Churches of Georgia
Author: Sonny Seals
Publisher: University of Georgia Press
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2016
Genre: Church buildings
ISBN: 9780820349350

Forty-seven early houses of worship from all areas of the state. Nearly three hundred stunning color photographs capture the simple elegance of these sanctuaries and their surrounding grounds and cemeteries.

God's Country

God's Country
Author: Bradley Roth
Publisher: MennoMedia, Inc.
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2017-09-19
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1513802402

With the poetic force of Kathleen Norris and the pastoral warmth of Eugene Peterson, Kansas pastor Roth sets forth a vision for vibrant rural churches, for ministry in congregations that bear a profound sense of both loss and possibility, and for harvesting fruits of transformation and renewal. Rooted in stories from Scripture, his own ministry, and interviews with rural church leaders, Roth offers a sturdy theological and practical alternative to church-growth strategies that rely on success stories and flashy metrics. Reclaiming God’s vision for the rural church, Roth writes, means learning how to praise, abide, watch, pray, grow, work the edges, die, befriend, and dream. In God’s Country, rediscover the stunning abundance of God’s presence in rural communities. Name the ways that the rural church testifies to God’s glory and goodness. Learn to live and love and minister right where you are, no matter how small or unassuming it may seem. Winner of the Award of Merit, Christianity Today 2018 Book Awards, The Church / Pastoral Leadership category. Free downloadable study guide available here.

The Forgotten Church

The Forgotten Church
Author: Glenn Daman
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Total Pages: 255
Release: 2018-05-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0802496458

Winner of Christianity Today's Award of Merit for The Church/Pastoral Leadership 2018 Whether it’s because of the 2016 Presidential election or books like “Hillbilly Elegy,” Americans are beginning to understand the tremendous influence people in rural areas have in our nation. But rural America—not urban America—is also the new center of poverty. Thus, the rural church stands at the crossroads of strength and struggle. It carries the gospel, the very hope and power needed. Yet its ministry efforts are hamstrung because urban and suburban churches often don’t realize their need for rural churches, and the rural church itself rarely understands its unique assets and values. The Forgotten Church addresses these problems and: provides an overview of rural ministry explores opportunities recent trends provide showcases the remarkable benefits of suburban, urban, and rural churches working together This book is essential for any pastor—whether from the city or the sticks—because we are one body and we need each other.

Faith and the Future of the Countryside

Faith and the Future of the Countryside
Author: Alan Smith
Publisher: Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd
Total Pages: 302
Release: 2012
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1848251173

Faith and the Future of the Countryside offers up to date resources for theological reflection, preaching and practical action in response to issues affecting rural congregations and whole communities in the 21st century. Arising out of a conference marking the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Archbishops' report, Faith in the Countryside, this forward looking volume focuses on sustainability - environmental, economic, communal and ecclesial. Including contributions from practitioners in a variety of Christian denominations this is a resource book for clergy, church leaders and others in rural ministry to enable them to understand key issues in the context of mission and enable the church to respond to those issues through its prophetic voice and practical local actions. Topics included are the changing profile of rural communities, health and wellbeing, the politics of food production, the rural economy, the local effects of climate change, the pastoral mission of the rural church, spirituality and the countryside and more.

Toward the Better Country

Toward the Better Country
Author: L. Gail Irwin
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2014-01-13
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1625642318

At a time when pews are not as full as they used to be, many churches are struggling to stay open. But no matter how creative or hard-working, some congregations are unable to revitalize their ministry. Is it time to talk about closing your church? Are there any other options for your future? Toward the Better Country tells the stories of real congregations that have faced a significant downsizing, merger, or closure and found positive ways to move forward in ministry. While no local church is meant to live forever, congregations that have chosen to faithfully complete their ministry are finding hope in the new ventures born from passing on their spiritual and material legacies.