Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay https://youtu.be/artlRs1vKg4 For most of us, the pandemic reduced our ministries to socially distant worship last year. That was all the ministry we offered, and some of us are still there. But to be a growing ministry we have to connect people, who are not already worshiping with us, to … Continue reading Focus on One Thing and Do It With Excellence
Your Church Lives and Breathes by the Participation of Laity in the Work of the Holy Spirit
https://youtu.be/Q147oqOc4Bc I saw an image online that read "Job openings available for Christians: Long hours, poor working conditions, no pay, no earthly retirement, persecution is expected, suffering is long, praise is minimal, Heavenly retirement possible." While all of that is Biblically accurate, if this was the description of any other job, who would want it? … Continue reading Your Church Lives and Breathes by the Participation of Laity in the Work of the Holy Spirit
Working Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling… Together
Rev. Meghan participating in the 2021 Global Legislative Assembly of the Wesleyan Covenant Association https://youtu.be/BQg3Aj_sn30 John Wesley urged and led the early Methodists to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling". That sounds really scary and hard, and, for too long, our churches have shied away from such disciplines. Yet, if we pay attention … Continue reading Working Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling… Together
Technology in the Rural Church
I have a quote on my office wall that reads, "People don't resist change, they resist loss." (I don't know who said it first.) In the video below, Pastor Charles Littrell shares the story of how one of his rural churches has focused on what is to be gained and minimized loss in order to … Continue reading Technology in the Rural Church
Raise up leaders? Yes, You Can!
Image by Esther Merbt from Pixabay https://youtu.be/l0XzW_Mst6M *Disclaimer: This post will focus on student ministries, but the leadership development model presented translates to other areas of ministries as well.* Pandemic or not, one of the ongoing struggles for many rural ministries is knowing what to do with and for the children and youth. We love … Continue reading Raise up leaders? Yes, You Can!
Politics and Rural Ministry
https://youtu.be/iVL4gR8dxrM Greetings, and welcome to Growing Rural Ministries. I am passionate about helping rural churches thrive for the glory of God! In this episode, we’re going to address the rural church’s role in politics and the Gospel. In polite company, there has long been an unspoken rule that you don’t talk about money, religion, or … Continue reading Politics and Rural Ministry
Determined to Grow in 2021
Image Credit: JuraJarema at Depositphotos https://youtu.be/3jBWmlf35FA Now that January is nearly over...Happy New Year to all you friends and colleagues in rural ministry! Sorry, I'm a little behind already. Are you feeling like you or your ministry has fallen behind too? If so, that's why I'm here: to support and encourage you toward growth so … Continue reading Determined to Grow in 2021
Christmas Hope for Rural Ministry
Photo by Sharleine Thorhaug Eger on Facebook Have you ever given much thought to the song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" or to why God chose Bethlehem as the birthplace of Christ? Currently the population is around 25,000, and it is a tourist attraction. But back then, it was a "little town" located between Jerusalem … Continue reading Christmas Hope for Rural Ministry
Why “Dream Small” might be better advice than “Dream Big”
Image by ivabalk on Pixabay https://youtu.be/DSdKGRdTbb8 Have you heard the song Dream Small by Josh Wilson? It is so inspiring for the rural ministry context! Much of our conversations, training, and reading about ministry urges us to dream big and then take baby steps toward that big vision. What if "God sized dreams" are actually … Continue reading Why “Dream Small” might be better advice than “Dream Big”
Holy Conversations…Let’s have some!
Photo by Tommy Lopez on Pexels.com I had the privilege and pleasure of being a guest on the Holy Conversations podcast! It aired October 22, 2020. I invite you to take a listen as we discuss the current realities and future of rural ministry. Click the image above or HERE to listen. Thank you to … Continue reading Holy Conversations…Let’s have some!
