August 2008 Newsletter

Special Issue: Rural Ministry

Holy Saturday and the Rural Church

It’s one of the most serious theological challenges facing the rural church, says Mark Nagasawa: congregations trapped in mourning, stuck in Holy Saturday.

“Nazareth”

It’s just a tiny village where nothing ever happens, a model for small towns everywhere. Like Nathaniel, the Rev. Jeremy Troxler asks, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Where Excellence Can Bloom

Small rural churches are signs of God’s presence and grace, says Bishop Kenneth Carder. And with sowing, attention, and care, they can be places of vital mission and excellent ministry.

Rural Depopulation and the Church

In this reprint from the Christian Courier, Rachel Boehm Van Harmelen examines the challenges facing rural churches.

Resources for Rural Churches

From the Thriving Rural Communities initiative, organizations and other resources about rural life and ministry.