Why We Fear Rural Church Planting

Every Christian I’ve met thinks rural church planting is a good idea.

The problem is few church planters think it’s a good idea for them.

It’s important to acknowledge these fears so we can help to overcome the problems related to them.

Here are seven of the most common:

Seven Common Fears

Financial Troubles: British villages are very attractive places to live. This makes house prices high, especially on a pastor's salary. Combine that with a small congregation and a small budget. Suddenly, finances are a huge concern.
Low population: Humanly speaking, it’s easier to imagine gathering a sustainable congregation in a town of 30,000. Looking at a village of 3,000 it’s harder to see where initial members will come from.
Ageing membership: One in four people in rural areas of England are over sixty-five. There are huge blessings with older members. Nevertheless, it can be scary to be in a position where many members are physically unable to serve.
Lack of examples: There are dozens of examples of successful church plants in big cities or even large towns. It can be hard to find mentors in smaller communities.
Few leaders: Whether you are looking for Sunday School leaders or elders, every church wants more leaders. But this is a real challenge in areas where the population is ageing and few young Christians are moving into the area.
Lonely families: Most church planters will be men with young families. It’s understandable that they will want their kids to have Christian friends. The reality is in many rural churches, the Sunday School is your family. This is a big sacrifice for fathers to make.
No Recognition: Let’s be honest, Satan tempts many Christian leaders to pride. We’d like to have the church growth story, to be invited to speak at the conferences. A rural church is not a good "career move”.

Answering Fears

How do we answer these fears?

First of all, let's not pretend there is an "easy" place. An urban friend admitted to me a bit of jealousy of us being in a "nice area". His kids struggle in the rough school. No church is a walk in the park. The grass isn't always greener!

Also it is sensible to count the cost. Ministry is hard. If we're not willing to suffer, maybe we should go do an easier job.

At the same time, we mustn't think like atheists. We do have a God we can turn to with our needs.

Remember Jesus' words to his worried disciples:

"Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31, 33)

Rural ministry (like all ministry) is hard. But we have a God who can do the impossible.

So consider these fears. But don't let them stop you attempting the hard task of planting in rural areas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, there are several good reasons to plant in a rural area. We’ll discuss them next time.

(See other posts in this series)