Small-town rural churches are significant because they contribute to Kingdom growth in many ways.  First, they are giving to the CP.  In 2023, SBC churches reported undesignated receipts of over $10 billion, up less than 1% from 2022, and mission expenditures through SBC avenues increased by 9% to nearly $800 million. Although they may contribute less than the overall percentage of larger churches, their giving is vital to the missions’ efforts of the SBC.^[1] 

Second, they are essential to the spiritual growth within the SBC.  In 2024, SBC churches averaged 4.3 million in weekly worship attendance, a 6% increase from 2023 (approximately 4.06 million). Rural churches average 4.4 baptisms per congregation, compared to 8.5 in suburban and 15 in urban areas. Rural SBC churches, with 43% having fewer than 50 attendees and 27% having 50–99 attendees, constitute 70% of SBC churches with under 100 weekly attendees.^[2] Although rural churches may not have as many baptisms as other-sized churches, they are still a stable force in the Great Commission.  For example, in 2023, 73% of SBC churches had fewer than 100 weekly attendees (43% under 50, 27% between 50–99). Rural churches are the least likely to grow (16% reported growth from 2018–2023) but also the least likely to decline (35%), compared to urban churches (22% growth, 46% decline).^[3]

Every contribution to the Kingdom of God is significant. The Small Town Rural Pastor is no exception. The Gospel impact an STRC can have on a community is transformative. It is a distinct privilege to be called to serve in rural places as an ambassador for Christ. Jesus spent much time in these settings and with these types of people. In their book, Pastoring Small Towns, Ronnie Martin and Donnie Griggs write:

“One of the greatest gifts to us in the earthly ministry of Jesus is how much of it was spent in rural places with common folks. In these little towns, filled with blue-collar people who assumed they didn’t need a savior, Jesus found and trained leaders for His church. They weren’t prepackaged with degrees from an impressive seminary and perfect motives for ministry. Instead, he started from scratch and developed them.”

These men were not impressive by worldly standards, but they changed the world. Acts 4:13 describes them as “uneducated and untrained men” whose most outstanding observable quality was that they had “been with Jesus.”

It is easy to get discouraged when leading a Small-Town Rural Church.  Here are a few observations and exhortations for Small Town Rural Church Leaders from the past few posts.  

Observations 

1. The Word of God must determine the definition of success for all pastors. Faithfulness does produce fruitfulness, although the fruit is observed and harvested in different ways and according to God’s timing.
2. Church size or location does not determine your significance in the Kingdom of God or your value as a Pastor.
3. The calling of a small-town pastor is equal to that of a large church pastor. 
4. The influence of a small-town Pastor in Men’s Discipleship and leadership development is as significant as that of a suburban or urban Shepherd.
5. Pastors and Deacons who take the lead in men’s discipleship and developing leaders can make an exponential Kingdom impact!!

Exhortations

1. Small-town, Rural Pastors need each other. Reach out to a brother pastor, join a network, or start your own among like-minded pastors who live near your church, and join with another church to do Men’s Discipleship Ministry and Leadership Development. 
2. Consume leadership resources related to small church/small town ministry and Men’s discipleship.  
3. Avoid the comparison trap of comparing yourself to another church, another leader down the road, or someone who lives within a different context.

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^[1] “Southern Baptist Membership Decline Slows, Baptisms and Attendance Grow,” Lifeway Research, May 7, 2024, https://news.lifeway.com/2024/05/07/southern-baptist-membership-decline-slows-baptisms-and-attendance-grow/.

^[2]  “Southern Baptist Membership Decline Slows, Baptisms and Attendance Grow,” Lifeway Research, May 7, 2024, https://news.lifeway.com/2024/05/07/southern-baptist-membership-decline-slows-baptisms-and-attendance-grow/.

^[3] “Annual Church Profile Gauges Health of Denomination,” The Baptist Record, September 22, 2023, https://thebaptistrecord.org/annual-church-profile-gauges-health-of-denomination/.