In this first series of blog posts, I would like to share some key statistics and trends about the effectiveness and impact of Small-Town Rural Churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. We should not assume they have a lesser role or impact because they comprise 1/3 of SBC churches. In 2023, 27% of SBC churches (approximately 12,663 of … Continue reading The Significant Role of Small Town Rural Churches and Pastors (Part 1)
Rural Church
Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 2)
I was recently on a panel and asked many questions about my experiences as a small-town rural church (STRC) Pastor. Two questions seemed to rise above the others, and I want to address these questions in this post in hope that they will encourage other brother-pastors in similar situations. The first question is, what did … Continue reading Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 2)
Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 1)
"In God's eyes, there are no little people or little places," said Francis Schaeffer in a book of sermons compiled on that topic. His words were on my heart as I considered the small-town churches scattered throughout our country. The church I pastor is a part of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist … Continue reading Small Town Rural Church = Eternal Significance (Part 1)
Valley Shepherds 