Providing Guidance and Support to Rural and Small Town Churches
In this issue from LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), ways to help congregations use their publications (printed and online) to engage individuals who may not be “in the know” are provided and discussed. The whole purpose of tweaking what is being used or creating new methods is to make people feel welcomed and included in congregations.
In this issue from LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), ways that congregations can properly welcome their new pastor and his family are discussed and provided. Being patient, offering forgiveness and being there for them are just some of the steps church members can take to help make their transition less difficult.
Early in any stage of revitalization, reorganization, reinvigoration or whatever you want to call it, it is easy to have that sense of excitement. There is urgency in your work and little victories seem like great triumphs. And then, time wears on.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), the ministry partnership (“joining”) created between Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Creston, Iowa, and First Lutheran Church, Mount Ayr, Iowa, is highlighted. This combined congregation (under the name of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church) is a great example of the possibilities for ministry partnerships that exist for all congregations, especially those in rural and small towns.
What would happen if we intentionally planned out our congregation’s work and set about raising up those leaders which God has placed in our midst? Imagine the possibilities!
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), suggestions for how smaller congregations can have vibrant choral ministries are provided. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and monthly free webinars is communicated.
What a way to consider our calling as citizens of His kingdom…to “faithfully fulfill your role as His witness” wherever and whenever He sends us.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), the Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), shares an encouraging message for the Synod’s small congregations. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and monthly free webinars is communicated.
Oh that little town of Bethlehem, so long ago...where darkness would be shattered by the advent of The Everlasting Light.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), you are provided highlights from the 2014 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference held Nov. 6-8 at the Airport Marriott just outside of Platte City, Mo. Several pictures from the conference are included to help share the events of it. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events is communicated.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), congregational members are encouraged to extend a hand in genuine friendship and engage with those members who attend their church infrequently. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and free monthly webinars is communicated.
Tonight in our small burg just like many other places around our great nation, there will be a football game. But here, it won’t be any ordinary game, it’s the first round of district play so all eyes are on the big prize. No doubt, it’s going to be Epic!
Let us with great boldness, no matter where the Lord of the Church has placed us, join that great army to labor for the harvest! I pray the Lord of the Harvest blesses you with the sight to “see” the fields around you, the strength and wisdom to share His love and the joy that comes from serving Him.
In this issue from LCMS’ Rural & Small Town Mission (RSTM), insight into the benefit churches can realize by working together and forming partnerships in ministry with other churches is provided. In addition, general information about the ongoing Engaging Your Community (EYC) events and free monthly webinars is communicated.
“Why do we need to keep these rural and small town churches going? Aren't they just a drag on our resources?” To this I answer, “We can’t live without them”!