issues facing rural clergy

[chriso]

Hi, everyone.

I'm writing to gather thoughts and pictures on the most important issues facing rural clergy these days.

I'm working on a project for a degree in rural ministry...and am a rural pastor myself.

What do you think are three (or other number - you choose!) primary, critical issues facing rural clergy at this time of tremendous change and upheaval in agriculture and rural sociology?

You can consider the clergy person themselves ...the rural church...the rural community...the rural economy.

If you could give advice to rural clergy what words of wisdom would you have?

Thanks for your ideas. May the rains fall soft upon our fields!

chriso

[cowman]

One of the most critical issues is the dwindling number of people in the churches. Not hard to figure out as there has been a pretty impressive exodus from the farms to the city. This is not going to change but intensify. Also a lot of rural churches are comprised of old men and women(especially women!). Again not surprizing as the young people have all left for the bright lights. Old people die off and aren't replaced.
A lot of people feel they have been abandoned by God in these trying times and have drifted away. Not a priority to worry about your spiritual life when you are trying to figure out how to survive one more year! By the way I don't agree with that idea at all, but many see it that way.
The third is basically a social thing. The country folk want what the city has to offer. Why go to the little local church when you can go to the big mega-church in the city with all the bells and whistles and lots of programs and people to get involved with. It's no different that the rest of the new rural lifestyle. You put the kids in hockey and dance classes,in the city rather than the small town, because they are percieved as better. You go to the city to buy stuff at Walmart and Canadian Tire rather than the locally owned shops. And pretty soon there is no local shops,hockey teams, churches. Once again I think it is a crying shame but thats the trend.

[cowman]

As an add on to the above it is a struggle to come up with enough money to keep the churches open. Hard economic times in the country can only add to this problem. Often the preacher is juggling two or more churches to make it feasible. He is running pretty thin because of all the visits he has to make to the old people. A lot more funerals than marriages and christenings!
Being a rural minister is a tough old road. Not a lot of job security!

[cowman]

This is truly a great adventure. Many ministers see "the folks" as only those filling a pew. Unfortunately, most clergy have not had an opportunity to experience run a business!! The perspective changes when, for instance, a lay minister we were fortunate to have, had been a national manager of a grocery chain.His question, why do you as a rural person maintain such independence when your best power would be as group purchasers of your needs?
He also often pointed out the value of contract--labor,machinery,specific job applications,etc.
As has already been pointed out the aged populations will not maintain rural churches. The young couples are looking for inspiration for themselves as well as for their children. You ,I'm sure realize that the ladies aid,young people,vacation bible school,bible classes,shut-ins,retirees, all need attention. In addition the cash flow in a rural community has often been limited by "unusual circumstances" or is this year a normal situation?
Many urban churches have more than one or two ministers to accomodate all and more of the above. Be Aware of Burn-out!!!
The young couples often drive many miles because their families are involved in activities which are only on weekends. Hockey,figure skating,rodeo,4-H all have a great pull !!

[karlevans]

For rural clergy, there are some really important issues, most of which go begging at the seminary.

First, and most important, is the issue of self esteem. Our society is put together in a way that says that only in the cities can one find real value and power. Those who stay in the rural areas must, therefore, be worth less. And many of our churches believe this, as they pay the rural pastor less.

Second, since most pastors are now coming out of urban or suburban areas, the clergy knows little of farming practices, values, community structure, etc.

Third, peer support can be critically short, particularly in isolated communities. When the closest clergy of one's own faith is a hundred or two hundred miles away, support can be non-existent.

Fourth, rural communities tend to be filled with independent spirits. These folks pride themselves in NOT participating in or taking responsibility for activities and actions of organizations such as the church, school, etc. And they don't learn how to cooperate in community dynamics, marketing, values development, etc. They tend to brag about Biblical values, but have never read that Book that gathers dust on the end table.

Last on my list is the matter of the spouse. Just as most clergy are from urban or suburban areas, so are spouses. They don't hav3 a clue, or interest in, living in rural areas. And most rural clergy don't choose their spouse after choosing their career, but the other way round.

Enough.
karl