Statistics state that approximately 80% of people in America live in metropolitan areas and there is evidence that those percentages are growing. As a result, small towns and rural communities are shrinking across America as people increasingly move to these city centers. That population shift is certainly affecting the church in these small towns. As we do pastoral placement in our movement, more and more pastoral candidates are NOT interested in pastoring in a small town or rural area, and if they do say yes, it is a “stepping stone” to a church in the big city. And yet at least a third of our churches are in cities and towns of less than 20,000. So what does healthy ministry look like in the small town. What sorts of ministry “works” in these environments, and how do we best encourage small town churches and pastors. And finally, do we need to think differently about small town ministry, even as we are needing to think differently about all ministry.  

To help us talk about growing a healthy church in a small town, I’ve asked Jerry Troyer, pastor of Eastport Baptist Church in Eastport Michigan to join me. Eastport is a town of 218 people and Jerry has been pastor of Eastport for 2? years. Here’s the amazing thing, Eastport is a healthy, growing and significant church, not only in the Eastport area, but within our movement in Converge MidAmerica, so I can think of no one better qualified to talk about this important topic.

·      The 2 minute Jerry Troyer and Eastport story.

·      What do you wish the “Big City” pastor knew about the “small town” pastor?

·      What are some of the blessings in serving in a small town versus a larger community? 

·      What are some of the difficulties in pastoring in the small town?

·      What are some ways you would encourage pastors listening right now that are pastoring in the small town or rural environment?