How often do we become frustrated when things seem to be shrinking instead of progressing and growing. This is the feeling of many if not most of small, rural congregations in North America. In the small neck of the woods where I live (Atlantic Canada) most of my denominational churches are small in size - about 50 members or less. Many of those congregations struggle with a sense of defeatism on a weekly basis. Each week it is noticable if only one family is not in attendance.
Lately I have been thinking about the plight of the North American small rural church. Once we prided ourselves as being rural, but now we are overshadowed by the megachurch attitude. We look at what is happening in other places and are left feeling small and insignificant. We can't accomplish the same ministries that they carry out and we certainly don't have the money to finance them. Sometimes I'm sure we feel like closing the doors and going home.
I believe that it is time the rural church once again rises up and reclaims itself to the glory of God. Most rural churches have seen their once small communities inundated with people from other parts of the country and other parts of the world. They don't share in the same customs and beliefs as the local people do. So the church has a decision to make. Do we stay the same and die a slow death; or do we change and become a bit more metropolitan, and even cosmopolitan in our thinking and vision?
The face of slow-pace, rural living is changing all around us; especially just outside our metropoliton areas. Sub-divisions are sprouting up everywhere and people who once lived within the boundaries of the inner-city have moved to the country or rural setting.
The rural church of the past saw their facilities filled with people who grew up together from birth to death. But now most people don't even know their neighbor, let alone able to pronounce their name. This proves that the way of thinking and visioning of the rural church has to change. What was once there has died as far as rural life goes. I once heard a quote which said: "If the horse is dead, dismount!" Sounds like good advice to me.
God is still here, calling us to an even greater vision for the future. Can we hear his calling? Can we see the picture as He sees it. One thing that we can be sure of is that God has not changed his mind about salvation to every living soul and care for those in need - have you? God bless us with ears to hear and eyes to see.
Blessings,
-Leo
