Good Old Country Faith

12 principles for effective ministry in rural parishes

Rural ministry has a real attraction: Idyllic settings, close caring communities, unhurried lifestyle. Yet these very advantages have their costs. Isolation, lack of resources, complex relationships. Rural ministry takes place within a culture surprisingly removed from the norms of urban life. There are important aspects of country culture to understand and embrace before attempting to lead a rural congregation into change.

1. Learn the stories

Every community has its own stories. The past, present and future of any country community is wrapped tightly in a fabric of stories that get told over and over again. These heritage stories shape the identity and self concept of the group. The continuity of these is particularly important for rural churches. The most effective work in rural parishes comes out of hearing, learning and affirming the community's own stories. Future ministry needs to stand in continuity with the life-affirming stories of the past. The most important connection an incoming pastor can make is to sit with storytellers and understand the history and identity of the congregation they are called to. A congregation will only journey somewhere new when it is confident that its leaders know its story and stand in line with its history. Sometimes the gentle embracing of these stories may bring healing to a painful past.

By Tim Dyer, John Mark Ministries Tasmania

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