A few times a year, our church holds a two-hour long new member class led by one of our members who is also a retired pastor. One of the perks of leading a larger congregation… read more

When I talk with country church folk about their experience with their sponsoring denomination, I hear stories with metaphors such as the “red headed step-child” or… read more

Ministry in small towns and rural settings requires a special skill set. The congregations tend to be family-sized with a long history but a shrinking impact.  At the same… read more

The following article is part nine of a ten-part series exploring all aspects of organizing, worshipping, and growing as a house church community. Read the previous parts… read more