If ministry in small towns and rural areas is so important, why are they so often overlooked? And how can we start re-focusing our attention where it matters? My conversation with Charles Cotherman centers around his new book, Strip Mine Jesus: Hope for the Rural Church, Small Towns, and Overlooked Places.
Even if you live in a heavily populated area, like I do, you can gain a lot from Charlie’s book and this conversation, including:
- What a strip mine is, and how it’s such a helpful way to understand the blessings and challenges of rural areas
- Some of the misperceptions we have about rural areas and ministry in them
- How small towns force us to slow down and pay attention
- How Jesus’ ministry was more focused on small towns than big cities
- How our idolization of celebrity and efficiency has pulled us away from smaller, slower, deeper ministry
And more.
Charlie is executive director of the Center for Rural Ministry and assistant professor of biblical and theological studies at Grove City College. He is lead pastor of Oil City Vineyard Church. He also serves as a member of the Brookings-AEI Commission on US Rural Prosperity.
Links
- Strip Mine Jesus: Hope for the Rural Church, Small Towns, and Overlooked Places.
- Center for Rural Ministry
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Credits
Producer: Veronica Beaver
Editor: Phil Vaters
Music: Composed and performed by Jack Wilkins
