The Rural & Small Church Challenge is the cover theme of Christian Standard’s October 2019 issue, an edition focused on the realities facing small churches and rural congregations. Drawing on research, field experience, and practical ministry reflection, this issue explores why many small churches struggle, where future leaders will come from, and what hopeful paths remain for churches that want to keep serving their communities well.
The issue combines data and ministry stories with a major feature package on the challenges facing small churches. Topics include rural church life, hiring a pastor, developing ministers, finding hope from church history, identifying elders, building a legacy, and preparing for the future. Kent Fillinger’s church survey adds statistical perspective on small and very small churches, while additional articles consider ministry in small towns, the role of social media in rural settings, and how churches of different sizes can still make a lasting impact.
Christian Standard’s October 2019 issue is especially valuable for elders, ministers, Bible college leaders, and church members serving in small-town and rural ministry contexts. Rather than treating decline as inevitable, this issue presents practical options such as cooperation, leadership development, revitalization, and renewed community engagement. For readers interested in the future of rural churches and the mission of small congregations, The Rural & Small Church Challenge offers a clear snapshot of both the pressures and possibilities facing these churches at the close of 2019.
