Rural Evangelism: Catching the Vision

by Kevin E. Ruffcorn

Responding to the need for a new vision of evangelism for small towns and rural areas, Kevin Ruffcorn presents lively suggestions and new understandings gleaned from his workshops on rural evangelism and his own experience. He emphasizes that the vision of evangelism held by those in suburbia and other well-populated neighborhoods usually does not fit rural settings. The author looks at possibilities and the problems typical of less densely populated areas, reviewing some concerns many of them small memberships, frequent turnover of pastors, decreasing population of surrounding communities, and the challenge of facilitating needed changes. Evangelism needs to emphasize faithfulness to God's call to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, using the talents and resources available. A broader understanding can free congregations to dream big dreams and to see new possibilities. They do not need to feel compelled to evaluate their efforts in terms of large increases in membership. Rather, says Pastor Ruffcorn, such congregations can emphasize both inward and outward aspects of nurturing their own members and reaching out to their neighbors. This can be done by words and through actions in an intentional and relational manner.

Genres: Christianity

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have spent my life in rural communities and believe in rural areas. This was an outstanding book and I am re-reading it now. Possibly could be used as group study and it would be very helpful to a congregation searching for answers.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

If nothing else this books talks about some of the unique challenges for evangelism in rural communities