Church planting in rural areas can be challenging due to the isolation that many rural communities experience. This is only enhanced in areas where there is much distance between churches. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can make it even more difficult for pastors and church planters to build strong relationships with people in their communities and also with other church leaders. We’ve thought about this issue, and indeed experienced it ourselves, but there are some pathways that might not shorten the road for rural church planters, but might reduce the distance.
Build Relationships
Building relationships is key to combating isolation in rural church planting. This might seem a complete no brainer, but I’ve been surprised by how few friends we really have in general, both in and outside of the church. You could say that the greatest miracle in the Gospel accounts was that Jesus had 12 close friends when He was in His 30s! Pastors and church planters should take the time to get to know community members and build strong relationships with them. This can involve attending community events, volunteering with local organisations, and simply spending time with people in your community. Friendship is friendship, and it is vital to being a human, never mind in ministry.
Stop Thinking Tribally
One of the things we need to be careful of is thinking that we need friends “just like us.” We can get very tribal along theological, cultural or missiological lines, meaning that our pool of ministry friends is ever shrinking. Our thinking behind this is often flawed because we assume that if we cannot talk ministry, theology, or the latest Christian social media scandal then we have nothing to discuss. I’ve found that when I am with friends in ministry, this is often the last thing I want to talk about. It’s also meant that I can spend time with people who think, feel, and hold different convictions than me and what’s worse - shock horror - is that I might actually learn something from them! Beggars should not be too careful choosers at the expense of growing and deepening friendships “outside of the tribe.”
Utilise Technology
Technology can be a powerful tool for combating isolation in rural church planting. Pastors and church planters can use social media, video conferencing, and other technologies to stay connected with other planters and build relationships with them. Technology has enabled me to chat with people all across the world, simply by sending a Tweet, or a short email. I’ve been surprised how responsive people have been, how helpful they are, and how similar our circumstances are. Indeed, I have found more in common with rural planters from Texas in some areas of ministry than with urban planters in my own context. Technology can facilitate conversations in the most wonderful ways, and help us to consider things from a different cultural perspective within the confines of our our homes.
Partner with Local Organisations
Partnering with local organisations is another effective way to combat isolation in rural church planting. By working with organisations pastors and church planters can build relationships with other like minded people. This might be in a specific area, or within a specific interest group. It might be to sharpen preaching, find accountability, or to catalyse church planting. For example, we are members of Acts 29, and have found encouragement and fellowship within this organisation to see churches planted, not just in Ireland, but globally. This has developed relationships beyond my context, but also with brothers and sisters who are in similar settings to us in Loughrea across Ireland.
Be Patient
Finally, it's important for pastors and church planters to be patient when feeling isolation in rural church planting. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community takes time, and pastors and church planters should be prepared to invest the time and effort necessary to build strong and lasting relationships. Our schedules are hectic, our ministries tough, and we only have 24 hours in the day to fulfil the multitudes of tasks that face us each day. Yet, we do not have to be alone. Indeed, in feeling like this, I used to believe that I was the only one, and yet chatting to other planters across Ireland and globally, I began to hear similar stories and similar feelings. If you are feeling isolated, alone, or simply want to chat about the weather with someone, reach out and you might be surprised that someone reaches back.
I’d love to hear from those who read this about some of the ways that God has helped you in this area. Or if you are feeling isolated and fancy a chat, I’d love to try to connect and encourage you as you seek to serve God in your rural community.
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