A few weeks ago I asked on social media for some questions that people had about planting in rural areas in Ireland. One of the first questions was from Alan Wilson;
Alan is a wonderful friend and mentor, so I imagine his comment was tongue in cheek. (You can evaluate this from his other posts at @jsalanwilson.) Yet, as I laughed at this comment, I had some more across different platforms that followed the same thread, up to the point were I realised that this seemed to be a genuine question for some, and something that is worth considering - why is it that when we think of rural communities we consider what is not there rather than what is? I’ve jotted down a few conversation starters to help us think through some of this, and the Gospel implications, not just for Ireland, but for all of us to consider as we engage our contexts. Feedback and comment is always welcome!
Plant for People, Not Amenities
When choosing an area to plant in, our guiding focus should be people who need to know Jesus. I know this sounds pretty condescending, it’s not meant to be, but if we look at church planting initiatives we must ask why are there places and groups of people where churches aren’t, and why not? God’s will can’t always mean Him leading people towards cities and suburbs, right? I experienced similar conversations in inner city contexts where schooling, sporting clubs, and social activities that weren’t present became an issue for Gospel advance. Don’t get me wrong, these can be important for ministry families to consider, but in order to break new ground and pioneer for the Kingdom, we are going to have to consider Gospel need first.
Delight In What’s There, Not What Isn’t
Alan’s comment is funny because I LOVE good coffee. Anyone who knows me knows I am a coffee nerd. Loughrea has some good coffee shops, but for great coffee I need to travel a bit further or get some delivered. However, I have experienced some amazing things about rural living that I never expected. Some of it might be hidden, not well advertised, or even not what we expect, but it’s there! As we learn to love the towns and villages we are in, we will see them with curiosity, and begin to find beauty in our surroundings, and be thankful for it!
Think Of What You Have, Not What You Don’t
As I mentioned before, we have some people that will come to rural areas and although meaning well, there is a lament for what is absent. In some ways this is a sacrifice, having to drive a bit further for things, or settling for a lesser standard of coffee. (This is all becoming a bit of an online confessional!) Yet, in light of reaching generations for the Kingdom of God, is a few extra miles, or a latte without a picture of a swan on it really akin to the suffering of believers throughout history? It is OK to go without. It is OK to sacrifice the dream life and ministry we may have expected for the one that God wants for us. Yet, we do have fresh air, a community of people who have engaged with one another for generations, and everything is wonderfully slower paced! It's OK to gripe for a bit, but not if we are lamenting the place God has us due to the lack of satisfaction of our needs.
Reach The Town That Is, Not What It Might Become
In chatting to some folks who have begun planting in larger towns, or rural suburbs/sleeper towns, one of the comments is that the town will eventually be swallowed by the city, or develop more as gentrification happens. “We are strategically placed for when this town changes over the next 10 years.” While I fully understand this, and indeed think it’s a good and creative idea for planting, we must desire to reach the town that is, not with what we want it to be. In some cases residential planning and urban spread might not happen in the way we imagine, but like the first point, there are many people that will be there for the years it may take to develop the way it’s intended. God has us in our places at this time for these people. Of course, things will change, and the population will change, but do not sacrifice the present for the future.
You might agree, disagree, or have other comments. This isn't a city vs. rural thing, but a way for us to understand how we can partner to see our world (and all communities within it) reached for God's glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. Leave a comment below, or feel free to engage with these thoughts so that we can all learn from one another.
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