Many of you know the first church I planted was in Morgantown, KY. So many of the experiences that I write about in Plan B
Morgantown is a city of about 3,000 people in the city limits and an addition 9,000 or so in the entire county. I’ve always had a real heart for the Rural church in America. While often overlooked, it’s these churches that are positioned to make a real difference in our country today.
That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about a new book by Shannon O’Dell, entitled, “Transforming Church in Rural America
I’m excited to give a few copies of this book away over the next 24 hours or so. Just leave me the name of your church and the rural community you lead in.
This is the kind of book I’ve been waiting for! So glad someone is addressing the rural church.
We are The Mission – and we are in Dayton, Tennessee (yep. home of the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925)
.-= Rachel H. Evans´s last blog ..How do you worship? =-.
Sounds like an awesome book. Rural churches are so awesome.
Faith Assembly, Marshalltown, Iowa
Harbor Beach, Michigan — population around 1800, probably more cows than people in the area
.-= Kelsey´s last blog ..None of your busyness =-.
My mom was born in Harbor Beach! She talks about it all the time.
Patchogue NY
Not sure how one could even classify communities on Long Island but that appears to be part of the divine mystery of being here and discerning what type of church plant God wants. If you can spare a copy, I would love to hear Shannon’s heart. Peace.
.-= missional girl´s last blog ..What Is A Heretic? =-.
Have pastored RidgePoint Church in Auburndale, FL the past 8 years. Grew up in A’dale, and love every minute of it.
.-= timm´s last blog ..Opposites Attract =-.
I pastor in a rural town in British Columbia, Canada. Our community has about 3500 people. The next closest centre is 40 minutes away and they have around 2500 people. I pastor in the boonies!
.-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..A process for finding your churches full kingdom potential =-.
Where?!? I was born and raised in Port Alberni!! Now much further North, but still visit BC most summers.
All about this. I am the pastor at a church in a county of around 15,000 total. Would LOVE to read this book.
South Side Church of Christ
Washington Court House, Ohio
Experience Life Church, Waynesboro, PA
.-= Jeff Miller´s last blog ..Plan B by Pete Wilson =-.
I pastor in Barrington, NH. A booming metropolis of 6,000.
i don’t pastor in a real rural community, but i just wanted say that i agree about the great importance of the rural church in america…well said.
.-= dan´s last blog ..Look at me! =-.
Hartford City Wesleyan Church – Hartford City, IN (Blackford County, IN) One of smallest counties in the state.
I have had this book mentioned to me know like 4 times in 3 days – I say it is a conspiracy of the Holy Spirit.
Sedley, Va. – Sedley Baptist Church
(dare you to find this on a map)
.-= Jim F.´s last blog ..Church being the Church =-.
I saw Shannon at the first Sticks conference and I can’t wait to read the book. Journey Church in Auburn, AL (even though it’s a college town, it’s very much a rural place.
War Eagle Eric!!
.-= Wes Howard´s last blog ..Plan B =-.
Just beginning a new church plant in the rural farming community of Plain City, Ohio.
Worship and Media Minster
Ebenezer Baptist Church
In Between Hammond, Louisiana (a nice size city) and Loranger, Louisiana (a RURAL town). But we are between both places so we kinda have no name for the area we are in. AND, Pete, we have COWS across the Street….. COWS = RURAL!!
LOL
.-= Jeremy´s last blog ..YOU ARE STRESSING ME OUT! =-.
I’m a youth pastor in Moncks Corner, SC. I don’t want a book, b/c I already have a copy, and am looking forward to reading it.
.-= Dewaine Cooper´s last blog ..Go 8Bit Yourself =-.
I pastor at Carman United Church in Sydney Mines, NS, Canada. A once thriving mining town, but now the mines are closed and the town of 5000 struggle for identity.
Ohhhhh. Pick me. U know I’m rural!!!
.-= Jim drake´s last blog ..LIGHT UP THE NIGHT =-.
Fairview Christian Church, Bracken County (No city to speak of) Population 8000.
I’m the Associate MInister
I am involved in a church plant called H20 Church in a rual community in Oklahoma. I would love to read your book to see how you did it! I read your blog on a daily basis. Thanks for doing what you do for the cause of Christ.
Janelle Keith
We are in the midst of trying to get a pastor to come to Rural America (Hickman County, TN) and having a hard time.
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Strong Women Soft Heart =-.
While serving only 8 miles outside the city limits of Tulsa, our community might as well be 800 miles away. A small town with a large chip on its shoulder, it is difficult to break in to the local scene. Our church runs about 40 after 7 months.
.-= Eric´s last blog ..Highlights from Mother’s Day at The Springs =-.
Administrative Pastor
River of Life Foursquare Church
Berea, Kentucky
– I call Berea cosmopolitan. It has the look and feel of small-town-USA, but there are 14,000 residents including 1500 students from over 40 states and 60 countries.
.-= Channing Francis´s last blog ..channingfrancis: is exhausted — and my room is 100 F degrees… :’( =-.
Pete, I planted and pastor Amazing Life Church in Savannah, Tennessee. I would love a copy of the book.
.-= Marvin´s last blog ..God gets the last word! =-.
Even though my church was once one the largest rural church’s of the south it is now in the big city. Unfortunately it’s still “stuck in a rural state of mind” and is struggling to survive.
Rose Hill Church of the Nazarene, Little Rock, AR
.-= LaurieS´s last blog ..Sinful Spirit =-.
Mountain Grove Church
Granite Falls, NC
population 4600
I pastor a church plant that is 3 months old in Arlington, TN. Our population is 8,000 peeps.
Renovate Church – Winchester VA
I’m Jason Moye. I’m Associate Pastor to Families in Fairhope, AL. We are a small church in a small town, but God is doing great things.
A ranching, farming community in Westcliffe, CO, (pop. around 450?) has many small churches. We attend the First Baptist Church where Pastor Doug Allen preaches God’s Word with no excuses.
Thanks for your writings here and this possible offer. I pastor Central Baptist Church in Marion, OH. there’s a bout 35,000 people but the mindset is still very much rural. I have been here 9 months now and am coming from an urban area. Big change!
I have pastored for 13 years in a rural church. While I have wanted at times to be in a larger venue, my passion remains in the rural church. Pete thanks for sharing this book and congratulations on your new book. It has been a long journey since the days we sat and struggled in Greek class (eat lots of Mexican food). I would like to get you to speak sometime at our rural church.
I’d love to have my whole staff read this at The Journey in Murray, KY.
Thanks! My husband is currently filling the pulpit/semi-interim pastor at Salem Friends Church in Salem, IA. (population 500)
.-= Jen C´s last blog ..Field trip to the Dairy Farm =-.
Definitely will have to check this one out.
Pastor in Boron, CA
Pop. = 2,000
Gateway Church, Welch OK population 600. Our philosophy is “If you want to be a big church then act like one!” We have Sr pastor, music/drama pastor, childrens pastor, associate pastor, and youth pastor. We laugh cuz our staff to layperson ratio is like 8:1! And we have more leaders in training!! One day these pastors will have their own churches and they will attribute their training to the rural church.
We pastor in a small Nova Scotia town of 5000. Although we are the largest church in Western NS, we still face many of the same issues as small towns/churches everywhere. I’d love to read this book!
Sounds like a book I need to read.
Life Community Church
9974 Molly Pitcher Hwy.
Shippensburg, PA 17257
717.477.0278
http://www.lifecommunity.tv
thanks for the encouragement. I’m originally from a modern church from columbus ohio, and am now an associate pastor of a church in Elizabethtown, KY and am seriously considering starting my own church plant. This will be a definite read even if I don’t get a free copy!
Very cool that there is a book out like this. Thanks
I work at a church in a town called Dassel in MN. Population: 1200. We would love a copy! Thanks!
Robinsonville Baptist Church, Atmore Al. (actually 7 miles outside of city limits)
We are a new church 3 years old in July. We met 20 months in high school. Have been in a 6,000 sq ft storefront y yr. Cynthiana, Ky.
I pastor a church of 40 in Marion, Ohio. Come see us if you want fresh corn
I would love get this for my home pastor.
Rose Bud, AR
Population 500
Hey Pete…I’m in Halstead,Ks. We’re about 1700 people, in south-central Kansas. I am a Bi-Vocational Lay Pastor at two year old Crossroads Community Church. Thanks for the offer and would love to have the book!
I appreciate your comments and thoughts via Twitter. We are located in rural eastern NC.
New Hope Baptist
Mission Covenant Church, Poplar, WI – Pop. 552. It’s not the end of the Earth, but you can see it from here!
2nd mention I’ve read in as many days. Really look forward to reading this book.
Ugh…missed the deadline!!! Love the heart behind the idea of the book. I’m a multi-site pastor (www.crossroadscn.com)in a small town in Wisconsin…can vouch for the need and opportunities for life-giving churches and ministry in these often forgotten communities. Appreciative of Shannon O’Dell, and you Pete drawing attention to it. Keep it up…we’re praying for you guys in Nashville!!!!
Pete,
Hey when is that 24 hours or so up? lol Inquiring minds want to know
.-= Matt Hafer´s last blog ..Jesus and his army of Zombies… =-.