Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation on how churches can effectively reach small towns and rural communities, using the Converge article “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” as a springboard. If you’re a rural pastor, church replanter, or leader in a small-town church, this episode will help you think creatively about evangelism, outreach, and community engagement in your context.
In this episode, they explore how to:
1. Take your hobby out of the church lobby
- Use your personal interests—sports, crafts, coffee, hunting, music—to build real relationships in the community.
- Host hobby-based gatherings in neutral spaces like coffee shops, parks, or community centers to connect with unchurched neighbors.
2. Be a good neighbor in practical, everyday ways
- Live out the gospel through simple acts of kindness, presence, and service in your small town.
- Look for opportunities to help your literal neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations.
3. Turn your church’s “wow factor” up to 11 on one thing
- Identify one outreach, ministry, or community event your church can do with excellence.
- Focus your limited resources to make a big impact in a specific area that blesses your rural community.
4. Go “all in” on building bridges to your community
- Invest time and energy in long-term relationships with schools, city leaders, nonprofits, and local families.
- Create ongoing partnerships instead of one-time projects, so your church becomes a trusted presence in town.
Ideal for:
- Rural and small-town pastors
- Church replanters and revitalization leaders
- Churches wanting to reach their rural community with the gospel
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Use this episode as a practical guide for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach strategies, and community engagement that keeps Christ and His mission at the center.
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