Rural Churches & The Dirt Roads Network - A Conversation with Zach Kingery

Zach Kingery is the Network Director for the Dirt Roads Network, a ministry aimed at revitalizing and planting churches across rural America. They are dedicated to a vision of a future in which every small town has at least one life-filled, faithful church. This ministry is the outgrowth of a local church in a town of 40 people that was able to grow into 350 people. They split into satellite churches, then began planting and revitalizing churches.

If you live in a rural area, or if you want to better understand the needs and ethos of rural churches, spend some time here. Zach is eager to help rural churches that are ready to submit to the lordship and direction of Christ. If you want to contact him, you can email him at zach@dirtroadsnetwork.com

To learn more about the Dirt Roads Network, you can go to www.dirtroadsnetwork.com.

Meeting Summary from Zoom’s AI Companion

Rural Ministry and Local Churches

Jeffrey and Zach, both Methodist pastors, discussed their passion for rural ministry and the importance of local churches. Zach, the network director for the Dirt Roads Network, shared his experiences growing up in a small rural church and how it shaped his faith. He emphasized the value of local churches in providing a supportive community and fostering deep faith connections. Zach also shared his journey to becoming a pastor, including his initial doubts and the moment when he felt called to serve the dead, the dying, and the forgotten. Jeffrey agreed with Zach's sentiments and highlighted the challenges of balancing Biblical faith with interpersonal relationships in churches. Both pastors expressed their commitment to rural ministry and the importance of nurturing faith in local communities.

Zach's Journey Into Pastoral Ministry

Zach shared his journey into pastoral ministry, starting with his experiences in rural communities and his transition from the Wesleyan denomination to the United Methodist Church. He emphasized the importance of serving the "dead, the dying, and the forgotten" and how his calling to ministry has evolved over time. Zach also discussed his experiences as a pastor in rural South Dakota, where he learned about the significance of rural churches in their communities. He highlighted the need for these churches to understand their importance in advancing the kingdom of God. Jeffrey listened attentively and responded with affirmations and questions.

Small Town Ministry and Rural America

Jeffrey and Zach discussed the importance of small town ministry and the role of the local church in rural environments. They highlighted the theological conviction of the imago dei, emphasizing that every human being is made in God's image and deserves attention. They also discussed the trend of centralizing power in Western civilization and the potential of small towns and small churches to preserve traditions and values. Zach shared the history of the Dirt Roads Network, which originated from Lamont Wesleyan Church's mission to reach new people and make disciples of Jesus Christ. They agreed that rural America is a mission field and that small towns are areas of need, requiring training as missionaries. The conversation concluded with the understanding that small towns are not necessarily more Christian than cities, but may have different moral standards due to their close-knit communities.

Rural Ministry Challenges and Opportunities

Jeffrey and Zach discussed the challenges and opportunities of rural and small-town ministry. Zach shared about the Dirt Roads Network, a platform that connects rural pastors, provides resources, and encourages discernment in decision-making. They emphasized the importance of viewing their areas as mission fields, studying the culture, and shifting their scorecards to focus on community integration and spiritual growth. Zach also shared the story of Lamont Wesleyan Church, which grew through a collaborative effort among laity who made faithful decisions in the same direction, sublimating themselves for the gospel of Christ. Jeffrey appreciated the gentle yet convicting reflections and the emphasis on discernment and collaboration.

Empowering Laity in Church Revitalization

Jeffrey and Zach discuss the importance of empowering laity in church revitalization efforts. Zach emphasizes that laity should discover their spiritual gifts and lead ministries with discernment and accountability. He explains that Dirt Roads Network helps churches discern their values, see themselves as missionaries, and create action plans through revitalization programs and coaching. They also facilitate church planting by networking rural churches. Zach highlights that their focus is on greater obedience to God's will over worldly success metrics. He stresses the importance of spiritual practices and discerning the Holy Spirit's leading for the church.

Rural Church Revitalization and Multiplication

Jeffrey and Zach discussed their shared passion for rural church revitalization and multiplication. Zach shared his work with the Dirt Roads Network, which is self-funded and offers affordable services to churches. They also discussed the importance of obedience over success and the value of strong marriages and families. Zach mentioned his wife's role in reminding him to prioritize obedience over success. Jeffrey expressed his interest in helping Zach and others in their rural ministry efforts and suggested a series of conversations about the virtues of small town, rural living. They agreed to stay in touch and Zach offered to send Jeffrey a picture and any necessary resources for the show notes.

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