Rural Missionality – Part 2
It has been two months since I first wrote about what it means to be missional in a rural context. I promised to elaborate on some more specific ideas, but with the busyness of summer, I put it aside. More than that, I wanted to spend some time in a rural context, talking to people who are actually living missionally in such settings. I was able to do that this summer, visiting my folks in my old home town, something I wish I could do more often.
I will start by clarifying that most of my comments here will not center around the proclamation of the Gospel. This in no way reflects that I think it is unimportant or less than central to our vocation as missional communities. Rather I want to focus on way in which rural churches can intentionally bridge the gap to their community in order to build relationship with those they are called to serve and minister to.
Many times on this blog I have talked about “third places” and their importance in every society. Most societies are built upon three places where I lives playout: Home, Work and Social. Historically, these three places were often the same (or at least very overlapped), but with the Industrial Revolution and the rise of individualism, the lines dividing the places became more firm, with the third place (the social contexts) fading in importance. That is why many missional Christians are emphasizing a need for missional third places.
However, given this emphasis on third places, we could also stand the risk of forgetting the other two. In fact, they actually exsist in something of a hierarchy of importance, with home topping the list, followed by work, with the third place coming in at the end. This is not to say that the third place is unimportant, but rather that as essential as it is for a healthy society, it is the place that costs us the least to lose. In the end, we need all three. But again, I am getting off track.
When we consider all three places, they present a basic framework or set of lenses through which we can view our communities and our missional “strategy” to reach it. In a rural community, it is far more achievable to address these places intentionally. Let us consider a few ideas through each of the places:
Home/Family: The quality of familial relationships (especially spousal and parental) is crucial to health of any community. This means the church in a rural community has a wonderful opportunity to provide relational support and guidance to community families. It is critical, however, for the congregation to be commited to genuine relational wholeness in their own families. While it could exsist in the form of programs, rural communities often provide relational connections that allow for something less formal and (perhaps) more effective. Of course, for this to work, relationships need the time and context to develop (but I am getting ahead of myself).
Another possibility lies with physical homes. One thing that I loved about living in a small town (that I rarely see in urban contexts, though I am sure there are exceptions) was how the people in the church came together to help each other with the practical needs. Whether it was simple repairs or clean up after a flooded basement, the collective skills and resources of the congregation were frequently at work serving one another. What if this extended outside the church? Not only could it serve many in the community, but those outside the church could participate along side the church, both building relationships and offering participatory modeling of serving others.
Work/Vocation: We all know the importance of having a means to support oneself and ones family. Sadly, as many rural communities are suffering economic hardship (a topic for another post), the role the church could play in this second place is critical. In my home town, my father stepped out of some responsibilities in the church to participate in the local chamber of commerce. This was not out of neglect for his Christian responsibilities, but rather out of an intentional decision to connect and serve the community through his giftings. In small towns, few places are a greater collection of gifts and resources as churches. In my small, childhood church (in a town of 1000) our congregation has teachers, parents, doctors, police officers, nurses, missionaries, carpenters, etc. What a dream team!
Another way to serve in this second place, albeit not as obvious, is in the area of understanding spiritual vocation. While people should not have their identity defined by their job (or lack thereof), few people know (Christians included) that God has gifted and called each person to play a role in His purposes. Even before people are Christians, being a part of community where their presence and giftings are welcomed and valued can be a powerful witness.
Social: In the “Home/Family” section, I mentioned how much the church could invest into relationships with people in the community. However, like many churches, it is very easy for rural churches to become very busy with internal programs and events. Too often the church becomes the entire relational/social network (and a busy one at that). As a result, not only are no Christian engaged in social relationships outside the church, but those third places that do exsist suffer from their lack of involvement. (An example of this can be seen in the lack of pub culture in North America, while the “seedy bars” thrive).
It will take a very significant shift of thinking and organization for churches to step back from the level of time and energy consumption that internal programs demand. When we have done this, we can better engage in genuine relationships in our communities. Participating in exsisting third places in the community is critical- in cafes, libraries, social clubs, etc. Rural communities provide some of the greatest flexility for the use and creation of third places. Where they don’t exsist, the church could consider creating them- youth drop-in centres, cafes, book clubs, day care, community picnics/BBQ’s, etc.
All of the above are just a few of the examples of how a rural church can engage their community, building the genuine relationships that provide the context in which our shared lives can incarnationally (and proclamationally) represent Christ to our neighbours. Many of these ideas are not restricted to the rural setting, but I believe they are often better situated see them happen. I genuinely believe that as we impact these three areas through selfless service, the quality of these communities will be impacted, contributing to position and authority of the church to speak into them.
What do you think? What are your ideas for these three spaces?
this is great stuff jamie, if you don’t mind, can i share this with some of my fellow leaders at the church? this is what we are working through as a rural (small town) community.
Joe,
Of course! It give me GREAT pleasure to think that my writing will actually be considered in the right context. I’d hate to think I am just writing for my own benefit. I am honoured that you would consider it worth it. If you want to dialogue on any of it, feel free to do so here or email me (see sidebar).
Peace,
Jamie
The whole missional church in a rural context has become a major part of my life.
You see, after blogging for the past year on missional church… and after being on a church staff of a mega-church, my family and I became missionaries to the mountains of Appalachia and West Virginia.
I grew up in West Virginia [3 hours from where I am now]… and I had a pretty good idea of the challenges that churches were facing. We came here mainly to create ministry for the poor of this area [Bramwell, WV and McDowell County, WV]… but as we have been here for just over a month now, I have fell even more in love with the people in the coal mining towns here in WV and Appalachia.
We are looking at living missional lives here in this context… as we are building relationships, we are learning of the great need for missional churches/ communities of faith here. Yes, there are churches all over the place here, but reality is that MOST churches have 12 people or less and they are all family members [for the most part].
As I talk to the unchurched of this area… I am learning of the need for churches that 1) does what the Bible actually says to do 2) people are looking for churches that reach out to those in need 3) parents are willing to come to church if there is some thing for children and teens.
Although, we originally had not planned on church planting here as a priority, it becoming more evident that this may be God’s priority. A missional church planting or ministry effort that actually lives out the Bible that we preach… and focuses on reaching the smaller coal mining towns that we sit in the middle of.
The desire is there for church… for community… even the third space… where people can share their lives, BUT they want authentic Christianity… not the same old thing that is producing the same old results.
Extending the Kingdom,
Malcolm [mal@completinggodsmission.com]
http://www.completinggodsmission.com
Malcolm,
That is really encouraging and exciting to hear. We will be praying for you through this journey. You made some great points, especially about church communities that DO what they TEACH from Scripture. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Peace,
Jamie
I’m just going to drop an idea here because I would like to add more later but see what you all think.
Over the past few years I’ve been on a journey away from ‘churches’ per se and moving toward the home as the primary place of ministry. This isn’t for everyone, but here in our rural community, having people over and going over to their homes is a great way to build relationships that are meaningful. While there is definitely a need for community buildings and get togethers, it is in the home that people can connect over topics that are unique to family life which is, as a painted board on my wall states, “where our story begins”.
Jenn,
Absolutely! So much of the New Testament explores hospitality because the home was most often the center of Christian community. I think our homes need to be rediscovered as missional third places themselves!
Peace,
Jamie
Jenn, you are exactly right.
Here in the town we live in… an overwhelming majority of the houses do have large porches where families entertain and visit with.
The front porches… the dining rooms… living rooms… really need to be the beginning of the third space. In our context, that will be the beginning place for our ministry… then as we build relationships with those around us, then that opens the door for the other ministries that we are going to be doing to reach those in need in the coal mining towns, communities and mountains here in Southern WV and Southwestern VA.
Malcolm
It’s easy to assume that because population numbers are small in rural areas there is real connection between people. Yes, people help one another harvest, raise roofs, finance school needs. But even among people who have been around each other all their lives, it may be that the helpful outer activity is masking very real feelings of emptiness, or is sometimes justification for being a good person even though emotional honesty is lacking. I have seen this myself, growing up in a small town; and I have heard stories from others who grew up in rural areas. There just aren’t any guarantees, any more than in an urban setting.
Dana
Dana,
That is very true. In my experience, which is limited of course, rural communities have been far more communal than urban centres. Every community comes with its challenges. However, I do believe that rural communities come with some specific advantages (generally speaking), just as urban centres have theirs. Thanks for adding that caution.
Peace,
Jamie
I have always thought of myself as a city girl; however, my heart has been taken with the small town in which I grew up (just south of Youngstown, Ohio). Our current population is 5,700. Most of my life I just wanted to get away from here. I’ve been back in the area for four years now. My kids go to school here (one in public school, one in christian school). I have commented previously on your site regarding the Dusty Cover (love the logo, btw). I wonder if a similar venture could work here. I have begun to move beyond just dreaming to trying to figure out how it might happen…and I’ve been surprised at the roller coaster I’m experiencing. My question today is how might it look to bring people together for a venture like this in a rural setting?
Vic,
I think missional third places work especially well in small towns. How do you get something started? That is a tough one. For me it was just getting a vision and moving on it. I shared the vision with people as I went, then they came on board. However, until I came up with the idea and moved forward, people just kind of nodded and said “Good idea”. I’d recommend checking out Mike Frost’s book Exiles, as it tells some great stories about spaces like this. For a bit more depth into third places, check out The Great Good Place.
Peace,
Jamie
That is so encouraging to me. I’m up to my eyeballs with nodds and “Good idea” comments, but I somehow felt that if this is where God is leading me, someone would already be jumping on with me. Helpful to know that others may just need to see a little more of where they’re jumping.
Feel free to share my journey @ adancingwarrior.blogspot.com
I love Frost’s input. I have been thoroughly messed up by him, never to return:)
Vic,
It would be great if you could surround yourself with two or three people who share your vision, even before specifics are set down. If this is possible, it will be a great help. If not, again, sometimes God calls us to be the seed that gets things started.
Peace,
Jamie