It amazes me as I sit with others, including Pastors, and hear this question, “How many attend your church?”  Or “How big is your ministry?”, “Why are you out in the country so far?”, “Are you planning on staying there long?”  Questions that seem to mask an underlying thought that ministries that do not have hundreds in attendance or is an urban setting with greater “potential” is somehow only a stepping stone to true ministry.  Nothing could be further from the truth and shows a complete misunderstanding of the mission of God’s church.

God has truly called Pastors, yours truly included, to full time, gospel centered ministries at smaller rural churches.   I love Pastoring at Center Hill and love the people of this congregation.  It is my prayer that for many years to come God allows me to continue to preach and minister here to His people.  Nothing brings greater joy to a Pastor than to see growth in the gospel, deeper love for God and more intimate appreciation for His glory in those who sit under his shepherding whether that be dozens, hundreds or thousands.

A recent article appeared in The Gospel Coalition’s website that states this better than I could. Please read it and know this, God has called this Pastor to the greatest people and truly one of the most exciting ministries possible.  I am truly blessed.

Rural Ministry is not second rate

soli deo gloria