I talk with a lot of pastors and leaders, pastors and leaders from different places and different-sized places.
Specifically, as I talk to pastors and leaders in rural places, in small towns, across the country, I hear desperation in their voices about their community. You see, I've come to realize that pastor and leaders are wired for their community and context. The best leaders are leading where they are because of a great call from God—because they've heard God tell them to lead where they are.
The small town pastor and leader is no different. These leaders aren't leading in small towns because they can't cut it in the big city. They're leading in a small town because that is exactly the place God has called them.
These leaders are desperate for their town. They're desperate to win people to Jesus.
The biggest concern these pastors often have? How they can grow their church. I hear so many "We don't have the money to do that" and "I don't want 9,000" I'd settle for 90" comments.
What's the key?
It's the same key that Jesus understood when he spoke in parables—you gotta know your culture before you can reach it. You have to know the people you are dealing with, speaking to, and ministering to before you expect to grow the kingdom or your church.
Small town leader or big city leader, don't expect to grow your church if you aren't' willing to know your culture. Rub shoulders with the powers that be in your small city. Go to the Friday night football games. Hang out at the local gas station that everyone in your small town hangs out at.
Know your culture. Grow your church.
Artie Davis wears a lot of hats and leads a lot of people. He's Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He heads the Comb Network and the Sticks Conference. He speaks and writes about leadership, ministry, church-planting, and cultural diversity in the church. You can find his blog at ArtieDavis.com or catch him on Twitter @artiedavis.
For the original article, visit artiedavis.com.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
