I want to let you all know about the Praxis Gathering Conference in Philadelphia next month! I’m honored to present at this year’s event, and will have the opportunity to share about neighboring in small town and rural ministry contexts.
Isolation in rural ministry can, for many, become deeply burdensome. Thomas Aquinas once stated, “Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.” As much as we may feel called to a certain church or county, without friendship and support, the joyful task of ministry can become a tiresome burden.
My trip to Tennessee impressed on me the significance of sacred space in rural life. No matter the small town, church buildings dominate the small town landscape.
Ray Rice won’t be putting up football stats anytime soon, if ever. As Christians, let’s not add to domestic violence stats by our inaction. How will your church minister to those 30% of people who are victimized? Don’t wait. Someone’s life could be on the line.
