Small Town and Rural ministry
The challenges of rural ministry
As I travel throughout this church, I'm increasingly aware of the challenges facing the many Anglican people who live in the rural areas of Tasmania.
I've listened to stories of farmers facing prolonged drought. Many express concern for the future of rural and small-town congregations where, for three, four and even more generations, families have gathered to share faith, lives, and community.
I'm afraid that too often this church takes for granted our brother and sister Anglicans who belong to small-town and rural churches. How grateful to God I am for you, for your faithfulness, for your stewardship of God's creation, and for your commitment to one another and this church.
As I travel through Tasmania at this time, I think about those verses from the fifth chapter of James.
'Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient; strengthen your hearts for the coming of the Lord is near.'
Our rural people know that this church worships a God who anticipates our needs, who hears our sighs too deep for words, and who calls us into relationships.
They know that God hears their distress in times of drought. God hears their joys at seeing a sunrise, ploughing a field, or witnessing a baptism. I am thankful for the leadership of our rural and small-town churches.
You are willing to change as our world changes. When it becomes harder to fill pastoral vacancies, our rural congregations have accepted the call to work with the synod in lifting up new models of leadership. The wonder of shared leadership through our local ministry support teams has defied all criticism.
Our small town and rural congregations need ongoing support, prayer and faithful action.
Let's build a network of people interested in our small towns and rural districts. The working title, STaR (Small Town and Rural) Ministry Network, came to mind in the dark of night outside the Melton Mowbray Pub. The small group gathered that night had made momentous decisions in the hope of sustaining ministry throughout the southern midlands.
I have learned since that there is nothing new under the sun and that a rural network by this name exists in the USA. I've emailed them and they are delighted for us to use the name.
I don't know how this network will work. Perhaps it will be by email or an online discussion.
Let's just start!
If you have any interest in exploring ways in which we can further assist, support and encourage small town and rural ministry just give me a call on 6220 2020 or email
Paul Cavanough Director of Ministry