This lesson introduces rural ministry and a little of its theological significance. Drawing from his quarter-century experience as a pastor in a small town, Pastor Steve McVey challenges the perception of rural ministry as merely a stepping stone on a career path. Instead, he emphasizes the calling to serve in small communities, illustrating his points with examples from the ministries of Jesus and Paul. He highlights the comprehensive nature of ministry in rural areas, where pastors address the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of their congregants, mirroring Jesus’ approach to ministry.

This lesson aims to equip you to:

1. Articulate the theological foundations that support the calling to rural ministry, distinguishing it from a career-oriented approach.
2. Begin to recognize the challenges and opportunities of rural ministry.
3. Describe how the ministries of Jesus and Paul included both urban and rural contexts.