Theological reflection and ministry in rural and small churches

Gerald R Voie

Etd

Theological reflection and ministry in rural and small churches

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Gerald R Voie. Theological Reflection and Ministry In Rural and Small Churches. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9148ae25-2702-4d24-83bf-fdabcd981d8c.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

G. R. Voie. Theological reflection and ministry in rural and small churches. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9148ae25-2702-4d24-83bf-fdabcd981d8c

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Gerald R Voie. Theological Reflection and Ministry In Rural and Small Churches. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/9148ae25-2702-4d24-83bf-fdabcd981d8c.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Gerald R Voie

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Abstract

Pastors enter their first calls to ministry often with little knowledge of or experience with people in rural or small town communities. Learning and understanding the cultural values, tacit assumptions, and norms of these churches and towns can take years, and the process itself may cause unnecessary pain to the families of these ministers. With proper training and continued support, however, some of the difficulties associated with building a ministry in rural and small churches can be mitigated. One effective training program is Rural Social Science Education (RSSE). RSSE and the materials provided in the training can prepare first-time pastors for the difficulties associated with a new ministry and provide theological models for ministering in these first time calls. Through the theological reflections of six pastors who serve in rural and small churches, this project, informed by RSSE training and materials, examines important strategies for building a rewarding life and ministry. Until recently, these strategies may have been overlooked or underemphasized in traditional seminary training. Through a case-study approach, this project examines the processes pastors use to interpret their professional and personal experiences theologically. Some pastors use a daily journal. Others read articles and new books with theological perspectives that are different from their own. Some pastors become involved with pastors' groups in order to reflect collaboratively on common experiences. Regardless of the model used, thinking theologically about the stories and events of life in order to gain a deeper appreciation for God's presence is essential.

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