AGROS MINISTRIES

It's so new that you shouldn't be surprised if you haven't heard the word. It's not in the dictionary either. "Rurban" describes smaller towns that are rural geographically, but urban socially Semi-rural. Semi-urban. Thus, "rurban."

Rurban towns are populated by urban escapees seeking a small-town atmosphere. Usually they are located near the city, somewhere in that nebulous rural-urban fringe.

Why are rurban towns springing up at an unprecedented rate? Some reasons given : fulfillment of a dream, rapid transportation, improving technology allowing for an increasing number of home based jobs (most notably fax machines and computers at home networked to places of employment), an attraction to the small-town lifestyle, a growing dissatisfaction with city living, less expensive housing, better atmosphere for raising children. I?

Why the need for new churches in rurbia?

Because many rurban people do not know Christ. In fact, their "yuppie" lifestyle leaves little room for God. They are achievers at work, which means long hours on the job. They are fulfilling a dream, which means spending much time with home improvements. They are seeking satisfaction through pleasure outing particularly on the weekend, instead of being in church. They have mammoth schedules pulling them away from God.

Because existing churches in many rurban communities bane not adapted to their new cultural environment. Rurban towns are brimming with another variety of citizen-the newcomer. Newcomers are bringing change to rurbia at an epidemic rate. Rurban dwellers are more urban than rural, less traditional, more contemporary highly educated, in white collar occupations. Sadly, for many existing churches in rurban towns, these newcomers pose a threat instead of a challenge.

Thus, many rurban communities are n need of a new church. They need a church planting pastor who is not bound by traditional church boxes who S anxious to tackle the unique challenge of blending rural and urban cultures into one church; who is innovative and ceative -on the cutting edge. Most of all, they need a Godly church-planting pastor who is able, with wise discernment, to separate their culture from doctrine - maintaining sound doctrine, but flexing with a changing culture.

Unlike many dying rural towns, all is not bleak in rurbia. Most rurban towns are busting at the seams with growth. It is exhilarating to live and work in a modestly growing community where new occupants, new options, and new opportunities appear almost overnight. The sky is the limit of potential.

Rurban towns are in need of adventuresome church planting pastors. Since the rurban phenomenon only recently arrived on the coattails of other social factors, rurban specialists have not yet appeared. Thus, the rurban church planter must be willing to take risks, with few "policy manuals" to consult.

For many today, rurbia is tugging and beckoning. Says one rurban pastor, "It's not hat to like rurbia. I appreciate the home-town atmosphere, the nearby open space, the friendly character of the town, the opportunities to be personally involved in town life, the lack of urban crime and pollution, and the easy pace of life. Rurban ministry can afford a large measure of satisfaction."

Moving to rurban communities appears to be a trend as we head toward the 21st century creating a real land of opportunity for ministry.

For more information on RHMA ministries, please contact:

Rural Home Missionary Association

Box 300, Morton, IL 61550

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