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By Brent Lacy

Most church planting resources are written for cities.

They assume a population density that makes rapid growth possible. They assume a pool of unchurched young professionals looking for a fresh expression of faith. They assume a launch team of 50 people and a budget of $100,000.

Rural church planting looks nothing like that. And that is okay. Here is a realistic guide for those called to plant a church in a small town or rural community.

Rural Church Planting Is Not Urban Church Planting

The differences matter. Understand them before you start.

• Growth is slower. A rural church plant that reaches 50 people in three years is a success. Do not measure yourself against urban church planting metrics.
• Relationships take longer. Rural communities are skeptical of outsiders. You will spend 12 to 18 months building trust before you see significant fruit.
• The existing church landscape matters. Before you plant, understand what churches already exist in the community. Are there healthy churches that could absorb unchurched people? Or is there a genuine gap?
• Bi-vocational is the norm. Most rural church plants are led by bi-vocational pastors. Plan for this from the beginning.

Before You Plant: The Questions to Answer

Is there a genuine need?

Not every rural community needs a new church. Some communities have healthy, gospel-preaching churches that are reaching people. Before you plant, spend time in the community. Talk to existing pastors. Understand the landscape.

Are you called to this community?

Rural church planting requires a long-term commitment to a specific place and people. You cannot plant a rural church as a stepping stone to something bigger. The community will know if you are not genuinely committed to them.

Do you have a sending church?

A church plant without a sending church is a church plant without accountability, support, or a safety net. Before you plant, secure a sending church that will pray for you, support you financially, and provide oversight.

How will you support yourself?

Most rural church plants cannot support a full-time pastor for the first three to five years. Have a plan for bi-vocational ministry. What job will you work? How will you manage your time?

The First Year: Building Before You Launch

The biggest mistake rural church planters make is launching public services too soon. Before you hold your first public service, spend 6 to 12 months in the community.

• Get a job in the community. Work alongside the people you are trying to reach.
• Attend community events. School board meetings, county fairs, local sports.
• Build relationships with existing pastors. You are not their competition. You are their colleague.
• Identify a core group of 8 to 15 people who share your vision and will commit to the plant.
• Begin meeting in homes for Bible study and prayer before you launch public services.

Realistic Expectations

A healthy rural church plant in year three might look like this:

• 25 to 50 people attending Sunday services
• A core group of 10 to 15 committed members
• 2 to 3 baptisms per year
• A pastor who is bi-vocational and earning $15,000 to $25,000 from the church
• A budget of $30,000 to $60,000 per year
• Deep roots in the community

That is not failure. That is a healthy rural church plant. Measure success by faithfulness and fruitfulness, not by the metrics of urban church planting.

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