Book
Rural Church Rescue
Speaking from his experience as both a rural church pastor and firefighter, Jon Sanders presents a unique perspective on some common problems facing the rural church. Using a metaphor drawn from the world of the fire service, Sanders outlines six principles necessary for rural churches to be healthy and reclaim the vital role God has called them to in their communities.
There is hope.
A Call to Restore Healthy Churches to Rural North America
At first glance, it may appear that the church in rural North America is thriving. Nestled just below any average small town skyline of water towers and grain elevators, one will find the steeples and stained glass windows of various church buildings. From a distance, it would seem that the mere number of churches present is sufficiently serving rural communities. But a closer look within the walls of the average rural church paints a much different and disturbing picture. Many rural churches find themselves stuck in a current of decline that is ultimately leading to their death. They lack a clear understanding of their purpose. They are floundering in the absence of leadership. They possess little to no vision for how a BIG God longs to impact their small community for His eternal kingdom.
And instead of embracing the changes necessary to propel them into the future, they are clinging to worn out traditions of the past. Rural Church RESCUE speaks directly to churches struggling with these issues. Speaking from his experience as both a rural church pastor and firefighter, Jon Sanders presents a unique perspective on these common problems facing the rural church. Using a metaphor drawn from the world of the fire service, Sanders outlines six principles necessary for rural churches to be healthy and reclaim the vital role God has called them to in their communities.
“This book does an excellent job of addressing many of the challenges facing our smaller churches in the US today. He also offers practical wisdom and principles for application. This would be a great read for your board, leaders, Staff and Pastoral staff.”
“Jon has written this book based on years of experience, and I think it would be beneficial for every small town pastor or anyone considering going into small town ministry to read. His parallel between the fire service and the small town church is spot on! Thanks for investing in small towns and small town leaders with such a great resource.”
About the author
Jon Sanders seeks to encourage pastors with the message that God delights in doing BIG things in small places. For many years, Jon served as the Lead Pastor of The RESCUE Church, a South Dakota based multi-site church with a huge vision to reach rural communities with the gospel. As a leading voice in the rural church arena, Jon spends his days coaching leaders and hosting both the Small Town Big Church Podcast and Courageous Living Podcast. In addition to his passion for the rural church, Jon also works full-time as a professional firefighter/EMT. He is married to his wife Jessica, and they have three children: Justin, Jenni, and James.
