We have selected as our title The Rechurching of Rural America. This title is indicative of the fact that we have found the churches in this sample much changed since 1952. This is true of their facilities, their schedules, their activities, and the work life of their members. Further, many of the bonds that held the congregations of 1952 together are dimensioned in their power. We will attribute much of this to changes in the economic and in community life in rural America.
Consolidation is the term often used to describe the changes.
Further the mix of churches has changed. There are fewer open country and more town churches. We have tried to determine what, if any, commonalities there are among the congregations that have prospered since 1952 and those who have closed. We will share what may be some clues for the future. Some rural areas are becoming attractive to new comers from the cities.