However, it is the kinship factor that undergirds the relational nature of churches like these, and it is the factor most often cited. Space Historically, and for the most part still, a small rural church serves the people who live in a defined rural community. Oftentimes it gives the name to the community B New Salem, Ebanezer, or Mount Pleasant. The people of the community occupy a common space and share institutions. They cross paths at the post office, the grocery store, the school, and at community clubs.
Families help one another.
Their children marry one another. The residents develop deep commitments to the place. Multiple bonds develop that tie those who dwell in this space together. One of the real losses of how most Americans live today is that they do not experience the kinds of life-long bonding that characterized life in many places served by old rural churches. This is a second reason that these churches are relational.