While metropolitan communities have grown, rural America has gone through its own changes, causing many congregations to experience an increased sense of failure and isolation from their denominational bodies. Clergy are reluctant to move into rural America where full-time employment is uncertain.
Survival is the name of their game.
By the grace of God and the enduring commitment of the core leaders, some do. And more would if the Church learned how to bridge the gap between rural and metropolitan life. Many opportunities for mutual ministry remain untapped. Youth ministry in rural America does exist. Very few small, rural congregations have youth groups or paid youth ministers.