The challenges of rural church ministry are many and the rewards are few. Resources are usually limited and the demands considerable. Patience is required in building relationships and acceptance within the local area.
Church growth rarely takes place where there is evidence of the “revolving door syndrome” among church leaders – a series of short term appointments. Rural Ministries asked two well respected Pastors to comment on some of the benefits and challenges of ministries that have endured. Peter Price (PP) has been the Pastor at Craven Arms, Shropshire, for more than eight years. Chris Menzfield (CM) has ministered in Hitcham, Suffolk, since 1994.
Did you consider when you first came as Pastor that it would be a long-term relationship? CM I never really thought about how long I would stay at Hitcham. The early months were difficult. We faced shortages of people and finances. There seemed so much to do. PP Yes, from the time we arrived at Craven Arms, we knew that, given the reportedly "stony ground" of the area, it would take a number of years to see any kind of breakthrough.
What significant changes have taken place over a long period? CM The first thing that has changed, through God’s grace, is me. We have seen new faces, a growing congregation, new leaders, a treasurer, secretary, Sunday School teachers, and children’s club workers. This all took time. PP In Craven Arms new businesses and two new housing estates has brought additional people into the area, a number of whom have joined the church. We have seen the church grow spiritually, in the depth of their relationship with the Lord and desire to reach out.
What are the main elements of your vision for the Church? CM We want to see people being holy, fed, walking with the Lord, enjoying being Christians and others from the village added to the Kingdom. PP Our desire is to see every member fully realise their potential in Christ, by sound Biblical teaching, by example, and by teasing out their God-given talents and abilities. We seek to enable the church to reach every person in our communities with the gospel
What have you been able to do to develop supportive relationships within your locality? CM I have benefited through supportive relationships with local ministers some of whom are now great friends. We are also thankful for the support and love that the ‘fellowship’ shows to us as a family, which has never faded. PP We have developed a close relationship with the leadership of Crowmoor Baptist Church in Shrewsbury. They have provided invaluable counsel and advice, especially in the early days. I meet regularly with other pastors and leaders for prayer breakfasts and one-to-one meetings in Ludlow, our nearest town.
What do you consider to have been the major benefits of long-stay ministry? CM In time I have learned to cope better. The grass on the other side isn’t always greener. As we are prepared to keep going, God honours faithfulness to His Word. I am glad God’s covenant relationship with us is long term, for better or for worse. After a period of time we are not seen as strangers, but someone who is there if needed. PP Time permits the opportunity to build lasting and deep relationships (especially important for wives). We have been able to start, develop and see projects through to their conclusion. Both the church and the outside community have growing confidence that the pastor and his wife are here for the long haul.
