Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Mark Wilson on Pastoring in a Small Town

Rev. Mark O. Wilson is an amazing pastor and equally gifted writer. If you haven't already bookmarked his blog, check out Revitalize Your Church.

Mark is a gift to The Wesleyan Church and a good friend for more than a decade. You'll enjoy his perspective on life and local church ministry. Here's one of his recent postings:

Seven Advantages of Pastoring in a Small Town

1. Everybody is connected to everybody. This means that when you help one person, you help the WHOLE community.

2. Word of mouth travels fast. Free advertising!

3. You don't have to be very good to be spectacular. There's not a lot of competition.

4. You can send a mass mailing to everybody and not go broke.

5. You can influence an entire community. The local "salt and light" impact of a thriving small town church is greater than a mega-church in metropolis.

6. Follow up is easier. "Seen Fred lately?" "Nope, but I'll call him this week."

7. When you earn their trust, they will rise up and bless you. Small town folks are loyal and their commitments run deep.
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Mark's growing church celebrated 49 baptisms last week and planted their first (but definitely not their last) church plant this past year.

Thank you, Mark, for staying on the edge of church ministry even while living on the edge of the Wisconsin wilderness!