Lawrence W. Farris, Dynamics of Small Town Ministry. Alban Institute, 2000.
Referenced in: Small Church Leadership
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
It seems like most materials written on church development and evangelism are designed to help churches reach the more culturally-immersed population typical of suburban or urban settings. Most small towns, however, have some degree of distance from current trends, and embody a unique sub-culture which must be learned and appreciated. Small towns are not urban, suburban, or even rural. Features such as these must be understood by anyone hoping to do effective ministry in these settings.
In this volume, Lawrence Farris combines sociological and congregational studies with his own experience to provide a substantive guide to the special opportunities of challenges of ministry in a small town. This is a one-of-a-kind text.
From the Publisher
Unique in character and cultural distinctions, small towns present special challenges for pastors, especially for those whose models of ministry may be grounded in urban or suburban contexts. Writing out of his personal experience in and commitment to small town ministry, Farris explores the impact and importance of such factors as local history, geography, the values and metaphors of small town life, boundary setting, and ministerial roles. For everyone involved in small town ministry, this book is a “must-read.” Foreword by Norma Cook Everist.
Editorial Reviews
Larry Farris couples his own reflections from a decade of small town ministry with current insights provided by sociological and congregational studies. In this way, he takes us beyond the cozy sentimentality or scathing disdain in which small towns are often held, showing us real-life people and places where churches can rediscover welcomed roles in shaping a humane future. Farris guides us over the way geography, history, culture, and values form distinct communities with their distinct communities for worship, pastoral care, and community-building. Clergy who are new to small towns or in need of stepping back and regaining their bearings will find here a wise friend. -James F. Kay
For pastors living for the first time in a small town, the ideas of the book provide a lens for understanding that uniquely different small community context. Larry Farris provides a moving affirmation of the small town and its unique challenges for ministry. I will twist the arm of any seminary graduate who accepts a call to a small town congregation to read this book before entry and to keep it on his or her shelf for times when ministry gets rough. -Garnett E. Foster
About the Author
Lawrence W. Farris is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers-Centreville, Michigan. He has more than twenty-two years of experience in ministry, ten of which were in a small-town setting.
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