Rural Life and Rural Church: Theological and Empirical Perspectives

The essays brought together here present a broad assessment of the issues facing rural life and the rural church today. The contributors are drawn from a wide variety of denominations including the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal Churches. The essays explore a range of biblical, theological, sociological and historical concerns from the topic of extended communion, to the social significance of harvest festivals, to the issue of burnout among rural clergy. Throughout, the book is informed by a spirit of listening - to church-goers, clergy, church-leaders, and local communities. Rural Life and Rural Church provides an invaluable collection for clergy and lay Christians involved in rural ministry, initial and continuing ministerial education, and Christian men and women living in the countryside.