Episode 119: Unleashing the superpowers of rural and small town churches (Mike Cope)

The Christian Chronicle Podcast

It is a common narrative (assumption?) that Church of Christ congregations in rural and small town America are in decline. Perhaps that is a story that numbers (of congregations and members) might tell.

But are numbers the whole story? Or even the most important one?

Mike Cope believes it is not the whole story. In this episode, he talks about how the way we talk and think about rural and small town congregations needs to change and how those congregations enjoy spiritual gifts that make them rich and strong in things that matter.

Mike also fills us in on how Pepperdine University plans to invest a $7.5 million Lilly Endowment grant to come alongside rural and small town Church of Christ congregations to position them for the growth in the kingdom of God.

Link to The Christian Chronicle's coverage of the Lilly Endowment's grant to Pepperdine University

Link to The Christian Chronicle's ongoing coverage of Church of Christ trends among congregations in rural and small town America

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Chapters

1. Episode 119: Unleashing the superpowers of rural and small town churches (Mike Cope) (00:00:00)

2. Ministry to Rural Churches (00:01:25)

3. Mike Cope Introduces Empower and Equip (00:03:13)

4. Myths and Realities of Rural Churches (00:05:38)

5. The Superpower of Small Congregations (00:10:56)

6. Discerning the Future for Small Churches (00:19:16)

7. How the Initiative Works (00:21:31)

8. Measuring Success and Getting Involved (00:27:50)

9. Closing and Resources (00:29:48)