Means of Grace: Being the "Rural" Church in a Pandemic

Being the "Rural" Church in a Pandemic: The Vital Role the Church Plays in a Rural Community - Episode No. 21

The Rural Church has a vital role to play during this current pandemic.  The nature of the rural church is built around relationships – relationships with church members, but also the community. Rural Churches have a unique opportunity to provide resources, connections, and hope during these stressful times.  This episode of the Means of Grace podcast features a conversation three leaders who have experience and expertise in leading and understanding churches in rural areas.  They discuss the role of the church in a rural community and how it can build the kingdom through these connections.

Show Notes - Episode 21

- Rev. Allen Stanton, a clergy member of the WNC conference and the executive director of the Turner Center at Martin Methodist College in Tennessee.

- Rev. Santosh Niroula, the pastor of Fountain Hill and Mount Moriah United Methodist Churches in the Uwharrie District of WNC

- Rev. Kristen Richardson-Frick, a clergy member of the SC conference and the Associate Director of the Rural Church Division at The Duke Endowment

The Turner Center has launched a new series, “Leading During COVID19.” Each episode features an interview with experts, thinking with churches on leading during challenging times: https://www.cultivaterural.com/turner-center-resources

Cullowhee United Methodist Church worship during the pandemic: https://www.cullowheeumc.org/multimedia/

Christian Century article, “The Gifts of Small Church During a Pandemic,” by Kara Root: https://www.christiancentury.org/blog-post/guest-post/gifts-small-church-during-pandemic

Resources from the North Carolina Council of Churches: https://www.ncchurches.org/covid-19-resources/

Two articles by Allen Stanton:

• https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/10178/how-the-rural-church-can-help-during-covid-19
• https://medium.com/@atstanton/worshiping-apart-rural-churches-in-covid-19-e32b0adb1018