However, this sharing isn’t always easy. Often certain obstacles need to be overcome. One obstacle is a negative attitude among some Christians, who say, “We’ve tried this before; it didn’t work then, and it won’t work now.” Another difficulty that often must be dealt with is a fear of growth. If we reach out with the Word of God we might get new members in our church, which may also mean we won’t have the power and control we now possess. An obvious obstacle to reaching out is lack of growth in a community. There is very little movement. Older communities can also be very closed and not receptive to outreach efforts by Christians. Sometimes there may also be a false view of a congregation that must be overcome. Conservative churches are often accused of separating themselves from the community and looked on as a closed group. Then, of course, a church may simply not be known in the community. If someone were to ask directions to it, many people in the town wouldn’t know where to direct them. These are only a few of the challenges we face in reaching out with the Gospel in rural areas.

How do we overcome these challenges? Here are a few suggestions:

• Focus on the Gospel, the message of salvation, the best news of all.

• Think about all God has done and continues to do for you.

• Remember God’s great love for you, and out of love you will want to share the Good News.

• Take all things to the Lord in prayer and trust in Him for guidance and direction.

• Learn from Scripture how Jesus and His disciples reached out with the Gospel.

• Focus on the fact that God wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• Help others to understand that we are the instruments God uses to share the Gospel.

• Overcome negative attitudes by helping people understand what outreach goals are.

• Be aware that not everyone in a community is a member of a church.

• Realize that not all are happy with their own church, especially in light of what is going on in many denominations today.

• Remember that interpersonal relationships are what create opportunities to share the Gospel and to invite people to your church.

• Look for opportunities in your everyday contacts with people to share your faith, to talk about your church.

• Use special events at your church as opportunities to invite people.

• A word of warning: don’t force your church on others. Instead, in love, share your church with them.

• Create an awareness of your church in your community through news releases, advertising, parade floats, literature distribution and special events such as church carnival and cookout.

• Seek ways to make your church more welcoming to visitors.

• Locate those who have moved into the community and invite them to your church.

These are just a few ideas to help Christians reach out with the Gospel in small rural areas. Gospel outreach in rural areas is often difficult but it can be done. One final suggestion is to find people in your congregation who are interested in outreach and who are willing to learn, to work, who are patient, people who are willing to give their all for their Lord they love. Work with them brainstorm for ideas and trust the Lord to bless their efforts.

Harvey Abrahamson is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Calmar, Iowa; Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Hampton, Iowa; and King of Peace Lutheran Church, Waukon, Iowa.