Jesus said, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Word and Sacrament ministry in rural and small town settings provide their own unique set of joys and challenges. Over 50% of LCMS congregations are located in rural and small town contexts.
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) supports pastors, professional church workers and lay leaders to meet the challenges of leading Christ-centered outreach in their unique communities. RSTM is the place for rual and small town congregations to go to receive support, resources, and encouragement.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”
Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up