Flyover Church: How Jesus' Ministry in Rural Places Is Good News Everywhere

Christ is present and at work in rural communities. How do we lead from that reality?

 

The tensions unleashed over the past few years, which led to skepticism, breakdowns of trust, declining church attendance, and uncertainty around community ministry, continue to linger in and among our rural churches. The temptation to operate from a scarcity mindset is stronger than ever. Yet God’s loving, redemptive work is happening in all places—no matter how small or far-flung.

 

In Flyover Church, Brad Roth, the author of God’s Country, approaches rural ministry in a way that recognizes its soul-deep commonalities with the church in every place. And he speaks a hopeful message into the distinct challenges—and promise—faced by rural communities. Tracing Jesus’ ministry and bountiful work among rural and small-town people and places in the gospel of Mark, this book offers a vision for ministry tailored to rural settings. Pastors and leaders everywhere will be encouraged to approach ministry from the reality of God’s abundance.

Brad Roth is a pastor in rural central Kansas. He grew up baling hay, tending sheep, and shearing Christmas trees on a farm in Illinois. He is a graduate of Augustana College, Harvard Divinity School, and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Brad has a heart for serving God and God’s people in rural communities. He’s passionate about sharing faith in word and deed and living out God’s love in the community. He and his wife enjoy getting outside, tending a garden, and hanging out with their three sons.