ASSEMBLIES OF GODRattling Dry Bones in Rural America
by Cassidy Tourville
11/25/2024 9:00:00 AMThe story of Ezekiel 37 holds an intriguing dialogue. In this chapter, God leads the prophet Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones. Ezekiel is then prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak to the bones, telling them to breathe and return to life.
Bert Pizarro, special projects coordinator for Seek & Save, a U.S. Missions initiative, once said that every city has its dry bones – and every pastor is called to bring those dry bones to life.
This is what U.S. missionaries with Chaplaincy Ministries Kim and Laurel Harvey do with rural churches in the United States. Their mission is to encourage, train and resource rural pastors to help them plug into their community.
The Harveys pastored for over 20 years in rural America and wish to give pastors vision and guidance throughout their pastoral journey. They understand what it takes to work in rural ministry – the grit and endurance to stay where God has called you even if it looks like a dusty valley of dry bones. Kim says, “It’s hard to be a rural pastor. You often do not have the resources and personal support as others do. We want to help pastors stay in their seat.”
Often, the biggest challenge for a rural pastor is limited personal community. One of the reasons rural pastors quit is that they are not prepared or trained for the many demands of the position. The rural pastor rarely has the support of church staff and, therefore, must manage all aspects of the church alone, including writing sermons, fiscal planning, managing the church office and tending to the congregants’ personal needs and problems. Many find themselves discouraged, lonely and barely surviving on their own.
In many small towns, the church and its pastor face social and economic conditions causing the deterioration of the communities they serve. With the decline in manufacturing and well-paying jobs, these small communities can experience increases in poverty, crime, violence, drug abuse and mental illness.
God designed the church to be the number one stakeholder in their community and rural pastors need to understand how important their position is. “Once pastors start building friendships within their communities, they start to develop a hunger for their community” says Kim. “With a small amount of study and understanding, these pastors grow in confidence and are willing to step up and exercise their role as community leaders.”
Kim and Laurel believe it beneficial for rural pastors to become community chaplains to gain greater influence in their community. “The Lord had been brewing a big ‘God idea’ in my mind for many years on how we can advance rural pastors to have a greater connection to their community,” says Kim. “That idea became something I couldn’t stop thinking about.”
In the fall of 2023, Kim and Laurel started a formal pilot program with nine students. The course concluded with a certificate of endorsement as a community chaplain from the Assemblies of God Chaplaincy Commission, and each student received a Certificate of Professional Development from Bakke Graduate University.
Kim says, “My goal was to create a thirst for continued learning, and I found Assemblies of God Chaplaincy Ministries to be one of the best places for ongoing training, especially for the issues a rural pastor will need to succeed in a rural community.”
Many pastors reported seeing an increase in invitations and opportunities to be an active part of their community after becoming chaplains. One pastor’s mayor called and asked him to pray over the dedication of their town’s new bridge. Another had the local school superintendent ask if the pastor would consider becoming the chaplain for the school district. “They’re still the pastor of their church,” says Laurel, “but there is something about the word ‘chaplain’ that breaks down barriers against denominations or religion. The pastoral position should be respected, but chaplaincy adds an extra level of respect.”
Through the chaplaincy training program, rural pastors are prepared to enter the many faith-filled and non-faith homes, hospitals and workplaces that are often part of their regular services. Rural pastors discover resources and gain essential knowledge to help them in many situations. They also gain a sense of community with their newfound fellowship of community chaplains, and the knowledge that they belong to Assemblies of God Chaplaincy Ministries. Most importantly, they find a fresh sense of community with the people they serve.
The Harveys’ plan is to expand their classes beyond the pilot course.“I want every rural pastor to have a vision for their community,” says Kim. “If they only have a vision to grow their church, they’re going to burn out. But if they can catch a vision for their community, they will discover they have the opportunity to flourish and change people’s lives.”
This dedication to their work came out of the Harveys’ own experience in the valley. Their vision is to see the church and kingdom of Christ lifted through rural pastors all over the United States. With the proper training and credentialing, these pastors/chaplains become ministers with a listening ear and a passion to direct people toward the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
by the General Council of the Assemblies of God