Simply surviving is not enough: A call to take one step forward
Fostering a small, thriving church begins with single steps, faithful action, and championing change, writes Phillip Blackburn.
More Stories from this Author
Supporting your congregation’s caregivers
Small churches rely on a few faithful caregivers. Phillip Blackburn calls us to see the weight they carry and offer them support.
Sticks, stones, and the language of violence
Phillip Blackburn reflects on the roots of violence through the lens of Jesus’ teachings and the legacy of a little-known embassy shooting.
“I thank God every time I remember you”
Phillip Blackburn offers a reflection on joy, memory, and the enduring gift of spiritual relationships within the church, even amid burnout, conflict, and change.
The surprising power of small churches
Phillip Blackburn shares how a small rural church in Arkansas is making a big impact — and why challenging our assumptions about church size and leadership matters.
It’s time to ditch standing committees
What if we structured congregations on members’ time and talents instead of organizational needs, asks Philip Blackburn?
How can we best serve small and rural congregations?
The majority of PC(USA) congregations are small. Phil Blackburn, Daniel Lee and Caroline Dennis talk about important denominational issues from this perspective.
The great ends of the (small) church
Budgets and worship numbers matter — but they are not everything, Phil Blackburn believes.
The opportunity to practice the inclusivity of Jesus
"As rural people and leaders, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to both witness and testify to Jesus’ inclusive ministry," writes Phillip Blackburn.
Back to school for churches
Phillip Blackburn encourages rural churches to embrace the start of the school year. Can we learn something new, too?
How can we care for ruling elders?
In the PC(USA), there’s a lot of focus on pastor burnout — and rightly so. But lay leaders are also facing exhaustion, and we need to care for them, writes Phillip Blackburn.
Don’t forget rural residents
Phillip Blackburn encourages the PC(USA) to remember the vulnerable outside of the city — and for Presbyterians in rural areas to utilize the gift of community.
Let’s reframe vitality
Phillip Blackburn offers two tips for thinking about church vitality in rural settings.
Why you should study the rural church
When Phillip Blackburn began as the director of the University of the Ozarks’ Thriving in Rural Ministry Program, he expected to serve small, dying churches. Instead, he has found livelihood and wisdom.