South Dakota Pastors Say Seeds of Rural Ministry Thrive With Prayer and Patience

Bethany Baptist Church in Waubay, S.D. saw 35-40 children arrive each night for vacation Bible school.

HURON, S.D. (BP) – A recent sermon at Huron Baptist Church included a concept held in high regard by pastor Ian Harp and his peers. It’s a concept that applies both to the life of a minister as well as to the farmers who populate his church, town and surrounding area.

Prayer and patience. They come in handy when crops go in the ground, but also when pastors are working to break through the hard soil of evangelism. That work takes place through their churches but also their secular jobs and other ways they serve the community.

“Ministry here? It’s the hardest place I’ve ever been,” Harp said.

The challenges of rural ministry – such as loneliness and lack of resources – aren’t specific to South Dakota. But even as a second or third job may be necessary for financial stability, so is the need to be around others whether as a pastor, employee or volunteer.

More than likely, others see you as all of the above.

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Source: Baptist Press