Rural and Small Town Community Outreach Strategies Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan Interim Director, Rural and Small Town Mission Senior Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Concordia, Missouri

There is still hope… “and hope does not disappoint us” -Romans 5:5 Congregations in rural areas and small towns have exactly what the world needs.

What Does the World Need?

Communities Are Changing

Community Demographics Lutheran Church Extension Fund provides community demographics information. This can be incredibly helpful for analyzing the changes taking place in your community and identifying needs.

Identify Community Needs Talk to people in the know School superintendent Hospital administrator Mayor Chamber of commerce County Commissioner Sheriff Realtors Bankers County health department

What are the things your congregation does well? Mid-week Program Vacation Bible School Caring for needs Fix-it jobs Youth Older Adults

Working Together for Communities LCMS congregations Schools Lutheran agencies Civic Organizations Governmental Agencies Businesses

Ideas for Community Engagement Food/Clothing Bank Health Screenings Childcare Housing Vocational training English as Learned Language Tutoring Program Counseling Services Former Prisoner Reintegration Community Service Projects Support Groups (AA, Grief, Divorce) Law Workshop on Legal Immigration

Good Shepherd – Fremont, NE Partnership with Lutheran Services of Nebraska to provide a Family Boutique (including pre- natal and parenting classes).

Creative Ideas that Fit Time and Place Community Meals Summer children’s events Mother’s Day Out Grace Day Halloween/ Reformation Events Living Nativity Christmas Party/Gifts Hunters’ Breakfast/Blessing Health Fair Community Work Days Parenting Classes Mother’s/Father’s Day Events Mentoring Programs Senior Day Care

Rural and Small Town Mission PO Box S. Main St. Concordia, MO