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 temptation to operate from a scarcity mindset is stronger than ever. 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. 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, describes how rural ministry shares soul-deep commonalities with the church in every place. And he speaks a hopeful message into the distinct challenges--and promises--faced by rural communities. Tracing Jesus’ ministry and bountiful work among the 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 serves as pastor of Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, 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. His first book, God’s Country, won a Christianity Today Book Award of Merit. He’s passionate about sharing faith in word and deed and living out God’s love in the community. He and his wife Lici enjoy bicycling, tending a garden, keeping chickens, and playing with their three sons.