Interview with Shannon O’Dell, author of Transforming Church in Rural America

Thanks Shannon for taking time to answer my questions… You write in the book of a primarily evangelistic ministry which is ultimately important. I have found in my small town/rural setting that the church is also vital to the community in some other ways as well. What is BNC doing as far as contributing to the life and care of the communities that you serve? In other words, what are the “social ministries” of BNC? O’Dell: Last year alone [we] gave over $75K in mission dollars locally for after school food programs, Thanksgiving baskets, Clean Water, and are beginning a “Mercy Mall” this month locally to distribute food, clothing, bicycles, prom dresses, medical needs and more. Two of the main words that I hear used in discussions these days about the church are “attractional“ and “missional.” I think that you have used an attractional model of ministry which is based on ‘attracting’ people to BNC by offering programs and services (and relationships as well). Missional, as I can best define it, is a model of ministry in which the emphasis is placed on helping the congregation become involved in their fields of home, work, school, etc with the church serving, if you will, as a training place for ministry that takes place “out there.” Is there a missional component to BNC and if so, what is it? O’Dell: BNC is primarily missional.  We have no programs, just non negotiable in service, next gen, community and the weekend experience.  Missional is attentional…transformation is missional and attractional.  A transformed church is both as well. What is the next step in the development of BNC? Where is the Lord directing you to go? O’Dell: Seed sowing in communities with a “BNC Remote” strategy.  We go into a community that God leads us to and see if our ministry is a fit for that community.  We then set up a satellite receiver, key strategic leaders and community mission projects.  It is working.  We are examining everything, from our worship style, to preaching approach, and volunteers. What are you hearing from the rural communities in this country and perhaps around the world in response to your book so far? O’Dell: A brand new belief in God’s mission to grow His church! From Washington to Pennsylvania and even in Australia.  God is going to change churches everywhere! You get the last word! What do you want to say? O’Dell Find out more about what we do and join us next week right here in Bergman Arkansas for our Transforming Rural Church One Day Event!  I would love to meet your readers…sign [in] at  brandnewchurch.com Thanks Shannon! For my review of Shannon’s book go here http://jimkane.wordpress.com/2010/05/19/review-of-shan…-rural-america/

Review of Shannon O’Dell’s Transforming Church in Rural America

When you think of rural America, what do you think of? Endless miles of farms? Small towns whose glory days were 50 to 100 years ago? Boredom? The last place on earth a pastor would want to be? Shannon O’Dell reminds us that God thinks highly, very highly of rural and small town America because His mercy and forgiveness extends to it as well as urban and suburban America. In fact, O’Dell, with great passion and joy, reminds readers of this book that rural America is a mission field that needs pastors and congregations engaged in helping people come to Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. Published by New Leaf Press, Transforming Church in Rural America is the story of a pastor’s passionate efforts to bring new life in Christ and new life to a rural church and community. Efforts that document the often painful challenges of turning a church in the right direction as well as the joy and excitement of seeing people encounter the powerful grace and forgiveness of God through Christ. Efforts that are also 3-D. 3-D as in using technology to reach people via satellite, the Internet, and through multi-site efforts. As a small town pastor, I value Shannon’s insights and passion for helping people come to faith in Christ and then finding their place in ministry. Of help and challenge, was chapter 6, Leadership: Resisting the Urge to Settle. It challenged me to not give up and settle for less than what God desires for me and the congregation I serve. It also served notice to help me see those in the pews as potential leaders who understand the ministry setting. (However, I think that bringing someone “in” to a rural/small town setting also provides some vital new perspective to a staff and congregation.) I also valued his take on an effective structure because it is vital to helping a congregation be more effective without being hung up in its decision making process. (Simplifying it will be very beneficial.) A book that stirred me and reminded me of some very important things, Transforming Church in Rural America, is a book that reminds us God is still reaching out to those in rural and small town America and that the church is still active in and to that environment. New Leaf Press, the publisher of Transforming Church in Rural America, is offering a one of every ten people who comment to this review post a free copy of the book!  Just comment and complete this form to qualify after you leave a comment. For more information and resources that O’Dell mentions in his book, go tohttp://www.nlpg.com/bnc (Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Leaf Press in exchange for reviewing it and posting it to my blog.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)