The Rural Churches Today report, produced by Lifeway Research in collaboration with the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Rural Church Institute, the Rural Home Missionary Association, and Grove City College’s Center for Rural Ministry, offers a comprehensive examination of Protestant congregations in rural America. Supported by funding from the Lilly Endowment, the study combines both quantitative data and qualitative insights to illuminate the realities of ministry in communities often overlooked in national conversations.

“While national surveys of Protestant churches include rural congregations, very few studies have focused exclusively on them,” noted Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “These interviews with a probability sample of Protestant pastors provide not only an overview of ministry realities but also a window into what pastors find both rewarding and challenging.”

The findings underscore the enduring importance of rural congregations within America’s religious landscape. Despite demographic shifts and economic pressures, these churches remain vital centers of faith, resilience, and community life. For denominational leaders, ministry partners, and policymakers, the report highlights both the pressing needs and the remarkable strengths of rural ministry, offering a roadmap for support, investment, and renewal.

Key areas explored include:

• Pastoral calling and wellbeing
• Evangelism and community outreach
• Leadership development and service
• Current successes and challenges
• Optimism and opportunities for revitalization

In the months ahead, directors of the sponsoring organizations will release additional resources to help rural pastors and church leaders contextualize the report’s findings.

To ensure broad accessibility, the full report is available below and on our resources page.