Four in Five Rural Pastors Say They’re Becoming Trusted Figures in Civic Life

October 29, 2025

A Lifeway Research phone survey of 1,003 small-town ministry pastors shows many of those pastors say they are seeing success and are hopeful for what lies ahead.

Christianity Daily reports that the recent survey, conducted between August 5-27, 2025, takes a deeper look at distinct aspects of ministry in America’s small towns and rural communities.

According to the survey, nearly 63% of pastors surveyed said their calling is to their specific church, which happens to be in a rural area or small community.

Meanwhile, 24% of the pastors questioned said that they felt a call specifically to minister in rural places.

83% of the pastors surveyed said that they are becoming trusted figures in civic life with 77% saying they regularly witness members stepping into leadership roles.

Roughly the same amount of pastors said that they see the healing of broken relationships and new commitments to Christ with 66% reporting consistent attendance growth.

According to Christianity Daily, 9 out of 10 pastors surveyed define “success” for their ministries as demonstrated care, reconciliation where needed, regular presence and participation and new professions of faith in Jesus Christ.

The survey also revealed that 89 percent of pastors questioned say they believe being present in people’s lives is more effective than having strong programs.

The project was sponsored by the Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College, The Rural Home Missionary Association, and the Rural Church Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

Photo: top, Credit: Unsplash/Max Kukurudziak