As I read Brad Roth’s book Flyover Church, written by a fellow pastor who is serving in a rural context as I am, I found myself highlighting much of the book and nodding in agreement with much (though not all) of what Brad writes about.

What I appreciated most is that he understands the life of a pastor in a rural context. I was constantly thinking “he gets it!” throughout this book. He emphasizes the fact that rural churches are viable. He understands the challenges of low attendance, the shrinking population, and the shift of the younger generation relocating to urban centers in many parts of North America. These are real struggles! He does not shrug them off, but addresses them in a hope-filled way.

Roth takes time to write about the context of a rural community and what shapes it. He points out that rural churches aren’t simply “urban church suburbs.” They are just as much churches as the urban churches are. He takes time to emphasize that rural churches must never be seen/used as stepping-stones by people in leadership (especially pastoral roles).

Roth takes time in this book to use Jesus (rightly so) as the example of what ministry looks like—or should look like—if we’re truly carrying out the mission of God.

Roth also explains the importance of relationship-building and presence in the rural ministry context. Jesus went to the people when he ministered. Many rural communities are tight knit with an abundance of history, and it takes time to understand the context.

There were times in this book where it seemed as though Roth was reaching with some of the scriptural evidence he used to try to prove his points. I could usually see where he was going, but his use of the passage wasn’t always true to what the passage was saying.

Roth also wrote a chapter on failures and how God can use them in ministry (not only in rural ministry). However, at one point he writes, “But sometimes, it’s precisely into failure and unspeakable disaster that Jesus launches us” (p.86). I had a hard time comprehending Jesus launching me into failure and disaster. Does Jesus allow us to walk through times like this? Yes. However, I have a hard time thinking Jesus launches us into failures when we are trying to serve him. In my time in ministry, I’ve found a lot of joyous and blessed situations that God has placed me in. He has led me through valleys, but I’ve seen the mountaintops too! I had a hard time digesting this quote and would invite other people’s feedback.

Finally, Roth emphasizes the need to plant more rural churches. This particularly struck me, as he had previously mentioned declining attendance in rural churches. But it challenged me to think: How big is my expectation and view of God’s ability to grow his church? Am I too narrow-minded in this regard?

There is much to chew on and discuss in regard to this book. I would definitely recommend it (especially to those serving in a rural context). I found it to be a breath of fresh air and an encouragement. God is on the move, brothers and sisters! What a privilege and honour it is to proclaim this to the world together!