Yes, it is at a crisis level. It is here.
The problem is huge in rural New Mexico and all over America. I have been going on a fairly consistent basis to serve at the First Baptist Church in Reserve now for 6 years this coming December. I also during that time served about 2 years on a rotational basis at the First Baptist Church in Quemado. I love the folks in Reserve and Quamado. Right now I go to Reserve the first and third Sundays of every month. It is an 8 hour round trip. I also will be going to Glenwood, New Mexico in Sept. to fill in for Pastor Dave, that will be a 9 hour round trip. Church attendance is falling across the board in America, fewer are wanting to become Pastors. The shortage is across all denominations.
Please pray for my car. I have had a new radiator put in and then I also have had a few other challenges with the ministry car,it is getting many miles put on it! Keep my travels in your prayers please. I always pray NO ELK PLEASE LORD and for my message of course.
The following story is from the Baptist New Mexican, Dr. Joseph Bunce is the writer.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 19 percent of America’s population is rural. Only 25 percent live in the 200 largest cities. In the U.S.A., 97 percent of land mass is classified as rural. Regarding Baptist Convention of New Mexico churches, 198 churches see 75 or fewer people attend on an average Sunday. More than two-thirds of BCNM churches can be classified as rural.
The need for pastors in established rural New Mexico churches will soon reach a crisis level.
The Baptist New Mexican Report Here
This is a story I posted earlier this month:
Pray for Pastors…….Pray for America…many Churches in rural America no longer have a full-time Pastor. This is so very sad……
The Minneapolis StarTribune reports:
THE UNCHURCHING OF AMERICA