1. Session 1 – Understanding the Appalachian Church An overview of Appalachian culture and values...

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Session 1 – Understanding the Appalachian Church

An overview of Appalachian culture and values

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Why Study Appalachia Culture and Values

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6 HCSB)

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Jesus and Culture

A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” (Matthew 26:73 NLT)

“Men of Galilee,” the angels said … (Acts 1:11)

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Appalachia

“Dorothy, you’re not in Kansas (or Louisville) anymore.”

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Our Culture Identifies Us

And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? (Acts 2:7 HCSB)

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Appalachian Imagine

Image Was Developed By

1. Media – to sell books, magazines, and newspapers

2. Government – to sell programs

3. Missionaries – to raise support and funds

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Appalachian Imagine

Various Views

1. Popular National Image

2. Official Government Image

3. Industry’s Longstanding Image

4. Church’s Image

5. Self Image of Appalachian’s

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Appalachian Culture and Values

Those who are sensitive to and utilized Appalachian Values are more successful than those who are less sensitive or fail to recognize the values. (Conclusion of a study conducted by WVU)

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The Appalachian Region

Appalachia lies along the Appalachian mountains, which extend from Mississippi to New York, and includes three sub-regions.

Appalachian Mountain Range

Appalachians in North Carolina

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Appalachian Regional Ministry

A partnership ministry of the

North American Mission Board

Woman’s Missionary Union

11 State Conventions in the 10 State Region of Appalachia.

For mission opportunities go to www.arministry.org

GA

SC

NCTN

KY

OH

VA

MD

WV

PA

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Appalachian Regional Ministry

GA

SC

NCTN

KY

OH

VA

MD

WV

PA

19 million people 13 million

unchurched Poverty Spiritual darkness

– some areas over 90% unchurched

Mission Opportunities

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Early History

During the colonial era, Appalachia was claimed by Europeans in search of independence

Much of the Civil War was fought in Appalachia

Land was settled by veterans, immigrants, and adventurers

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Geography and Economy

Geography makes farming and industry difficult

Local economy cannot support the population for most of Appalachia

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Geography and Economy

Despite the natural beauty of the region, tourism fails to generate enough profit to offset negative economic trends

The region’s traditional economy is based on agriculture, extractive industries (coal mining), and blue-collar manufacturing jobs

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Northern Section

Extends from New York into West Virginia and Ohio

Economic base in steel, coal, and railroad transportation

Reduction in employment has occurred in this region

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Central Region

Includes sixty contiguous counties in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee

History of the most grinding poverty in America

Where War on Poverty started and failed

3rd. World conditions Entitlement mentality

http://www.americanradioworks.org/features/14_million/images/1_kids3.jpg

http://www.americanradioworks.org/features/14_million/images/1_kids.jpg

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Southern Region

Extends from Virginia through the Carolinas and into Alabama

Includes many unique regional folklore traditions (Foxfire Series

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Significant influences to the Appalachian Culture

Northern Labor Unions Decline of the major industries (steel, chemical) Education

Central Migration Labor Unions Unemployment/Poverty Decline of the coal and

timber industry Southern

Tennessee Valley Authority Anti labor union Education Textile industry

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Appalachian out-migration

7 -8 million people migrated from Appalachia between 1940-1990

Most have moved toward industrial centers, auto assembly factories in Michigan and Ohio, textile mills, banking or high tech jobs in the South

“Brain drain” Since 1980 Appalachian migration has

decreased but not stopped

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Traditional Appalachian Identity

Regional folklore shared with younger generations

Arts and crafts highlight the region’s beauty

No other large geographic region in the United States has so many family members who live their lives in proximity to their birthplaces

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Traditional Appalachian Identity

Extended kinship networks

Children learn from parents and clan

Family surname can identify persons and link them to a kinship network

Types of Appalachians

1. Native – holding on to the past2. Modern – changing with the times3. Electronic – in touch with the world (www.)4. Displaced – lives outside of Appalachia, heart

still back home5. Returned – one who moves back home at

retirement or job lost6. Adopted – moved to the region and now calls

it home7. Hidden – from Appalachia, relocated out of

the region and keeps their roots a secret

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1960’s: War on Poverty

Attitude toward poverty was simplistic: if a region is destitute, give it goods, services and infrastructure

JFK initiated War on Poverty in 1963

LBJ implemented the program

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War on Poverty

The Community Action Program sent volunteers into the region

The Federal Government poured money into the region

Social programs such as welfare relief, public works projects and subsidies to industries were implemented

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Poverty Wins the War

Rather than investing in education, businesses, and other income-generating concerns, federal aid was used to finance more consumption and more children

Welfare and state aid become dominant source of income

Despite efforts the region lacked entrepreneurship and education

Poverty Wins the War

Today 37 of the 100

poorest counties in the

USA are in Central

Appalachia. 27 of the

counties are in Eastern

Kentucky which has the

poorest of the poor.

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The “10 Minute Window”

When you travel the Interstate system through Appalachia you see one world, progressive Appalachia – travel 10 minutes on either side of the Interstate and you often see the other side of Appalachia.

Effective ministry means:

Know the area you will be serving: The history Demographics Economy Poverty/Literacy Religious history

and background Make a long-term

commitment

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Questions and Answers

Discussion

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Session 2 – Ministering within the Context of Appalachian Culture

How Understanding the culture will enable one to more effectively minister in Appalachia

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Education

Many schools often lack basic supplies

Because much of the population is poor, Appalachian states have lower tax revenues

This results in less funding for schools and substandard education

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Literacy

Level I & II estimates of literacy: Kentucky 54%; Georgia 54%; Ohio 45%; North Carolina 52%; South Carolina 56%; Tennessee 53%; Virginia 47%; and West Virginia 56%. The national average is 47%.

In the heart of Central Appalachia, some areas are over 80% of Level I & II.

Level I estimate of literacy: Kentucky 19%; Georgia 23%; Ohio 18%; North Carolina 22%; South Carolina 25%; Tennessee 21%; Virginia 19%; and West Virginia 20%.

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Religion

Key feature: autonomous, regionalized sub-denominations of Christian religions

Regional churches tend not to be involved with centralized religions

They often follow a literal interpretation of the Bible

The King James Version is still the translation of choice for the majority

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Religion Most churches place a

great importance on religious experience, especially in relation to conversion

Life extremely hard - the sense of independence carries over into their religious experience Works Emotional “Spirit lead” Lay lead

Religion

Wesleyan-Armenian/Pentecostal influence Roman Catholic influence Church of Christ influence “Baptist” in Appalachia may not mean the same

thing that it means in the “Bible Belt” states.In parts of Appalachia, many SBC churches are Southern Baptist for convenience or tradition not out of conviction.

Be careful about talking negative about other faith groups

In many rural areas Baptecostal would be a good descriptive term

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Religion

In Central Appalachia: Denominations are irrelevant Religious tradition often takes place

over Scripture and dogma One out of three unchurched have

been previously churched Salvation is equated to simply

believing in or about Jesus. No life change necessary.

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Music

Strong folk tradition Churches are very

influential: no explicit lyrics

Country/Bluegrass influence

Prevalence of white country gospel music

Square dancing is a common form of entertainment

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Music Today

Music within the church community is changing

The change has brought challenges, pain, life, division, …

Today you will find a wide variety of styles of music

Music style will govern worship style

Factors to Remember When Ministering in Appalachia

Culture (particularly the area where you will be serving)

Poverty Medium age Education (yours may not be important to

them) Literacy levels Religious background Music

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Twelve Values Common to Appalachians

Values you need to know to do effective ministry in Appalachia.


1. Traditionalism or Heritage – a Strong Love of Tradition.

love of things as they are. Change comes slowly. There is a need for process time.

2. Strong sense of family or Familism family centered; loyalty runs deep;

responsibility may extend beyond immediate family; "blood is thicker than water." Relationships are very important. High value placed on good neighbors.

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3. Neighborliness and Hospitality - help each other out, but suspicious of strangers; spontaneous to invite people for a meal, to spend the night, etc.

People are friendly, but not open to strangers.

Trust is important. Tend not to ask your advice until they trust you.

Relationships are important and deep relationships are developed slowly and last a lifetime.

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I will share a cup of coffee with you out of obligation.

I will share a cup of coffee with you my guest.

I will share a cup of coffee with you my special guest.

I will share a cup of coffee with you as a friend.

Four Cups Of Coffee Rule

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4. Love of Place - never forget "back home" and go there as often as possible; it is revitalizing; sometimes stay in places where there is no hope of maintaining decent lives because it is “home.”

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5. Individualism, Self-Reliance, Pride - most obvious characteristics; look after oneself; solitude; freedom; do things for oneself; not wanting to be beholding to others; make do

Strong Work Ethic (not as strong today) Courage We consider our way to be the best If we have to do it your way, then after you

leave we will undo it

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6. Personalism - relates well to others; go to great lengths to keep from offending others; getting along is more important than letting one's feelings be known; think in terms of persons rather than degrees or professional reputations

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7. Modesty and Being Oneself - believe one should not put on airs; be oneself, not a phony; don't pretend to be something you're not or be boastful; don't get above your raising

8. Sense of Beauty - displayed through music, folksongs, poems, arts, crafts, etc., colorful language metaphors (“I’m as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs.”)

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9. Sense of Humor - seem dour, but laugh at ourselves; do not appreciate being laughed at; humor sustains people in hard times. Humor is often used to cover up personal pain, disappoint, or distrust. Humor can be filled with sarcasm

10. Strong sense of solidarity - Stick, together, even if you disagree, express yourself but stand together

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11. Strong sense of Patriotism - goes back to Civil War times; flag, land, relationships are important; shows up in community celebration and festivals

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12. Strong Religious Beliefs - values and meaning to life spring from religious sources; fatalistic (outside factors control one's life, fate, believe things happen for a reason and will work out for the best); sustains people in hard times

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Factors that Impact Ministry in Appalachia

1. Geographical/Terrain of the state – travel is measured in time not miles. Creates a type of isolation in the remote, rural areas

2. Literacy – depending on the area between 50 to 80% of the adult population cannot read on an 8th grade level (functionally illiterate). +/- 20% below a 3rd grade level.

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3. Economic issues – Poverty – 37 of the 100 poorest counties in

the USA are in Central Appalachia 1 out of 5 children go to bed hungry every

night Low income – way below the national

average

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4. Love of the family atmosphere – churches tend to be smaller than in other areas

5. Strong love for autonomy, for independence

6. Distrust of denominations – control matters, denominations tends to believe that one size fits all. Exercise outside influence which is resisted and resented

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7. Strong Wesleyan – Arminian – Holiness – Pentecostal influence on one hand and the strong Arminian Baptist (do not believe in eternal security) influence on the other hand

8. Strong belief in the KJV Bible

9. Love of free worship - music

10. Lack of indigenous pastors

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11. Population shifts and declining towns Migration over the past 50 years has led to

a serious decline in many areas. US Census projects flatten growth through

2025 in many part of central and northern Appalachia

12. Priority – your priority may not be my priority. I will say yes to you and either not show up or fail to participate.

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13. Titles/Professionalism in the church are frowned upon

14. Aging Population/High level of disability 52% to 58% of the senior adults are primary

caregivers for their grandchildren.

High level of disability


15. Population is a stew or mosaic not a melting pot – with some exceptions in the remote areas. Be careful what you say about other ethic groups.

German Italian Coalfields – Scot-Irish, Welsh Polish European African American Native American Asian Hispanic

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16. Event driven/project 17. Stewardship is project/need driven

18. Matriarchal society – above average female pastors across the state in most denominations. Long history of female pastors and leadership in churches.

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19. Religious associations historically were formed for the purpose of fellowship. Hierarchy and control – real or perceived is resisted.

20. Entitlement mentality – you owe me.

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Discussion

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Session 3 – Preaching and Pastoring in Appalachia

How to be more effective as you pastor in Appalachia

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Preaching in AppalachiaBill Barker, Director Appalachian Regional Ministry

Pastoring in the Mountains

Too many non-indigenous pastors leave the mountains wounded, misunderstood, sometimes feeling abused, having never felt accepted by those he was called to pastor.

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Get to Know Your Church Field

The culture The Demographics The past religious history What is the predominate religious

influence Faith group/denomination

What is the Biblical understanding or literacy level of your church field

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10 Factors That Affect Pastoring in the Mountains

1. Appalachian Culture – a distinctive subculture in American.

Divided into sub-cultures, often along ethic lines

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2. Educational Level – varies across the state “Good teacher, ain’t much of a

preacher!” Factors that impact literacy

Economics Family Unit Geographical/Isolation

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3. Distrust of outsiders – “furriners” Historically Central Appalachia has been

treated as a Third World County (controlled by outside interest)

Absentee corporate ownership Outside attitude

Reflected in media Reflected by government Reflected by religion

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4. Out-migration 1950 – 2000

steady decline in population

Resulted in a “brain drain”

Impact on churches (aging congregation)

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5. Automation Industry – higher production, few

employees Shift out of the state

6. Union and Politics“Leave your union views and political

views out of the pulpit.”

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7.Economics It is hard to get

poor people in church.

The higher the poverty, the higher the unchurched.

Great divide – between the haves and the have-nots.

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8. Change (Modern times) Television Internet Social change Economic change Communities disintegrating Churches – aging, closing,

dysfunctional Music and Bible Translations

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9. Religious culture“Good people, but lost without Jesus.”

10.Family Respect and utilize holidays Respect the elderly Reach the children Be prepared to deal with “shack’n

up issues”

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10 Things To Remember When Pastoring in the Mountains

1. Get to know your people • Visit in their homes, eat their food,

drink their coffee• Visit, visit, visit and visit some more• Build relationships

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2. Identify with your people• In dress• Hunting • Fishing• NASCAR• Housing• School• Community events• If you are planning to Home School …

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Remember!

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!

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3. Respect your peers – preachers and faith groups

Historically many rural preacher’s have lacked formal training, but they are not ignorant of the Bible.

To be college and seminary trained is not seen as being Holy Spirit taught.

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From Eastern Kentucky

“My preaching career in area churches during my 16 years at the ministry where I serve has taught me that as a seminary graduate, it’s almost impossible for me to get down as far as I need to go to really communicate with mountain people. It’s a daunting calling.” (Michael Spencer – March 2008)

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4. As a norm most Appalachians enjoy free worship with strong lay participation.

Strong independent mindset

5. Most Appalachians enjoy preaching with some animation (life) in it.

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6. Preaching often centers around storytelling, therefore illustrations are important.

Illustrations are windows Use current illustrations Use personal illustrations Use I, we, us … but never you.

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Storyline Preaching

Peter Walking on WaterMatthew 14:22-321. Read the story from Scripture2. Tell the story in your own words3. Apply the story

● Fear ● Failure● Faith ● Forgiveness

4. Retell the story in a modern setting

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7. Leave the Greek and Hebrew in the study and out of the pulpit

The omission of phrases like “the Greek says,” are best left unsaid.

Such phrases say to the hearer, “I’m smarter than you.”

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8. Topical vs. Expository Preaching Topical preaching has been the

mainstay in many rural mountain churches

Few congregations move beyond the pastor’s ability to communicate effectively doctrine, Bible knowledge, etc.

Storyline preaching is powerful

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However, do not be afraid of Expository Preaching

There are different models John MacArthur – verse by verse Charles Spurgeon – passage Charles Swindoll – mixture of the

above build around a topic Use in a series of 4 to 8 week cycles

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9. Give them Hope Build Upon ChristJesus did not preach a gospel with minimum requirements. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God and inviting ordinary people to be apart of it.

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10.Do not underestimate the impact and power of TV Preachers/Per-sonalities and the Internet Can be the source of false

doctrine Can raise the bar of expectations

for your preaching Be careful about using the other

man’s material95

Overwhelmed?

“Be a man. Get your hands dirty; go hunting; do something with men, build your church on men …. When you use personal illustrations consider using those that cast yourself as the goat not the hero … Love your people and know they aren’t dumb … When you preach, do it with enthusiasm and emotion.”

(Glen Mathews – Evangelist)96

10 Guiding Principles for Pastoring in the Mountains

1. Remember KISSKeep It Short and Simple

2. Always take your people to Jesus“Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21)

3. Be yourself using the gifts and skills God has given you

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4. Keep your spiritual life fresh

Prayer Bible Reading Bible Study Other reading Jealously guard your

personal time with God

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5. Never stop learning Continuing education is important Use the internet, correspondence,

seminars

6. Keep your preaching Fresh and Relevant

However, leave the study in the study

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7. Plan your Preaching Christian calendar

Christmas Easter

Church calendar Homecoming

Denomination calendar Missions Evangelism

Secular calendar Mother’s Day Father’s Day

Mark sure you allow for the local church and community events that often go unmentioned. Be flexible.

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8. Let the Holidays and Special Events work for you. Involve your people Christmas

New Year’s

Easter

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day

Father’s Day

4th of July

VBS Sunday

Homecoming

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Labor Day

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9. Be Evangelistic in your Preaching Do not be afraid to share the gospel Learn to incorporate the gospel into

every message

10.Preach to a Point and Make your Invitation Clear

A good invitation starts during the introduction of the message

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Preach the Word

Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

(2 Timothy 4:2 NLT)

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Discussion

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Session 4 – The Dynamics of Appalachian Churches

Pastoring the smaller church or the mountain family church

Southern Baptists in Appalachia

Some places trusted and respected

Others see us “as one step above the Jehovah Witnesses and one step below the Mormons.”

Still other areas do not have a clue who we are

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Working with the Appalachian Church Use Common Sense Trust and Respect –must be earned.

Don’t be fooled by the surface friendliness

Keeping Appointments Your priority may not be my priority

Conflict Often will talk to a mutual friend Offending one member can impact the

whole church (family)

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Working with the Appalachian Church

Humor Humor is often used to cover up

pain, disappointment, fear … Inter-family Relationships Literacy – education (view of) Role of women in the church

More of a central Appalachia issue Female pastors Deaconess

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Be patient Emphasize the Family

“Will the Circle Be Unbroken”

Work with the existing leadership Remember – “Your perception of a lack

of leadership may not be theirs.”

Do not impose your ideas of church on them until you have earned the right.

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Help them discover “core values” Biblical Baptist

Make change slowly Work through the existing

leadership Trust their judgment

Allow for process time

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Teach them how to deal with conflict

Allow for “toot” time Learn their language/culture Accept the fact that you may

never know “why” “Pay your rent”

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The Small-Medium Church Single Cell – acts like one big family Sense of Family – feel they are part

of a family. Greatest fear is the lost of their sense

of family if the church were to grow. Allows for Quicker Involvement

The feeling of being needed motivates members to become involved.

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The Small-Medium Church Informal Environment Much loving and caring Absentees are missed by everyone Heavy Reliance upon volunteers Giving is project driven not budget

driven Participation means more than

performance

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The Small-Medium Church Limited Entrance Points

Usually limited to pastor and members (relationships)

Focuses on One Event at a Time In the small church, one per quarter Revival Vacation Bible School Homecoming Thanksgiving/Christmas

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The Small-Medium Church Pastor May or May Not have a Great

Impact Usually have a strong lay leadership Pastor is usually best described as the Chaplain

or Preacher.

Lay Leadership Usually one or two strong lay leaders. Business is usually decided in informal settings

outside the business meetings

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The Small-Medium Church Limitations Limited Programs Inadequate Evangelism – evangelism and

discipleship may not be a priority Event Driven Survival Finances Tough Crusted Lay Leadership Rapid Pastoral Turnover High Demand of Pastor’s Time

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The Small-Medium Church Limitations

Inadequate Facilities – space is limited Smallness Breeds Smallness – in a comfort

zone. Small Groups Become too Intimate Reputation – strife among the membership

will impact their witness Older Membership Many Communities in the Appalachia are

not growing

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Working Within The Boundaries or Limitations

The Single Cell Church

5 – 150 in average attendance

DifficultTo

EngageIn

Evangelism, Outreach,

and Discipleship

OR …Maybe

Not

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Working Within The Boundaries or Limitations

The Single Cell Church in

AppalachiaIt averages 30 to 45 in attendance.

DifficultTo

EngageIn

Evangelism, Outreach,

and Discipleship

OR …Maybe

NotNew MembersBack Door

Church Planters Make sure you are

called Indigenous sons

work best Study the area

where you are called

Learn the culture In many areas be

prepared to serve bi-vocational

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Church Planters Seek the person of

peace Become acquainted

with the local spiritual leader

Build relationships Get out among the

community Be a soul-winner Use volunteers

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Discussion

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1. Session 1 – Understanding the Appalachian Church An overview of Appalachian culture and values...

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