Sources of Ideas and Inspiration

The Duke Endowment has identified seven rural churches in North Carolina that are models for success, and it supports their efforts to serve their communities and act as demonstration sites for other rural churches.

Challenge

Throughout North Carolina, many rural communities are struggling from the effects of job losses and dwindling populations. Rural churches can play a key role in helping their communities through troubling times, transforming the outlook of residents from hopeless to hopeful. A few model rural churches in the state are doing an exemplary job of energizing both their congregations and communities. Their successes can guide other churches in the same direction.

Response

In 2006, The Duke Endowment identified seven rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina that are doing exemplary work in maintaining and expanding vibrant congregations and bringing hope to their communities. The Endowment supports the work of these seven “model churches” as part of a Thriving Rural Churches initiative, which falls under the broader umbrella of the Thriving Rural Communities Initiative created by Duke Divinity School, the Endowment, and the North Carolina Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Model churches are notable because of their ability to serve as centers of faith, to reach beyond their own walls to serve their communities, and to stand as sources of ideas and inspiration for other rural churches in North Carolina.

Pastors at each of the model churches serve as mentors for Rural Ministry Fellows from Duke Divinity School and host one Fellow each summer during the students’ field placements. As mentors, the pastors share personal experiences and insights with the Fellows, and help them become well-prepared for leadership in a rural setting.

In addition to providing a real-word experience for Rural Ministry Fellows, the seven model churches also receive money from The Duke Endowment to use for service to their communities. Each of the funded projects must combine spiritual benefit to the church and societal benefit to the community, encourage collaboration, use existing resources and learning, and incorporate locally specific innovation. Projects also must contribute to positive community change.

Model churches and their pastors in the Thriving Rural Churches Initiative also serve as centers for learning and sharing best practice. The pastors gather several times a year to discuss leadership, share fellowship and pray for one another. They also host “Come and See” experiences at their respective churches to share ideas, stories and practices with one another and with visitors from other rural congregations.

Participating Sites in North Carolina

North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

• Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cedar Grove, N.C., Pastor: Rev. Grace Hackney
• Sandy Plains United Methodist Church, Pembroke, N.C., Pastor: Rev. Matteue Locklear
• Solid Rock United Methodist Church, Olivia, N.C., Pastors: Rev. Gil Wise, Rev. Mike Bass

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

• Fairview United Methodist Church, Shoals, N.C., Pastor: Rev. David Cook
• Friendship United Methodist Church, Newton, N.C., Pastor: Rev. Brad Thie
• Hayesville First United Methodist Church, Hayesville, N.C., Pastor: Rev. Kirk Hatherly
• Tyro United Methodist Church, Lexington, N.C., Pastor: Rev. Randy Foster

Contact Us

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Director of Rural Church
704.927.2251