Part 18 (1/2)

CHAPTER VII

RURAL CHRISTIAN FORCES

CHAPTER VII

RURAL CHRISTIAN FORCES

_The Community-Serving Church and Its Allies_

I. _Opportunity and Function of the Country Church_

Its necessity to rural progress.

Stages in its evolution, and its changing ideals.

The test of its efficiency.

The church's broad function: community service.

Its high responsibility: spiritual leaders.h.i.+p.

II. _Some Elements of Serious Weakness_

A depleted const.i.tuency. Economic weakness.

Lack of social cooperation. Wasteful compet.i.tion.

Poor business management. Moral ineffectiveness.

Narrow vision of service. Inadequate leaders.h.i.+p.

III. _Some Factors Which Determine Its Efficiency_

A worthy const.i.tuency.

Local prosperity and progressive farming.

Community socialization. A community serving spirit.

A broad vision of service and program of usefulness.

United Christian forces in the community.

A broad Christian gospel; not sectarian preaching.

A loyal country ministry adequately trained and paid.

A liberal financial policy. Adequate equipment.

Masculine lay leaders.h.i.+p developed and trained.

A community survey to discover resources and needs.

IV. _Some Worthy Allies of the Country Church_

The country Sunday-school.