Strip Mine Jesus - by Charles E Cotherman (Paperback)

About the Book

Experienced pastor and professor encourages those serving in rural communities to embrace the hope that Jesus hasn't given up on small, exploited, or overlooked places and invites those in small town ministry to root where they're planted, minister to their community no matter what its size or challenges, and serve God with joy.

Book Synopsis

Many young people entering ministry believe success requires them to leave their communities. After all, the fastest-growing congregations and highest-profile ministries are in big cities or their wealthy suburbs, aren't they? But Jesus didn't ignore the small, the exploited, or the overlooked--and neither should his followers.

In Strip Mine Jesus, pastor and executive director of the Center for Rural Ministry Charles E. Cotherman challenges our assumptions through stories that showcase the power and beauty of a faithful presence in seemingly "insignificant" places. Drawing on his lifetime of experience in rural communities and churches, Cotherman demonstrates the outsized impact we can have when we have the courage to stay, root where we're planted, and serve God with joy.

Whether your community is rural or in the rust belt, whether you're surrounded by endless corn or abandoned mining operations, Jesus still sees you and has a plan for your ministry. Discover how you can make a difference right where you are--starting now.

About the Author

Charles E. Cotherman (PhD, University of Virginia) is executive director of the Center for Rural Ministry and assistant professor of biblical and theological studies at Grove City College. With the exception of a few years, he has lived in rural western Pennsylvania his entire life. In addition to his work at Grove City College, Charlie is cofounder and pastor of Oil City Vineyard Church in Oil City, Pennsylvania. He is the author of To Think Christianly and a contributing coeditor of Sent to Flourish.