Here are the top ten sights, signs, or experiences that you know you may be serving in a rural ministry center:

Number 10: There are more muck boots and cowboy boots by the door than any other shoes.

Number 9: You know that baby chicks are delivered by mail and you have been asked to pick them up at the post office by a member of the congregation.

Number 8: You might serve in rural ministry if farm animal themed Christmas presents are perfectly acceptable.

Number 7: You have dressed as a local chicken puncher for your local trunk and treat, complete with live chickens.

Number 6: You have helped a church member unload a 32-foot stock trailer packed to the roof with firewood, because that is how they heat their house in the winter. Bonus points if you help cut and split the wood.

Number 5: You have had to stop to watch a herd of mule deer cross the road if you travel between churches.

Number 4: The pastor compensation package can also include fresh vegetables, eggs, meat, or fresh baked goods. That is why you keep your deep freeze on the back porch.

Number 3: You have met with church members in their office which is the field they are working in at the time.

Number 2: You might be in rural ministry if your commute includes a view of the hills and prairie.

Number 1: The number one reason you know you serve in rural ministry is you find boiled quail eggs at the church potluck.

These are real examples and photos. Rural ministry can be unique, but it is real. You are serving and living among the people. Rural can be transformative. You live in close proximity and are interconnected.