Rural Home Missionary Association

"Let this be written for a future generation . . ." Psalm 102:18

Our values are beliefs that tell why we do what we do. They are rooted in our history and will significantly influence our future. They guide our thinking, planning, and decision making, and are the driving force behind virtually every aspect of our ministry. The values we have put into writing are selective. These are our "Core Values." Some are peculiar to RHMA — distinguishing us from other ministries.  Accompanying our values are examples and illustrations of how each might be lived out in a small-town context.

RHMA values . . .

Bible-based ministry. The Bible is the source from which our ministry should be derived (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We will continually make sure the ministry methods we employ are consistent with Biblical principles.

Persistent prayer. Ongoing prayer is our most fundamental demonstration of dependence upon God (Psalm 127:1; Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-5).

The ministries and activities of RHMA will be characterized by a continual reliance on individual and corporate prayer in their conception, planning, and execution.

Healthy relationships. Healthy relationships among ministry leaders is a key to healthy churches (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We will diligently strive to foster a healthy relational atmosphere in which mutual respect, love, and care is expressed.

Interdependent relationships. Interdependence recognizes our personal inadequacies and our need to work together to fulfill the Great Commission (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Acts 20:27-28; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 12:1-31).

These interdependent relationships work themselves out through such things as team leadership, partnerships, and networking.

Influential local churches. The local church is the God-ordained means for lasting spiritual influence in a community (Matthew 16:18).

The heart of our ministry is establishing and nurturing high-impact, effective local churches. Correspondingly we will only use ministries of a temporary nature (such as revival services, Vacation Bible Schools, and Sunday Schools) to help establish influential, lasting, local churches.

Small places. Every community should have a vibrant, Bible-teaching, gospel-preaching church (Zechariah 4:10a; Acts 1:8; Luke 15:4-7).

Smaller-population and out-of-the-way places matter to God just as much as the cities. In town and country areas we will endeavor to plant healthy churches where there are none and strengthen churches that already exist.

Small-town potential. Even the most isolated contexts are not limiting to God (Matthew 9:35-36; Colossians 1:1-14).

We will strive to not allow ourselves to think that places with limited resources — people, finances, buildings — limit what God can do.

Quality ministry. God deserves the best we have to offer (Colossians 3:23).

Our ministry labors will reflect our belief that smaller places are every bit as deserving of our best efforts as larger places.