Ministry in Flyover country is unlike – and exactly like – ministry in other parts of the world.
Flyover Church tells the Episcopal Church our stories, stories of faithful congregations and the opportunities for transformative ministry that happen right here in “the middle.”
“Flyover” is something of a pejorative in the culture, we understand that. We’re using it to capitalize on the idea that sometimes priests looking for a new call overlook the richness of ministry in the middle of the country, often unintentionally, because the culture tells us that everything worth knowing about and doing happens on the coasts. Now, we love the coasts, but we have all the same cultural resources – arts, museums, music, theater – you name and our cities have it – and all at a much lower price. And we have rewarding rural ministries, sustainable farming ministries, migrant worker outreach, creation care, anything you can imagine.
And we have our share of challenges. The economy has been brutal in much of our part of the country. We have homelessness and opioid problems in our rural parts just like in our cities. Our churches face those challenges with all the fortitude that the knowledge of God’s grace and abundance affords.
This site exists because we struggle sometimes to get applicants for our churches. It puzzles us, because we have churches full of faithful, good folk who are eager to call a priest, and we know these communities have abundant gifts for ministry. We think we just haven’t gotten the word out. If you’re a priest or a seminarian, we invite you to explore this site and get excited about the possibility of serving the church in Flyover country.
We are rural and urban, diverse and yet Midwestern-ly alike, humble and proud, low church, broad church, high church, emerging church, passionate about our call to serve God’s mission, and probably serve the best potluck suppers you’ll ever find. Just about the only thing we can’t offer is an oceanfront rectory.
In Flyover country you’ll find good schools at all levels, tight-knit communities, and a cost of living that will make our salaries very reasonable. We have accessible bishops, opportunities for diocesan leadership, and we have people who are following Jesus Christ into their communities, people who are looking for clergy to partner with them in their ministries, preach the Word, and grow the Jesus Movement.
Are you convinced yet? Read our stories. Listen to the experiences of Christians in Flyover church, and get excited, because we’re excited to meet you, too.