Dr. Davis's effort in compiling this resource is an answer to a personal prayer of mine. My life and ministry is a product of the rural church. Out of a sense of obligation and burden to “pay it back,” I started investing in under-resourced rural pastors almost ten years ago. It was shocking how few resources were available specifically targeting the unique challenges of rural church leadership. I started praying that God would raise up capable men and women to fill that void. This book is an answer to prayer. Dr. Davis doesn’t avoid the challenges and realities, but he leaves us hopeful about the future the rural church. With a touch of God’s grace and adequate preparation of its leaders, the rural church can rise again.

Dr. Bryan Jarrett

Lead Pastor Northplace Church Sachse, Texas

Found/Director Lonesome Dove Ranch and Water Tower Leadership Training

Billy Graham Center Rural Matters Institute Advisory Council

The imagery that came to mind as I read Danny Davis’ book was a ship going through a tumultuous storm. In going through such a storm, the keys are to stable the ship, hold on to something secure, and have a courageous leader at the helm. Danny’s book sure provides a blueprint for how struggling and declining rural churches can weather the storm of turnaround. While many churches attempt, very few arrive. And it is Danny’s book that highlights the stories of those churches who attempted, arrived, and now are thriving.

Dr. Josh Laxton

Assistant Director of the Billy Graham Center

North America Lausanne Coordinator

Everyone loves a good “comeback story”. The rural church in North America is in desperate need of exactly that. With many churches closing their doors each year while others are in a state of decline, the light of the gospel is beginning to fade from small towns across the nation. But the good news is there is hope! Jesus is still in the resurrection business…even when it comes to rural churches. In his book Rural Church Turnaround, Danny Davis shares stories of this hope as he outlines the principles and practices necessary for a rural church comeback story. I believe this book will inspire and encourage many leaders to see with fresh vision God’s heart for their rural communities as they believe Him for their own comeback story.

Jon Sanders

Lead Pastor - The Rescue Church

Small Town Big Church Network

I've had the pleasure of knowing Danny for a few years now, and it didn't take long for me to realize he was going to be an incredible asset to rural church pastors. His new book Rural Church Turnaround just proves what I already knew. He is quickly becoming one of the leading voices in the rural church landscape. In this book Danny shares stories of pastors who inherited rural churches on the brink of collapse, and somehow brought them back. Each pastor's story of revival is unique, and yet you'll find yourself relating to each of their struggles and their moments of joy. This is a must read for every rural church pastor.

Travis Stevens

Executive Pastor - Strong Tower Church

Small Town Big Church Network

- Speaking at multiple conferences pertaining to the rural church.

- Hosting the 82 Conference at my local church focusing on equipping churches under 200 in attendance.

- Hosting monthly webinars

- Guest professor at two colleges focused on training rural and small-town pastors.

- Launching the Center for Rural and Small-Town Church Revitalization and Planting at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary