Rural people and communities continue to play important social, economic and environmental roles at a time in which societies are rapidly urbanizing, and the identities of local places are increasingly subsumed by flows of people, information and economic activity across global spaces. However, while the organization of rural life has been fundamentally transformed by institutional and social changes that have occurred since the mid-twentieth century, rural people and communities have proved resilient in the face of these transformations.

This book examines the causes and consequences of major social and economic changes affecting rural communities and populations during the first decades of the twenty-first century, and explores policies developed to ameliorate problems or enhance opportunities. Primarily focused on the U.S. context, while also providing international comparative discussion, the book is organized into five sections each of which explores both socio-demographic and political economic aspects of rural transformation. It features an accessible and up-to-date blend of theory and empirical analysis, with each chapter's discussion grounded in real-life situations through the use of empirical case-study materials.

Rural People and Communities in the 21st Century is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in rural sociology, community sociology, rural and/or population geography, community development, and population studies.

In all his writings, Allen's overriding concern was to show that missionary method, far from being a secondary or indifferent matter, is a matter of supreme importance.

Presents the story of Christianity in Asia, Africa and South America.

In a world where the Church is faced with declining attendances, financial constraints and a shortage of clergy, is it possible to release a new vitality and energy? According to Robin Greenwood, if, as a Church, we can let go of the idea that we are marginalized, we can become much more confident, boldly discovering diverse and holistic ways of re-imaging the Church. When faced with diminishing congregations, instead of looking for someone to blame we can ask: 'What is there which is hopeful and fully alive, speaking of the liberating power of God? What can we offer to people and society who are searching for meaning in daily work and relation-ships? There exists within the Church a damaging split between clergy and laity, with laity being seen as somehow inferior. What is needed is to recapture the original concept of laity as being 'all God's people' or the royal priesthood of all believers. In this book, Robin Greenwood argues that in the Local Ministry movement every Christian person has a gift to offer. Everyone in their particular charism, and integrated with everyone else, is set free to do what is necessary for the Church to be Church. The Local Ministry movement gives a freedom to explore the many connections between faith and life, emphasizing how to have a sense of well-being, celebration, hope and enjoyment. It is in working together in a collaborative ministry that it is possible to halt the decline and renew the Church.