I grew up in a small Indiana town of 1,200 people. It was so safe that we didn’t own a key to the house, didn’t take the keys from the car, and knew most families two to three generations back. 
But what often evolves within safe circles is low trust for ideas outside it. That’s what we find while working with churches in small towns. Even though most have their struggles they are rarely willing to trust others for insight, dooming them to irrelevance and risk of failure.
Yes, safe can be dangerous.
That’s why Grace church in Demotte, Indiana (population 2,500) is so unusual. This small rural church of 400 has a passionate heart for the next generation that has propelled it beyond its safe past. They realize the next generation is digitally savvy and at any moment can see, feel, and connect beyond their city’s limits. Because of this, they’re willing to move beyond past thinking and facilities to connect with them.
What a great vision! Check out this new ministry space that Aspen has aligned with it.
