"Drawing on sociological, theological and pastoral resources, this insightful and integrative book is an important addition to the discipline of pastoral care. It accomplishes a dual purpose - providing astute proposals about the practice of ministry in rural contexts while at the same time offering significant insights for the more general theory and practice of pastoral care, gleaned from the complex dynamics of rural ministry. It is a very valuable read for all seminary students and pastors." Christie Cozad Neuger United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities "Hoeft, Jung, and Marshall address care in the diverse, changing, and challenging contexts of rural congregations and communities. The authors maintain that rural congregations have insights about care which can inform the entire Church, as pastors and leaders in rural congregations care not only for members of the congregations, but entire communities in which the congregations are located. This book is an excellent resource for those who have served in rural contexts for a time as well as those new to service in rural contexts." Alvin Luedke Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota