This is mainly a topic starter for rural churches in the States. I'm not sure how much this is similar to Canada, but I'd rather not assume.
One of my passions and gifts is in evangelism. I've been used by God in many places in doing evangelism, training others in evanelism, etc. Yet, when I came out to rural America, I've found evangelism a bit harder than normal. I've learned that the stories in rural America stretch back generations, as do the memories. You don't just know a person, you know a family. And when new people move into town, it can be a bit hard if they don't know anyone or know a family or no one knows their family. I've also learned that gossip spreads like wildfire and can create barriers in connecting people to the church.
God is at work here, I know that for certain, and the Devil doesn't like it. Yet, what I find interesting is that those who either don't have the family connections to this place or have bad gossip spread have been coming in to visit. It is interesting to see the reactions from some members.
Here is what I've been doing and please feel free to add to or suggest different ways
1. Authenticity. I am authentic in all that I do. Either getting my mail at the post office, getting groceries at the corner market or having coffee with retired farmers at the coffee shop in the morning. I am my self, I do not hide who I am from them. I'm also authentic in worship as well. I desire that when they leave church they may say that they encountered God there.
2. Preaching to reach. I use every day language and even at times if need be, incorrect grammar. I use big theological ideas and concepts without using big theological words. I find what examples I can around me to convey the Gospel message. Never assume that because it is a church that has been here for what seems forever that they all know the Gospel. Preach it to reach them. Good ol' fashioned Gospel preaching never hurt anyone.
3. Be visible. I'm visible in the coffee shop doing my sermon work, talking with people. I walk through town, I wave at everyone. I learned this method from Youth For Christ. Learn their names, be visible and just wave and smile. You'd be surprised how people will come and talk with you after a while.
4. Pray. Pray hard. Pray like you've never prayed before. Pray until you're exahusted from praying and then pray some more. Pray whenever you hear bad gossip about someone. Take a moment and pray with someone who is talking with you. But pray.
Thoughs?