The relationship of rural social science to theological education was a primary focus of this study, with particular emphasis given to the thesis that an ability to think in social science terms on the part of a pastor working in a town or country community is positively related to a productive ministry. Members of the Rural Sociological Society were initially sent a questionnaire specifically developed to elicit the judgment of the members of the Society as to the importance of key sociological concepts for the work of the pastor in a rural community. The 10 most important concepts identified in this manner included: (1) norms and values; (2) community; (3) power structure; (4) community decision-making; (5) communication; (6) role; (7) socialization; (8) culture; (9) interaction; and (10) status. On the basis of the concepts listed as of major importance by the rural sociologists, a questionnaire was developed to test the sociological sophistication of rural pastors. Sociological sophistication was in turn compared with 7 measures of pastoral performance. Findings of these comparisons supported the assertion that the relationship is positive between scores on the test of sociological sophistication and high pastoral performance. A final chapter of the study discusses the responsibility the theological seminary bears in training the ministry of the town and country church. (EV)