Witmer's book is broken into three parts guided by three questions he asks in the Introduction: “First, what are small places like? Second, how can we minister fruitfully in small places? Third, should I minister in a small place?” (page 12) Each section is clearly driven by the work of answering those questions and does so in a carefully considered way. For clarity, he offers on page 22 a working definition of small places for the purposes of the book, a term used in “a nontechnical sense to refer to countryside and communities that are relatively small in population, influence, and economic power.”The first section is honest, examining all of our assumptions about small places and determining that they are both better and worse than they are presented in many American minds. These chapters explore the problems, opportunities, and cultural distinctives of small places with examples from Witmer's own life and available data from other sources. Page 46 offers the explanation for this section, being that “a theological vision for ministry to small places must recognize the deep sinfulness, brokenness, and complexity of people everywhere, in places big and small. Small towns and rural areas throughout the world face severe problems.”The second section explores both an argument for ministry in small places and some ground rules for developing a theological vision for individual small places. The big picture of this section is offered on page 62 when he says, “We need theological roots for what we’re doing, and we need to know the end goal for why we’re doing it. We desperately need a theological vision that motivates and molds our ministries. We need to see small places the way God sees them.” In it, Witmer reveals some of the process he experienced in developing a theological vision for his own small place, as well as devoting chapters to the way different aspects of the gospel are reflected in the work of investing in small places.The third section encourages the reader to ask questions. It presents both good and bad reasons to go to small places alongside reasons (again, both good and bad) to stay away from them. In the end, the book reminds readers that the work of carrying the gospel is a valuable pursuit in all places, and that we should individually prioritize the place that we are called rather than culturally prioritizing either big or small places. This section challenges readers to prayerfully consider the work God has for them and then dive into it with full passion and commitment.Overall, the book serves well in presenting Witmer's case for small-place ministry and encouraging those who work in that field. Not only encouragement, but a challenge; not simply to work in small places, but to love and value them as Christ does, and commit to the work God has for us in them. It is also a useful resource for those outside of the small-place context, both in terms of considering the possible neglect they have shown small places and in understanding how to support those who work in them. It paints a picture of the interconnected nature of both small and large place ministry, and stands as a call to lovingly encourage and support one another wherever we are called to work. I would encourage anyone considering the work God has for them, whether professional ministry or not, to give this book a chance to help guide their thoughts.