Oil City pastor, scholar and writer Charlie Cotherman has published his latest book, Strip Mine Jesus: Hope for the Rural Church, Small Towns, and Overlooked Places, through Baker Books of Michigan.

Cotherman, who was born in Oil City and returned to western Pennsylvania with his family in 2016, is the pastor of Oil City Vineyard Church. He also serves as executive director of the Center for Rural Ministry and as an assistant professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Grove City College.

While Strip Mine Jesus draws from Cotherman’s own experiences in ministry and life, its message extends beyond the church. The book explores what it means to faithfully care for small towns and rural communities, challenging the idea that people must leave small places to do something meaningful or significant.

Of particular interest to local readers, the book shares part of the story of Oil City Vineyard’s founding and highlights the history of the region, along with stories of local people making a difference in their communities through everyday acts of care and commitment.

The book has received reviews in national publications including WORLD Magazine and Christianity Today. Strip Mine Jesus is available wherever books are sold.

Congratulations Charlie!

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s September 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.