Finding Renewable Energy through Shared Ministries 

The title of this column is also the title of next year’s Rural Ministry Conference, scheduled for March 1-3, 2009 in Dubuque.  By “shared ministries” I mean any and all of the possible ways that congregations and ministry leaders can better serve the mission of the gospel by doing together what cannot be done alone.  Shared ministries include, for example, yoked parishes and geographic parishes, multi-point parishes and staff ministry leadership teams—as well as other examples and models that represent creative responses to the challenges of mission in local communities.

Last fall, during a class session in the course, “Imagining Rural Ministry,” at Wartburg Theological Seminary, a discussion about shared ministries prompted one student to relate that she had heard parishioners in a rural congregation express resistance to the possibility of forming a geographic parish on the grounds that to do so was to concede the eventual and inevitable closing of their beloved church.  That perspective reflects a common understanding that healthy congregations are self-sufficient congregations, able to afford full-time ministry and to engage in mission on the basis of their own internal resources, without having to seek the partnership of others beyond their own membership...

Click here to read the full article text and Dr. Baglyos' thoughts on changing this perspective.

 

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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Mendota 101

12:15-1:15

The Center for Theology & Land invites you to our final Rural Concerns Luncheon for this academic year. Our featured speaker will be Bill Warhover from First Presbyterian Church in Miles IA. Bill will speak on helping a congregation grieve. “Healthy grief allows us to recognize and realize the importance of what has been lost and it should open us to new ways of living.” Please join us as you are able for a lunch of soup, fruit, and bread (or bring your own).

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Join us!  Announcing...

FALL 2008 Online Courses!

Now is the time to begin planning for next semester's continuing education, TEEM or Certificate in Town & Country Ministry educational opportunities. 

Click here to learn more about the courses being offered.

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Save the Date!

28th Annual Rural Ministry Conference March 1 ~ 3, 2009 Finding Renewable Energy in Shared Ministries

Click here for information on the 2008 RMC.

Click here to read a copy of Dr. Paul Baglyos' sermon at the 2008 RMC opening worship.