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Rural Ministry

Learn to see and join God's vibrant activity in rural and small-town contexts.

Certificate Overview

This certificate program invites you to discover the unique opportunities for vibrant ministry in rural and small-town settings. You will cultivate a hopeful, God-centered curiosity for this vital context, moving beyond assumptions. The course guides you to take practical steps in contextually-sensitive listening, equipping you to lead with discernment and cultural awareness in your community.

Certificate Courses

Required Courses
Rural Curiosity: Entering Rural Ministry
The Art of Rural Leadership
Rediscovering Hope: Encouragement for Rural Ministry
Choose two from the following:
You’ve Been Asked to Preach: Now What?
Embodying Thoughts and Prayers: Providing Spiritual Care and Comfort
God and Mental Health Challenges
Christian Witness in Smaller-Membership Congregations

Wondering if this is right for you?

A Faith+Lead Certificate in Rural and Small-Town Ministry prepares you to lead with hope and vision in a rural setting.

How the Process Works

  • Take 4-6 essential courses and workshops in rural ministry
  • Practice what you learn in your context
  • Track the time spent on each course or workshop
  • Report on the learning in each of your courses or workshops
  • Create a final reflection project integrating your learning

Your Tools for Success

  • Access a secure digital platform for your work
  • Receive fast, friendly technical support

Earning Your Certificate

Upon completion, you will receive a downloadable certificate and a record of your learning journey that you can share with your church, denominational leadership, or anyone who requires proof of your accomplishment.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Clergy seeking to lead more effectively, from maintaining expectations to discovering fresh expressions of ministry that fit your unique context and community
  • Church volunteers and ministry leaders looking to gain confidence to address challenges while recognizing and building upon the distinct gifts and opportunities in rural and small-town settings

Ready to Enroll?

Choose the option that gives you the most value and start learning today.

Non-Member Pricing

$299

One-time purchase

  • Access to all course materials and workshops for the Faith+Lead Certificate
  • Includes free 12-month Faith+Lead membership with certificate enrollment
Enroll now

Popular

Member Pricing

$75*

*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month

  • Easy access to all course materials and workshops for the Faith+Lead Certificate
Enroll now

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this certificate program?

The Faith+Lead certificate helps you recognize and build upon the unique opportunities for ministry in rural and small-town settings. You'll gain both theological insights and practical approaches for sustainable rural ministry that fit your context.

The Faith+Lead Certificate is self-paced, allowing you to integrate the learning into your ministry context while maintaining your current responsibilities. Most participants complete the program within 6-12 months.
All of our certificate programs are fully online and flexible, so you can take them from any time zone, anywhere in the world.

Yes, we offer special rates for regional church bodies and congregations looking to train multiple leaders. Contact us for details at support@faithlead.org.

If you’re serving in an ELCA context, we’ve carefully designed this certificate to fulfill specific contextual ministry competencies. Download our friendly guide to see exactly how each course connects to ELCA requirements.

No problem! We’ll credit what you’ve already completed. Simply fill in this form when you’re ready to enroll, and we’ll provide a discount code for courses you’ve already taken.

Don’t see your question addressed?

Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!