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Entering Rural Ministry: Rural Curiosity
Discover how to lead well in rural and small-town ministry.
About this Course
Entering Rural Ministry: Rural Curiosity was designed to equip you for leading in a rural or small-town call whether you are the pastor or a lay leader.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
When you hear the word rural or small town, what comes to mind? Chances are you might imagine a scene out of an old TV show or maybe a recent story on the news that may not be a fair portrayal of what rural life is really like. There are plenty of stereotypes that have become ingrained in our imaginations. Maybe it’s time to imagine something better—something truer.
Because the truth is that each rural and small-town community is unique and made up of people who are ready to be known beyond stereotypes. It takes gaining skills in listening, leadership, spiritual practices, and more to serve in rural and small-towns well.
Developing the skills you need is possible! This course will equip you for leading in a rural or small-town call whether you are the pastor or a lay leader. If you’ve entered this kind of call, changed calls, or about to start a new one, then this is for you!
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, download the interactive handbook, and access the group to chat with others!
Getting Started
In this module, you will
- Explore the overall course and some components of typical modules.
- Hear the instructor’s vision for the course.
- Participate in a spiritual practice.
Listen and Discern
In this module, you will
- Reflect on the end of the last chapter of ministry and the beginning of a new one.
- Develop strategies for listening well upon entering a new setting.
- Pay attention and listen to the tender places from your departure and history.
- Pay attention and listen to your congregation or community’s tender places.
- Notice and build on assets that you find in yourself and your congregation or community.
Travel Through Time
In this module, you will
- Engage the work of learning the history and exploring the memories of people in your call.
- Build connections with local pastors of your tradition and ecumenical neighbors.
- Visit with people who are shut-ins and elders, and explore their memory and stories about your new home congregation and community.
Investigate and Interpret Your Mission Field and Ministry
In this module, you will
- Find ways to engage your curiosity about your new home.
- Research in-person and online demographic information about your community.
- Research about your congregation.
- Ponder what the quantitative and qualitative research reveals.
Love People and Place
In this module, you will
- Lean into your calling to love your neighbor.
- Consider rural under appreciation in the general culture and how you might affirm your location and people.
- Explore appreciative inquiry and planning tools, and explore passing on the faith to all generations.
Discern your Vocations
In this module, you will
- Reflect on how you are loving God, yourself and others.
- Consider your personal vocations—how you are called to build up God’s larger church and love God’s world.
- Pray for people in your congregation as they serve in their everyday lives, and invite them to reflect on their callings.
Equip the Saints
In this module, you will
- Invite others to pray about how God has gifted you and how you could develop your gifts to better serve God and your neighbors.
- Visit with your congregation’s leaders to affirm, understand, and begin identifying possible apprentices.
- Explore where you and your congregation are open to equipping people for ministry in daily life and in the life of the congregation.
Plan Strategically
In this module, you will
- Record and test your initial hunches about strategic issues and planning with those in formal and informal congregational leadership roles.
- Delineate various planning approaches.
- Explore the strategic issues facing the congregation, its leaders, and you as you grow deeper into the system.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course and how to stay connected with your group. You'll also be able to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
10 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Jon Anderson
Pastor Jon Anderson serves as Director of Rural Ministry at Luther Seminary. He recently completed eighteen years of service as bishop in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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Access this on-demand course
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*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!