Homepage / Academy Catalog / Entering Rural Ministry: Rural Curiosity
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!
Get oriented to the course, download the interactive handbook, and access the group to chat with others!
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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.
$55
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$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
10 Modules
Self-Paced, On-Demand
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.
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.
$55
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*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
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You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!
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$55
$0*
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
10 Modules
Self-Paced, On-Demand