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Living Theology[ies] in Rural Settings
Sharpen your awareness to the Spirit and uncover opportunities for ministry.
About this Course
Living Theology[ies] in Rural Settings was designed to equip you for cultivating community, opening up spiritual conversations for people with differing beliefs, and understanding the meaning of theological principles in real life.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
As in many modern-day ministry settings, rural ministries often experience the struggles of seeing God at work, addressing a variety of beliefs in spiritual conversations, and understanding how theological principles matter in real life.
Living Theology[ies] in Rural Settings emphasizes the idea that everyone operates out of some kind of theology—whether they are religious or not—and that people of faith can learn about God and serve their neighbors more effectively when they recognize and understand how theological principles are at play.
Led by Jon Anderson, this course encourages learners to examine theological questions through new and ever-changing lenses, featuring a diverse subset of interviews and artistic references as tools for conceptualization of course content.
Modules
Theologian? Who, Me?
- Understand that everyone who thinks and talks about God is a theologian.
- Comprehend how rural and small town contexts shape distinctive theological questions and perspectives.
- Develop confidence and humility around theological thinking.
- Apply curiosity as a "detective of divinity" by actively listening for and noticing theological themes in conversations, art, music, and everyday experiences around you.
Theology[ies]
- Understand that multiple theologies exist within Christianity and across different faith traditions.
- Comprehend how personal history, experiences, and cultural context shape theological perspectives.
- Develop appreciation for the diverse theological perspectives present in rural communities while identifying your own "ultimate concerns" and how they influence your daily life and relationships.
- Practice applying theological knowledge to daily life.
God at Work in Creation and Nature
- Understand different theological perspectives on creation, including stewardship versus dominion approaches to the land, and comprehend how agrarian theology connects faith with care for creation.
- Realize God's presence in your everyday work and daily life, recognizing creation and all living things as neighbors you are called to love and care for.
- Consider practices that can connect you to the land and those who care for it.
God’s Love and Loving Our Neighbors
- Understand the theological distinction between a theology of the cross versus a theology of glory.
- Comprehend how God's unconditional love through Jesus Christ calls Christians to love all neighbors both near and far.
- Grow your capacity to share God’s neighborly love.
- Practice practical care for neighbors in your community, recognizing that loving others flows from God's grace rather than from works righteousness or personal merit.
The Mystery, Gift, and Possible Idol of Health
- Understand the complex relationship between physical, spiritual, and mental health in rural communities, including how health disparities and limited medical resources create unique challenges for rural populations.
- Develop compassion and heart for God’s justice in health issues.
- Explore the concept of “ultimate concern” as applied to your life and community.
Brokenness and Safety, Violence, and Justice
- Understand how fear, insecurity, and trauma affect people's theological perspectives and responses to crisis.
- Comprehend the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and community well-being in rural settings.
- Develop your dependence on God's presence during times of crisis and uncertainty.
- Consider practices of forgiveness, community support, and advocacy for justice that address both personal wounds and systemic issues affecting rural communities.
God’s Growing Community
- Understand the biblical concept of koinonia and the essential functions of Christian community.
- Foster your capacity for forgiveness and hospitality and a desire for community engagement.
- Examine your own community's fears, strengths, and social capital needs, paying attention to how relationships contribute to healthy congregational and community life.
Getting to the Point
- Understand the concept of the "diaconate of all believers" and comprehend the call to serve as ministers in their daily lives.
- Respond to God’s call to God’s invitation to become a “minister” in your daily life.
- Examine your life and community and determine what steps you could take into this ministry.
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- Modules:
8 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 grew up on a dairy farm south of Belgrade, Minnesota (Between Willmar and Sauk Rapids). His ancestors came to this land in the late 1850s, and his family lives there to this day. His family farm is located on land that was the traditional homeland of the Dakota people.
In his early ministry he served at camps and congregations in Texas and Minnesota. He recently completed eighteen years of service as bishop in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. As Director of Rural Ministry he provides leadership in the area of Luther Seminary’s Small Town and Rural (STaR) Ministry.
Anderson earned his M.Div. from Luther Seminary (1985) and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College (1981). He loves to garden and play with his grandchildren. Planting seeds, growing plants and walking with people as they grow gives him joy.
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One-time purchase
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- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
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- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
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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!