Book study will focus on ‘The Rural Church in God’s Country’

By Richard Wehrle of Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church

“The Rural Church in God’s Country” is the topic for an online book study hosted by the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office. Pastor Brad Roth, in his book God’s Country: Faith, Hope, and the Future of the Rural Church, and Allen Stanton, author of Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations, champion rural ministry and the dedicated leaders who make it possible.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, it’s easy for the country church and the rural pastor to feel left behind. Books on church leadership and seminars on ministry methods often assume an urban context, and even our denomination’s commitment to “being Jesus in the neighborhood” feels challenging when one’s closest neighbors are corn fields and cattle pastures.

Yet there is continued vitality in rural ministry, and the country church is a long way from irrelevancy. Join us for a fertile conversation as we reflect on both books and hopefully find new growth and encouragement together.

Sessions will be facilitated by “circuit rider” John Fillmore. The series of 10 sessions begins on Sept. 2 and will be held every Tuesday for approximately 90 minutes, starting at 7 p.m. (Eastern time). Continuing education units are available and can be requested when the book study evaluation form is completed. Register at https://forms.gle/cCanuEcqx4Bmbym79

For questions, email John Filmore at filmojo@gmail.com or Tabitha Rudy at adminptpftc@brethren.org

— Richard Wehrle is the Thriving in Ministry program manager for the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office.

#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving

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