Engaging Rural Communities Events

Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) exists to support and encourage rural and small town congregations to engage their communities with the love of Christ.  In partnership with a host District, RSTM invites your congregation to join us for Engaging Rural Communities (ERC) events in your district.

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What is Engaging Rural Communities?

ERC is geared toward single and multi-point parishes in rural and small town settings. Ideally, a pastor and three to four lay leaders will attend ERC together. Congregational leaders will examine their communities, consider ways in which they can serve the unique needs of those communities, identify assets they have in place, and make plans for utilizing their resources for engagement.  An important theme of ERC events is building and strengthening partnerships as multi-point parishes and individual congregations explore ways to work together for the needs of their communities.

RSTM will assist each congregation present with bringing home some practical approaches for engaging and touching their communities with the Gospel.  Each congregation will receive invaluable, personalized demographics for their community.  Register early so that there is time to prepare your congregation’s demographics!

Many congregations today are concerned about shrinking membership and fewer children and families in worship.  There is no “one size fits all” solution, however congregational leaders will be encouraged as they see new opportunities for engaging their communities and are filled with hope for the future.

Attending Engaging Rural Communities Events

Cost per participant is $25.00 (includes lunch and light refreshments).  For more information or to register, contact Amy Gerdts at 888-463-5127 or amy.gerdts@lcms.org.

Engaging Rural Communities Events

Engaging Rural Communities Events are being planned for the following districts:

• Minnesota South
• Michigan
• Montana
• Eastern