February 9, 2009

CHICAGO – Finding renewable energy through shared ministries is the topic of the 2009 Rural Ministry Conference March 1-3 in Dubuque, Iowa. Held annually, the conference examines issues and themes relevant to the well-being of rural communities and the ministries of rural churches.

"By shared ministries I mean any and all of the possible ways that congregations and ministry leaders can better serve the mission of the gospel by doing together what cannot be done alone," said the Rev. Paul Baglyos. He said shared ministries include multi-point parishes, yoked parishes, staff ministry leadership teams and "other models that represent creative responses to the challenges of mission in local communities."

Baglyos is director of the Center for Theology and Land, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque. Wartburg is one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The center has hosted the rural ministry conference annually in Dubuque.

The conference includes worship, keynote presentations, workshops and Bible study. Participants have the opportunity to engage with others who are concerned about rural ministry.

The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, executive director, ELCA Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission, will deliver a presentation and lead a workshop on "top 10 things" people can do in evangelism "without buying a program."

The Rev. Cathi Braasch, Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Smithfield, Neb., will lead a workshop on sustainable rural ministries. The Rev. Brian "Pete" Hagglund, an interim pastor serving congregations in the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, Clinton, Iowa, will lead a workshop on "dealing with the dreaded survivor mentality."

The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, will talk about leadership. Diana Stephen, elder and former associate for network support of rural and small church ministries, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will speak on spiritual vitality. The Rev. James L. Bailey, professor emeritus of New Testament at Wartburg, will lead Bible study.

Established in 1987, the Center for Theology and Land works to strengthen rural churches and their communities by training pastors for ministry in small, rural churches; provides continuing education opportunities for clergy and laity in rural settings; and helps empower rural churches for mission in their communities.

Information about the Center for Theology and Land is at http://www.ruralministry.com/, on the Wartburg Web site.

ELCA News Service