Supporting Thriving Rural and Small-Town Congregations Across the Northwestern Minnesota Synod

Rural and small-town congregations are not problems to be fixed—they are gifts to be celebrated.
Every congregation has unique strengths, stories, relationships, and opportunities for ministry. Rethinking Rural Ministry is an initiative of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod that equips congregations to discover what God is already doing in their communities and to take the next faithful step together.
Rather than asking, “How do we survive?” we ask:
What is God inviting us into?
What gifts already exist in our community?
How can we faithfully serve our neighbors today?
Together, we move:
From Worry → Wonder
From Grief → Hope
From Fear of Change → Courageous Curiosity

Who is this for?

Pastors

Deacons

Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs)

Lay Leaders

Ministry Teams

Anyone passionate about the future of rural and small-town ministry

What we offer

Whether your congregation is experiencing growth, change, transition, or simply wondering what comes next, Rethinking Rural Ministry offers practical tools and supportive conversations.

Workshops

Gatherings

Congregation Consultations

Congregations can schedule a consultation with Pastor Laurie Skow-Anderson to explore questions such as:

Where is God already at work in our community?
What strengths do we already possess?
What opportunities are emerging?
What is our next faithful step?

These conversations are designed to encourage—not evaluate—and help congregations imagine their future with hope.

Contact Pastor Laurie

Book Discussions & Learning Communities

Is your congregation ready for what's next?

Congregational Energy Audit

Take a few minutes to reflect on your congregation’s current season. There are no right or wrong answers—this snapshot is simply a tool to help you identify your congregation’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities for faithful ministry.

🚍 Missional Energy

🔥 Spiritual Energy

💵 Financial Energy

👥 Human Energy

Spiritual Curiosity Audit

The future of rural ministry isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about posture. These questions invite you to reflect on how your congregation is approaching God’s future with honesty, hope, and curiosity.

🌱 Wonder vs. Worry

When you think about the future of your congregation, where do you find yourself today?

Are you mostly worried about finding your next pastor, paying the bills, maintaining the building, or declining worship attendance? Or are you beginning to wonder what God might be calling your congregation to become?

Choose the response that best describes your congregation:

1 – Very worried
2 – Somewhat worried
3 – Trying to trust God
4 – Filled with wonder about God’s future

✨Hope vs. Discouragement

How do you respond to the changes and losses your congregation has experienced?

Many rural congregations have experienced the loss of a pastor, choir, youth group, women’s group, children, or declining worship attendance. As you reflect on these changes, which response best describes your congregation?

1 – Very sad
2 – Tired and discouraged
3 – A little hopeful
4 – Hopeful and curious about the future

☁️Fear vs. Curiosity

NOTE: This just a PART of what we have to offer! Join us at the Rethinking Rural Ministry Workshops in October & November to learn more!

Resources

Websites & Podcasts

Books

Downloads

Contact Us to access ELW Hymns recorded for USB Keyboard Music Files

Contact Us for Music Files

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Rethinking Rural Ministry

Together, we move:

From Worry → Wonder

From Grief → Hope

From Fear of Change → Courageous Curiosity

Rural ministry is changing—and none of us has to navigate those changes alone. Gather with leaders from across the synod to learn, reflect, and imagine what’s next.