Rethinking Rural Ministry
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)
Congregation Councils
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.
Is Your Congregation Ready for What's Next?
Congregational Health Snapshot
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.
Spiritual Curiosity Reflection
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.
Continue the Conversation
There isn’t a “passing” score. The purpose of these reflections is to help your congregation honestly identify where you are today and begin discerning where God may be leading you next.
If your Congregational Health Snapshot score is 8 or below, or if the Spiritual Curiosity Reflection revealed areas where your leadership is longing for hope, fresh perspective, or faithful next steps, we’d love to invite you to join us.
Upcoming Opportunities
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.
Rural Ministry Summit
September 24, 2026
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Zoom
Join pastors, deacons, SAMs, and lay leaders from across the synod for an evening of conversation about rural ministry today. Share what’s happening in your congregation and community, hear from others serving in similar contexts, and help shape how the synod can pray for and support rural congregations.
Topics may include:
- Harvest season and the rhythms of rural life
- Challenges and opportunities facing congregations
- What you’re hearing from farmers and your community
- Resources and support for ministry
Rural & Small Town Ministry Workshop
October 24, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Thief River Falls
Take a deeper dive into the opportunities and challenges facing rural congregations. Through conversation, practical tools, and shared learning, you’ll leave with ideas and encouragement for your congregation’s next faithful steps.
Rural & Small Town Ministry Workshop
November 21, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes
Join us in Detroit Lakes to take a deeper dive into the opportunities and challenges facing rural congregations. Through conversation, practical tools, and shared learning, you’ll leave with ideas and encouragement for your congregation’s next faithful steps.
Synod-Wide Book Read
December 1
12:00-1:30PM | Zoom
We will discuss the book, Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations by Allan Stantontogether, continuing to explore faithful, hopeful ministry in rural and small-town congregations.
Resources
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© 2026, Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
