Center for Congregational Resources

"Come and see" the good in rural and small-town congregations! That was the running theme of Day 2 of the Rural Ideas Conference 2026, hosted by Town Square Collaborative at the University of the Ozarks.

✨Opening Worship//"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael asked Philip who had just shared with him about Jesus. "Come and see," Philip responded. (John 1:43-46). Bobby Outterson-Murphy encouraged us to pay attention to the good things happening in our "Nazareth. Be bold to share, and invite others to "come and see."

✨Allen Stanton moderated a panel discussion on the Future of Ministry in the Rural Church. Panelists Ben Durheim, Robb Webb, and Michelle Hall discussed the growing trend of rural churches in their own denominations to equip and utilize non-ordained, certified lay leaders in clergy roles. They also highlighted the numerous non-documentable ways rural churches are flourishing by regularly meeting needs and sharing the love of Jesus in their communities.

✨AM Workshop//Brad Roth offered "the church of the living God" (1 Tim 3:15) four doorways to greater vitality: Authenticity, Community, Invitation, and Prayer. Brad stressed small churches should not worry, but instead be a joyful witness of Jesus. "Jesus is present, and Jesus loves the Church!"

✨Break//Prepping for rural ministry Sunday

✨PM Plenary//Catherine Neely-Burton spoke on Exodus, A Cowboy, and What the Rural Church Can Teach Us.

✨PM Workshop//"Come and see what is beautiful about rural areas..." Ben Durheim's workshop "Rural Aesthetics, Rural Values" encouraged participants to identify the beauty of rural life, such as close relationships, a slower pace of living, and natural beauty of creation, all of which lead to distinct rural values.

✨Closing Worship// Faithful God, we pray for your church in every place, especially in small towns, rural communities, and places often overlooked. Strengthen pastors, volunteers, and all who labor in your name. Encourage those who are discouraged. Grant wisdom to those facing difficult decisions. Teach us to trust not in our own strength, but in the grace of Jesus Christ, who remains faithful in every season. Amen.

"It is good for us to be here..."
So true, so true! The sun has set on Day 1 of the Rural Ideas Conference, hosted by Town Square Collaborative at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas. What a day it has been! As promised, here are some of the day's takeaways we hope will be transferable to your ministry!

✨Town Square Collaborative Director Phillip Blackburn opened with a reminder that collaboration is key to rural church vitality. Phil and team have crafted an event rich with opportunities for Christian ministry leaders across denominational lines to learn from and partner with each other. (Check out the awesome community collaboration ideas in the pictures. Also, watch for future partnerships for the CCR as a result of this conference!)

✨Pastor and author Brad Roth used Matthew's account of the Transfiguration to help us imagine how Jesus is leading rural churches to several points of reset. He encouraged us to see rural communities and congregations as God sees them--through faith in Jesus' presence, in hope for the future, and with fresh eyes transfigured by love.

✨The workshop led by Rev. Phillip Blackburn on "What Is New and What Is Old: The Rural Church and the Kingdom of Heaven" WAS.RICH. We learned and were reminded that the ecclesiology of rural churches is unique; they are not designed to be mini-urban churches! Large membership numbers and lots of small families are not mandates for biblical faithfulness. Rural churches can proclaim the gospel, care well for people, worship together, preserve the Truth of Jesus, and carefully confront the task of change in the context of their communities.

Rural congregations exhibit the Kingdom of Heaven to the world through showing generosity, humility, and recognizing the incredible treasure of knowing, loving, and sharing Jesus

✨Our time on campus today ended in beautiful Munger-Wilson Chapel with gathered worship, featuring a message from Rev. Eric Walden, Jr. What a joy to worship Jesus together with people from a wide range of denominational traditions, all unified in praise to God through Jesus and the power of his Spirit.

Now for a good night's sleep, as the frog and crickets serenade with their rural lullaby...More to come tomorrow!

Any guesses where we are? It's the perfect place for a conference on rural and small-town ministry. Wish you could hear the symphony of birds singing outside the hotel window...mockingbirds, cardinals, OSPREYS...

The conference starts after lunch. Stay tuned as we share from what is sure to be a wonderful time of learning and encouragement.

"Oh, sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day...Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness." Psalm 96:1-2, 9

Another week, another conference! Can you guess where we're going? Looking forward to sharing more in the days ahead!!!

Developing a strong, healthy volunteer team is an all-around win for local churches: church members grow as disciples of Christ, and gospel ministry efforts are multiplied for the glory of God. Learn more from the featured video in this month's CCR Connections!

We also feature one of our key collaborating partners, the Alabama Center for Pastoral Resilience; share info about our upcoming Disability Resources workshop,; and offer updates on the next cohort of the Equipping the Called Leadership Program.

Lots of great things are happening in rural and small-town churches, and we are thrilled to share just a glimpse! How have YOU experienced God through the ministries of rural or small-town churches?

https://mailchi.mp/8bd4204524d4/ccr-may-newsletter-4974003

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for people of all ages, abilities, and capacities. Join the Samford Center for Congregational Resources for a morning workshop on *Disability Resources for Rural and Small-town Churches, led by Samford University special education professor Dr. Mandy Hilsmier. This free workshop is for pastors, small group leaders, nursery workers, parents, grandparents ....anyone interested in promoting spiritual growth of the children or adults in their lives who are impacted by developmental challenges. As the body of Christ weaves together the gifts of all of her members in worship, discipleship, and service, everyone benefits. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Sign up today (link below,), and help us get the word out about this amazing opportunity for informed, hands-on learning!

*While the workshop is offered as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative, church leaders from congregations of any size or location are welcome!

https://eve.samford.edu/index.php?formid=6184

Read about creative worship practices, revitalization strategies, and our upcoming workshop on Disability Resources for rural and small-town congregations in the May edition of CCR Connections. Big things are happening in and through small churches! How have you experienced God at work in your local church?
https://mailchi.mp/7ea6a174e147/ccr-may-newsletter-4973945

Today is Ascension Day, the crowning event of the ministry of our Lord. On the fortieth day after Easter, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples and ascended to heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:1-12).

The ascension of Christ is filled with theological significance. Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, prays for us and perfects our prayers. His ascension is a witness and guarantee of our own bodily resurrection, as well as an invitation for us to set our hearts and minds “on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2) to rule over all things in heaven and throughout the universe (Eph. 1:10, 20-23). Finally, the ascension of Jesus serves as the prelude to Pentecost, when the power of the risen Christ came upon all believers through the Holy Spirit.

Artwork: Ascension II © Jan Richardson.

“Come away by yourselves, to a desolate place and rest” Mark 6:31. Jesus commands and we respond. The CCR team is experiencing rest and renewal under the kind care of the Benedictine sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman. May our work reflect the soft voice and gentle love of the Father.

Our Key Collaborating Partners are all now in place and their Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative projects are underway. Thanks be to God for this diverse group of gospel ministry partners, unified in the love of Jesus Christ for gospel work with rural and small-town congregations; and thanks to Lilly Endowment, Inc. whose generosity makes the work possible!

Learn more about the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative and the Samford Center for Congregational Resources by exploring our updated website.

Center for Congregational Resources The mission of the Center for Congregational Resources at Samford University is to create opportunities for pastoral enrichment that help ministers maintain their effectiveness. The center serves clergy of any denomination, both men and women, regardless of race or age.