Rural Ministry Clergy Cohort

We invite you to gather virtually every two weeks with Rev. Ed Kail, well-known pastor, teacher, and clergy leader from the Iowa Annual Conference (and former professor of Bishop Plambeck!).  Ed is known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the rural ministry context and challenges.  He is a follower of the Way of Jesus with deep roots in the UMC and in the Wesleyan theologoy of discipleship.

We are hosting eight virtual conversations beginning the second week of February.  Details are below.  The aim of this experience is to strengthen your leadership as a pastor of a church in a rural setting.  We hope  you will:

• Form community and connections with your colleagues:  get to know each other.
• Better understand the unique context of rural ministry:  often hard to see when you are in the middle of it.
• Explore key concepts to inform effective ministry in the rural church:  you don't know what you don't  know.
• Use case studies or real examples -  from the group or Ed - to better understand how to navigate the issues or situations you may encounter:  stuff happens, and you are not alone.

Register here for the connection opportunities offered below.  You will receive a Zoom invitation that will work for every session with weekly reminders.  Deadline to register is February 12, 2024.

Thursday, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm CT

• Connection #1:  Thursday, February 15
• Connection #2:  Thursday, February 29
• Connection #3:  Thursday, March 14
• Connection #4:  Thursday, April 11
• Connection #5:  Thursday, April 25
• Connection #6:  Thursday, May 2
• Connection #7:  Thursday, May 16
• Connection #8:  Thursday, May 30