Rev. Jen Tyler Osterloh is a regional strategist in the Brookings, South Dakota, area, focusing on working with rural communities and an ever-evolving campus ministry. 

"The purpose is to work with Brandon [Rev. Brandon Vetter], the district superintendent, to develop a strategy or plan around campus ministry in Brookings and create support, as well as connection, for rural faith communities," said Rev. Tyler Osterloh.

Tyler Osterloh has been meeting with people in the area, mindful of the demographic changes and how they might shift ministries with and for the communities. 

"I serve as a resource to help connect churches with their communities and help them think creatively, outside the box, of what that ministry can look like amid demographic shifts," said Tyler Osterloh. 

Rural ministry

Every ministry has value. The location, size, or scope is not significant. The core values of Jesus, mission, and connection are most important while paying attention to community change.

"Shifts following COVID or disaffiliation votes took a toll on some communities. Utilizing Mission Insite, we are trying to figure out what those shifting demographics look like and re-imagine what it looks like to be a vital church in a rural community," said Pastor Jen. 

Discussions have been held about starting new ministries to reach new demographics and resourcing current churches that are vital parts of their communities and our connection. 

"It is a chance to pour into these churches and communities. The number of people does not matter; it may be a reach of 15 or 50, all vital parts of their community where they live, giving and serving their neighbors," shared Pastor Jen. 

She is not working in isolation. Pastor Jen is partnering with the Dakotas Connection Initiative—DCI, a grant from the Lilly Endowment that addresses the challenges and opportunities experienced in our rural churches and communities. She connects with clergy involved in the grant.

Pastor Jen describes the connection: "I have been in contact with Thaneal [Rev. Thaneal Certa Werner], who is working with three rural churches. I am meeting with Teri Johnson, who is serving three rural churches in the area. It's been fun to just strategize, get some ideas together, and figure out opportunities for churches. Churches should not feel like they are in isolation. We really are a connectional system." 

Partnerships and relationships are critical components of rural ministry. Pastor Jen brings her time, creative energy, and connections to the table. 

Tyler Osterloh sums up her work with rural ministry: "I am spending time with the leaders, looking at partnerships and connecting them to resources. I am having them answer questions like: Is what we are currently doing sustainable? How are we planning for the future? Are there partnerships we would benefit from? What do we have to offer this community? "

Campus ministry

First UMC in Brookings has had a campus ministry for many years. The community is home to the state's largest campus, South Dakota State University. The ministry has shifted and been resourced differently since its inception. 

Members of First UMC in Brookings serve refreshments to Hobo Day participants—the homecoming for SDSU. Photo from Facebook.

"It has looked different throughout the years. They have had a shift in the structure and staffing of the ministry. They used to have an associate pastor who would focus on campus ministry. Then, they hired a student who would take the lead. They have volunteers who are invested in various activities and have a passion for campus ministry," shares Pastor Jen.

A team of leaders at First UMC is working with Pastor Jen to define the ministry's mission, purpose, and values. The campus community is a revolving door of students who come to learn, graduate, and move out. The work is about building a sustainable model for a system where leadership and the participants in the ministry are changing.

"They have always had the ministry but have not clearly articulated its value, mission, and purpose. Putting that in writing will bring everyone together on the same page. We hope to establish specific goals," articulates Pastor Jen. "Hundreds of students will never come to the church from campus. Instead, we are asking, what might it look like to have a place for students that is an alternative, a welcoming community?"

She sums up her work as a regional strategist as life-giving: "Everything about this work is so different. I have been able to worship in a different church each weekend. The life and energy that comes out of these small rural congregations is life-giving in a different sort of way. My first appointment was in small rural churches. I loved being there. It is a happy reminder of the core  of what we all hold in common."

Pastor Jen began this work in July and will continue until January 1, 2025, when she will serve as senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, South Dakota. Tyler Osterloh will serve following the departure of colleague and dear friend Rev. Pete Grassrow. Grassrow is returning to South Africa to serve in the Methodist Church of South Africa and be with family.