The Rural Missouri Connection encourages and equips churches to engage with local resources in the development of outward ministries that reflect and address wholistic opportunities in the community. As we are called to the ministry of healing, we can promote hope, wholeness and joy through a life abundant in Christ. We invite churches to consider what opportunities are present to influence the overall well-being of individuals, congregations and communities. We challenge churches to consider what assets exist in your unique context that might encourage adopting healthy practices both inside your church and in your community.
Let’s chat!
In the fall, members at Liberty UMC outside of Chillicothe hosted a Wednesday program that featured guest musicians and speakers. Sidney Everhart, Community Engagement Specialist, was invited to engage the group in a discussion around rural ministry. Members were encouraged to reflect on a time when their church was at its best, being the hands and feet of God in the community, and draw a picture of what that was like. While the drawings in the room varied from steeples to hog roasts, the themes of love, comfort and community carried throughout. The activity offers a time of celebration and recognition of the many strengths a church has in its members and communities. The RMC can support conversations like this and more. If you would like one in your area, please reach out to [email protected]
Featured Resource
The Strategically Small Church
Join Jennifer as she interviews author, Brandon O'Brien, and as they discuss strengths of the small church. This two-part interview is packed with perspective and observations on how the small church impacts and is impacted today. Listen here or here or on your favorite podcast app.
O’Brien expands in his book.
Other Resources
FLAIR Survey
The Faith Leaders Assisting in Recovery (FLAIR) program at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health at UMSL is collecting feedback from rural faith leaders around supporting individuals and families struggling with substance use. The feedback will inform a training program resource for faith organizations and leaders. Rural faith leaders are encouraged to take the survey here: FLAIR NEEDS ASSESSMENT →
Events and Opportunities
Save-the-Date! RMC Collab: Aurora
Churches can play a unique role in building relationships and resources that empower individuals and communities in the area of economic mobility. Join us for a conversation about relational ministries happening at Aurora UMC and how using strengths- and solution-based efforts can create long-term impacts.
Who: Pastors and leaders in rural or small community contexts
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 9th (optional coffee fellowship starting at 9:30 a.m.)
Where: Aurora UMC, 1211 S Carnation Dr, Aurora, MO 65605
Find out more and register here→
Grants
Foundation for Evangelism: February 28
The Foundation for Evangelism Equipping the Local Church grant initiative seeks to empower pastors and laity in smaller local congregations to dream, take risks, and partner with God in the transformation of lives and communities. These grants are made possible through the generosity of donors, friends, and partners of The Foundation for Evangelism. Grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to small and medium* church congregations, or clusters of churches working together, in a Wesleyan-tradition denomination. Find out more and apply→
New Places for New People: April 1
New Places for New People are constantly evolving. We're here to support the mission of creating new places for new people in our community. Whether that's a Zoom Bible study group, a worship service or expanding your church into a multi-site, we're here to help. To get started, review the application process and timelines. Find out more and apply→
Missouri UM Foundation: April 1
The Missouri UM Foundation invites local Missouri UM congregations and related ministry organizations to submit grant proposals for funding all sorts of ministry projects. Information and the online application can be found at www.mumf.org. Foundation staff are always available to visit with church leaders about ministry ideas, the grant program, and how to complete the application. Find out more and apply→
Cooperative Response Grant: Rolling Basis
Festival of Sharing has funding available to partner with churches and organizations in their efforts to cooperatively respond to community needs around poverty. Festival of Sharing recognizes that poverty is multidimensional and experienced in different ways. Responses may work to address concerns beyond economic resources, to include such things as physical, social, cultural or spiritual resources. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Find out more and apply→
Share Your Story
Has Are you excited about how God is at work in your community? Does your pastor have a random tidbit of knowledge or a secret talent completely unrelated to ministry? We want to hear!
