Center for Rural Ministry hosts Thriving in Ministry conference

The Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College will be holding its annual Thriving in Ministry Conference Sept. 6 and 7 on campus for pastors, church leaders, students, faculty, and the public.

Participants will have the opportunity to pursue workshop tracks with guest practitioners and Grove City College faculty members, and hear speakers reflect on rural ministry and church leadership. The Center for Rural Ministry (CRM) serves rural pastors, underserved communities, and the College community by fostering meaningful relationships that promote kingdom flourishing in the churches and communities of the region.

“Our conference provides resources and helpful conversation partners for leaders who are already working hard to serve the local church, while also helping pastors, lay leaders, and college students connect across the denominational and generational lines that often divide. In so doing, it serves as an annual reminder of the goodness of Christ and the beauty of his church,” Dr. Charles E. Cotherman, executive director of the Center for Rural Ministry, said.

The conference kicks off Friday evening with a worship service and two keynote addresses. Rev. D. Dean Weaver ’86, stated clerk/president of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and former dean of chapel at Grove City College, will speak on “The Five Things I Have Learned to Go Long Term.” T.J. Freeman, senior pastor of Christ Church, Wellsboro, Pa., and founding board member of The Brainerd Institute, will discuss “Why Rural Ministry Matters to God.”

On Saturday, the conference offers workshops on preaching, youth and children’s ministry, and counseling led by guest professionals Melissa Affolter, counselor and director of content and senior counseling supervisor at Fieldstone Counseling, and Kim Greenleaf, children's ministry director at Washington Alliance Church, and College faculty members Dr. Chris Ansberry, associate professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Dr. Jennifer Hollenberger, associate professor of Social Work, and Dr. Josiah Hall, assistant professor of Biblical & Religious Studies.

For a complete schedule and to register for the conference, visit ruralministry.org/conference-2024. Registration is $30 per person and $50 per married couple and covers breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The conference is free for Grove City College students and faculty.

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