The Center for Rural Ministry (CRM) at Grove City College will be holding its annual conference, “The Local Church on Mission,” Sept. 5 and 6 on campus for pastors, church leaders, students, faculty, and the public.
The conference will address common challenges and opportunities in rural ministry and provide resources for those who serve churches in any context. Participants can pursue workshop tracks with guest practitioners and Grove City College faculty members and hear speakers reflect on rural ministry and church leadership.
This year, CRM is hosting guests from several other Christian colleges and denominations who represent newly established partnerships. Dr. Charles E. Cotherman, CRM executive director, said he was expecting to share lessons that the center has learned since it began work in 2019.
“By partnering with others who are committed to the mission of the local church, especially in small and overlooked places, the impact of our work can expand as we and our partners seek to be a blessing to pastors, congregations, and students across the country,” Cotherman said.
“I am thrilled by how this conference has come together. We have a great group of speakers, and our registrations have never been higher. It promises encouragement and resourcing for anyone interested in helping his or her church better serve its community,” he said.
The conference kicks off Friday evening with a worship service, opening remarks by Dr. Charles E. Cotherman ’06, CRM executive director, and an address by Steve McVey of Kansas-based Dirt Roads Network. McVey specializes in rural church revitalization and has consulted with pastors and church boards across the country over the past decade.
Saturday’s schedule includes workshops on: Theology of Mission, led by Dr. Alden McCray, professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, and Dr. Alex Fogleman, Trinity Anglican Seminary, Ambridge, Pa.; Children and Special Needs, led by Chris Fletcher, of Handi-Vangelism Ministries International, and Melina Luna Smith, founder of StoryMakers NYC; and Revitalization led by McVey.
Other conference speakers include CRM team member Bill Sukolsky and CRM pastor panel members Mark Sentell, John and Christine Zimmerman and Michael Houle.
For a complete schedule and to register for the conference, visit ruralministry.org/conference-main-page-2025. Registration, which is available at the conference, 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.
The Center for Rural Ministry 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.