{"id":7553,"date":"2023-11-20T17:29:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T17:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.luthersem.edu\/story\/?p=7553"},"modified":"2023-12-05T15:42:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T15:42:42","slug":"helping-rural-leaders-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.luthersem.edu\/story\/2023\/11\/20\/helping-rural-leaders-grow\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping rural leaders grow"},"content":{"rendered":"

Faith+Lead Academy offers \u201conline theological education for everyone\u201d\u2014live and on-demand courses that tap into the treasures of the Christian tradition to equip people to love God and neighbor.<\/p>\n

Recent courses aim to support people in rural and small-town communities, and those who are called to ministry with them. Developed through listening sessions with rural congregations, Faith+Lead Academy\u2019s rural ministry pathway specifically addresses the unique dynamics and needs of rural and small-town contexts.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn many communities, roles that were previously held by pastors are now being filled out of necessity by lay leaders who may not have had the opportunity for theological formation,\u201d said Jon Anderson<\/strong>, director of rural ministry at Luther Seminary. At the same time, pastors who are called to rural congregations from urban or suburban backgrounds often need help learning about and adapting to their new environment.<\/p>\n

Meant for both ordained clergy and laypeople, \u201cthese courses are all about equipping the saints to do ministry,\u201d said Anderson. \u201cEquipping people for rural culture, for thinking ahead and planning, to preach, to lead worship, and to do congregational\/community care.\u201d<\/p>\n

Initial offerings in the series include:<\/p>\n