Thriving Rural Communities
The Thriving Rural Communities initiative works to share and strengthen the gifts of rural North Carolina’s clergy, congregations, communities, and creation in the name of Christ.
Thriving Rural Communities is a partnership of Duke Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. It also is a part of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Noteworthy
2012 Convocation on the Rural Church
Join us for the August 13-15 event featuring Rev. Dr. Elaine Heath and the FolkPsalm Trio.
The Garden of Reconciliation
In the small farming town of Cedar Grove, N.C., an unsolved murder helped whites and blacks imagine a better future.
Rural Ministry Colloquia: Evangelism for the Rural Church
Rev. Tim Reaves discusses practical, faithful, and fruitful ways for small churches to share Christ with their communities. Download audio via iTunes U.
A Theology of Food
Research professor Norman Wirzba addressed questions about the connection of theology to food and food production on an episode of Duke’s “Office Hours.”
Rural Ministry Colloquia: Faith and Bodies
Thriving Rural Communities joins the Divinity Women’s Center for a panel discussion.
Rural Ministry Colloquia: Ministry in the Lonely Valley
Download an audio recording of Jeremy Troxler’s discussion of the loneliness of rural ministry via iTunes U.
Rural Convocation
United Methodist clergy from across North Carolina gathered to discuss the state of the rural church.
Finding Friendship Through Community Service
Through targeted outreach, Hayesville First UMC strengthens its rural, mountain community.
Alumni Profile
The Duke Endowment highlights Rev. Duncan Martin, a 2009 graduate of the Thriving Rural Communities program.