Resource Current Leaders
Partner Thriving Rural Churches
TRC has entered into a partner/covenant relationship with 7 rural United Methodist Congregations across North Carolina. These churches provide different models of how to live the mission of Christ in unique ways in a rural context. The congregations also serve as special learning centers for Rural Ministry Fellows, as well as for other clergy and laity throughout N.C. Each Thriving Rural Church receives educational opportunities and support from the Divinity School and the Duke Endowment as it seeks further ways to serve its surrounding community.
The seven partner Thriving Rural Churches are:
In the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church:
- Cedar Grove UMC, Cedar Grove, NC
- Solid Rock UMC, Spout Springs, NC
- Sandy Plains UMC, Pembroke, NC
In the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church:
- Fairview UMC, Pinnacle, NC
- Friendship UMC, Newton, NC
- Hayesville First UMC, Hayesville, NC
- Tyro UMC, Lexington, NC
Rural Life and Ministry Links
- National Catholic Rural Life Conference
- Wartburg Theological Seminary Center for Theology and Land
- Eye on the Rural Church
- North Carolina Rural Development Center
- RAFI-USA
- Rural Communities in Transition Initiative (RCITI)
- United Methodist Town and Country Ministries
Includes resources such as Rural Life online magazine, books on rural life, campaigns for economic and agricultural justice, bulletin inserts, prayers, and factual information on agriculture in the United States
Offers information about online rural sociology and ministry courses, the annual Rural Ministry Conference, worship resources and prayers for rogation and rural life services, and a complete page of further rural links on the web.
Resources, thoughts, and teachings offered by rural sociologist and Baptist minister Gary Fairley
Excellent site offers copious demographic data concerning North Carolina’s rural and small communities, as well as information about leadership programs and resources available to rural leaders.
Offers information about organization that promotes sustainable agriculture and the health of rural communities, as well as updates on US farm policies
Helping rural pastors in the Burlington, NC discern and respond to the needs of rural communities in transition, by providing resources and educational seminars in areas such as mental health, economics, job retraining, viable farming strategies, bridging cultural divides, and support to individual pastors. Website offers contact information, success stories, and links.
Offers resources for Town and Country Churches, including the National Comprehensive Plan Action Guide for Local Churches, Born Again in Every Place
Suggested Reading
Books that offer valuable insights into rural life, ministry, and culture:
Memoirs
Open Secrets: A Spiritual Journey Through a Country Church By Richard Lischer
Blood Done Sign My Name: a True Story By Timothy B. Tyson
Rural Ministry
Rural Ministry: The Shape of the Renewal to Come By Shannon Jung . . . (et al)
Rural Congregational Studies: a Guide for Good Shepherds By Shannon Jung
Turnaround Strategies for the Small Church By Ron Crandall
Ministry in an Oral Culture: Living with Will Rogers, Uncle Remus, and Minnie Pearl By Tex Sample
The Indispensable Guide to Smaller Churches By David Ray
Rural Life
Blue Collar Resistance and the Politics of Jesus By Tex Sample
Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America’s Class War By Joe Bageant
Home Economics By Wendell Berry
Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community By Wendell Berry
The Essential Agrarian Reader: the Future of Culture, Community, and the Land Edited by Norman Wirzba
Fiction and Poetry
Jayber Crow By Wendell Berry
Diary of a Country Priest By Georges Bernanos
Jim the Boy By Tony Early
Saints at the River By Ron Rash
Collected Poems (1957-1982) By Wendell Berry
Hannah Coulter By Wendell Berry
Gilead By Marilynne Robinson
Print Media
Periodic publication of articles, brochures, and curricula to benefit and resource rural churches and communities
Annual Conference Consultation
Annual Gathering of the Bishops and Cabinets of the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences to discuss issues related to the rural church and ministry.