CHICAGO -- The Center for New Community will launch a two-year institute to support, strengthen and enhance the ministries of rural pastors, according to a press release.
The center, an independent, faith-based organization, is getting support from the Lilly Endowment's Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program. The institute will be launched in July.
"This is an extraordinary gift to rural pastors and churches across the country," said Rev. Ben Helmer, the center's board chair. "We believe that the Institute will help create a corps of rural pastors whose ministries will strengthen the church for the coming century; build strong communities rooted in a commitment to justice; and develop new generations of leaders for a changing nation."
The institute will begin with a summer session, July 21 through July 25, at Creighton University Retreat Center in Griswold, Iowa. Additionally, two-day meetings will be scheduled in unspecified geographical clusters.
"The Institute seeks to strengthen pastors both personally and professionally in their rural ministry," Rev. Christine Conrath, director of the institute, said in the release. "It will break down burnout and isolation, and we hope it will slow the exodus of pastors from rural service. It will also provide learning opportunities and skills necessary to enhance their daily ministry."
Pastors called to rural ministry seeking peer relationships and a support system that will sustain and enhance their ministries are encouraged to participate. The deadline for registration is May 15.
