RCPN EVENTS SUMMARY MAY 1-3 2012
From its inaugural events in Stettler and Lamont in November 2011, The Rural Church Pastors Network doubled its ministry reach across the province in the first week of May with four events in Debolt, Redwater, Viking and Three Hills. In total 44 rural pastors attended the events from 41 rural churches. Eight different denominations were represented from the pastors present. (Anglican, Apostolic, Baptist, Christian & Missionary Alliance, Evangelical Free, Independent, Mennonite Brethren, United)
The theme of the events focused on Church and Community Connection, and how a rural church can become fully engaged in the life of its community. Each event commenced with a time of worship and a devotional shared by the host pastor. A practical theology overview of Church and Community led to round table discussion groups reflecting upon current community impact experienced by our rural churches.
A case study was worked through by pastors who formed ‘coaching connectedness teams’ in assisting a new pastor develop a strategy for connecting with his community in the first six months after arriving in his first rural pastoral context.
Best practices were shared related to each pastor’s personal involvement in the community, along with a description of how each church is connected to community life.
A consideration of ’Next Steps’ in applying principles shared and lessons learned throughout the day led to a season of prayer that brought each event to a conclusion.
For those attending for the first time, pastors received a Pastor to Pastor CD set entitled What I love about being a Pastor…. two hours of inspirational listening for the ride home!
Highlights of the events included…. Pastors praying over a fellow pastor who had to leave the event early to conduct a community funeral… Pastors from Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod driving up to four hours to get to the closest event... Lots of laughter, pastors worshipping together, meaningful prayer huddles…. Great food and fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere.
It is the goal of the Rural Church Pastors Network that pastors are able to access events within a two hour driving radius of their community. It is hoped that two additional network hubs can be in place for the next events in November 2012.
To find out more information related to the Rural Church Pastors Network visit us on Facebook or look around our website.
*Clicking on the highlighted phrases at the top will open up the related documents for your viewing.
The Thrill of the Ride (2011)
Celebrating Rural Church Ministry
Report from Inaugural RCPN Events
On November 22nd & 23rd in Stettler and Lamont, rural pastors from across Alberta met together to launch and celebrate the inaugural meetings of the newly formed Rural Church Pastors Network. (RCPN)
The rural church pastors’ network is designed as a delivery system bringing our vision to reality for pastors in rural communities. Our desire is to provide a forum for rural pastors to find hope, encouragement and access to peer support and mentoring as required.
In total, 28 pastors from four denominations (Alliance, Evangelical Free, Independent & Lutheran) and two denominational coaches attended the events. Pastors came from as far north/west as Beaver Lodge, east from Provost, and south from Carseland.
The purpose of the gatherings was to celebrate the ministry of the rural church pastor and to introduce pastors to the ministry of the Rural Church Pastors Network, believed to be the first of its kind in Alberta. While initiated by several Alliance rural pastors, the network is open to all pastors who minister in rural environments
The ‘Thrill of the Ride’ events included a rich worship expereience, a devotional thought focusing on the challenges of leadership and testimonials of the ‘joys of ministry’ in rural contexts. Table discussions allowed pastors to share their pastoral experiences, joys and challenges. The results from a recent rural pastor survey were discussed with view to establishing an understanding of the potential benefits of pastors becoming involved in the RCPN.
One finding in the survey found 63% of survey respondants desire a mentoring relationship. One of the goals of the RCPN is the connect experienced rural pastors with those who desire a wise word and counsel along the way.
A ministry resource lending library was on hand along with a ‘good book’ give a way provided by one of the rural church pastors.
The events concluded with an extended time of prayer in triads. Each pastor also received, as a gift, a copy of the Pastor to Pastor CD set entitled ‘What I Like About Being a Pastor’… two hours of good listening for the trip home!
All in all the events were seen as a huge success with the gatherings seasoned with heart felt laughter, ministry celebration, an acknowledgement of the challenges of ministring in a rural context, and great food and hospitality by the host churches!
Report from Inaugural RCPN Events
On November 22nd & 23rd in Stettler and Lamont, rural pastors from across Alberta met together to launch and celebrate the inaugural meetings of the newly formed Rural Church Pastors Network. (RCPN)
The rural church pastors’ network is designed as a delivery system bringing our vision to reality for pastors in rural communities. Our desire is to provide a forum for rural pastors to find hope, encouragement and access to peer support and mentoring as required.
In total, 28 pastors from four denominations (Alliance, Evangelical Free, Independent & Lutheran) and two denominational coaches attended the events. Pastors came from as far north/west as Beaver Lodge, east from Provost, and south from Carseland.
The purpose of the gatherings was to celebrate the ministry of the rural church pastor and to introduce pastors to the ministry of the Rural Church Pastors Network, believed to be the first of its kind in Alberta. While initiated by several Alliance rural pastors, the network is open to all pastors who minister in rural environments
The ‘Thrill of the Ride’ events included a rich worship expereience, a devotional thought focusing on the challenges of leadership and testimonials of the ‘joys of ministry’ in rural contexts. Table discussions allowed pastors to share their pastoral experiences, joys and challenges. The results from a recent rural pastor survey were discussed with view to establishing an understanding of the potential benefits of pastors becoming involved in the RCPN.
One finding in the survey found 63% of survey respondants desire a mentoring relationship. One of the goals of the RCPN is the connect experienced rural pastors with those who desire a wise word and counsel along the way.
A ministry resource lending library was on hand along with a ‘good book’ give a way provided by one of the rural church pastors.
The events concluded with an extended time of prayer in triads. Each pastor also received, as a gift, a copy of the Pastor to Pastor CD set entitled ‘What I Like About Being a Pastor’… two hours of good listening for the trip home!
All in all the events were seen as a huge success with the gatherings seasoned with heart felt laughter, ministry celebration, an acknowledgement of the challenges of ministring in a rural context, and great food and hospitality by the host churches!
