For generations, rural churches have offered something increasingly rare in a changing world: a faithful presence rooted deeply in the communities they serve.

That strength will be at the heart of Here for Good: Faithful Presence and Kingdom Witness in Rural Communities, a two-day gathering Oct. 8-9 at Highlands Fellowship in Bristol, Virginia. Designed for pastors and leaders who love rural communities and believe in their potential for meaningful ministry, Here for Good will explore what faithful Christian witness can look like in places experiencing changing populations, shifting culture, and growing disconnection from traditional church life.

Rather than focusing on larger churches or strategies developed for settings that bear little resemblance to Appalachia and other rural communities, the gathering will invite participants to recognize the gifts already present in their churches and communities and to consider how God might use those gifts in new ways.

Sessions will explore the value of faithful presence, stories of innovative ministry in rural settings, and ways churches can move from a mindset of scarcity toward recognizing the people, relationships, and resources God has already provided. Participants will also consider how churches can respond to the spiritual longings of people who may have little interest in traditional church life but continue to seek belonging, purpose, hope, and authentic relationships.

Presenters include Brian Clark, a pastor and missional practitioner helping rural churches reimagine their buildings and ministry through the Missional Incubator, and David Blackwell, senior pastor of Florence-Carlton Community Church in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Both bring extensive experience serving and equipping churches in rural and small-town communities.

The gathering will include teaching, panel conversations with rural ministry practitioners, worship, prayer, and opportunities for participants to learn alongside others who understand both the gifts and challenges of ministry in rural places.

“I can’t wait to gather with people from Southwest Virginia and beyond to hear testimonies of what God is doing in our hearts and in our communities. Let’s all come prepared to share stories of fruitful ministry, what we are learning as we embrace the stretch of reaching people in an everchanging world, and what it means to ‘see what God is doing and join him in it,” encouraged Andy Barnes, BGAV’s field strategist for the Southwest region.

Here for Good takes its name from a threefold affirmation: rural churches are here, rooted in the places they serve; they are here for good, seeking the flourishing of their neighbors; and they are here because God is good, bearing witness to that goodness in their communities.

“Rural leaders carry a deep wisdom about what it means to love a place well, and so, for me, Here for Good encapsulates the heart of the rural church. When Fresh Expressions was asked to convene this gathering, the first thing we did was listen to rural leaders and what kind of conversations would serve them well. We are simply creating a space where rural churches can encourage one another, share what they’re learning, and spark fresh imagination for the future of the church,” reflected Shannon Kiser, senior director of BGAV’s Fresh Expressions North America.

Registration is $35 and includes dinner Thursday evening. The gathering begins Thursday afternoon, October 8, and concludes with worship at 12:30p.m.. Friday, October 9.

Register for this event.

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