The Coffee Hour — Ministry in Rural and Small Town Communities: A Studia Vitae Course

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Over half of the congregations of the LCMS are in rural or small-town communities. What is unique about ministry in these communities? Erika Petsch (Director of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis), the Rev. Russ Sommerfeld (Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, Nebraska; former President of the LCMS Nebraska District), and the Rev. Dr. David J. Peter (Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Faculty, Concordia Seminary St. Louis) join Andy to talk about the partnership between Concordia University, Nebraska and Concordia Seminary to provide insights and learning about serving in rural and small-town communities. They discuss what rural and small-town ministry is, experiences from Dr. Peter and Rev. Sommerfeld about serving in these communities, what is unique about rural and small-town culture and relationships, distinctives of small congregation life, challenges rural and small-town congregations may face, who would benefit most from this Studia Vitae course, and why Concordia Seminary and Concordia Nebraska partnered for this course.

Learn more about this and other Studia Vitae courses by visiting cune.edu/ceu or ceu.cune.edu.

Photo credit: LCMS Communications/Erik M. Lunsford

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Chicago. You can learn more about Concordia University, Chicago at cuchicago.edu.