Rural Ministry [RM]
RM4510 Exploring Rural Ministry: New Challenges for Pastoral Ministry (Small Town and Rural - STaR)
The course introduces students to small town and rural (STaR) communities and congregations, with the goal of students reflecting on implications for leadership in the Church within STaR communities. Emphasis is placed on economic, population/ethnic/cultural, and environmental transitions that are affecting communities and congregations in small town and rural America.
Full course
Electives: Cultural Context, MDiv Leadership
RM4515 Ministry in Rural Contexts (Small Town and Rural - STaR )
Students, together with clergy and lay persons from small town and rural congregations, study issues affecting America’s small town and rural (STaR) communities. Clergy and lay persons from STaR congregations and communities are engaged as part of the course. Contexts include southwestern Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Implications for ministry and leadership in these contexts are explored. Because contexts change, course may be repeated for credit.
Electives: Cultural Context, MDiv Leadership
Full course
RM4540 Rural Ministry Leadership (Small Town and Rural - STaR )
This course studies the theology, theory and practice of leadership and explores several approaches to social and organizational change. Emphasis is placed on the pastor as a leader of change in the small town and rural (STaR) congregation.
Electives: MDiv Leadership
Full course
RM4542 Loving our Neighbor in Rural Settings
This class explores building good relationships with an among the diverse people who inhabit rural communities. Topics include, but are not limited to, developing cultural humility and good practices for "loving one's neighbor across multiple identities and traditions. Specific attention is given to living in authentic relationship with Indigenous peoples upon whose land we now live. In addition to learning how to map diverse cultures, traditions, peoples, faiths, and so on in a specific setting, students will wrestle with the question of how we navigate and increase competency around diversity while living out our identity as Christian public leaders.
Electives: Cultural Context, Justice & Reconciliation, MDiv Leadership
Full course
RM4555 Rural Community, Economies and Ecosystems (Small Town and Rural - STaR )
This course explores the development, structure, and maintenance of small town and rural (STaR) communities. the role of the church community and the effects of change in population, agriculture, economy, and community are explored. This course also addresses environmental issues facing small town and rural (STaR) communities and areas. Biblical, theological, and leadership foundations to address these issues are presented. Special emphasis is placed on how STaR church leaders facilitate an awareness and discussion of justice and ethical issues related to environmental challenges in society.
Electives: Cultural Context, MDiv Leadership
Full course
RM4597 Guided Reading and Research in Rural Ministry
An independent study for qualified students under the personal supervision of a member of the division. Consult faculty within division.
Electives: MDiv Leadership
RM6598/8599 Guided Reading and Research in Rural Ministry
An independent study for students in Advanced Theological Education. Consult faculty within division and Advanced Theological Education Office.