Town & Country Church Institute

The Town & Country Church Institute of United Lutheran Seminary is dedicated to teaching and learning about rural and small town ministry.

44% of all congregations in the US are in open country to towns with populations of fewer than 10,000. Including:

• 47.5% of ELCA congregations

• 48% of PCUSA

• 47% of UCC

• 37% of EC

Classes include:

• Rural and Small Church Ministry (PRAX123, 3 credits)

Seventy-one per cent (71%) of all congregations in the United States have fewer than 100 people in average weekly attendance (63% in ELCA). Forty-four per cent (44%) of all congregations are in rural or small-town settings (47% in ELCA). Explore your reaction to social change, conflict, community patterns, and opportunities for mission in rural places and small churches, including Appalachia and other regions. While readings, presentations and discussions frame the course, there are options for ethnographic field research and development of mission plans in a setting you choose. Fulfills Church in Society requirement.

• a variety of related elective courses

• Immersion in rural ministry: For example, “Environment and Religion in Northern Appalachia,” an intensive course  sponsored by Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center.Students who complete the Rural & Small Church Ministry course, an immersion, and two electives related to rural or small town ministry, may qualify for a Concentration in Town and Country Church Ministry (CTCCM). Inquire with TCCI Director Gil Waldkoenig.

“Certificate in Ecology & Theology”  A study option through the Washington Theological Consortium, an ecumenical and inter-faith team of theological schools.

Contact TCCI Director Gil Waldkoenig

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