Center for Congregational Resources

"Come and see" the good in rural and small-town congregations! That was the running theme of Day 2 of the Rural Ideas Conference 2026, hosted by Town Square Collaborative at the University of the Ozarks.

✨Opening Worship//"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathanael asked Philip who had just shared with him about Jesus. "Come and see," Philip responded. (John 1:43-46). Bobby Outterson-Murphy encouraged us to pay attention to the good things happening in our "Nazareth. Be bold to share, and invite others to "come and see."

✨Allen Stanton moderated a panel discussion on the Future of Ministry in the Rural Church. Panelists Ben Durheim, Robb Webb, and Michelle Hall discussed the growing trend of rural churches in their own denominations to equip and utilize non-ordained, certified lay leaders in clergy roles. They also highlighted the numerous non-documentable ways rural churches are flourishing by regularly meeting needs and sharing the love of Jesus in their communities.

✨AM Workshop//Brad Roth offered "the church of the living God" (1 Tim 3:15) four doorways to greater vitality: Authenticity, Community, Invitation, and Prayer. Brad stressed small churches should not worry, but instead be a joyful witness of Jesus. "Jesus is present, and Jesus loves the Church!"

✨Break//Prepping for rural ministry Sunday

✨PM Plenary//Catherine Neely-Burton spoke on Exodus, A Cowboy, and What the Rural Church Can Teach Us.

✨PM Workshop//"Come and see what is beautiful about rural areas..." Ben Durheim's workshop "Rural Aesthetics, Rural Values" encouraged participants to identify the beauty of rural life, such as close relationships, a slower pace of living, and natural beauty of creation, all of which lead to distinct rural values.

✨Closing Worship// Faithful God, we pray for your church in every place, especially in small towns, rural communities, and places often overlooked. Strengthen pastors, volunteers, and all who labor in your name. Encourage those who are discouraged. Grant wisdom to those facing difficult decisions. Teach us to trust not in our own strength, but in the grace of Jesus Christ, who remains faithful in every season. Amen.