Town and Country supports rural pastors
The Town and Country Commission was created by the Northwest Conference to support pastors serving small town and rural churches and their congregations. Historically, these churches have been an important and vibrant part of the conference. Not only have they ministered to their congregations and communities, but to the greater body of Christ, too. Many of the Covenant's pastors and leaders were nurtured in and called by God from these churches. About 75 of the conference's 140 churches are in town and country settings.
Although these same Town and Country churches remain an important and vibrant part of the conference, they often face challenges that are special and unique to their settings. It is the purpose of the Town and Country Commission is to assist these churches in addressing the issues that they are facing today.
Among other things, the commission sponsors an annual conference for town and country pastors and spouse, usually in conjunction with the conference ministerium's fall retreat, to provide those attending with current and relevant information as well as trends and practices that can assist these pastors in their ministry.
The commission also conducts an annual district listening post to gather ideas and needs for local church pastors and leaders, to assure that the commission's programs and activities are addressing the needs of the churches. The commission, in conjunction with a local town and country church, has also awarded a paid internship specifically focused on training a student for town and country ministry.
It is the intent of the commission to support and nurture our local town and country congregations as the minister in their communities, turning their unique challenges into unique opportunities to Christ.
