The July 2016 issue of Reaching Rural America for Christ highlights what congregations need to effectively follow through with strategic planning. Endurance, patience and community are essential to help a congregation achieve its desired results. Above all, remember that what we do, we do it in the name of Jesus with Him walking beside us and giving all we need to share His Gospel with others.
The newsletter also offers information about events and free monthly webinars.
Download July 2016 RSTM newsletter
Visit lcms.org/rstm to learn more about this ministry and the resources it provides. Also, mark your calendars and pray for the following upcoming events offered through RSTM:
- “Following Through with Strategic Planning” free webinar presented by Rev. Aaron Witt, pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Columbus, Neb. — Thursday, July 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. Visit lcms.org/rstm if you are interested in participating.
- “Are We a Friendly Church?” free webinar presented by Kaye Dumas Wolfe, vice president of Special Focus Ministries, LWML — Thursday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. Central time. Visit lcms.org/rstm if you are interested in participating.
- Second Annual RSTM Worker Priest Respite and Revitalization Retreat at Biltz Hall, Concordia, Mo. — Tuesday, Aug. 2 through Thursday, Aug. 4. Bi-vocational pastors are invited to contact the RSTM office about participating in this retreat. Visit lcms.org/rstm for more information. Call the office at 888-463-5127 or email rstm@lcms.org with questions.
- 2016 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference in Wichita, Kan., at the Wichita Hyatt Regency — Thursday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 5. Keynote speakers include the Rev. John Mehl, director of Mission Partnerships and Church Relations, Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb.; Dr. Mike Rodewald, executive director, Lutheran Bible Translators; Benjamin Winchester, senior research fellow, University of Minnesota Extension; and Mrs. Adriane Heins, managing editor, The Lutheran Witness. Registration opens March 15. More information and online registration can be found at lcms.org/rstm/conference.