Center for Congregational Resources

Developing a strong, healthy volunteer team is an all-around win for local churches: church members grow as disciples of Christ, and gospel ministry efforts are multiplied for the glory of God. Learn more from the featured video in this month's CCR Connections!

We also feature one of our key collaborating partners, the Alabama Center for Pastoral Resilience; share info about our upcoming Disability Resources workshop,; and offer updates on the next cohort of the Equipping the Called Leadership Program.

Lots of great things are happening in rural and small-town churches, and we are thrilled to share just a glimpse! How have YOU experienced God through the ministries of rural or small-town churches?

https://mailchi.mp/8bd4204524d4/ccr-may-newsletter-4974003

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for people of all ages, abilities, and capacities. Join the Samford Center for Congregational Resources for a morning workshop on *Disability Resources for Rural and Small-town Churches, led by Samford University special education professor Dr. Mandy Hilsmier. This free workshop is for pastors, small group leaders, nursery workers, parents, grandparents ....anyone interested in promoting spiritual growth of the children or adults in their lives who are impacted by developmental challenges. As the body of Christ weaves together the gifts of all of her members in worship, discipleship, and service, everyone benefits. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Sign up today (link below,), and help us get the word out about this amazing opportunity for informed, hands-on learning!

*While the workshop is offered as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative, church leaders from congregations of any size or location are welcome!

https://eve.samford.edu/index.php?formid=6184

“Come away by yourselves, to a desolate place and rest” Mark 6:31. Jesus commands and we respond. The CCR team is experiencing rest and renewal under the kind care of the Benedictine sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman. May our work reflect the soft voice and gentle love of the Father.

Our Key Collaborating Partners are all now in place and their Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative projects are underway. Thanks be to God for this diverse group of gospel ministry partners, unified in the love of Jesus Christ for gospel work with rural and small-town congregations; and thanks to Lilly Endowment, Inc. whose generosity makes the work possible!

Learn more about the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative and the Samford Center for Congregational Resources by exploring our updated website.

Center for Congregational Resources The mission of the Center for Congregational Resources at Samford University is to create opportunities for pastoral enrichment that help ministers maintain their effectiveness. The center serves clergy of any denomination, both men and women, regardless of race or age.

You've experienced the joy of Christian life with people whose brains and bodies function differently than yours, but are there ways to help these exceptional members better engage in worship and Bible study classes? The answer in most cases is a resounding YES!

Learn practical ideas for more effective discipleship practices with children and adults with special needs during a FREE workshop on Disability Resources for Rural and Small-town Churches. Samford University education professor Dr. Mandy Hilsmier will be our clinician. Mandy is an expert in the field of special education and is especially passionate about helping churches adapt spaces and programs to help members with special needs participate as fully as possible in the life of the church.

SAVE THE DATE. REGISTER TODAY. INVITE A FRIEND. The workshop is for pastors, church volunteers, parents...anyone who wants to meet people with special needs with the love of Jesus! Registration is open. Hope to see you there!

https://www2.samford.edu/eve/index.php?formid=6184

As the CCR winds down to enter the Christmas season, we wanted to express our gratitude for someone very special! In January of this year, we were blessed by the addition of Tracy Hanrahan to our team. Tracy is a long tenure employee of Samford and we were lucky to welcome her to our sweet corner of Brooks Hall. Tracy brings with her a deep and faithful spirituality that enriches our work and makes us all strive to emulate her positive energy. But she also brings big thinking and creativity, amazing connections, a plethora of colored pens, and a way of propagating and naming her wild plants, and just wait till she share stories of her grandbaby! We love you, Tracy and thank you for all you bring in this good work! Merry Christmas