Paradoxical Possibilities: Exploring Rural Ministry is an all expense paid, ecumenical conference for ministry students and seminarians co-sponsored by The Fund for Theological Education (FTE, www.thefund.org) and MICAH. Transportation, food, lodging, and curriculum are all provided. A $100.00 returnable deposit that secures a place at the conference will be returned in full to each participant at the end of the conference.

Format and Topics… The weekend will include: opportunities to spend time in prayer and discernment, workshop presentations about issues in rural life and ministry, opportunities to explore how God is working in challenging situations, and opportunities to explore one's sense of call to a rural setting in a peer-group environment. We especially welcome students who have a keen interest in environmental and ecological issues as related to theology and ministry, as well as students and recent graduates who may sense that their call to rural ministry is in a non-traditional setting.

Who Can Come…College juniors and seniors, Graduate ministry students, and Recent graduates (2006 or later) who sense a call to traditional and non-traditional rural ministry and/or those who are interested in a deeper understanding of rural environment and ecology at it relates to theology and ministry.

Accommodations and Meals…Participants will be staying at the Mount St. Benedict convent in Crookston. Rooms are double and triple occupancy with bedding and towels provided. Married couples can be accommodated. Multi ethnic and organic foods will be available. Meals are prepared from whole foods with mindfulness on nutrition, simplicity and flavor. Options can be made available for dietary needs and health conditions. Please let us know of any dietary requests when registering.

Transportation…Participants will be picked up from their respective campus on Friday afternoon October 3rd and shuttled back to their campus on Sunday evening October 5th. Detailed transportation schedules will be available at a later time. If you are not coming from the Twin Cities or St. John’s area transportation reimbursements can be made available.

Cost…All expenses for the weekend are provided for. This includes transportation, food, lodging, and curriculum. A $100.00 returnable deposit that secures a place at the conference will be returned in full to each participant at the end of the conference.

Staff…Rural experts at the conference will consist of practioners with a wide range of experience in rural life and ministry. The MICAH staff and the Rev. Steve Peterson will coordinate and lead the retreat. Click here for more information on the MICAH staff and Rev. Steve Peterson.

How to Register…To register call the MICAH office at 218-281-4853 or email the MICAH staff at trey.crxpres@midconetwork.com or revdoc@gvtel.com.

Click here for a printable flyer for this exciting event.