Rural Ministry Matters!
Rural Ministry Conference
Rural ministry brings both challenges and joys. If you’ve been feeling some of those challenges or wondering how to navigate them, this conference is for you! You will hear from veterans in rural ministry and glean wisdom and encouragement from other pastors and ministry leaders.
This conference is hosted by Village Missions as part of our goal to help country churches thrive.
Quick Details
Conference Speakers
Admin Speaker
John Adams
Executive Director, US
John Adams put his faith in Jesus early in life, encouraged by parents who modeled following Christ wholeheartedly. As a high school senior, he sensed God’s direction toward pastoral or missionary ministry. While pursuing a Biology degree at Oregon State University, John committed to following God’s will. There he met Candy Wiggers, whose parents, Mel and Jeannie Wiggers, served as Village Missionaries. After four years of friendship, John and Candy married. John went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree.
John and Candy spent a year in China teaching English before applying to serve with Village Missions. In 1995, they arrived at their first field in Butte Falls, Oregon, where they served until 2003. They then served in Hauser, Oregon, near Coos Bay, where John completed his Doctor of Ministry degree.
In 2017, John became Assistant Director of Village Missions. In 2020, following Brian Wechsler’s retirement, John became Executive Director.
John and Candy have two grown children. Candy enjoys quilting and creating fabric art, while John enjoys woodworking and outdoor activities.
DR Speaker
Tim Kirschner
District Rep, Great Lakes
Tim and Kelley joined Village Missions in 2011 and served in Montville, CT, and Breezewood, PA. Now they are serving as District Representatives for the Great Lakes District. They joined the missionary care team in February 2024.
Their district covers Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York. They invest in the lives and ministry of front-line missionary pastors and their families in these states.
Evangelistic Champion
Jeremy Sarver
Pastor, Union Chapel Community Church
Jeremy and Mindi grew up in a Village Missions church where Mindi's parents served. They experienced the warmth of a small-town community and the opportunity to serve that a rural church affords. Knowing they wanted to continue sharing the Gospel in rural America, Jeremy and Mindi joined Village Missions in 2006. They now serve in West Liberty, Ohio, with their four children.
Union Chapel is nestled among the beanfields and cornfields near the major Honda factories of Columbus. Jeremy and Mindi have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus at the senior care facility, through community organizations, and at the local schools via kids clubs and athletics.
Conference Schedule
| 8:30-9:00am | REGISTRATION - Coffee |
| 9:00-9:20am | Opening |
| 9:20-10:15am | SESSION 1 |
| 10:15-10:30am | BREAK |
| 10:30-11:30am | SESSION 2 |
| 11:30am-12:45pm | Lunch |
| 12:45-1:30pm | SESSION 3 |
| 1:30-1:45pm | BREAK |
| 1:45-2:30pm | Groups of 3 - Discussions |
| 2:30-2:45pm | Closing |
| 2:45 pm | Depart |
Conference Tickets
INDIVIDUAL
$25
Come enjoy a ministry conference specifically designed for pastors of small-town and rural churches. Get practical ideas and encouragement.
Includes
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