Grow as a Rural Ministry Leader

Explore our conferences, classes, and other resources which are tailored specifically to the rural, small-town setting. We understand rural ministry and want to help you reach your community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rural Ministry Resources

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Join us for a Small-Town Pastors' Conference

A conference tailored specifically for rural, small-town church leaders!

April 20-22
2026

Morton, Illinois

Over 20 specialized seminars focused on small-town ministry!
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Featured Speakers

Brian Croft

Founder and Executive Director of Practical Shepherding; served in pastoral ministry for over twenty-five years; Senior Fellow for the Mathena Center for Church Revitalization at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; written or contributed to over twenty-five books on pastoral ministry

Brandon O'Brien

Senior Director of Global Thought Leadership, Redeemer City to City, a global church planting network; two former small-town church pastorates; author, including The Strategically Small Church: Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, Effective

Mark Yarbrough

President and Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary; conference speaker; author, including Jonah: Beyond the Tale of a Whale

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What Others Are Saying

Bryan Chapell

“We want and need to be encouraged in ministry by those who understand our situations, have experienced our challenges, and share our joys. RHMA offers just such encouragement and training for small town and rural church leaders. The conference serves as a great opportunity to develop regular relationships with pastoral leaders in similar settings, and to receive training targeted for the special needs, concerns, and opportunities of churches that are the backbone of North American Christianity.”

Former small-town pastor; longtime president of Covenant Theological Seminary; author, including “Christ-Centered Preaching” and “Christ-Centered Worship”

Kent Hughes

“My experience is that there is nothing like RHMA’s Small-Town Pastors’ Conference. It’s rare indeed to have such focus, purpose, fellowship, and encouragement.”

Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois; conference speaker; member, RHMA’s Board of Reference; author, including “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome”

Chip Ingram

“If you’re a pastor in a small town or pastor in a small church and feel like no one really understands what’s going on in your life, this conference is for you. The atmosphere is warm and contagious. The teaching is quality! The people are authentic and God greatly strengthened my heart when I was there. I highly recommend the RHMA conference.”

President and radio teacher, Living on the Edge; member, RHMA’s Board of Reference

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TACT Classes

Town and Country Training for Ministry Leaders

RHMA sponsors a Town And Country Training (TACT) Program to provide specialized, accredited classes for students and pastors going into rural and small-town ministry, or a refresher course for those already serving in such places.

Visit & Learn More at Our TACT Website

One Day Conference