Leading a small congregation in a rural community comes with unique challenges and you're not alone. The Connect Gathering is a dedicated, peer-driven event created specifically for pastors of rural churches. Hosted at the premier venues of Lodge Kohler and Lambeau Field, this two-day experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with other leaders who truly understand the highs and lows of ministry in a small-town context.
This is not your typical conference. The Connect Gathering is intentionally structured as a peer-to-peer learning experience; centered around real conversations, shared struggles, practical solutions, and encouragement from leaders who get it. It's about building relationships that last and walking away with insights that can actually move your ministry forward.
We’re excited to welcome the new Director of the Rural Church Institute, anchored at the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Wheaton, IL. He’ll be joining us to bring fresh encouragement and practical strategies for helping rural churches not only survive but flourish.
This year, we're creating intentional space for the pastor's spouse of the rural church; they are an invaluable partner we know. There will be time set aside for both men and women to connect separately in their own peer-to-peer conversations, because we believe that ministry is something you carry together. So, would you both come and be encouraged and strengthened during this valuable time?
Thanks to a generous Lilly Grant, this event is made affordable to support rural church ministry across the Great Lakes region.
To attend, your church must meet both of these criteria:
Average fewer than 150 people on a Sunday
Be located in a town with a population under 25,000
This is a space where you can breathe, learn, and grow—surrounded by others who are walking the same road. We believe rural churches are essential to gospel impact, and we’re here to champion and support you in the work you’re called to do.
Converge Great Lakes
Your partners for greater gospel impact
You’ve been called on a mission. Don’t go at it alone.