Rural Missouri Connection
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The mission of the Rural Missouri Connection is to encourage and equip churches to engage with local resources in the development of outward ministries that reflect and address holistic opportunities of the community.
Questions? Contact Sidney Everhart, Community Engagement Specialist, at 573-474-3332 or severhart@moumethodist.org.
Upcoming Events
We currently don't have any upcoming events.
Rural Missouri Connection Stories
Read more Rural Missouri Connection Stories →
August 29, 2022
Helping the Homeless
Church looks for ways to help the unhoused in rural Missouri.
July 15, 2022
Bucking the Trend
Most churches, and virtually every other institution or business, is in some stage of recovery after being set back by the pandemic and are gradually building back. There are a few, however, that are already in a ...
May 25, 2022
Rural Churches Consider Their Calling
Rural Church Cohort offers space to share dialogue and discernment.
December 22, 2021
Keeping the Kids Coming
Open country church has been packing in the kids on Wednesday nights for generations.
September 20, 2021
Speaking the Word
Pastor uses technology to deal with sudden onset of a disability.
July 08, 2021
More than Money: Building Community Wealth with Social Capital
By Sarah Hultine Massengale, Community Engagement Specialist in Community Economic Development, University of Missouri Extension in Dent County The holidays aren’t yet on the horizon, but let’s talk a minute about the ...
October 10, 2020
Nurturing Your Mental Health
Written by Robin Ewy, LPC The year 2020 has taken a toll on most of us. God made us for community, and the political/social climate and Coronavirus have thrown us for a loop. We are not meant to be alone yet social ...
Rural Missouri Connection Resources
The Neighboring Movement: Block Map
This block map is a tool to help you know the neighbors who live behind the eight front doors closest to your own. Follow the steps below to discover the power of knowing your neighbor.
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Community Resource Guide and Video
Recommended reading as well as useful websites and tools related to community development in rural ministry contexts.
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Health Engagement Resources
The University of Missouri Office of Extension offers these tools, strategies and resources to empower your community and improve lives across Missouri.
The Neighboring Movement: Get-Together Guide
This guide was designed to help you plan and host a get-together with a few neighbors. The goal of this gathering is to do something simple and meaningful with a few neighbors who live close to you. This guide will give you four steps, that will help you connect with neighbors, invite them to your gathering and follow up with them once you are done.
The Neighboring Movement: Learning Conversations Worksheet
Get to know the gifts of your neighbors while making connections and deepening relationships. Have these conversations with those who live next door to you where you live, those who live around your church building and those who are leaders in your community.
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Digital Resources Related to Substance Abuse in Rural Contexts
Useful websites and tools related to substance abuse in rural contexts.
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Digital Resources for the Small Church or Rural Ministry Contexts
Useful websites, funding sources and tools related to ministry in small church or rural ministry contexts.
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Small and Rural Church Recommended Reading List
Recommended reading related to small and rural church contexts.
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Missouri Broadband Access Data
Data from the University of Missouri Extension on access to broadband Internet across the state.
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Rural Healthcare-Related Resources
Useful data, tools and articles related to the state of healthcare in rural Missouri.
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Resources Related to Stress in Farming Communities
Resources highlighting the challenges of mental health for the agricultural community.
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Economic Development Resources
Useful websites, tools and organizational resources related to aspects of economic development, such as entrepreneurialism, social capital and funding, in rural communities.
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Community Development Resources
Recommended readings as well as useful websites and tools for communities, organizations and churches to consider in conversations around community assessment, collaboration and development.
Economic Halo Effect Handout
Partners for Sacred Places, the Duke Endowment and UNC Charlotte Urban Institute conducted a study to understand the economic impact of rural churches in North Carolina. What the report showed was rural churches impact the economy through six key categories: direct spending, education, magnet effect, individual impact, community service programs and open space.
A Biblical Reflection of Emotional Health
What does the movie Inside Out have to do with the Bible? The Biblical Reflection of Emotional Health discussion guides use the emotions personified in the movie – joy, anger, sadness, fear and disgust – to explore what the Bible has to say about feelings. This resource includes both a family discussion guide and a small group study that can be modified for any age level.