Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry

The Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping clergy and lay leaders in rural and remote areas. Its mission is to empower these leaders so that their churches can serve as catalysts for the development of healthy communities across Canada.

Mission and Vision

The Centre aims to provide training specifically tailored to rural contexts, helping rural congregations collaborate effectively with local businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other churches to address community needs. Its vision includes transforming the mindset of church leaders from a focus on palliative care to a more mission-oriented approach, recognizing the critical role rural churches play in fostering hope and health within their communities.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization offers a variety of programs, including:

• Doctor of Ministry in Rural Ministry and Community Development, available through distance learning with shorter on-site courses.
• Certificates for Lay Leaders in faith and rural life, as well as rural stress intervention.
• Clinical Pastoral Education in rural settings.
• It hosts conferences approximately every two years, attracting around 60 attendees, with a focus on reconciliation and building friendships with First Nations communities.

Affiliations and Orientation

The Centre is affiliated with the Saskatoon Theological Union, which includes St. Andrew’s College, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, and Lutheran Theological Seminary. It is open to leaders from any denomination or faith group. The Centre's primary focus is on missional and community development training for clergy and lay leaders, specifically targeting rural and small congregations.

Registration

The Centre is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency under the business number 839831351RR0001.

Partnership and Resources

While it shares similar goals with organizations like CiRCLe M, which focuses on rural ministry leadership development, the Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry operates independently. It serves as a valuable resource for denominational seminaries looking to provide students with practical and theoretical introductions to rural ministry.