Small and Rural Church
Annie Dillard says, “This seeing business is risky.” What do you see happening in the world? What do you see happening in small churches (or rural churches)? Many of us see the trends. When we measure by the matrices of the secular world (nickels and noses), we are concerned or even anxious. As we gather at Summit, we will remember together the transcendence of God. Do we believe that God will do what God has promised to do? Is God at work in our own churches? What are we seeing? How can we put our congregations in the pathway of God to experience joy, hope, and encouragement? Can we learn to wait upon the Lord, to live patiently, confidently, and joyfully, even in the hardest spaces? This seeing business is risky! What are you seeing? Would you come share in this conversation with us?
Facilitators
Michael Harbour
MICHAEL HARBOUR
Dr. Michael Harbour has served in various churches as preaching minister. For the last eight years, he has worked with the 4th and Elm Church in Sweetwater, Texas. He has served as faculty and staff at Abilene Christian University and Grand Canyon University. He is also a professional photographer. He has studied at the University of Oklahoma, Stephen F. Austin State University, and ACU. He completed his D.Min. at ACU in 2006. His project was titled Blessing and Sending the Church into the World for the Sake of the World, Using Congregational Blessings as a Missional Enterprise. Michael and Sandra were married in Abilene, Texas in 1982. Their two children, Jake and Jacquie, make them proud.
Tiffany Dahlman
TIFFANY DAHLMAN
Dr. Tiffany Dahlman is the lead minister at Courtyard Church of Christ. She is also the Assistant Dean for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas, and Program Director for their online Bible and ministry coursework and Church Leadership Certificates. She holds an M.Div. with concentrations in Old Testament and Spiritual Formation from Asbury Theological Seminary and a doctorate in Preaching for Community Transformation from ACU. She lives with her family perfectly situated between the mountains and the sea in North Carolina.
Session Information
In addition to facilitating intentional opportunities for connection, Michael Harbour and Tiffany Dahlman will guide the small/rural church community alongside Richard Beck and Kelvin Kelley as they reflect on sacred presence and challenge us to consider spiritual vision, joy, and endurance in the resonating new life of small church communities. Each session will offer opportunities for equipping, reflection, support, and discussion.
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS
Richard Beck
Dr. Richard Beck serves as Professor of Psychology and Senior Fellow of the Landon Saunders Center for Joy and Human Flourishing at Abilene Christian University.
Kelvin Kelley
Dr. Kelvin Kelley is a Professor of Practical Theology at Hardin Simmons University. Kelvin’s discipline is missiology and practical theology, and he has served as the pastor for small and rural churches in Abilene and Cisco, Texas.
THURSDAY MORNING
Session 1 | Tiffany Dahlman
Vision: Seeing God Resonate Among Us
Explore the spiritual imagination and courage we have to see with new creation eyes—beyond secular metrics—to discern the resonating, resurrecting work of God in our small church and communities.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Session 2 | Richard Beck
Joy: Turning Toward Joy
Psychologically and spiritually informed practices to help us experience joy in what God is doing among us.
FRIDAY MORNING
Session 3 | Kelvin Kelley
Endurance: Practicing Spiritual Formation for New Life
Spiritual disciplines to uphold small churches in the joy and struggle of new creation life together.