Center for Rural Ministry

The Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College is an initiative to bolster the partnership of College, Church, and Community. The Center provides a regional hub for pastors, students, faculty, and lay leaders by fostering meaningful partnerships that promote kingdom flourishing in the churches and communities of our region and beyond.

CRM grew out of the Project for Rural Ministry, a five-year initiative to study and help ministers who serve under-resourced parishes in regional agricultural, Appalachian, and rust belt communities thrive. The success of its efforts led Grove City College to create the CRM in 2024 to continue that important work.

The center provides a hospitable presence and dedicated space on campus to harness the unique resources and convening power of a Christian liberal arts college to help pastors meet their unique and shared challenges. Its programming and outreach are focused on pastors who serve rural and rust belt congregations impacted by decades of steady outmigration, dwindling membership rolls, and financial strain.

CRM builds relationships with and among the clergy and lay leaders it serves, provides institutional resources, hosts conferences and workshops, shares knowledge and experience, and creates space for pastors to contribute to and benefit from national advocacy. All programs are designed with an eye to the unique opportunities that partnership with Grove City College offers.

Students and faculty are key elements of the effort, from leadership to “boots on the ground” for service-learning projects and pastoral support.

While CRM is primarily focused on serving rural and rust belt ministries, the insights gained through the work can benefit pastors far beyond the region. The PRM has garnered national media coverage for its work and provides a forum in which pastors and others offer advice, support, information, and reflection on the triumphs and tribulations of the call to rural ministry.

The Center for Rural Ministry has three key goals:

• Connecting Church and College: Show students the connection between the local church and course content and make a tangible difference for local churches.
• Helping Students Learn and Grow: Gain valuable experience while supporting local churches. Find a church home for your college years. Learn about lay and vocational church leadership.
• Connecting and Supporting Pastors: Connect to other pastors, find ministry resources, and engage with students and faculty who are excited by the local church.

For more about the Center for Rural Ministry, visit ruralministry.org.