Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 6
Price: $45
CEUs: 1.5
Required books?: Yes
Live video session?: No
Part of a certification or series of courses?: No
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Small rural congregations face challenges in the 21st century, and often forget they are uniquely connected to the Gospel through the land and fields that surround them. This study uses the power of agricultural narratives in Scripture as well as local church stories to help small rural churches recover the connection to the land where God has placed them to cultivate hope and growth. Rebecca Collison’s book Preparing Fields for Seasons of Change gives a guide to churches wanting to reclaim their corner of God’s farm (1 Cor. 3:9).
Learners will be required to obtain a copy of the following book:
- Preparing Fields in Seasons of Change, by Rebecca Collison .
Price: $45
About the Instructor
Rebecca “Becky” Kelly Collison is a United Methodist elder who is a special education teacher-turned-preacher who seeks to make the gospel accessible and relevant to all, regardless of ability, geographic, or socio-economic dynamics. Currently based in the Peninsula Delaware Conference, she has pastored small rural and town churches in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Her educational background includes a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she also taught adjunct classes. Her graduate work includes a Master in Educational Technology from Wilmington University and, from Wesley Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity (2008) and Doctor of Ministry (2019.) She serves on the United Methodist Rural Advocates and is a past member of the denomination’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry Committee. On her conference, she is the chair of her conference’s Disability Ministry Committee, and a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry. She recently published her work on revitalizing small rural churches through linking stories and scripture in “Preparing Fields For Seasons of Change” (Trilogy Publishing). Her blog page is found at www.rebeccacollison.com.
When not at the parsonage of her current pastoral appointment, she lives on a corner of the family farm with her husband Glenn who is a truck driver. She enjoys writing, singing, and reading. She also enjoys spending time with their family which includes 6 children,7 grandchildren, and 6 grand dogs.