Title: ELCA and Rural Evangelism ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF October 25, 1996 RURAL EVANGELISM IS POSSIBLE Rural congregations can grow both spiritually and numerically, said the Rev. David Poling-Goldenne, director for education and evangelism in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. "Mission Possible," a one-day seminar, gathers rural congregation leaders to examine methods for effective outreach in rural and small town communities. "The seminar offers the opportunity to look at evangelism and worship trends in rural ELCA congregations," said Poling-Goldenne. Participants devise a "back-home" action plan for rural evangelism. More than 20 percent of all ELCA congregations are in rural farming areas, and an additional seven percent are in rural non-farming areas. "A Profile of Rural Congregations in the ELCA," a publication of the ELCA's Department for Research and Evaluation, highlights the experience of rural congregations and contrasts it with that of non-rural congregations in such categories as location and size, worship practice, evangelism and congregational identity. "As with all ELCA congregations, rural congregations cluster in the Upper Midwest and in the Northeast," said Poling-Goldenne. The seminar has been held in four rural Midwest cities: Freeland, Mich.; Barneveld, Wis.; Tripoli and Pomeroy, Iowa. Seven "Mission Possible" seminars are scheduled for 1997. This event was supported in part by Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefit organization based in Appleton, Wis. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955 or [log in to unmask]