Center for Congregational Resources

05/15/2026

Read about creative worship practices, revitalization strategies, and our upcoming workshop on Disability Resources for rural and small-town congregations in the May edition of CCR Connections. Big things are happening in and through small churches! How have you experienced God at work in your local church?
https://mailchi.mp/7ea6a174e147/ccr-may-newsletter-4973945

05/15/2026

Today is Ascension Day, the crowning event of the ministry of our Lord. On the fortieth day after Easter, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples and ascended to heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:1-12).

The ascension of Christ is filled with theological significance. Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, prays for us and perfects our prayers. His ascension is a witness and guarantee of our own bodily resurrection, as well as an invitation for us to set our hearts and minds “on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2) to rule over all things in heaven and throughout the universe (Eph. 1:10, 20-23). Finally, the ascension of Jesus serves as the prelude to Pentecost, when the power of the risen Christ came upon all believers through the Holy Spirit.

Artwork: Ascension II © Jan Richardson.

05/12/2026

“Come away by yourselves, to a desolate place and rest” Mark 6:31. Jesus commands and we respond. The CCR team is experiencing rest and renewal under the kind care of the Benedictine sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman. May our work reflect the soft voice and gentle love of the Father.

05/08/2026

Our Key Collaborating Partners are all now in place and their Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative projects are underway. Thanks be to God for this diverse group of gospel ministry partners, unified in the love of Jesus Christ for gospel work with rural and small-town congregations; and thanks to Lilly Endowment, Inc. whose generosity makes the work possible!

Learn more about the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative and the Samford Center for Congregational Resources by exploring our updated website.

The mission of the Center for Congregational Resources at Samford University is to create opportunities for pastoral enrichment that help ministers maintain their effectiveness. The center serves clergy of any denomination, both men and women, regardless of race or age.

05/06/2026

You've experienced the joy of Christian life with people whose brains and bodies function differently than yours, but are there ways to help these exceptional members better engage in worship and Bible study classes? The answer in most cases is a resounding YES!

Learn practical ideas for more effective discipleship practices with children and adults with special needs during a FREE workshop on Disability Resources for Rural and Small-town Churches. Samford University education professor Dr. Mandy Hilsmier will be our clinician. Mandy is an expert in the field of special education and is especially passionate about helping churches adapt spaces and programs to help members with special needs participate as fully as possible in the life of the church.

SAVE THE DATE. REGISTER TODAY. INVITE A FRIEND. The workshop is for pastors, church volunteers, parents...anyone who wants to meet people with special needs with the love of Jesus! Registration is open. Hope to see you there!

https://www2.samford.edu/eve/index.php?formid=6184

04/23/2026

Congratulations to Selma University and Dr. Stanford Angion! It's an honor to partner with you in the wonderful gospel work you're doing for your students and the greater Selma community. Prayers for continuing blessings!

Selma University’s 148th Founder’s Day celebration was about more than honoring the school’s long history.

04/22/2026

April showers bring May flowers, right?

Our April Newsletter is here, and features several ways new life in Christ is springing up in rural areas and small towns through the faithful ministries of our CCR partners! (Link in comments.)

"Come and see what God has done!" Psalm 66:5

03/31/2026

Social media use is a vital part of communication for many rural and small town churches, and it can become an overwhelming task if handled thoughtfully and effectively. The article below offers several excellent ideas for better managing your church's social media efforts. There's even a free online course available to learn more. Check it out and let us know what you think!

If creating social media content for your church feels like something you’re always scrambling to keep up with, you’re not alone. For many churches, posting happens last-minute. Someone remembers on Saturday night, or the morning of an event, and throws something together quickly. It works in th...

03/22/2026

“Well done…well done…well done…” These are the words Gordon Bals passionately spoke over the 50+ ministers and lay leaders who gathered today for a workshop on Mental Healthcare in Rural and Small-town Congregations, hosted by the Samford Center for Congregational Resources. This was one of many powerful reminders that God is on the side of his faithful shepherds, providing “caring involvement” and “strengthening grace” for the work he calls them to do. The workshop focused on the unique role pastors play as first responders when congregants and community members face marital conflict, depression, addiction, suicidal thoughts, grief, abuse, and other issues. Bals, director of the Beeson Divinity School Christian Counseling program, offered helpful, practical guidance and encouragement for ministry leaders to continue helping others to move forward in spiritual health which helps all parts of a person function in a healthier way. Thankful for such a great workshop, the participation of so many wonderful pastors and lay leaders, and Dr. Bals' “clearly anointed” leadership!

03/16/2026

12/15/2025

As the CCR winds down to enter the Christmas season, we wanted to express our gratitude for someone very special! In January of this year, we were blessed by the addition of Tracy Hanrahan to our team. Tracy is a long tenure employee of Samford and we were lucky to welcome her to our sweet corner of Brooks Hall. Tracy brings with her a deep and faithful spirituality that enriches our work and makes us all strive to emulate her positive energy. But she also brings big thinking and creativity, amazing connections, a plethora of colored pens, and a way of propagating and naming her wild plants, and just wait till she share stories of her grandbaby! We love you, Tracy and thank you for all you bring in this good work! Merry Christmas