Twenty rural pastors from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, and Michigan gathered in August for the 6th annual Moses Project Kick Off event. Pastors enjoyed three days of worship, professional development, time with mentors and small groups, and generous hospitality. Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell Reed, author of Pastoral Imagination was the keynote speaker. 

Veteran Moses mentors Rev. Sarah Ciavarri and Rev. Steve Peterson were joined by new Moses mentors Rev. Nick Fischer Broin and Rev. Laura Phillips. The Moses Project also welcomed new Worship Director Eric Ullsted after Dr. Mike Elsbernd moved to the Quad Cities. With the addition of new Moses staff, the goals of generous hospitality and a rewarding time of learning and connection remain.

Here’s what Moses pastors said about the Kick Off: “I really loved the opportunity to get to meet people face to face. I loved the interactions and getting to hear other’s tell their stories.”

“I believe you absolutely crushed this goal of providing generous hospitality. It was so wonderful. However, it wasn’t just the material things, but also thew welcoming and warm gestures and greetings every time that I entered a room or came into contact with someone. Loved it! I also learned from your example of hospitality which may be helpful in the future when our church needs to show hospitality. Well done!”

In the past six years, The Moses Project has worked with 120 rural pastors. It is a joy serving alongside them. You can check out photos below of our new cohort.