Pastors convened in Des Moines at Luther Memorial Church on Grand View University’s campus in August for the 5th annual Moses Project Kick Off event. This year, we welcomed 20 new rural pastors from South Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan for three days of worship, reflection, and collegiality. 

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The event featured worship led by Dr. Mike Elsbernd, preaching from Moses mentors Rev. Sarah Ciavarri and Rev. Steve Peterson, and Moses exemplar alumnus Rev. Bob Bekkerus. Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell Reed, author of Pastoral Imagination, and professor and academic entrepreneur was the keynote speaker. 

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After the event, a Moses pastor sent this email, "Thank you for the snacks and swag.  More to the point, thanks for the opportunity to worship everyday (something I haven’t done since seminary).  I almost didn’t know how to receive it all, and I find myself feeling “seen” for the first time in a while.  At any rate, thanks.  A big word of thanks to our hosts at Luther Memorial as well.  What a venue.  It was a memorable welcome."

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We work with the best rural pastors. It is a joy serving them. Check out photos below of our new cohort.