The purpose of theTexas Rural Church Network (TRCN) is to build a rural faith-based network for isolated community leaders to work together to develop strategies that address the increasingly complex problems faced
by rural people. The TRCN will provide:

• Forums to share ministry issues through meetings of denominational (or judicatory) representatives. These meetings will take place two or three times per year in various Texas locations as well as an annual statewide gathering to receive content and to conduct needed business.



• A clearinghouse to gather and share resources including maintenance of a web site with information and resources available for use by rural church leaders.



• Development of smaller networks of ministers and congregations within the state where mutual collaboration can take place.



• Identification of common needs and strategies for addressing responses to crises in rural communities.



• Information about sharingcommon ministry and ways to work together on issues such as youth and adult education or ways to provide pastoral leadership during a time when rural pastors are becoming more difficult to find.



• Continuing education opportunities about the uniqueness of rural communities for rural community leaders.



• Orientation programs about the Texas rural culture for rural leaders who are new to Texas and/or to rural communities.



• Training for seminary students to understand rural communities and rural ministry as a career.



• Recognition of outstanding rural congregations and leaders.