An Invitation from the Director of the Center for Theology and Land Rev. Dr. Mark Yackel-Juleen:
We live and serve in contentious times. Conflict and division are prevalent in our society and even in many of our congregations. How best do we respond? The 45th Annual Rural Ministry Conference, March 8–10, 2026 will address that question under the theme “Managing Change and Transforming Conflict in Congregations: Leading in an Age of Polarization.”
Our Keynote Speakers and our Bible Study Leader will engage us in theological reflection, and practical considerations regarding this challenging reality.
Keynoting Sunday and Monday will be Dr. David R. Brubaker. Until recently, Dr. Brubaker was a Professor of Organizational Studies and Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisburg, Virginia. He was also a Director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU for 12 years. Brubaker has authored numerous books.
Keynoting Tuesday will be Rev. Peter Soli. Rev. Soli is an ordained pastor of the ELCA and founder and director of DialogWorks, a congregational consulting and educational organization that specializes in change management and conflict transformation. He is also lead designer and instructor for Engaging God’s Future, a four-course continuing education program.
Our Bible Study Leader is Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw. Dr. McCaw is Vice President of the University of Dubuque and Dean of the University of Dubuque Theological School. Dr. McCaw is also the Associate Professor of Ministry at UDTS and is acutely attuned to the challenges and opportunities of small town and rural ministry.
As always, our breakout sessions and workshops will inspire us and provide opportunities to dialogue, dream, and network in practical ways for the sake of mission and ministry.
Registration Information
The cost of full registration is $230 before February 20, and $250 after. Registration closes on February 28th.
Full Registration for the conference includes:
- Sunday Evening Meal
- Monday Lunch
- Monday Night Banquet
- Tuesday Boxed Lunch
Monday only Registration (Workshop Registration) is $60.00 and includes:
- Monday Lunch
Zoom Registration is $60.00 and will include all bible studies and keynote/plenary speakers.
(For under the leader and speakers tab)
Housing Information
Housing is available at the seminary on a first come-first serve basis. The rate per night per room is $60.00. This is a separate charge from the conference.
The seminary has 38 rooms available, with some of those being double occupancy if you would like to share a room with a colleague.
These rooms can be booked by calling or emailing Amber Lane at:
563-589-0272
arobbins@wartburgseminary.edu
There are also many hotels within 10 minutes of the seminary if you would prefer to lodge elsewhere.
Leaders and Speakers
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Dr. David R. Brubaker
Until recently, Dr. Brubaker was a Professor of Organizational Studies and Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professions at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisburg, Virginia. He was also a Director of the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at EMU for 12 years. Dr. Brubaker has authored numerous books, including two most pertinent to the topic of our conference this year: Promise and Peril: Understanding and Managing Change and Conflict in Congregations (2009) and When the Center Does Not Hold: Leading in an Age of Polarization (2019), hence the title of our conference.
Tuesday Presenter
Rev. Peter Soli
Rev. Soli is an ordained pastor in the ELCA and the founder and director of DialogWorks, a congregational consulting and educational organization specializing in change management and conflict transformation. He is also lead designer and instructor for Engaging God’s Future, a four-course continuing education program.
Bible Study Leader
Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw
Dr. McCaw is Vice President of the University of Dubuque and Dean of the University of Dubuque Theological School. Dr. McCaw is also the Associate Professor of Ministry at UDTS.
Conference Schedule
Sunday, March 8, 2026
- 3:00 pm – Registration – Narthex
- 5:45 pm – Introductions and Prayer – Weiblen Commons
- 6:00 pm – Dinner – Refectory
- 7:00 pm – Keynote – Dr. David R. Brubaker
Monday, March 9
- 9:00 am – Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw – Weiblen Commons
- 10:15 am – Break – Refectory
- 10:30–11:45 am – Monday Keynote – Dr. David R. Brubaker – Weiblen Commons
- 12:10–1:00 pm – Lunch – Refectory
- 1:30–2:30 pm – Breakout Session, Round One (A breakout schedule will be handed out at registration on Sunday)
- 2:30 pm – Break
- 2:45–3:45 pm – Breakout Session, Round Two
- 3:45 pm – Break
- 4:00–5:00 pm – Breakout Session, Round Three
- 6:30–8:30 pm – Banquet – Refectory
Tuesday, March 10
- 8:30–9:15 am – Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw – Weiblen Commons
- 9:15 am – Break
- 9:30 am – General Session – Rev. Peter Soli – Weiblen Commons
- 10:30 am – Worship Service with Communion – Chapel
- 11:30 am – Boxed Lunches and Farewell