The 45th Annual Rural Ministry Conference
March 8-10, 2026
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa
An Invitation from the Director of the Center for Theology and Land, Rev. Dr. Mark
Yackel-Juleen:
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.
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.
Full Conference Registration
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$230 if registered by February 20
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$250 if registered after February 20
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Registration closes on February 28
Full registration includes:
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Sunday Evening Meal
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Monday Lunch
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Monday Night Banquet
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Tuesday Boxed Lunch
Monday-Only Registration (Workshop Registration)
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$60
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Includes Monday Lunch
Zoom Registration
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$60
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Includes access to all Bible studies and keynote/plenary speakers