The Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership

The Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership was developed because of research and data collected done by Mr. John Everett, Rev. Kimberely Clark-Turner, Rev. Damita Jo Wilder and with the help of Lilly Endowment INC. The goal of this Institute is to provide consultation, education, mentoring and support to clergy and laity in rural and small-town church settings. The development of the Institute is designed to add value to clergy, laity, students and the local and regional communities across rural and small-town areas in North Carolina. The Institute has been established as a vehicle to foster awareness, exchange information, and to collaborate with other agencies, colleges, and universities.

Hood Theological Seminary has a history of collaboration with churches of all denominations and others like The North Carolina Rural Center, Thriving Rural Communities Initiative at Duke Divinity School and other Divinity Schools across the nation.

The Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministry and Leadership has put in place four “Pillars” to ensure success for every church that participate, and have been formatted under FAITH, FOUNDATION, and FORMATION to guarantee success in reaching our goals and the goals of all who will join the journey.

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THE TEAM:

Rev. Dr. Vergel L. Lattimore - Seminary President
Dr. John Everett - COO
Rev. Damita Jo Wilder - Director
Dr. Carrie Graham - Program Coordinator
Ms. Susan Cooper - Program Coordinator