RURAL MINISTRY RESOURCES
IN APPALACHIA
This web site is a filtered portal of resources found on the Internet for doing ministry in the rural areas of Appalachia
The sites found here are not arranged in any particular order.
They have been evaluated and summarized for convenience of use.
The listings are currently incomplete. Please keep checking back for updates.
CORA—COMMISSION ON RELIGION IN APPALACHIA
http://www.geocities.com/appalcora/Page_1x.html
The Commission On Religion in Appalachia is a 37 year grass roots organization "to express God’s love in the empowerment of the people of Appalachia by working for justice." Their web site is modest and well done. It includes a timeline/history of the development of the commission, a good map showing the states included in the Appalachian region, and valuable information about ongoing projects and programs. It includes links to churches and organizations that support CORA. It also provides an e-mail address to contact CORA for more information.
AMERC—APPALACHIAN MINISTRIES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER
"The Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC) is an ecumenical non-profit organization
devoted to preparing church leaders for effective ministry in Appalachia and other rural areas." This site is very informative. It tells how theological schools and seminaries can obtain grants. It tells how individual students can receive scholarships to their upcoming educational events. These events—time, location, and costs are also listed. The site also contains a printable bibliography of books that can be taken out through your local library via inter-library loan. There is also an e-mail address for further information.ELCMA—EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN COALITION FOR MISSION IN APPALACHIA
ELCMA "is an intentional expression of member synods and churchwide units called to: hold up to the church a vision of its mission in Appalachia; coordinate the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as it participates in God's mission to the people and place of Appalachia; oversee the development and implementation of ministry strategies in the region." Much of the information on this site is "insider" information meant for those either on or highly involved with the coalition. However, the long-range plans link does give a detailed overview of the strategies and goals of the coalition. There are also some good ideas and available resources under the "resource" link. There are also related links and an e-mail address to contact for further information.
BEREA COLLEGE—APPALACHIAN CENTER
http://www.berea.edu/ApCenter/
The Appalachian Center at Berea College "gives concentrated leadership to Berea's Appalachian activities, working to stimulate student and scholarly interest, bring together existing outreach programs and guide the creation of new services, relate Berea College's efforts to those of other Appalachian institutions, and serve the nation as a source of information about the Appalachian region." This sight is well dome, with graphics and pictures throughout. The site promotes a course of study in Appalachian Culture offered at Berea College, events in the immediate Kentucky area of Appalachia, and a magazine published about southern Appalachian heritage. The site has additional links and is maintained by the students and faculty of Berea College. There is an e-mail address for further information or comments.
CLP—COMMUNITY LUTHERAN PARTNERS
http://www.citlink.net/%7Elutheran/ocs/Mosaic.htm
Community Lutheran Partners is a new social ministry organization on the territory of the West Virginia/Western Maryland Synod of the ELCA, in the heart of Appalachia. This organization is in its infancy, growing toward a "mission of education, direct service and advocacy." The web site is in its infancy too. It has some basic information and pictures. It is maintained by the Committee for Church in Society of the WV/WMD Synod.