Sunspots
Sunspots are highlights of the many ministries and missions happening on the surface of the Sun – That is, the Synod of the Sun. A region of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with ALOT of dynamic and hopeful ministry happening in the name of Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterians in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Sunspots can be anything from small congregational ministries, regional networks to international missions. They are caused by the interactions with the Holy Spirit. Like the cap on a soda bottle: shake it up, and you can generate a big eruption! Sunspots occur over the 11 presbyteries in the synod with intense Holy Spirit activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and big impact can erupt from Sunspots. We pray that you will find inspiration, resources, community and connection in the Sun.
Sunspots
Town Square Collaborative
On this episode of Sunspots, Kathy Lee Cornell interview Rev. Philip Blackburn about his work with the Town Square Collaborative, a program at the University of the Ozarks that supports rural congregations, pastors, and communities.
Blackburn shares his journey from urban ministry to focusing on rural churches, highlighting the isolation these congregations often feel and the lack of tailored resources for them.
Funded through multiple Lilly Endowment grants, the Collaborative provides training, support, and community for rural leaders, emphasizing flexibility, local context, and empowering ruling elders who often fill pastoral roles. They stress that rural churches, though small and under-resourced, are vital community anchors with unique potential to address justice issues like healthcare, food insecurity, and social services.
The conversation celebrates creative, small-scale ministries, encourages partnerships with larger churches and nonprofits, and points toward ongoing efforts like the Rural Ideas Conference to build networks, share resources, and strengthen rural ministry.
Find the Town Square Collaborative website at:
https://townsquareco.org