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OASIS | Rural and Small Church Initiative

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Who we are

Oasis —  a rural and small church initiative — serves rural and small churches across Arkansas, supporting their development as leaders who can guide their congregations to become agents of positive change in their communities. Ministers and lay leaders will participate in a year-long series of seminars, immersive experiences and retreats designed to foster stronger community and expand their ecclesiastical imagination. This program is made possible by invitational grants from the Lilly Foundation and facilitated by Harding faculty from the College of Bible and Ministry who have particular expertise in rural and small-town ministry.

 

Cohort Program

Each fall, Oasis will recruit a cohort of 10 to 12 ministers or lay leaders for free admission to a year-long ministry program. From August to June, the cohort will gather monthly for a combination of online and on-campus sessions. A monthly virtual meeting will introduce readings and assignments to be completed before each in-person gathering.

On-campus sessions at Harding University will typically begin on a Thursday afternoon and conclude Saturday afternoon. During these nine sessions, participants will receive free lodging and meals. Upon completion of the program, cohort members will be awarded a Certificate of Leadership and Ministry from Harding University.

Beyond training, Oasis offers a space of renewal for weary pastors, spouses and lay leaders — a place to speak openly about the challenges of ministry. The program also cultivates an ongoing network of support among rural and small-town churches that extends well beyond the program year.

  • Equip 10–12 rural pastors and lay leaders annually through a year-long training program.
  • Provide free seminars, retreats and immersive experiences led by ministry experts.
  • Offer spiritual renewal and support for weary church leaders and their spouses.
  • Award a Certificate of Leadership and Ministry upon completion.
  • Build a lasting network of rural and small-town churches.
  • Encourage innovative, theologically grounded ministry practices.
  • To renew, equip and connect rural churches in Arkansas.
  • To affirm the lasting value of small-town ministry.
  • To extend Harding’s mission through faithful partnership with local churches.
  • To build a future where no rural church feels forgotten.

In 2013, the Lilly Endowment launched the Early Career Pastoral Leadership initiative to support pastors transitioning into senior leadership by strengthening their skills, community engagement and peer networks. After a successful pilot at Wabash College, Pepperdine University was selected to expand the initiative due to its strong academic and faith-based foundation. Building on that legacy, Pepperdine is now partnering with Harding University to launch Oasis — a ministry initiative focused on equipping and renewing rural and small-town church leaders in Arkansas. Funded by a grant through the Lilly Endowment, Oasis brings this proven model of leadership development into a new context, uniquely shaped by Harding’s deep ties to local congregations and commitment to Christian ministry.

2025-26 Schedule

Date Event Topic Description Speaker
Aug. 15-16, 2025 Welcome Event "From Maintenance to Mission" Dr. Monte Cox
Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2025 Inspire Lectureship "Oneness: An Ancient Vision for Ageless Unity" Dr. Jason Darden
Nov. 7-8, 2025 Marriage "Married to in Ministry" Dr. Monte Cox, Dr. Jason Darden
Jan. 23-24, 2026 Dr. Stan Granburg’s book Empty Church: Why People Don't Come and What to Do About It Dr. Monte Cox, Dr. Jason Darden
Feb. 20-21, 2026 Shepherding Summit "Sheep without with a Shepherd" Dr. Jason Darden
March 13-14, 2026 Spiritual Disciplines weekend at HUT "Sacred Rhythms for Ministers" Alicia Williams, Beth Cox
April 24-25, 2026 Disciple-making "Making Disciples Who Make Disciples" Dr. Carl and Alicia Williamson
May 18-20, 2026 Preachers workshop Dr. Jason Darden
June 12-13, 2026 Restoration Heritage "Nourishment From Our Spiritual Roots" Edward Robinson

Contact Information


OASIS | Rural and Small Church Initiative
501-279-4556
oasis@harding.edu

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