The CaSTLE Project Equips Everyday Faith
The CaSTLE Project, Country and Small Town Lived Ecclesiology, is a bold initiative of Wartburg Theological Seminary that revitalizes ministry in rural and small-town settings.
Supported by a $7.4M grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the project empowers leaders and congregations to live out their faith beyond the walls of the church, rooted in community and everyday vocation.
Supporting Rural Leaders & Congregations
Creating educational tools, worship resources, and curricula designed to equip Synod Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders for rural ministry.
Synod Authorized / Lay Leader Ministry Formation
Creating educational tools, worship resources, and curricula to equip lay leaders for rural ministry, rooted in baptismal ecclesiology and practical leadership.
Mentor Pastor Leadership Training
Partnering with synods to strengthen mentorship programs for lay leaders and Synod Authorized Ministers, offering formation tailored to each synod’s unique needs.
Ecclesiological Transformation
Guiding synods in developing a culture of discipleship that equips all the baptized to live out faith in daily life. This includes creating resources for the broader church that reflect a diaconal focus.
Ecumenical Experiments
Collaborating with full communion partners to explore shared ministry models in rural settings and developing a library of tools and reflections to strengthen ecumenical partnerships.
Empowering Leaders with Resources to Live Out Their Call
Support for lay leaders stepping into ministry in small-town and rural communities.
Educational Pathways
Contextual learning modules for ministry leaders.
Spiritual & Vocational Formation
Resources and reflection guides for vocational and spiritual discernment.
Ministry in Daily Life and Service
Equipping leaders for today’s evolving church context and faithful daily witness.
Worship Resources
Worship tailored for small town and rural communities.
Featured CaSTLE Platform Resources
Stories from CaSTLE Communities
Deepening the Conversation Through Academic & Reflective Engagement
Through faculty research, ecumenical initiatives, and inclusive theological reflection, The CaSTLE Project invites deeper learning about ministry in rural contexts.
These efforts highlight both the challenges and opportunities present in equipping leaders for today’s church.
Empowering leaders like you. Request access to the platform today.
CASTLE PLATFORM
Accessible, Free, and Shareable Resources for Ministry
- Downloadable Worksheets
- Curriculum Guides
- Video Interviews
- Worship Practices
- Recommended Readings
- Podcasts
- Ready-Made Workshop Kits
Wartburg Theological Seminary and the CaSTLE Project Announce 2026 Synod Grant Recipients
Wartburg Theological Seminary, in partnership with the CaSTLE Project, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Synod Grants. These grants support innovative leadership formation, theological education, and contextual ministry across the church, with a particular focus on rural ministry, synodically authorized ministry, and emerging ecclesial models.
Together, these synods represent a wide range of ministry contexts and challenges, from rural and small-town leadership development to ecumenical collaboration and structural innovation. Through these grants, the CaSTLE Project and Wartburg Theological Seminary continue their shared commitment to resourcing leaders who are attentive to context, grounded in theology, and responsive to the evolving needs of the church.
Grounded in Tradition, Growing into the Future
The CaSTLE Project is rooted in Wartburg Theological Seminary’s legacy of forming leaders for the church and world.
In partnership with the ELCA and ecumenical allies, this work expands on decades of rural ministry leadership through the Center for Theology and Land.