With support from a CaSTLE Project grant, the Northwest Intermountain Synod has been intentionally returning to a foundational ecumenical text, Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry, as a way of grounding this shared life together.
Originally published by the World Council of Churches more than forty years ago, Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry continues to offer a rich theological framework for churches seeking common ground amid diverse traditions. Through their CaSTLE Project grant, synod leaders and participants were able to gather in Pocatello, Clarkston, and Moses Lake to engage this text together, exploring how baptism shapes not only personal faith but communal life, public witness, and ecumenical relationships.
These gatherings were part of the synod’s broader United at the Font: Partnering for the Future initiative, which invites ministry leaders and congregations into renewed reflection on baptismal identity as a shared foundation for ministry. Additional gatherings are planned for 2026, extending this work across the synod.
As part of the United at the Font initiative, the synod curated a set of readings and reflection questions designed for use by leadership teams, congregations, and ministry groups.
Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (The Lima Text)
This landmark ecumenical document explores what Christians across traditions share in their understanding of baptism, eucharist, and ministry. Emerging from decades of global dialogue, it provides deep theological grounding for unity amid diversity and invites the Church to imagine visible expressions of shared faith. This text is especially valuable for congregations and leaders seeking a renewed baptismal identity connected to mission, justice, and reconciliation.
Ecumenical Gathering Preparation: Reading & Reflection Questions
This guided reflection resource weaves together theological, contextual, and practical questions to prepare participants for ecumenical conversation and prayer. Drawing from readings on rural ministry, sacred space, and shared Christian commitments, it invites individuals and groups to reflect on lived experience, local realities, and God’s call toward visible unity. Designed for group discussion or individual preparation, it helps ground gatherings in thoughtful dialogue and shared imagination.
Economic Halo Effect of Historic Sacred Spaces
This research-based report examines how church buildings and sacred spaces contribute to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of their surrounding communities. While focused primarily on urban contexts, its insights offer meaningful parallels for rural and small-town congregations discerning how their physical presence serves the common good. This resource supports conversations about stewardship, community partnerships, and the broader public value of congregational life.
United at the Font: Session Worksheets
These session worksheets provide a practical, hands-on framework for ecumenical gatherings centered on baptismal identity, storytelling, and shared discernment. Designed to guide participants through relationship-building, contextual reflection, Gospel storytelling, and Spirit-led next steps, the worksheets support both small-group and large-group engagement. This resource is especially useful for facilitators and leaders seeking structured tools to foster deep listening, theological reflection, and collaborative imagination across congregations and denominations.
The Value of Rural Churches and Fresh Hope
This chapter explores the enduring role of rural churches as spiritual, social, and civic anchors within their communities. Combining personal narrative, research, and practical strategies, it names both the grief many congregations carry and the possibility of renewal through imagination, partnership, and innovation. This resource offers fresh hope for rural and small-town leaders discerning faithful paths forward rooted in community connection and shared mission.
Videos to Watch Before United at the Font or for All Rural Ministries
These videos complement the written resources by offering research, storytelling, and practical insight into the role of congregations as community anchors. Together, they deepen understanding of the economic, social, and spiritual impact of churches, particularly in rural contexts, and invite leaders to think creatively about mission, stewardship, and public witness.
Hidden Impact of Rural Churches
WATCH HERE
What is the economic impact of small congregations on their communities? In this conversation, Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center speaks with Bob Jaeger and Rachel Hildebrandt of Partners for Sacred Places about their research on the Economic Halo Effect of rural churches. The discussion highlights how even small congregations generate significant community benefits that often go unseen or unmeasured.
Gone for Good? Round Table
WATCH HERE
Thousands of church properties worth billions of dollars are being sold or repurposed each year. This virtual roundtable explores how congregations and communities can respond faithfully to these changes. Featuring Mark Elsdon and contributors to Gone for Good?, the conversation focuses on the primacy of mission in property decisions, the impacts churches have on their neighborhoods, rural ministry transformation, and how to steward change toward the common good rather than private interests.
Economic Halo Effect
WATCH HERE
Your church is deeply embedded in its neighborhood and plays a vital role in providing essential services, safety nets, and community resources. This video introduces the Economic Halo Effect framework and shows how congregations can use data to tell their story, inspire members, and strengthen both ministry and community partnerships.