Brainerd Institute Conference
An annual gathering of pastors, leaders, and laypeople to inspire, equip, and encourage rural ministry efforts.
First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro
130 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 16901
October 10-11th, 2025
Speakers
Sean DeMars
Sean is husband to Amber, dad to Patience and Isabella, and pastor at 6th Avenue Church in Decatur, Alabama. He has written several books including, A Rebel to Your Will, Does the Gospel Promise Health and Prosperity?, and Redemption Song. He also is the host of the Room for Nuance Podcast.
TJ Freeman
As the senior pastor of Christ Church since 2012, TJ has a passion for the rural church. Prior to his arrival at Christ Church he served as a church planter, Biblical counselor, discipleship pastor, and history teacher. TJ and his wife Katie have two daughters; Charlotte and Charity, and two sons; Hudson and Grant. TJ serves on the board at the Brainerd Institute for Rural Ministry and can be heard on the Rural Church Renewal and the Back to Rurality Podcasts.
Mike Miosi
Mike is the Executive Director of Spread of Grace Ministries (SGM). Mike has served in various ministries for about 30 years, including: church planting, Christian camping, and pastoral ministry. He currently serves on the boards of the Brainerd Institute for Rural Ministry, The OTAV Institute (Sierra Leone) and The Otema Pastoral Training Center (Uganda). Mike also serves as an elder at Calvary Bible Church in Wrightsville, Pa.
Raphael Mnkandhla
Raphael has served as the Lead Pastor of City Church in Williamsport since January 2015. His passion is to inspire and motivate gospel change that affects every sphere of life. He was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He is married to Heidi, and they have four sons; Judah, Cooper, Dejahn, and Liam, and two daughters; Ellie and Aliyah.
Topic: Making Christ Known in the Middle of Nowhere
Our Goal
Inspire, equip, and connect rural pastors and leaders.
Pricing
General Admission: $59
Ministry Wife: $29
Frequently Asked Questions
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Pastors, ministry leaders, church planters, elders, deacons, volunteers, and anyone passionate about rural ministry are encouraged to attend. Wives are especially invited to join their husbands - we have a special event planned just for you!
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Yes, more details for registration will be provided here soon.
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You can email us at contact@brainerdinstitute.com.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 – The Spread of God’s Glory
Demonstrating the theological importance of rural places in God’s eternal plan for Creation.
8:00–9:00 AM — Registration & Coffee
9:00–9:05 AM — Welcome
9:05–9:20 AM — Worship
9:20–10:20 AM — Opening Sermon – Sean DeMars
10:20–11:05 AM — Break
11:15–12:05 PM — Session 1 – TJ Freeman: God’s Plan A for Creation: A Theology of Place
12:05–1:30 PM — Lunch on Your Own (group sign-ups encouraged)
1:40–2:30 PM — Session 2 – Mike Miosi: Expositional Preaching & Listening
2:30–3:15 PM — Break & Optional Activities (haircuts, massage, games)
3:25–4:15 PM — Session 3 – Raphael M: Church History & Rural Witness
5:30–7:30 PM — Dinner Groups (Los Agaves, Timeless Destination, etc.)
7:30–7:40 PM — Building History – Mike Birbeck
7:40–7:55 PM — Worship
7:55–8:45 PM — Evening Sermon – Sean DeMars
8:45–9:00 PM — Singing to Close Day 1
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 – Making His Glory Visible
Focusing on the importance of ordinary means of grace and every-member ministry in rural places
8:00–9:00 AM — Coffee & Breakfast
9:00–9:05 AM — Intro
9:05–9:20 AM — Worship
9:20–10:10 AM — Morning Sermon – Sean DeMars
10:10–10:55 AM — Break
11:10–12:00 PM — Session 4 – Mike Miosi: Shepherding & Healthy Teams in Rural Contexts
11:30–12:30 PM — Pastor’s Wives Luncheon (separate room)
12:00–1:30 PM — Lunch (provided)
1:30–2:20 PM — Session 5 – Raphael M: The Kingdom Advancing in Forgotten Places
2:20–3:00 PM — Break & Optional Activities
3:00–3:15 PM — Worship
3:15–3:55 PM — Closing Sermon – Sean DeMars
3:55–4:15 PM — Worship Response
4:15 PM — Conference Close