The Convocation on the Rural Church is an opportunity for pastors serving rural churches in the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church to join with Duke Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, and The Parish Ministry Fund to discuss issues that are important in transforming rural churches and communities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Join us to discuss issues that are important in transforming rural churches and communities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Duke Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, and The Parish Ministry Fund announce that the 2026 Convocation on the Rural Church will be on August 3-5, 2026.
We are making plans for another great slate of plenary speakers, preachers, and an inspiring selection of workshops for you to choose from.
Registration will open in March 2026.
Throughout the three-day convocation, participants will have the opportunity to attend plenary sessions and workshops, share in worship and meals, and enjoy free time.
This year the plenary presentations, workshops, and on-site meals (2 breakfasts, snack breaks, and lunch) are for clergy participants only. The hotel has a couple of dining options for spouses and family. We will also be providing a list of restaurants close to the resort for family members to eat off-site and for your meals that are not included in the event.
Day | Time | Event |
| Monday, August 5 | 11:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Beverages available | |
| 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Welcome Opening Worship | |
| 5:00 p.m. | Hotel Check-in (rooms may be available earlier) | |
| Tuesday, August 6 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:50 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Gathering Music | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Plenary | |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Refreshment Break | |
| 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Workshops | |
| 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Free time and dinner on your own | |
| 8:00 p.m. | Beach Communion Service | |
| Wednesday, August 7 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:50 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Gathering Music | |
| 9:00 a.m.- 10:15 a.m. | Plenary | |
| 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Refreshment Break, Hotel Check-out by 11:00 a.m. | |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Sending Worship | |
| 12:15 p.m. | Depart | |
| 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | TBD |
This year the plenary presentations, workshops, and on-site meals (2 breakfasts, snack breaks, and lunch) are for clergy participants only. The hotel has a couple of dining options for spouses and family. We will also be providing a list of restaurants close to the resort for family members to eat off-site and for your meals that are not included in the event.
The following lists what is included or not, as part of this event:
Monday
- Beverages - water, sodas, juices
- Dinner - on your own
Tuesday
- Breakfast
- Refreshment Break - drinks and snacks
- Lunch
- Dinner - on your own
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Beverages - water and coffee
Program sessions and accommodations for the Convocation on the Rural Church will be provided at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, a full-service hotel and conference center located in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The Marriott is an ocean-front property on Myrtle Beach’s coastline within driving distance of ample shopping, dining, and attractions. Broadway at the Beach, located nearby, includes 300 acres of shopping, dining, nightlife, and attractions. Entertainment and dining options include Hard Rock Café, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Señor Frog’s, Ripley’s Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, the Palace Theatre, NASCAR SpeedPark & Café, Children’s Museum of South Carolina, and Crocodile Rock’s Dueling Piano Bar. Shopping also abounds just 10 minutes away at Coastal Grande Mall, one of South Carolina’s largest and newest shopping malls, or you can shop for bargains at Tanger Outlet Mall, located on Highway 501, just 15 minutes away.
On-site accommodations are required to attend this event, and reservations must be made through Duke Divinity School while registering for the event. Parking is complimentary and available onsite.
Be on the lookout for our 2026 lineup of presenters coming soon.
Questions?
To inquire about attending Convocation on the Rural Church or if you have further questions, please contact Ken Spencer at ken.spencer@div.duke.edu or Ann Imrick at aimrick@div.duke.edu.