Since the majority of ELCA churches are located in rural or small town settings, Wartburg Seminary requires M.Div. students to take a rural ministry course or participate in a rural experience such as the Rural Plunge as preparation for serving congregations in these communities. The Rural Plunge option of preparing for rural ministry offers Wartburg students a field experience observing agricultural and other rural enterprises in operation, conversing with community and congregational leaders, and learning about the resources and challenges that affect the quality of life in a rural setting. Second Year M.Div. student, Jennifer Michael, who attended this year's Rural Plunge, said of the experience, "The context of a rural community was something that I have never experienced before.  However, after this weekend I was able to connect with the unique gifts and challenges that come within rural ministry.  So much of the need in our church today is to serve rural communities and I believe intensive immersion courses like the Rural Plunge Weekend can prepare future leaders to interpret the distinctive context of rural town and country setting.  This was definitely way out of my 'comfort zone,' but it has excited and energized me to think of all the many ways that God might call me to serve God's church."