Small Town Pastor Podcast

A black belt is just a white belt that didn’t quit! "A long-term pastor is just a pastor that didn't quit." In part two of our conversation with Sam Hough (Vernonia Christian Church), we dive into what it really takes to shepherd a small-town church over two decades. Moving from upstate New York to a secluded logging town of under 2,500 people in the Oregon Coast Range wasn't the plan, but it beca...

Stuck in a Valley Surrounded by Trees! What does it take to turn an angry kid in detention into a lifelong disciple and pastor? In this episode of the Small Town Pastor Podcast, host Erik Nielsen and co-host Tony Coulombe sit down with longtime friend Sam Hough (Vernonia Christian Church) to trace the roots of his faith journey. Sam shares his candid, unfiltered story—from growing up in Rochester,...

“I WANT MY FRUIT TO GROW ON OTHER PEOPLE’S TREES.” Jason Ham joins us again today to talk about planting churches in one of America's most post-Christian cities. See links below: www.thegatheringma.org https://www.barna.com/research/post-christian-cities-2019/ www.churchproject.org www.housechurchnetwork.com  

“I WAS A CULTURAL CHRISTIAN…LOOKING FOR GOD’S BLESSING PIXIE DUST.” Today we're joined by Jason Ham of the Gathering in Springfield, Massachusetts. Topics include the West Point band, euphoniums, the Christian rock band Petra, and Jason's road to church planting in New England. For more information, visit www.thegatheringma.org

“I'M A PILGRIM, IN A LAND I DON'T UNDERSTAND" (Indiana) We're joined again by Matt Merold to discuss his multisite ministry in rural Indiana. Matt talks about learning rural culture, serving the community, and the benefits of long-term ministry. For more about Bethany Christian Church, visit bethanycc.net

"I'M JONAH WITH A CHAPTER 5!" Today, we're joined by our new friend Matt Merald, from Washington, Indiana. Matt is the long-term pastor of Bethany Christian Church, which has three campuses in three different counties! Matt discusses his Christian upbringing, his preparation for ministry, and his journey from Southern California to rural Indiana. For Bethany Christian Church, find them online at b...

"THE HECK WITH THIS, I'M NOT MOVING THERE!" In this second episode with pastor Ben Smith, we talk about the power of long-term ministry, raising up leaders, and the challenges/opportunities in small-town churches. For more about High Lakes Christian Church, visit highlakescc.org

"LEADERS INSPIRE LEADERS!" Today, we're joined by Ben Smith from High Lakes Christian Church in LaPine, Oregon. Ben shares about his road to faith, his influential youth pastor, and his path into ministry.  For more information about High Lakes, visit www.highlakescc.org  

TALKING SMALL TOWN MINISTRY Today, we're joined by Pastor Matt Phipps from Redwood Christian Church. Matt talks about growing up as a PK, his journey to faith, and his pathway to ministry. For more on Redwood Christian Church, visit them online at redwoodchristian.org

Today we're joined by Pastor Matt Phipps from Redwood Christian Church. Matt talks about growing up as a PK, his journey to faith, and his pathway to ministry. For more on Redwood Christian Church visit them online on redwoodchristian.org

"THE SHIFT FROM WHAT TO WHO" We're joined again by Craig Whitney and Jeff Bennett from the Multiply Project. Their organization is dedicated to helping local churches develop and send out church planters from within their own congregations. Instead of relying on outside recruitment, they provide pastors with a practical, step-by-step system to identify potential leaders, equip them through special...

TALKING REPRODUCTION We're joined by Craig Whitney and Jeff Bennett from the Multiply Project. Their organization is dedicated to helping local churches develop and send out church planters from within their own congregations. Instead of relying on outside recruitment, they provide pastors with a practical, step-by-step system to identify potential leaders, equip them through specialized training...

THE MONEY IS GOING TO RUN OUT! WE'VE GOT TO CUT THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR'S SALARY! In this second interview, Matthew Anderson discusses their prayer-fueled vision for church planting among Mormons in Utah. Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

If you missed this the first time around, be sure to listen to Matthew Anderson's story. FROM BULL RIDER TO CHURCH PLANTER! Today, Matthew Anderson talks about growing up on a ranch, riding bulls, catching bass, and being changed by the gospel! Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

70% OF ADULTS IN SMALL GROUPS! Get ready for the second half of our interview with Adam Ray, one of the pastors at the Tabernacle in Buckley, Michigan. We talk about groups, discipleship, a little more hunting talk, and their multisite strategy. https://thetabchurch.com/

CHURCH OF 1000 IN TOWN OF 690! Today, we're joined by Adam Ray, who is a dedicated family man, pastor, and avid outdoorsman. We discuss Adam's journey to faith, path to ministry, and brass knuckle church t-shirts. We also discuss a little bit of hunting! https://thetabchurch.com/ https://thechurch.shop/shop/the-tabswag-store/product/bella-canvas-unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee-soli-deo-gloria/  

"THIS IS A LIFE TO LIFE THING.” This is part 2 of the one-year update from Draw Near Church in Winchester, TN. In this episode, Evan Barry talks about discipleship and shares some stories about the people who are forming this new church.  For more about Draw Near Church, visit www.drawneartoday.com

ONE YEAR UPDATE! Today, we're joined by Small Town Network planter, Evan Barry. Draw Near church is just celebrating its one-year anniversary, and Evan shares about some of the joys and challenges of being a bivocational church in a rural community. For more about Draw Near Church, visit www.drawneartoday.com

“WE NEED TO TRY STUFF!” Today, we're joined by Jake Zauche again from First Christian Church in Lewistown, Montana. He discusses some of the challenges and opportunities in his rural settings. For more about FCC, visit https://www.fcclewistown.org

“I KNEW THAT HELL WAS BAD!” Today, we're joined by Jake Zauche from First Christian Church in Lewistown, Montana. Jakes shares about his path to faith, ministry, and leading a vibrant church in a rural community. For more about FCC visit https://www.fcclewistown.org  

"PEOPLE ARE UNINFORMED, UNDERINFORMED, MISINFORMED ABOUT WHO JESUS IS.” Today, we're joined again by Dave & Lori Vigna for another round of conversation about church planting, business ownership, and the challenges of COVID-19. www.thebranchcc.com For more about Small Town Network, visit www.smalltownnetwork.com  

“I’M NOT IN MINISTRY ON MY OWN.” Today we're joined by Dave and Lori Vigna who serve at The Branch Christian Church in Vancouver, WA. www.thebranchcc.com The Vignas talk about their pathway to ministry, raising 5 children, a painful firing, and the decision to plant a new church as an older couple.  For more about Small Town Network, visit www.smalltownnetwork.com----more----

HE HAD THIS “GIANT BINDER.” Today we're joined again by Brandon Fletcher, the pastor of First Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. https://www.fccmiamiok.com/ Brandon talks with us about becoming the pastor at his home church, Sunday School vs. Small Groups, and shares some thoughts on Discovery Bible Study. For more information about the Small Town Network, find us online at smalltownnetwork.com

“I WANTED TO BE THE OWNER OF A BUSINESS.” Today, we're joined by Brandon Fletcher, pastor of the First Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. https://www.fccmiamiok.com   Brandon talks about his call to ministry, and his roundabout journey from high school to college, and eventually back to his home church.  For more about Small Town Network, visit us online at smalltownnetwork.com 

“GREEN AND GROWING IS BETTER THAN RIPE AND ROTTING.” Today we're joined again by James Floyd who is the pastor of Shiloh Community Church in Orleans, Michigan. James shares about his experience planting a church in Gig Harbor, Washington and contrasts it with his current work in rural Michigan. For more about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Check out our sponsors at www.9c...