Rural Pastors Talk

In this episode we... discuss shepherding our churches through highs and lows, knowns and unknowns. TJ interviews Josh concerning his recent experience with a building that fell through, and very well may be resurrected!

In this episode we... discuss not stopping until the text you’re preaching has impacted your heart. What are the consequences if you preach unaffected by the text? You give a lecture You have no purpose You have weak application You are a hypocrite You are unable to sympathize with the people God has called you to shepherd How can you get the text into your heart? God must do this! Pray Meditate V...

In this episode we... discuss our latest sermons and how we put them together. We use the tools we've spoken of this season, and are excited to share our latest examples of sermons we've preached and are preparing!

In this episode we... discuss the path forward in ministry when you’re serving under compulsion. Do you feel stuck in a rut for any number of reasons? Pushback in the church Lack of zeal Nothing seems to be changing in your congregation What should our response be? Repentance Romans 12:9-11

In this episode we... discuss how to articulate your sermon study in such a way that is understandable and clear to the congregation. How you "adorn" your sermon matters. Put your title, argument, and points to work! What illustrations will you use that are pointed, but clear? Clarity over cleverness!

In this episode we... discuss how to make the argument in context for your sermon passage. Don't just teach a lesson Don't tell people about the passage Make the argument the author was making to his audience! All of season 4 has given you the tools to come to this step.

Thanks for sticking with us! We’ll get the latest episode up ASAP!

In this episode we... discuss how to make application rise from the text and resonate with your people. Ask good questions that actually relate and are answered by the text. Apply the text to Christians and Non-Christians alike. Apply the text to the head, heart, and hands. https://kirkmillerblog.com/2022/05/19/my-sermon-series-preparation-worksheet/

In this episode we... discuss how to properly include the gospel in our sermons. Beware playing "Pint the Jesus on the Sermon" The gospel is not just "Jesus died for your sins." Instead, consider from the text itself what aspect of God's ETERNAL plan of redemption the author has in mind. The gospel could be seen through: Explicit mention (1 Corinthians 15) Allusion (Genesi...

In this episode we... discuss why the Scripture is sufficient for life and godliness. What are you putting your hope in to change your people? Why is Scripture sufficient? How should the sufficiency of Scripture affect our preaching?

In this episode we... discuss how context informs the meaning of a passage: Literary What comes above and below your current passage? How does this affect the author's argument? Historic / Cultural How does the specific culture at the specific time and place inform the meaning of your text? Biblical Does the passage quote or allude to any other portions of Scripture? How would that passage ha...

In this episode we... discuss HOW to use the tools for preaching different text types: Narrative Consider the story arch, and where the conflict arises and is resolved. Discourse What is the argument the author is making? How does he defend himself? Poetry What imagery does the author use to make his point?

In this episode we... discuss the different kinds of biblical texts that will make up our sermons. T he type of text we're dealing with will determine the tools we need for the job. Narrative Ex: The Gospel according to Mark Consider the story arch, and where the conflict arises and is resolved. Discourse Ex: Paul's Epistle to the Romans What is the argument the author is making? How doe...

In this episode we... discuss mapping out your sermons once you have a P.L.A.N. Once you know what your church needs to hear, where do you go from there? How do we practically break down our sermon texts?

In this episode we... discuss pitfalls in choosing what we are going to preach and a better way forward.  How are you tempted to preach something other than the text? How can you effectively P.L.A.N. your sermons? Pulse of your congregation Look to the Scripture Assess what the congregation needs Navigate faithfully

In this episode we... discuss the target we’re shooting for in our preaching. What are some pitfalls we can fall into in our preaching? What should our target be?

In this episode we... discuss the importance of personal worship for the health and longevity of the pastor. Why do you read the Word? Is it to spend time with Jesus? Or get ministry done? Why do you pray? Is it for what you can get from God? Or to depend on Him more? May we be pastors who pursue our God with joy!

In this episode we... discuss applying and communicating the word to yourself and your congregation. Are you applying the Word to yourself? How are you communicating the Word to your congregation? Our promised photos: https://www.facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk Upcoming Events 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-marks-workshop-for-pastors...

In this episode we... discuss whether your rural church should have a mission statement. Should our mission be any more than the great commission? Upcoming Events 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-marks-workshop-for-pastors-and-church-leaders-tickets-546364219087?fbclid=IwAR3MA7JIt4z6vdh3nYopBvrQng7dQyu1Qu8EjDbbAcmGTOtPNKT8PLXOu7o

In this episode we... let you know we'll be back next week, Lord willing! Upcoming Events 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-marks-workshop-for-pastors-and-church-leaders-tickets-546364219087?fbclid=IwAR3MA7JIt4z6vdh3nYopBvrQng7dQyu1Qu8EjDbbAcmGTOtPNKT8PLXOu7o

In this episode we... discuss further education and the rural pastor. Should rural pastors pursue more education as they serve? 1 Timothy 4:11-16 Proverbs 1:5 Colossians 3:17 How can we do this with such busy schedules? Read! Workshops! Seminary! Upcoming Events 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-marks-workshop-for-pastors-and-church-l...

In this episode we... discuss the pastor's role in shepherding the flock through counseling. Should the pastor be doing the counseling? What should the pastor do when 1 on 1 counseling dominates ministering to the whole church? Are you equipping the saints for the work of ministry in counseling? Upcoming Events 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-yo...

In this episode we... interview pastor Andy Addis on weekly pastoral rhythms and rest. What do your pastoral rhythms look like? Are you finding rest, or are you getting burned out? At what cost to you and your family is your current ministry? Find out more about Andy at his personal website: andyaddis.com Check out Andy's rural pastor's podcast here: https://theruralpastor.com/ Check out...

In this episode we... share reliable ways to engage your congregation on Sunday morning without turning to gimmicks. Do you think your church service is effective? Do you think your people think the church service is effective? We need to think carefully as shepherds how we do everything in our Lord's Day gathering from announcements to song selection to preaching. We want to better engage ou...

In this episode we... discuss how you can teach your congregation to obey all that Christ's commands using a tool that you might not expect. Can Sunday School be redeemed without adding more work to your plate? Upcoming Events TGC Gathering at First Southern Baptist: https://fb.me/e/3qBOjuFb8 9Marks Workshop at Wellsboro Bible Church: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulfill-your-ministry-a-9-mar...