Rural Pastors Talk

In this episode we discuss... the tone of the rural pastor in ministry. There are moments where the pastor should be gentle, and stern in their tone. When? The heart behind the pastor's tone MATTERS! Proverbs 15:1–2 Proverbs 15:4 Galatians 6:1 2 Corinthians 10:1–2 Matthew 21:12–13 Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: Need tools that don't break the budget? Consider using Craftsman ! Our Q...

In this episode we discuss...  whether or not we should display Bible verses on the screen? Is it more beneficial to display the Bible, or have a physical or digital copy in people's hand? Practicality of having physical Bibles: Give them away! Teach people how to practically use their Bibles (like where the table of contents are, or why there are big chapter numbers and small verse numbers)...

In this episode we discuss... rural churches and the cross with Brad Gray. Y ou left sunny Florida  for a church in a very rural part of Pennsylvania. What, Sir, were you thinking? What is a theology of the cross?  This is often talked about in comparison to a theology of glory.  What is the difference? How does a theology of the cross impact rural ministry?  What are some practical implications?...

In this episode we discuss...  ways rural pastors and the church can support families in the education of their children. We must educate children: Deuteronomy 11:18 Proverbs 22:6 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But what about the rest of the education? Do we need to teach them 5x5 and how many electrons nitrogen has? We take time to discuss through options around homeschool, classical school, private school, a...

In this episode we discuss... missions and church planting in rural places Today we interview Will Basham, church planter and lead pastor of New Heights Church in West Virginia. Will answers questions like: What is a holler? Evangelism in rural places often looks like “tent revivals” and “altar calls.” What is your perspective on this practice? You mention in your book a more biblical altar call....

In this episode we discuss... should pastors leave a church for another? Joe Wagner discusses the recent move he has made. We hope you're encouraged and blessed by this discussion. Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: Did you get headphones like Joe reviewed last week? Are your ears hurting with the stock in-ear tips? Get Comply Foam tips! Our Quote of the Day: Have a blast loving Jesus, servi...

In this episode we discuss... Gap years and the local church. Today we interview David Feister, executive director of the Planted Gap Year located at His Thousand Hills in Wellsboro, PA. David will answer questions like: What is a gap year program? Who should consider it? Who should not?  What are the benefits? Why are some of the dangers to watch out for? Does a gap year program extend adolescenc...

In this episode we discuss... Cannabis and the Christian. Today we interview Dr. Todd Miles, professor of theology at Western Seminary and author of Cannabis and the Christian . What makes a book like this necessary reading for busy pastors today? If the government makes it legal, and I use it in moderation in the privacy of my own home, am I really doing anything wrong? What responsibility does a...

In this episode we discuss... Jonathan Edwards and the rural pastor. Dan Stegeman is our resident Edwards scholar. You may know about his writings, but did you know about his heart for the pastorate? In particular, his flock in the rural landscape? Sit down and consider this great theologian and pastor with us, and the legacy he leaves for us as rural pastors! Small Town Jesus Summit: April 28-29...

In this episode we discuss... the pastor and depression. Pastor Mike went through a serious bought of depression. He now feels comfortable to discuss his story, some pitfalls he fell into, and how God brought Him out of it and into a deeper and more vibrant relationship with Him. Small Town Jesus Summit: April 28-29 at Camp Susque Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: Have a hobby that you can use t...

In this episode we discuss... empowering people rather than doing & leading everything. Being busy APPEARS to be the opposite of being lazy There is nothing wrong with being poured out as a drink offering to the Lord. But, beneath the surface of all your business, could be a lazy approach to what you’re REALLY called to do as a pastor. Ephesians 4:11-12 Matthew 28:18–20 Acts 6:1–7 What then is...

In this episode we discuss... Jesus and the rural church with Donnie Griggs, author of Small Town Jesus Why did you return to pastor in your home town? Did you have any culture shock when you came back to your rural town? How have you approached leadership development? How has your church been a resource for other churches? And more!! You can learn more about Donnie and his ministry here: https://...

In this episode we discuss... when church members leave. Our purpose in this episode is not to get into the weeds about righteous vs. unrighteous reasons to leave a church, or church discipline. What we do want to talk about is how to deal with people leaving because it will have some impact on you as a pastor and on you as a person. What to do when people leave: Scriptures to consider: 1 Corinthi...

In this episode we discuss...  What is the church called to do? Glorify God.  How? Make disciples. Why? More people like Jesus! Certain pastoral rhythms and ruts can keep us from being effective disciple makers. What are some ways a pastor can make disciples? Preaching 1 on 1 Small Groups Sunday School Counseling Visitation Life on Life (like hunting) Is there a better way? Spend a lot of time wit...

In this episode we discuss... There have never been more books than there are today. There have never been more books that people are trying to sell you than today! And we all have struggles and hardships, and things we wish we were different. For every problem, or frustration, or question we struggle with in the church, there are many books fighting for your attention and promising a solution! Th...

In this episode we discuss... The great divide!  You got your old churches, and you got your young churches. What do you do if you find yourself caring for an older, less active congregation? Rely on Scripture. Gain their trust and respect by preaching the best expository sermons you can. Focus time there! Invest in them personally. Visit them. Get to know them. Don’t assume they feel comfortable/...

In this episode we discuss... The pastor and his emotions at church. Unfortunately, our show notes seem to have vanished, so we apologize for the lack of notes! Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: Need some cheap and easy to use media content to serve your congregation and strive for excellence? Consider sharefaith.com ! Our Quote of the Day: Do you complain of a hard heart? The sight of a broken...

In this episode we discuss... with Stephen Witmer concerning his book A Big Gospel in Small Places . Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: No review today. Our Quote of the Day: "The apostle Paul didn’t look for people who were like him; he found people and sought to make himself like them for the sake of the gospel." Stephen Witmer - A Big Gospel in Small Places  CONTACT Call and leave a...

In this episode we discuss... Pastoral contentment in the local church: 1 Timothy 6:6–10 We live in a world that thrives on stealing your contentment! Cell phone updates New Vehicles Weight loss drugs We're drilled with advertisements telling us what we really need Love of a bigger church Love of respect from other pastors Love of a different location How much of our discontent is based on GO...

In this episode we discuss... Guns and Gun Owners in the Rural Church Use Guns and Shooting Sports as a MINISTRY TOOL : 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 If you are a Christian who really enjoys shooting and firearms, don’t hide your rifles and hoard your ammunition, use what God has given you to step through doors that he opens for ministry and Gospel sharing.  Use guns according to the Law of the Land : Rom...

In this episode we discuss... What have we been up to? We've been very busy! Wellsboro Bible Church has a new building. TJ got COVID. Joe has been in a busy season of specific soul care for members of GFF! Joe is having a baby! Why did we come back? The rural church matters and we long to see brothers serving to the glory of God! What can you expect in Season 2? Even in our time off we’ve rec...

An important update on Rural Pastor's Talk Season 2!

In this episode we interview... Keith Getty about singing in the rural church. We ask: So, do you really believe an already overwhelmed rural pastor should squeeze one  more thing into his schedule by focusing some of his time on singing? What role does singing play in helping Christians walk through times of difficulty? What did you take away from the experience of family hymn sings during COVID...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on what to do while we wait for season 2: Invest in individuals in your congregation,  Preach the Word. Find rest. Care for your family. Pray, pray, pray! Sing, sing, sing! CONTACT Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741 Email: ruralpastorstalk@gmail.com Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpa...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on if the rural church is dying:  Rural churches are closing. We have watched churches in our county close doors.  We have spoken with a number of pastors thinking of quitting.  There are probably as many pastor-less churches as there are with pastors, and there are lots of dwindling congregations made up of a few families. Some really beautiful, quintess...