Rural Pastors Talk

In this episode we discuss... that as we preach, we must make certain that we know the context of the passage we are preaching and not take it out of context. We need to remember who the original audience was and the author's intent in writing. We not only need to preach correctly from Scripture, but we need to model the correct way of using and reading Scripture. Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on what to look forward to when you can't get out of bed: Your next dedicated time in the Word and prayer seeking God. Psalm 19:7-11 Psalm 63:1-8 The Next Sunday’s Worship with your flock and preaching the Word. Colossians 3:16 Attaining an attainable goal Read a book, finish a project, lose some weight to the glory of God! Colossians 3:17 Leading yo...

In this episode we... have an interview with Nate Pickowicz, author, speaker, theologian, movie star, and most of all: pastor! Questions we ask: What’s the name of the town you pastor in… and how many people live there… and how many paid pastors are on staff at your church? What is your great passion for your church? How did your most recent book get its name? Who did you picture in your mind as y...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on how a young pastor can serve well in a church with many older saints: Young Pastor, you may be young. They may be old. But you are all eternal. There can be lots of differences between a 25 year old pastor and a 75 year old senior saint. But there is at least one similarity…every single one -- young or old -- is an eternal being who will someday stand...

In this episode we... have an interview with Derek Van Ruler and Scott Boyer, Pastors and founders of 4thLevel Discipleship : Questions we ask: What do you mean when you use the word disciple? Do you believe there are 4 levels of discipleship?   You’re both pastors.  What did you observe in your churches and in other churches you’ve worked with that led you to say “we need something more” when it...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on being vulnerable with your church: You are both shepherd and sheep.   You are not outside the body you serve. You are not above the body you serve. You are not superior. You are not the head!!! You are PART of the body you serve even though you are called to serve as a shepherd.   1 Corinthians 12:12–27 You have weaknesses! W eakness is NOT bad.  It is...

In this episode we... have an interview with Matt Merker, Director of Creative Resources and Training for Getty Music . Questions we ask: You have said you have a Holy obsession with congregational singing. Why do you think the rural pastors listening should care so much about how their congregations sing? What is the biggest mistake you think most churches make when they plan their services? Are...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on how your church fits into the kingdom: Don’t be afraid to be an elder. God has established an office for the leadership of the Church. Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1 As under-shepherds, Christ EXPECTS us to lead in the manner He has ordained.  We are to teach and practice godly leadership in the church through eldership.  Don’t be afraid to ac...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on how your church fits into the kingdom: Your place matters to Christ! Matthew 16:18b Acts 17:24-27 Your people are unique, so know and love them. Psalm 139 Exegete your congregation! 2 Kinds of Differences: Contextual Gifting and Personality Your people are there for the lost people around them. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 It’s going to be hard, so embrace it...

In this episode we discuss... pastoring rural parents with our guest author, speaker, and pastor Dr. Tedd Tripp! We'll answer these questions: What do we need to know about the kids in our church before we can equip the parents in our churches to shepherd them well? What is the biggest mistake you see Christian parents making that they might not even be aware of? If a young pastor came to you...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on fighting negativity in the heart: Remember: You have bad stuff in your heart! Matthew 15:18-19 What you CHOOSE to think about is a matter of worship. Romans 12:1-2 2 ways to think about 2020: Disaster OR  Kindness of God  This is an opportunity for the Church to grow in faith. What you CHOOSE to allow to grip your heart will have a major impact on how...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church by internal means: Buildings are just places. We are stewards of our buildings. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The way we use our space makes a statement to lost people. 2 Corinthians 2:15 The way we use our space will encourage or discourage our values (gathering, one-anothering, hospitality, etc). Watch out! Buildings can quickl...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church part II: Politics can distract the Church Titus 3:1-8 Instead of MAGA, Christians should be K.O.G.I.B - The Kingdom of God is Better Instead of The Resistance, Christians should be The Persistence - Living a Christlike Life no matter who the president is Hyper-Patriotism and/or Nationalism can distract the Church God CR...

In this episode we discuss... the motivation of the rural pastor! Why do people live in rural areas? Less people. Less noise. Less traffic. More grass. More wildlife. More like-minded people. Slower pace. Good place to raise kids. Why do pastors live in the country? Where there are people there needs to be a presence of the local church. A local church, by God’s design, is shepherded by men who ar...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church: Fear of man. I hope they like me: makes for weak sermons, poor counsel, and a continual inward calculating, etc… Proverbs 29:25 Galatians 1:10 Platforming. Feeling accepted/important based on FB likes, how many people attend Sunday, how many people viewed online, who you know, etc. 1 John 2:16  Galatians 6:3 Jeremiah 9...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on newer songs to consider teaching your rural church: Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Keith & Kristyn Getty This is our reason for living! All Praise to Him by Sovereign Grace Giving God praise for creation and redemption. Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me by CityAlight This confesses our dependence and humility at the foot of the cross. Facin...

In this episode we discuss... " Too many pastors are overworked, overweight, lonely, tired and stressed. Pastoral ministry will do that to all of us if we don't step away for a while to rest, relax, recharge our batteries and have some fun." Karl Vaters Proverbs 17:22 our 5 points on finding refreshment WITH the flock: Don’t just be the man behind the pulpit. Paul’s affection demons...

In this episode we discuss... we have a discussion with guests Mike Conroy & Stephen Merkh on masks in the local church! Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: No review today! Our Quote of the Day: No quote today! CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey) Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741 Email: ruralpastorstalk@gmail.com Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/ S...

In this episode we discuss... our 5 points on shepherding for evangelism in a small town: We are here for God, one another, AND the lost…in that order. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Acts 2:42 John 13:35 Matthew 28:18-20 Romans 10:14-15 Your budget reflects your priorities. Does your budget show an investment in your community?   Know and teach your mission field. What is your context? How many people live t...

In this episode we discuss... our five points from Ephesians 3:10 concerning the church you pastor: Repent of any way in which you have thought, spoken of,  or treated your church that is contrary to the way God sees or treats your church. Don’t give in to the temptation of comparison. Stop longing for the church you wish you had. Take the long view.  Help your congregation see how much they matte...

In this episode we discuss... our five pointed questions for a pastor who was called into ministry in an unconventional way: Salvation testimony The Holy Spirit’s call on your life to Christian ministry: pastoring. Training, education, preparation. The church’s call. Victories & obstacles to overcome. Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review: Joe let's us know about a brother pastor's disc...

In this episode we discuss... our five points on simple singing adjustments to serve your congregation more faithfully: You’ve got some splaining to do! Too often, we just open to a hymn, or project lyrics onto a screen with little to no explanation of why we’re singing it. From time to time, tell the story of the hymn. Explain difficult words or phrases. Show the Scripture the song is connected t...

In this episode we discuss... our five points on genuine Christian love in the rural church: You can’t hide. Your actions are much more visible and can follow you. Romans 12:14-18 It’s harder to homogenize. You will be forced to be devoted to people you otherwise have little in common with and might not even like. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 18-20 You have to actually deal with conflict. Ephesians 4:3...

In this episode we discuss... our five points on announcements in the rural church: Should we even do announcements? What even are announcements? Invitations and explanations about our life together as a body. A response to the hearing of the word. Announcements are not merely a necessary evil, but worthy communication. Announcements must either be redemptive or redacted! Don’t let them be an afte...

In this episode we discuss... rural ministry in Scotland with Robert Adair! Our Quote of the Day: "Christ is not truly prized at all — unless He is prized above all." Nathaniel Vincent CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey) Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741 Email: ruralpastorstalk@gmail.com Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook:...