Rural Pastors Talk

In this episode we discuss... what to do when members of our congregation begin to 'bite' us! Where do we start? With Scripture! Acts 20:28 Acts 14:19-23 Titus 1:5 1 Peter 5:1-14 Hebrews 13:17 Titus 1:9 Colossians 3:16 What practical principles can we put in place? Have a heart devoted to and SATISFIED in Christ. Have a heart devoted to the spiritual health and maturity of the body of Ch...

In this episode we discuss... the call we have to care for our families while ministering to God's flock! How can we fall into the temptation to neglect our families? Being busy... Being physically absent... Being mentally absent... Placing too little emphasis on the needs of the family... What does the Bible tell us about caring for our families?? Genesis 2:24 Ephesians 5:25-32 Psalm 127:3-5...

In this episode we discuss... gospel literacy and its application in all of ministry! What are the four aspects of the gospel? God Man Jesus Response What Scriptures do we use to explain the four aspects of the gospel? Exodus 34:1-8 Psalm 8 Romans 3:9-20 John 1:1-18 Romans 5:6-11 Acts 13:26-39 Philippians 3:7-14 Romans 6 What specific impact should the gospel have on ministry? ALL OF IT! In Counse...

In this episode we discuss... inconsistent attendance and engagement in the local church! What does Scripture say about engagement in the body? Matthew 22:36-40 Acts 2:42-47 Acts 13:21-25 Acts 20:7 1 Corinthians 11:17 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Hebrews 10:19-25 How can we encourage more regular and consistent attendance? Teach Meaningful Membership  Intentional, Efficient, God Glorifying Order of Wor...

In this episode we discuss... Retreating and discipleship! Does the Bible say anything about this? Matthew 28:19-20 Acts 1:8 Mark 1:17 Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 10:24-25 1 Timothy 4:12 Ephesians 5:1 1 Peter 2:21 1 Corinthians 11:1 What types of retreats can you go on? General Discipleship Retreats If you’re discipling men, take them somewhere different and have intentional conversation and encourage...

In this episode we discuss... Community engagement! Does the Bible say anything about community involvement? 1 John 2:15 James 4:4 Galatians 6:14 1 Peter 2:9-11 Matthew 10 Genesis 22:17-18 John 13:35 Why should the church be involved in the community? You’re visible. You want people to know you care. You’re sent. Outreach lets people see what’s going on inside the church You build equity that can...

In this episode we discuss... Church picnics and other events like them! How should a pastor act at a church picnic? There is no Script! There are some principles to follow, however. Is our mandate as a disciple and shepherd ever on a break? Shepherds are never off duty, because neither Christ nor the enemy take a break. This life isn’t ours. It’s God’s! We are merely stewards of the time, talents...

In this episode we discuss... Preaching God's Word Why do we preach? Acts 2:42 1 Timothy 4:13 Mark 16:15 2 Timothy 2:15 What sort of preaching is there? Vision Casting Topical Expository (Our Favorite) Why should our preaching expose God's Word? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Hebrews 4:12 What should you stay away from when preaching? Talking too much about yourself Listening to a bunch of other serm...

In this episode we discuss... Benevolence ministry in the local church...with Pastor Denny Dillman! How are we called to be biblically generous with our funds? Deuteronomy 15:7-10 Proverbs 28:27 Hebrews 13:16 Galatians 6:10  Acts 2:44-45 Matthew 5:42  Matthew 25:35-40  What does a biblically healthy benevolence ministry look like? How can you practically implement a biblically healthy benevolence...

In this episode we discuss singing and song selection in the rural church: Is singing biblical? YES! 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 Psalm 100:1-2 Psalm 22:1-3 Psalm 71:22-24 Zephaniah 3:17 - 17 Ephesians 5:19-20 James 5:13 Matthew 26:30 Acts 16:25 Who should choose the worship songs for a Sunday morning? As the shepherd of the church, the pastor should always be involved in what is being...

In this episode we discuss 6 important principles for the pastor (and church member) on vacation. Vacations are good, so make time for them! For the Pastor: Find someone to preach for 2 weeks. One while you're gone and one when you get back You don't want to plan and write a sermon on vacation Episode on Pastoral Interns Time it right. You need to get used to the idea that you can’t alwa...

In this episode we have a less formal conversation on... Weddings and Funerals! What would you rather do, weddings or funerals? What was the first wedding and funeral you had to officiate? What was the hardest funeral you have had to officiate? Links for our Top Two's: Jay Adam’s  How To Help People Change planningcenteronline.com Blue Crabs Family Vacations CONTACT (give us feedback, topic i...

In this episode we discuss... Biblical Counseling: What is a Biblical Counseling? Speaking the truth of God's Word into the lives of those around us. Why should I use the Bible to counsel? Scripture is sufficient for all our needs! Hebrews 4:12-13 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We're called to speak the truth in love to those around us! Ephesians 4:15-16 Galatians 6:1-2 How do I use the Bible to coun...

In this episode we discuss... 3 reasons grace stories are vital to the life of your church! What is a grace story? It is a story of how the Lord has saved you by His grace Why should I share my grace story? 3 Reasons!!! They’re seen in Scripture They’re an encouragement in the Church They’re an example to the lost When should I share my grace story? Anytime the Lord gives you the opportunity to sp...

In this episode we discuss... Prayer in the church! What is the state of prayer in your church? How are we called to biblically pray corporately? How can you shepherd your church to pray better together? The Valley of Vision Prone to Wander Prayer Guide PDF Prayer Guide PAGES 7 Simple Changes for a Vibrant Church Prayer Life Ask church members to pray Provide a member prayer guide Give simple inst...

In this episode we discuss... Pastoral Interns in the rural setting! What is the mandate of pastors to disciple men called into ministry? What is an intern?  How do you find one? What is an internship? How can you practically implement an internship at your rural church? The listener question we answer this week:  Andy from PA asks, “Hey guys! Often it seems pastors come and go quickly in rural ch...

In this episode we discuss... Leading meetings! Why it is necessary. What type of meetings you can lead. How you can shepherd well through them. The listener question we answer this week:  Matt from Elmira, NY asks, "A lot of churches today place a heavy emphasis on ‘branding’ in an attempt to set their church apart from others. Whether through the use of church logos, mission/vision statemen...

In this episode we discuss... Making changes in the local church. Is it okay to make change? What should be changed? 3 successful keys to making change. What should the heart of the shepherds be as they make changes? The listener question we answer this week: Ben Hottel from Southern Illinois asks, "Dear Joe and TJ, My name is Ben Hottel (sounds like 'bottle'). I serve a rural churc...

In this episode we discuss... The biblical mandate to give every man, woman, and child repeated opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel. What is a "circle of accountability?" How do you determine your "circle of accountability?" How can you shepherd your congregation to boldly share the gospel? MyCircle Training The listener question we answer this week: John Jackson fr...

In this episode we discuss... The topic of loneliness in rural ministry. Why do pastors get lonely? What does Scripture say about loneliness? How can you combat loneliness? Kevin DeYoung’s Just Do Something The listener question we answer this week: Spencer from Williamsport, Pennsylvania asks, "John Perkins says that the church is meant to be the incarnated people of God in our neighborhoods...

In this episode we discuss... Why it is imperative that rural pastors plan their schedules! Is there a biblical basis for planning? Why is it challenging for pastors to plan? How can you prudently, and effectively plan your agenda to the glory of God? David Murray's Reset The listener question we answer this week: Mark from North Central Pennsylvania asks, "I pastor in a small town where...

In this episode we discuss... Why it is imperative that rural pastors work together. Some practical steps on how to network well with like minded pastors. Some examples of how we've been able to do just that! The listener question we answer this week: Mike asks, "I am a solo-pastor of a relatively medium-size congregation in a rural context. We have many great things going on. However, m...

In this episode we discuss... Sunday services! The impact of the regulative principle. How our services are structured. How we plan for our services. The listener question we answer this week: Mark asks, "I have been in my church for 3 1/2 years. In tight knit rural communities often someone born outside the community is perceived as an outsider. I've even felt this from within my own co...

In this episode we discuss... Why we're starting a podcast geared towards rural churches! Why rural church ministry is unique. Some different challenges that exist in rural ministry. A little but about ourselves, and our background in rural ministry. The listener email we answer this week: Josh asks, "I'm a pastoral intern at a local church. I've learned a lot here, but I would...