Small Town Pastor Podcast

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...

“ARE WE CATHOLIC OR PROTESTERS?” Today we're joined by James Floyd who is the pastor of Shiloh Community Church in Orleans, Michigan. James shares about his childhood, his journey to faith, and his beginnings in ministry.  For more about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Check out our sponsors at www.9centprinting.com

HE LEFT "ONE OF THE GREATEST JOBS ON THE PLANET!”  Today, we're joined again by Daniel Baker, who is the pastor of Lighthouse Christian Church in Seaside, Oregon. In this episode, Daniel talks about his church and their focus on raising up leaders for the Kingdom. You can reach Daniel at daniel@lighthouseofhope.org For more about Small Town Network visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Thanks to...

HE HEARD JESUS SAY, “GO MAKE DISCIPLES!”  Today, we're joined by Daniel Baker, who is the pastor of Lighthouse Christian Church in Seaside, Oregon. In this episode, Daniel talks about his journey to faith and his path to ministry.  You can reach Daniel at daniel@lighthouseofhope.org For more about Small Town Network visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Thanks to our sponsors at www.9centprinting...

Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general  

"THE THEOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT TOPIC OF TURKEY BACON" Today, Erik Neilson shares a message from Ephesians 5:3-20.  Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/g...

“I CANNOT HEAR THE BREAD OF LIFE WHEN I HAVE NO BREAD IN MY STOMACH.” Today, we're joined again by my long-time friend Pam Walker. Pam is a missionary who trains people in trauma care, community development, discipleship, and church planting. Today, Pam talks about her ministry in Rwanda and the new organization she has started called "Hope Ministries." If you or your church would like to get in c...

“THEY WERE PRAYING FOR PEOPLE THAT NO ONE ELSE WANTED.” Today, we're joined by my long-time friend Pam Walker. Pam is a missionary who trains people in trauma care, community development, discipleship, and church planting. In this episode, Pam talks about her journey from childhood, through addiction, and eventually to faith in Jesus. If you or your church would like to get in contact with Pam, co...

“IN RURAL MINISTRY, IT’S EASY TO THINK YOU’RE ON THE B-TEAM.” We're joined again by Dr. Kyle Bueermann. Kyle shares about his work as a Rural Specialist with the North American Mission Board. He also shares additional thoughts about the article he wrote for Lifeway. Read the article here: https://research.lifeway.com/2025/10/30/what-is-a-rural-church/?omhide=true&emid=om:em:251030%7Csub%7Cna%7...

“I WAS COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED IN BEING A SENIOR PASTOR.” Today we're joined by Dr. Kyle Bueermann who works as a Rural Specialist with the North American Mission Board. Kyle talks about growing up in a small town Texas church, and the beginnings of his journey into ministry. For more about Kyle visit https://www.namb.net/church-replanting/ or https://www.pastorkb.com/ Thanks to our friends at www...