Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feelings of monotony and insignificance that can come with living in rural areas. Using personal anecdotes and biblical principles, TJ encourages listeners to recognize their unique purpose as representatives of God. He emphasizes the importance of living out the values of love, joy, and peace, and how to find joy in sharing God's word with others. TJ also discusses the significance of fostering a healthy church community and how you can be a part of that in your rural area. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that their lives, though they may feel mundane, are integral to God's broader plan to display His glory.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: TJ Freeman hosts Joshua MacClaren on today's episode of Back to Rurality, discussing how to use one's home and possessions to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. Josh shares his personal journey of transitioning from a camper to building a new home, all while striving to show hospitality and care for others. The conversation emphasizes that everything we own belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom. Whether you live in an apartment, trailer, or house, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can use their living spaces to serve their communities and share the love of Christ.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the common frustration of unanswered prayers. Drawing from Tom Ellif's book 'A Passion for Prayer,' TJ identifies seven barriers that may hinder prayers: neglecting personal holiness, praying with wrong motives, unresolved relational issues, relying on worldly sources, Satan's opposition, divine purposes, and a lack of faith. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, genuine motives, and faith in God's wisdom and timing. TJ encourages listeners to trust in God through prayer for spiritual growth and alignment with His will.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feeling that some people in our lives might seem beyond God's reach. He uses the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 to illustrate how no case is too hard for God. TJ also discusses his travels for the Brainerd Institute, aiming to create a theology of rural ministry and recruit young men for an upcoming residency program. The episode encourages listeners to trust God's ability to prepare hearts and to boldly share the gospel with those around them.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common disappointments in life when we place our hope in relationships, jobs, or health, only to be let down. He reads from Ezekiel 6, where God condemns idolatry and emphasizes the folly of placing hope in anything other than Him. TJ explains how God desires us to trust Him completely, as only God can save us. He encourages listeners to reflect on their misplaced hopes and to fully trust in Christ.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses how to deal with people who drive you crazy. TJ emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is made in God's image. He explains that as Christians, we should show mercy, grace, and love to those who frustrate us, reflecting God's nature in our interactions. TJ draws on the Book of Genesis and personal insights to encourage viewers to see challenging individuals as image bearers of God, and to seek reconciliation and kindness, especially in small-town settings.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the struggles of being open and authentic in a small-town church. He shares the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts to illustrate the dangers of faking external appearances while hiding inner struggles. TJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and building genuine relationships within the church. This episode encourages rural Christians to be real, support each other, and work towards establishing healthy, vibrant churches.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the time when we face the consequences of our poor decisions. TJ uses the story of Ezekiel, who, along with the people of Israel, faced exile due to their own sins. Despite their stubbornness, God met them in their distress and called them to return to Him. TJ encourages listeners to read Ezekiel 1 and see how God, in His glory, reaches out to His people even in their lowest moments. The episode highlights the importance of repentance, God's enduring presence, and His desire to restore us, urging rural listeners to embrace the hope found in Scripture.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rural Pennsylvania. They explore the challenges and blessings of rural life, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, community, and sitting under good preaching in deepening one's faith. CJ recounts how God's creation and supportive friends helped him feel less isolated and helped him grow more spiritually. They explain the need for expositional preaching and reliance on God's Word, encouraging listeners to seek out a healthy church.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into everyday interactions, making it a more natural and less time-consuming practice.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Brainerd Facebook