Shelby Coble talks with Shawn Jones about his calling into ministry during his college years and the journey that calling has taken him on. Shawn now serves as the Northwest Regional Director for the Empower and Equip Initiative in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Drawing on a lifetime of ministry experience, he shares how he guides, supports, and equips ministers and their families serving in rural communities and small towns throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Shelby Coble speaks with Jason Swick, Minister of the Word at Prineville Church of Christ in Oregon, about his journey from electrical engineering into ministry and how both that background and his time as a campus minister shape his leadership today. Jason’s hope for the congregation is to cultivate a culture of intentional prayer, safety, and meaningful connection in response to the epidemic of loneliness in today’s society. By fostering a spirit of experimentation and shared learning, he creates space to try new approaches, grow through the process, and engage both the church and the broader community.

Website: www.prinevillechurch.com 

Shelby Coble interviews Doug Crum about his experience working at Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Doug, who moved from Hobbs, New Mexico, within the past year, shares the opportunities of transitioning to the Brownwood community and highlights how members at Austin Avenue are cultivating relational care beyond structured ministry programs. His longing for the community is to strengthen connections with the hope that strangers can meet and become friends.

Website: www.austinavenue.org

Shelby Coble talks with Andrew Gass about his ministry context in Keizer, Oregon, and his church’s emphasis on community engagement. Andrew shares how they have used the resources they've been blessed with to serve not only the local community, but also other churches throughout the Willamette Valley. He reflects on his ongoing journey of learning what it means to truly live as the body of Christ and encourages leaders to center their identity in Christ.

Shelby Coble talks with David Bearden about the needs of his community in Stephenville and explains how the community has come together to provide resources to those in need in Erath County, specifically through the Wholistic Investment Network. Whether it is a physical, spiritual, or emotional need, by working together with their network of providers, they aim to find solutions that address the root causes behind the need for external support.

Shelby Coble talks with Bart Croasmun about his life in ministry at Sulfur Wells Church of Christ. He shares his journey from bi-vocational service to full-time youth ministry. He also discusses the prompting and collaboration that led to the creation of ABLE Farms, a missional farm community where persons of all abilities and backgrounds experience belonging, love, and equality.

Shelby Coble talks with Wes Horn about his 24 years of ministry at the Orient Street Church of Christ in Stamford, TX. Wes reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his ministry context, highlighting the remarkable collaboration among local ministers and the spirit of unity among leaders and congregations across town. He also discusses the evolving focus of ministry and the growing opportunities to serve children and youth.

Shelby Coble interviews Scott Laird about his years of life and ministry in Great Falls, Montana and beyond. Scott reflects on the sustaining priorities for ministry, emphasizing the value of deep relational connections and the call to faithfulness. He also shares how these experiences inform his current role at York University, where he serves as co-executive director of the Center for Ministry, which supports small-town and rural churches.

Shelby Coble talks with Trevon Buchanan about his life in ministry at Stolley Park Church of Christ in rural Nebraska. Trevon shares the importance of serving the community as a church body and discusses his work with the community, particularly through their clothing drive. He also reflects on how the community has become increasingly diverse in recent years, with people from other countries settling in the area, and how this has encouraged him to think creatively about hospitality and welcome within the congregation.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (940) 372-9664