Level Paths

Dr. Matt Shamblin explores an important question that people in ministry face either in their own lives or as a colleague seeks advice and prayer. When is it time to accept a new calling?

Dr. Matt serves as the Appalachian Research Fellow at the Appalachian Ministry Institute at Tri-State Bible College. In this episode, Matt expresses the biblical and contextual principle for pastors to commit to fellowship with one another as a source of encouragement and endurance in ministry.

Regional pastors are invited to attend the Pastors' Networking Coffee at TSBC on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:00–10:00 AM.

Dr. Matt illustrates the need for the contextualization of ministry in Appalachia through NASCAR's own Appalachian heritage and experience. Also, Dr. Matt gives an update about our 2026 Appalachian Ministry Conference!

Did Christ come into existence at his birth? Did he give up his deity when he became a human? No and no! Dr. Matt welcomes back President Rex for a special Christmas edition of the Level Paths podcast to focus on a little bit of the theology of the incarnation. Praise to the Son Eternal! Merry Christmas!

After examining evidence-based studies about societal changes following the pandemic, Dr. Matt shifts his focus to the workplace and work relationships, faith and practice, and to the way people view life. Some researchers have called this the time of "The Great Detachment." People's priorities have changed. How has a lack of connection and commitment impacted local churches? Can Christians practice Christianity without community? Clinging to past-pandemic society and life may hinder ministries from being effective and faithful in post-pandemic realities.

Dr. Matt revisits COVID-19. The pandemic increased the speed at which some societal trends had been moving, such as declining mental health and skepticism about the credibility of institutions and authority. It also had the effect of strengthening and expanding the church's resolve toward gathering together. Mental health, authority, trust, gatherings, divisions, loneliness, and technology all relate to the changes ministries are facing in Appalachia.

Dr. Matt explores discouragement in Appalachian ministry through the biblical narrative about the prophet Elijah. He highlights the importance of finding encouragement in the presence of God, in the company of fellow believers, and receiving an endurance from God that never, never gives up.

Dr. Jacob Marshall joins Dr. Matt Shamblin to discuss patterns of change in Appalachian churches. Evidence of a past legacy of faith exists here; however, churches are encountering barriers today that are hindering them from experiencing God's blessing. Listen to learn about the patterns Dr. Marshall has discovered in his research.

Is the mission of the church to perpetuate Appalachian tradition or to make disciples of all nations? Dr. Matt kicks off the sixth season of the Level Paths podcast by exploring Why Change Matters in a Church, especially churches that exist in an Appalachian context.

Dr. Matt welcomes pastor Heath Bauer to discuss the difficulty of serving in Appalachia as opposed to his missionary seasons of service in China and Malaysia. Dr. Matt and pastor Heath offer encouragement to Appalachian pastors.