Speaker: Sean Demars

Summary: In this Brainerd Conference session, Sean shares his journey of church revitalization at Sixth Avenue Community Church. Initially confident and equipped with years of ministry experience, he faced numerous challenges, from financial struggles to dealing with members' heretical beliefs and personal betrayals. Through these hardships, he discovered the profound lesson that true pastoral strength is found in embracing weakness, as highlighted in Second Corinthians 12. The session emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength rather than personal abilities, urging pastors to be transparent with their faults and to trust in God's grace even amidst adversities.

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Speaker: Raphael Mnkandhla

Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Institute Conference, Raphael, drawing from his experiences in both large cities and a struggling rural church, passionately discusses the resilience required in pastoral ministry. Moving from Dallas to a near-abandoned church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining an upward vision amid overwhelming circumstances. Anchoring his insights in Psalm 123, he stresses the power of hope, the importance of church history, and the necessity of a steadfast, faith-filled outlook. The speaker also shares inspiring historical examples of steadfast faith, encouraging pastors to rely on God’s sovereignty in their ministries.

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Speaker: Mike Miosi

Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Conference, Mike Miosi, director of Spread of Grace Ministries, shares his journey and passion for training pastors in remote villages to study, believe, and preach the Bible. He recounts his own transformative experience with expository preaching as a teenager and emphasizes its significance in revealing God's intent through Scripture. Mike outlines the roots, definition, and importance of expositional preaching, stressing its role in protecting sound doctrine and equipping the church. He concludes by illustrating how to practically implement this preaching style, highlighting its ability to encourage and grow congregations.

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Speaker: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this first session from the Brainerd Institute conference, TJ Freeman, discusses his journey from planting a church in warm, busy Southwest Florida to returning to rural Pennsylvania and feeling isolated. He shares how his initial depression and sense of being 'benched' transformed through a deeper understanding of God's plan for creation. The speaker emphasizes the significance of rural churches in God's plan, arguing that the collapse of rural America is a theological failure. He encourages pastors to recognize their vital role in lighting up these often overlooked areas and making God's glory known, thus contributing to a universal demonstration of God's glory.

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Hosts: TJ Freeman and Sean Demars

Summary: In this special crossover episode, TJ Freeman and Sean Demars discuss the complexities and rewards of rural ministry. They examine the role of the Brainerd Institute in supporting rural pastors and churches in underserved areas. They also explore questions around effective leadership, the importance of community, and how to maintain spiritual health in isolated regions. The episode concludes with practical guidance for church renewal and the significance of placing God's glory at the forefront of ministry efforts.

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the challenge of disengaged congregations. Sharing personal experiences from his ministry in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, TJ offers practical advice for pastors on making sermons more engaging and accessible. He emphasizes understanding both the biblical text and the congregation's needs, providing strategies for using effective introductions, relatable illustrations, and persuasive arguments. TJ also highlights the importance of pastoral relationships and prayer in enhancing sermon impact. He encourages pastors to adapt and rethink their preaching methods for the spiritual growth and engagement of their congregation.

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ Freeman discusses the heavy burden and opposition faced by church leaders, especially in small, rural congregations. Sharing personal experiences from his ministry in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, TJ offers practical advice on enhancing leadership culture through unhurried prayer, relational intimacy, and strategic decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of elder retreats as a powerful tool for fostering deeper relationships, investing in shared prayer time, and making wise, pressure-free decisions. TJ encourages leaders to view these challenges as opportunities for strategic growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ Freeman emphasizes the role of church governing documents like bylaws, church covenants, and statements of faith in maintaining a healthy church. From personal stories about his own challenges in rural ministry, TJ shares practical advice on how to review, respect, and progressively update these documents for the benefit of the congregation. He underscores the importance of patience, strategic thinking, and working with church leadership to implement necessary changes while ensuring alignment with the Scriptures. Additionally, TJ invites listeners to upcoming resources and events aimed at supporting rural church leaders.

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, host TJ Freeman welcomes Anthony Caiola to discuss the integration of counseling and discipleship within the church. They explore the importance of viewing counseling as part of disciple-making and share practical ways to equip church members for these responsibilities. Anthony emphasizes the necessity of pastors being emotionally and spiritually healthy themselves and offers insights into decentralizing pastoral care by empowering lay leaders. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges and opportunities in rural ministry, challenging listeners to break free from legalism and embrace authenticity for the sake of Christ's mission. 

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ addresses the frustrations of pastoring a church that resists leadership. He shares insights on staying committed, loving the congregation, and shepherding them willingly. Drawing from Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' and biblical passages, TJ emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and enduring love for the church. He encourages pastors not to compare their leadership with others but to focus on faithful service. The episode also highlights the upcoming Rural Church Conference in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, offering a chance for renewal and community. 

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