Speaker: Sean Demars

Summary: In this session, Sean Demars preaches from Hebrews Chapter 11 to underline the inescapable nature of affliction in gospel ministry. The sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding through times of hardship. Through five key points, the speaker encourages expecting and understanding various afflictions, recognizing their fruits, leading well amid trials, and maintaining hope, dependence, love, and joy. The session highlights that affliction is an inherent part of ministry, intended to shape more effective and humble leaders. Biblical references and personal anecdotes bolster the message, ultimately guiding shepherds to anticipate justice and find profound growth through their sufferings.

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Speaker: Raphael Mnkandhla

Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Conference, Raphael Mnkandhla focuses on Romans chapter 10, highlighting Paul's dedication to preaching to the Jews despite them being largely resistant to the gospel. The core message is about the Kingdom of God advancing in forgotten places such as rural areas and small towns, which often feel overlooked in evangelism. Through the lens of Romans 10, the speaker discusses the importance of heartfelt compassion, prayer, and perseverance in spreading the gospel. Citing personal experiences and historical examples, the session underscores that genuine transformation through Christ compels believers to desire and work for the salvation of others. The speaker encourages attendees to stay committed to their callings, maintain hope, and continue sharing the gospel with passion in their respective communities.

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Speaker: Mike Miosi

Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Conference, Mike Miosi emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's design for shepherding His church, especially in rural contexts. He shares personal experiences, including church planting and pastoring, and underscores the significance of scriptural alignment in church leadership. The session explores the Trinitarian nature of God's work in the church, the biblical foundation of shepherding, and the need for a plurality of elders. Practical advice is provided on discipling men and aligning church structure with biblical patterns, with a call to use scripture as the ultimate guide.

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Speaker: Sean Demars

Summary: In this morning sermon at the Brainerd Conference, Sean Demars highlights the unique advantages of congregational singing, particularly within small churches. Demars explores the dichotomy between artistically and logically inclined Christians, referencing Exodus 15 to illustrate how God appreciates both prose and poetry, logic and beauty. He interprets the Song of Moses as a vital tool for teaching the importance of congregational singing, emphasizing that singing is both a duty and a privilege for God's people. Singing engages the whole person and should be done in response to God's grace, together as a community, and in a way that bears witness to our faith. Demars underscores the necessity for leaders to set an example in worship, encourages singing truth about God, and advocates for covering the full spectrum of God's attributes in worship. He concludes by connecting the Song of Moses to the Song of the Lamb in Revelation, emphasizing the eternal nature of our worship.

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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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