Rural Church Renewal

By TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

Rural pastors helping rural churches think biblically about the local church.

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4.9

5454 ratings

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FAQs about Rural Church Renewal:

How many episodes does Rural Church Renewal have?

The podcast currently has 206 episodes available.

Rural Church Renewal episodes:

November 27, 2020A Walk Down Memory Lane: What Motivates a Rural Pastor?
In this episode we discuss...
the motivation of the rural pastor!
Why do people live in rural areas?
Less people.
Less noise.
Less traffic.
More grass.
More wildlife.
More like-minded people.
Slower pace.
Good place to raise kids.
Why do pastors live in the country?
Where there are people there needs to be a presence of the local church.
A local church, by God’s design, is shepherded by men who are qualified, called, and equipped by God.
What are false motivations for rural ministry?
A paycheck.
The approval of a congregation.
To express your gifts.
To develop a platform for yourself.
To feel you’ve earned God’s approval.
To save people.
Nobody else will do it.
You like it.
What is the only RIGHT motivation?
Philippians 3:7-14
Ephesians 4
Acts 20
The listener question we answer this week:
Jeremy from Catawissa, PA asks, "Where do you draw the line regarding when to use a resource from a questionable teacher? What kinds of warnings do you give to those you are using it with regarding the author's overall ministry or problems with his teaching, so that the individuals being taught don't assume a blanket commendation of that teacher?"
Links for our Top Two's:
Mediator by Ghost Ship
8 Signs of True Repentance
Darned Tough Socks Merino Wool
Recon Medical BLK-1PAK-FBA Tourniquet
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors
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58min
November 20, 2020Losing Focus in the Rural Church
In this episode we discuss...
our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church:
Fear of man.
I hope they like me: makes for weak sermons, poor counsel, and a continual inward calculating, etc…
Proverbs 29:25
Galatians 1:10
Platforming.
Feeling accepted/important based on FB likes, how many people attend Sunday, how many people viewed online, who you know, etc.
1 John 2:16
Galatians 6:3
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Woe is me.
Thinking your ministry is too hard, the situations you are facing are unusual, or longing for something else.
1 Peter 5:10
Romans 8:18
Personal idols want to be worshipped.
Exodus 20:3-4
Psalm 135:15-18
Hebrews 13:5
“Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.” Charles Spurgeon
“Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God, your functional savior. ” Martin Luther
“What are you really living for? It's crucial to realize that you either glorify God, or you glorify something or someone else. You're always making something look big. If you don't glorify God when you're involved in a conflict, you inevitably show that someone or something else rules your heart.” Ken Sande
Self-focus is exhausting.
Philippians 2:3-4
Proverbs 13:15
Galatians 2:20
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Looking for a resource to help train your kids? Joshua takes times to share two books to help: God's Bible Timeline: The Big Book of Biblical History & God's Timeline: The Big Book of Church History
Our Quote of the Day:
"Live near to God, and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities." Robert Murray M'Cheyne
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

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56min
November 13, 2020Top 5 Newer Songs to Consider Teaching Your Rural Church
In this episode we discuss...
our 5 points on newer songs to consider teaching your rural church:
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Keith & Kristyn Getty
This is our reason for living!
All Praise to Him by Sovereign Grace
Giving God praise for creation and redemption.
Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me by CityAlight
This confesses our dependence and humility at the foot of the cross.
Facing a Task Unfinished by Keith & Kristyn Getty
A rewrite of the 1931 song reflecting on the need for world missions!
Whatever My God Ordains is Right by Matt Merker
Confessing God's sovereignty over the universe.
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Got a stink in your office? TJ takes time to review his manly (but girly) candle!
Our Quote of the Day:
"Are we communicating a deep faith through what we sing and how we sing it, or are we entertaining teenagers with something that will not hold water when they hit college or head out in to the workplace?...Biblically rich content in songs, sung by people who look like they mean what they are saying, helps teach the gospel as something that is credible and powerful rather than cultural and optional." Keith Getty
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

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51min
November 06, 2020Finding Refreshment with the Flock
In this episode we discuss...
"Too many pastors are overworked, overweight, lonely, tired and stressed. Pastoral ministry will do that to all of us if we don't step away for a while to rest, relax, recharge our batteries and have some fun." Karl Vaters
Proverbs 17:22
our 5 points on finding refreshment WITH the flock:
Don’t just be the man behind the pulpit.
Paul’s affection demonstrated throughout his writing shows he was more than just a platform communicator.
Don’t just be the man across the desk.
You don’t want people to see you as a therapist.
You don’t want some professional barrier.
“Pastor I hate to bother you…”
Do things with members that THEY enjoy.
Philippians 2:3-4
Go to the football game, the school play, the high school graduation parties. Play cornhole. Go shoot the guns. Play the round of golf. Eat the weird food someone else loves. Have people into your home and ask them to bring their favorite game.
Do things with members that YOU enjoy.
From gotquestions.org:
According to Colossians 3:17, we should also give thanks to God through Jesus Christ for the fun and entertainment He provides. Someone once pointed out that “recreation” means to “re-create” or “renew.” God allows us this time to be renewed and to grow in our faith. James tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Fun and entertainment are gifts of God, given so that we might come closer to Him. We should remember this when we are planning our recreation and remember to thank God for such a good and perfect gift.
Be constrained by the word no matter what you do and keep working hard!
1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:17
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Joe takes time to review his sabbatical!
Our Quote of the Day:
"We are independent, self-sufficient men who find it hard to admit weakness, seek help, and change deeply ingrained addictions to overwork, busyness, and productivity. For pastors and ministry leaders, it’s especially difficult; since so much of our work is invisible and intangible, we can be tempted to go into overdrive in more noticeable tasks in order to prove that we are busy and strong." David Murray
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

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49min
October 29, 2020Mask or No Mask; That is the Question!
In this episode we discuss...
we have a discussion with guests Mike Conroy & Stephen Merkh on masks in the local church!
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
No review today!
Our Quote of the Day:
No quote today!
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN
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...more
52min
October 22, 2020Are You an Innie or an Outtie?
In this episode we discuss...
our 5 points on shepherding for evangelism in a small town:
We are here for God, one another, AND the lost…in that order.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Acts 2:42
John 13:35
Matthew 28:18-20
Romans 10:14-15
Your budget reflects your priorities.
Does your budget show an investment in your community?
Know and teach your mission field.
What is your context? How many people live there? Who are they? What would it take to reach them?
Take responsibility for every man, woman, and child in your circle of accountability.
Check out our Episode on Gospel Saturation.
Help the Christians in your church see their responsibility.
It is your responsibility to instruct them and inspire them to think of the lost in their circles.
They are reaching people you can’t!
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Brother pastors, thank you so much for you dedication to the Lord Jesus and His flock. Crossway+ is having some stellar deals in light of pastor appreciation month! Find them here!
Our Quote of the Day:
"Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you're not saved yourself, be sure of that!" Charles Spurgeon
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

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39min
October 15, 2020How You Think about Your Church Matters!
In this episode we discuss...
our five points from Ephesians 3:10 concerning the church you pastor:
Repent of any way in which you have thought, spoken of, or treated your church that is contrary to the way God sees or treats your church.
Don’t give in to the temptation of comparison. Stop longing for the church you wish you had.
Take the long view.
Help your congregation see how much they matter and believe it.
Find brother pastors around you and partner to further the kingdom of God.
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
No review today!
Our Quote of the Day:
"Friend, what are you looking for in a church? Good music? A happening atmosphere? A traditional order of service? How about: a group of pardoned rebels . . . whom God wants to use to display his glory . . . before all the heavenly host . . . because they tell the truth about him . . . and look increasingly just like him - holy, loving, united?" Mark Dever
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

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...more
28min
October 08, 2020A Case Study; The Call of a Rural Pastor
In this episode we discuss...
our five pointed questions for a pastor who was called into ministry in an unconventional way:
Salvation testimony
The Holy Spirit’s call on your life to Christian ministry: pastoring.
Training, education, preparation.
The church’s call.
Victories & obstacles to overcome.
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Joe let's us know about a brother pastor's discipleship resource. Go check out 4thlevel.org!
Our Quote of the Day:
"We will soon be in a world in which a man may be howled down for saying that two and two make four, in which people will persecute the heresy of calling a triangle a three-sided figure, and hang a man for maddening a mob with the news that grass is green." G.K. Chesterton
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN
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...more
42min
October 01, 2020Give the Piano Player a Break!
In this episode we discuss...
our five points on simple singing adjustments to serve your congregation more faithfully:
You’ve got some splaining to do!
Too often, we just open to a hymn, or project lyrics onto a screen with little to no explanation of why we’re singing it.
From time to time, tell the story of the hymn.
Explain difficult words or phrases.
Show the Scripture the song is connected to.
Identify why it’s important for us to sing this song today.
Choose songs and hymns according to the theme of your sermon text.
Not at random.
Not because they are your favorite or congregational favorites. (Though this is good at times.)
Not neglected for fear of man, not wanting to be bothered with it, etc.
Ask people to sing with the passion the lyrics require.
Rural people can be reserved…so explain why that’s not appropriate when we sing.
How deep the Father’s Love for Us is a great example.
Evaluate the singing with your elders or church leaders.
What’s more important to you: how many people showed up on Sunday, or how well the congregation praised a Holy God and obediently sang to one another?
Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 call us to this.
We should evaluate how well the congregation is doing as part of our responsibility to make disciples!
Ask the piano player to take a break!
Don’t worry! We’re not suggesting a sabbatical!
But, you can change so much by adding some contrast.
Ask the piano player to take a break for 1 verse or a verse and a chorus in a couple songs each week.
Where’s the triumph? Where’s the solemn reflection? Where’s the exuberant congregational refrain?
Start small: Ask the piano player to drop out on the final verse of a hymn this week.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
Josh lets us into his reading rainbow! If you want some encouragement for your prayer life, check out George Müller's biography: George Müller Delighted in God.
Our Quote of the Day:
"Your voice may not be of professional standard, but it is of confessional standard." Keith Getty
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN
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...more
48min
September 24, 2020It's Harder to Fake it in the Rural Church
In this episode we discuss...
our five points on genuine Christian love in the rural church:
You can’t hide.
Your actions are much more visible and can follow you.
Romans 12:14-18
It’s harder to homogenize.
You will be forced to be devoted to people you otherwise have little in common with and might not even like.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 18-20
You have to actually deal with conflict.
Ephesians 4:31-32
There’s no back door.
You can’t just run to another church based on preferences, or to avoid issues, or because you got hurt, etc
Hebrews 10:24-25
James 1:12
James 1:2-8
Greatest benefit: Others will more clearly see your love for one another.
John 13:34-35
Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:
TJ lets us know about a way for you to serve your congregation in preparation for the Lord's Day service. Check out Spotify Playlists!
Our Quote of the Day:
"If I had never joined a church till I had found one that was perfect, I should never have joined one at all. And the moment I did join it, if I had found one, I should have spoiled it, for it would not have been a perfect church after I had become a member of it. Still, imperfect as it is, it is the dearest place on earth to us." Charles Spurgeon
CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk
Twitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN
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Google Play
...more
40min

FAQs about Rural Church Renewal:

How many episodes does Rural Church Renewal have?

The podcast currently has 206 episodes available.

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