In this episode we discuss...

• missions and church planting in rural places
  • Today we interview Will Basham, church planter and lead pastor of New Heights Church in West Virginia.
  • Will answers questions like:
    • What is a holler?
    • Evangelism in rural places often looks like “tent revivals” and “altar calls.” What is your perspective on this practice? You mention in your book a more biblical altar call. What is that? Where do you wish altar calls were happening?
    • “I truly believe that in order to reach a generation of disenchanted people, our discipleship will have to be deployed.” What does deployed discipleship look like?
    • “When we create discipleship strategies that are designed for higher educated areas, we leave so many people out. And they’re not just dumb hillbillies.” Tell us about your model of Meet-Read-Pray!
  • Find Will at: https://newheightswv.com/leadership-will-basham
  • Order his book here.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Looking for a new hobby? Consider building an AR-15 with a Polymer 80% lower!

Our Quote of the Day:

• 'You are no saint!' says the devil. Well, if I am not, I am a sinner. And Jesus came to save sinners! Other hope? I have none.  - Charles Spurgeon

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• should pastors leave a church for another?
  • Joe Wagner discusses the recent move he has made.
  • We hope you're encouraged and blessed by this discussion.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Did you get headphones like Joe reviewed last week? Are your ears hurting with the stock in-ear tips? Get Comply Foam tips!

Our Quote of the Day:

• Have a blast loving Jesus, serving the church, minding your own business, and keeping your hand to the plow, and you won’t give a thin cent what people say about you.  - Jared C. Wilson

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• Gap years and the local church.
  • Today we interview David Feister, executive director of the Planted Gap Year located at His Thousand Hills in Wellsboro, PA.
  • David will answer questions like:
    • What is a gap year program?
    • Who should consider it?
    • Who should not? 
    • What are the benefits?
    • Why are some of the dangers to watch out for?
    • Does a gap year program extend adolescence? 
    • Does a gap year program replace involvement in the local church?
    • What does your program offer that makes it unique? 
    • There are a lot of pastors listening who are shepherding young men and women, what kind of person in our congregations might the planted gap year be a good fit for?
  • Find David at: https://www.plantedgapyear.org/
    
    

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Listening to a sermon or podcast? Too much noise going on around you to focus? Joe shares with us Beats Studio Wireless Earbuds.

Our Quote of the Day:

• Fixing our thoughts on Jesus requires time, for true reflection cannot happen with a glance. No one can see the beauty of the country if he hurries through it on the interstate!  - R. Kent Hughes

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• Cannabis and the Christian.
  • Today we interview Dr. Todd Miles, professor of theology at Western Seminary and author of Cannabis and the Christian.
  • What makes a book like this necessary reading for busy pastors today?
  • If the government makes it legal, and I use it in moderation in the privacy of my own home, am I really doing anything wrong?
  • What responsibility does a church have when a member is using marijuana?
  • What kinds of questions should a Christian considering using marijuana consider?

Small Town Jesus Summit:

• April 28-29 at Camp Susque

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need a new knife? Joe talks to us about railroad spike knife forging.

Our Quote of the Day:

• Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure. Therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and Heaven shall make amends for all!  - Thomas Brooks

CONTACT

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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Spotify

In this episode we discuss...

• Jonathan Edwards and the rural pastor.
  • Dan Stegeman is our resident Edwards scholar.
  • You may know about his writings, but did you know about his heart for the pastorate? In particular, his flock in the rural landscape?
  • Sit down and consider this great theologian and pastor with us, and the legacy he leaves for us as rural pastors!

Small Town Jesus Summit:

• April 28-29 at Camp Susque

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Looking for one of the best conferences for teaching AND hospitality toward pastors? Consider going to Shepherd's Conference at Grace Community Church.

Our Quote of the Day:

• Work of ministers is to rescue the lost souls and bring them to eternal happiness, which is the work that Christ himself came into the world upon and shed his blood for.  - Jonathan Edwards

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• the pastor and depression.
  • Pastor Mike went through a serious bought of depression. He now feels comfortable to discuss his story, some pitfalls he fell into, and how God brought Him out of it and into a deeper and more vibrant relationship with Him.

Small Town Jesus Summit:

• April 28-29 at Camp Susque

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Have a hobby that you can use to disciple?! Joe talks about forging knives and how he uses it to encourage men!

Our Quote of the Day:

• This other man within us, has got to be handled. Do not listen to him; turn on him; speak to him; condemn him; upbraid him; exhort him; encourage him; remind him of what you know, instead of listening placidly to him and allowing him to drag you down and depress you.  - Martin Lloyd-Jones

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• empowering people rather than doing & leading everything.
  • Being busy APPEARS to be the opposite of being lazy
    • There is nothing wrong with being poured out as a drink offering to the Lord.
  • But, beneath the surface of all your business, could be a lazy approach to what you’re REALLY called to do as a pastor.
    • Ephesians 4:11-12
    • Matthew 28:18–20
    • Acts 6:1–7
  • What then is the job of a pastor?
    • Pastor, the majority of your time should be spent studying God’s Word, praying, and using what you’ve learned to equip the saints for the work God has called them to do!
    • Ephesians 2:8–10

Small Town Jesus Summit:

• April 28-29 at Camp Susque

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Are you studying Revelation? Consider using this resource to sharpen your perspective - The Revelation: The Real Story!

Our Quote of the Day:

• The Difference between the leaders role in the church and the members role in the church is something that is often overlooked to the determinant of the church.  Many church members assume they are paying their pastor to do all the evangelism, counseling, visiting, confronting, planning, and other ministries of the church.  If someone has a need, they expect that pastor to meet it.  If two people have a conflict, they expect the pastor to solve it.  If someone needs to hear the Gospel, they expect the pastor to share it, and so on.  But, God has not designed the church to work that way.  He has given pastors and other leaders the specialized role of preparing the saints so that most of these ministries will be carried out by the members themselves. - Wayne Mack, Dave Swavely - "Life in the Father's House"

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• Jesus and the rural church with Donnie Griggs, author of Small Town Jesus
  • Why did you return to pastor in your home town?
  • Did you have any culture shock when you came back to your rural town?
  • How have you approached leadership development?
  • How has your church been a resource for other churches?
  • And more!!
• You can learn more about Donnie and his ministry here:
  • https://smalltownjesus.com/
  • https://oneharborchurch.com/
• Join us at our Small Town Jesus Summit on April 28-29 by signing up using this link:
  • Small Town Jesus Summit

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Wondering what to do to build unity and teamwork in your elders, staff, or volunteers? Consider taking them on a "Blue Sky Day!"
  • Hike
  • Lunch a little further away
  • Local attractions
  • Movie
  • Laser tag

Our Quote of the Day:

• Reverent fear of God is the key to faithfulness in any situation. - Alan Redpath

CONTACT

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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In this episode we discuss...

• when church members leave.
  • Our purpose in this episode is not to get into the weeds about righteous vs. unrighteous reasons to leave a church, or church discipline. What we do want to talk about is how to deal with people leaving because it will have some impact on you as a pastor and on you as a person.
  • What to do when people leave:
    • Scriptures to consider:
      • 1 Corinthians 15:58
      • Romans 8:31
      • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
      • Hebrews 12:1-2
      • 2 Corinthians 12:9
      • 1 Peter 5:7
    • Pray
    • Read a missionary biography
      • Hudson Taylor, William Carey, David Brainerd.
    • Sing encouraging songs
    • Talk to another pastor who will encourage you in the LORD!

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• You got hard wood floors? Are your feet chilly? Get 'em in some slippers!

Our Quote of the Day:

• Carrying the cross does mean following in Jesus’ footsteps. And in His footsteps are rejection, brokenheartedness, persecution and death. There are not two Christs – an easy going one for easy going Christians, and a suffering one for exceptional believers. There is only one Christ. Are we willing to follow His lead? - Hudson Taylor 
• I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me. It does not matter where He places me, or how. That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He will give me grace, and in the most difficult ones His grace is sufficient. - Hudson Taylor

CONTACT

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

Itunes

Spotify

In this episode we discuss...

•  What is the church called to do?
  • Glorify God. 
• How?
  • Make disciples.
• Why?
  • More people like Jesus!
• Certain pastoral rhythms and ruts can keep us from being effective disciple makers.
• What are some ways a pastor can make disciples?
  • Preaching
  • 1 on 1
  • Small Groups
  • Sunday School
  • Counseling
  • Visitation
  • Life on Life (like hunting)
• Is there a better way?
  • Spend a lot of time with a few
    • Internship
    • Empower leaders 
    • Make "grassroots discipleship" normal!
    • Make carrying your Bible around great again!
• Discipleship is the job of the Christian Pastor, but NOT exclusively…This is a whole church, every Christian pattern that the pastor must encourage within the entire body! 

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• If you live in a cold, dry climate you’re not only going to have to shovel snow in your long johns…you’re also going to have to deal with those pesky bloody knuckles that come from you skin succumbing to the effects of  frigid temperatures and moisture-less air. Try O’Keefe’s Working Hands Hand Cream for extremely dry, cracked hands.  Guaranteed Relief!

Our Quote of the Day:

• The motive for discipling others begins in the love of God and nothing less. He has loved us in Christ, and so we love him. And we do this in part by loving those he has placed around us. - Mark Dever

CONTACT

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

Itunes

Spotify