In this episode we discuss...

• our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church:
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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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In this episode we discuss...

• our 5 points on newer songs to consider teaching your rural church:
  1. Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Keith & Kristyn Getty
     • This is our reason for living!
  2. All Praise to Him by Sovereign Grace
     • Giving God praise for creation and redemption.
  3. Yet Not I, but Through Christ in Me by CityAlight
     • This confesses our dependence and humility at the foot of the cross.
  4. Facing a Task Unfinished by Keith & Kristyn Getty
     • A rewrite of the 1931 song reflecting on the need for world missions!
  5. 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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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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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…”
  3.  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.  
  4. 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.
  5. 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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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

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In this episode we discuss...

• our 5 points on shepherding for evangelism in a small town:
  1. 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
  2. Your budget reflects your priorities.
     • Does your budget show an investment in your community?  
  3. 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?
  4.  Take responsibility for every man, woman, and child in your circle of accountability.
     • Check out our Episode on Gospel Saturation.
  5. 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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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points from Ephesians 3:10 concerning the church you pastor:
  1. 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.
  2. Don’t give in to the temptation of comparison. Stop longing for the church you wish you had.
  3. Take the long view.
  4.  Help your congregation see how much they matter and believe it.
  5. 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

LISTEN

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In this episode we discuss...

• our five pointed questions for a pastor who was called into ministry in an unconventional way:
  1. Salvation testimony
  2. The Holy Spirit’s call on your life to Christian ministry: pastoring.
  3. Training, education, preparation.
  4. The church’s call.
  5. 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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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on simple singing adjustments to serve your congregation more faithfully:
  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on genuine Christian love in the rural church:
  1. You can’t hide.
     • Your actions are much more visible and can follow you.
     • Romans 12:14-18
  2. 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
  3. You have to actually deal with conflict.
     • Ephesians 4:31-32
  4. 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
  5. 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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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on announcements in the rural church:
  1. Should we even do announcements?
     • What even are announcements?
       • Invitations and explanations about our life together as a body.
       • A response to the hearing of the word.
     • Announcements are not merely a necessary evil, but worthy communication.
     • Announcements must either be redemptive or redacted!
     • Don’t let them be an afterthought.
       • Know why you’re doing them, plan carefully, and express winsomely.
  2. Your members are listening...kinda...
     • You have the family together. But, watch out! What is too familiar is often tuned out.
     • If you are doing something you want the members to know about or participate in, it better have redeeming value.  Show that value!  Help them understand and engage.
     • Tim Scheiderer's article Make Church Announcements Great Again
  3. Your guests are listening!
     • You never know when a stranger is going to attend your service. It may have been months or years, but this Sunday could be the day the Holy Spirit brings someone in!
     • Don’t treat your announcements like “it’s just us.” See them through the eyes of a stranger.
     • What about your announcements might confuse a guest?
       • Calling a classroom by a person’s name.
       • Saying we’ll meet at “sally’s house."
       • Not introducing yourself.
       • Leaving important things out that will help a guest.
  4. It's not a funeral, Sam!
     • One extreme, that is probably the most common, is the boring announcement giver.
     • Try to find someone who can communicate with the kind of energy the important thing you’re doing deserves!
  5. It's not a pep-rally, Sally!
     • The only thing worse then lifeless, boring announcements is fiend excitement.
     • People are at church to grow in their love for God, His people, and the lost around them. Some of them are really struggling. Don’t cheapen it by some over-the-top, whip people up method.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Joe lets us know about a cool new YouTube channel begun by his father and the elders at GFF! Check out Regular Guy Theology.

Our Quote of the Day:

• Read this article over at spurgeon.org: How Spurgeon’s Beard Launched His Ministry!

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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