In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on planning your first counseling session.
  1. Have the counselee complete a PDI: Personal Data Inventory.
     • Necessary basic contact info.
     • Medical history.
     • Religious, Church, and faith background: Is this person a Christian?
     • Basic issues and the counselee’s expectations.
  2. Set expectations.
     • We are going to use the Bible
       • Our highest authority
       • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
     • Commit to attending counseling AND Church.
       • There will be homework!
       • Scripture memorization, church attendance and taking notes, prayer, etc…
       • Wayne Mack Resources
  3. Explain confidentiality.
     • Our meetings are confidential with the exception of:
       • Your Safety or someone else’s is threatened.
       • Mandated reporter.
       • Elder need-to-know.
  4. Listen Intently.
     • Ask good questions.
  5. Give them hope!
     • They are not in this alone: Other Christians have overcome this same situation, God is faithful! He will not allow temptation to be more than you can stand! He will help you endure.
     • 1 Corinthians 10:13

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Curious about rural places and rural churches? Read No Little Places: The Untapped Potential of the Small-Town Church.

Our Quote of the Day:

• "Truth carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation: loving confrontation, but confrontation nevertheless. If our reflex action is always accommodation regardless of the centrality of the truth involved, there is something wrong.” Francis Schaeffer

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

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Twitter: @ruralpastors

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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on why rural churches matter.
  1. Enjoying the flock is a gift from God.
     • Deepens your love for the flock.
       • Romans 12:15-16 - 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
     • Deepens the flock’s love for you.
     • May extend your ministry.
  2. You need to build some margin into your schedule to do fun things with people.
  3. Get started by learning what people like to do. Take interest in them!
     • Have deeper conversations than, "How's the weather?"
     • Don’t talk about the things you like.
     • Don’t talk about things you’re most comfortable with.
     • Helpful verbiage: "What do you do when you’re not working…How’s your soul…What’s your testimony?"
  4. It’s ok to have real fun at church functions!
  5. Find joy in being all things to all men.
     • Not competitive? Get over it!
     • Don’t like to be in the woods? Psshhh.
     • Bored watching NASCAR? Fuggedaboudit!
     • Find your joy in helping other people have lots of fun.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Spending too much money on ammunition, but still want to shoot? Joe will tell us everything we need to know about the CMMG 22 AR Conversion Kit.

Our Quote of the Day:

• “Satan watcheth for those vessels that sail without a convoy." George Swinnock

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 on why rural churches matter.
  1. Rural churches are dear to Christ.
     • Eph. 3:10
     • Matt. 16:18
     • Stop telling yourself they are lesser.
     • Stop telling yourself it’s too hard.
     • Stop looking for greener grass.
     • Rural territory is just as much Christ’s as the cities.
  2. Rural churches reach rural people.
     • Genesis 1:28
     • Matthew 28:18-20
     • Rural Christians need rural churches.
     • Rural lost people need rural churches.
  3. Rural churches demonstrate God’s faithfulness for generations.
     • Often evidence of generational faith being passed on.
     • 100's of years old churches show God’s clear ability.
  4. Rural churches can have greater impact per capita.
     • They can be more visible.
     • Smaller circle = more concentrated efforts.
     • National & global partnerships!
  5. Rural churches are sending people out.
     • Lots of people want to GET OUT of rural places, so see that as an opportunity!

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Do you know Church history? If you do or don't, read Nick Needham's 2,000 Years of Christ's Power.

Our Quote of the Day:

• “I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will—and His will is mine. It makes no matter where He places me, or how. That is rather for Him to consider than for me; for in the easiest positions, He must give me His grace; and in the most difficult, His grace is ever sufficient.” - Hudson Taylor

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 on when church members disagree with you.
  1. Have a process for making wise, Biblical, and plural decisions.
     • Acts 20
     • 1 Timothy 5
     • Be convictional, but if necessary flexible.
  2. Work exclusively for the approval of Christ.
  3. Ask thoughtful questions and listen to the answers.
     • Create an atmosphere where people know they can come and ask questions.
     • Example Questions: Are you TRUSTING God or TESTING God? OR Is this a Biblical issue or a preference issue?
  4. Have the Romans 14 perspective about church unity and self-sacrifice.
     1. "In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials liberty (grace), and in all things charity (love)." Rupertus Meldenius
  5. Use 1 Timothy 5:1-2 on how to correct different people who may be upset.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need to know what every beach trip needs? Listen to TJ share all you need to know about beach carts!

Our Quote of the Day:

• "The attentive study of Scripture...soothes the mind with an inexpressible sweetness; it satisfies the sacred hunger and thirst for knowledge with flowing rivers of honey and butter..." Charles Bridges, The Christian 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

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In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on prayer time transitions.
  
  
  1. Prayer time transitions over-elevate production.
     • Is it really bad to watch a someone slip out the back or the team to transition when they’re through?
  2. Prayer time transitions can be more distracting than helpful.
     • People watch the worship team exit, hear the drummer lay his sticks down, a singer bumps the mic, a person trips, a person who forgot to get down on time, greeters slipping in late during a “prayer break," etc.
  3. Prayer time transitions show a lack of reverence.
     • We’re going before a Holy God!
     • Isaiah 6
     • Exodus 34
  4. Prayer time transitions model a low view of prayer.
  5. Prayer time transitions rob from the person making the transition.
     • This is a poor exchange for everyone.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need to hear from a rural pastor from the 1600's? Read George Herbert's The Country Parson.
• A TGC Book Review on The Country Parson by Stephen Witmer

Our Quote of the Day:

• "How sweet is rest after fatigue! How sweet will Heaven be when our journey is ended!" George Whitfield

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 on the rural pastor and social media!
• CAVEAT: social media can be a blessing to disseminate a biblical, God glorifying message. We obviously use different platforms for the podcast, but we caution why, how, and when they are used.
  
  
  1. Social Media can be a CESSPOOL.
     • 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
     • It seems as if we have enough trouble working on personal holiness and living blameless lives in the real world! Why launch yourself blindly into a world with far more opportunities for sin and far fewer natural and logical consequences. 
  2. Social Media can be a PEEP SHOW.
     • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
     • Not only for highly charged sexual immorality.
     • It seems like everybody has an agenda and is highly trained at getting clicks. 
     • Why do you want to dive into someplace where so many people are rewarded specifically for getting you to react?
  3. Social Media can be more of a CAGE MATCH.
     • 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
     • It provides horrible context for brotherly love.
  4. Social media can be worse than the sin the CROUCHES AT YOUR DOOR.
     • 1 Thessalonians 4:11
     • It’s in your pocket! It can be a great temptation against living quietly and minding our own affairs.
  5. Social media can be a MAGNIFYING GLASS.
     • 1 Thessalonians 4:12
     • You better watch every step if you are going to walk properly before outsiders, because they are watching you! 

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need some new music? Listen to these Christian Hip-Hop artists
  • Shai Linne's Lyrical Theology pt. I & II
  • Timothy Brindle's The Unfolding
  • Chrys Jones' Whose Lives Matter?
  • Beautiful Eulogy's Worthy

Our Quote of the Day:

• “Our preaching is not the reason the Word works, the Word is the reason our preaching works!” H.B. Charles

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 on the rural pastor and reading!
  1. Reading is refreshing.
  2. Reading is a fight for your life.
     • "A fight for reading is a fight for your life!" Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
  3. Reading reveals your trajectory.
  4. You need a schedule.
     • Mark Dever's
     • Tim Challie's
  5. You need a reading plan that expands and sticks in your mind.
     • Broad categories.
     • System for remembering.
• C.J. Mahaney on Reading

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need some info on replanting the rural church? Read Matt Hanslee & Kyle Bueermann's Replanting the Rural Church

Our Quote of the Day:

• “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible!” C.H. 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 on what to do after you preach!
  1. Receive encouragement and criticism with grace and humility.
  2. Be exhausted, but not indulgent.
     • Excuse to eat all the ice cream, whole bag of chips, etc.  
     • Complain about people from church.
     • Justify lack of guests.
     • Self-righteousness.
  3. Expect fruit.
     • Conviction.
       • Confession and repentance of sin.
     • Encouragement.
  4. It’s the Lord’s Day! Don’t unplug from Him and don’t forget to Sabbath.
  5. Listen to it or rewatch it.
     • Critique it!
     • Find ways you can improve or do something effective again!
     • Learn from it yourself!
     • Sometimes the Lord will convict us when we hear the Word and not just see it or study it.
     • Pray over it for its continued effectiveness in the people who heard it or those who will see it on social media.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Need some more storage?! Get yourself an external hard drive!

Our Quote of the Day:

• “Could not but think, as I have often remarked to others, that much more of true religion consists in deep humility, brokenness of heart, and an abasing sense of barrenness and want of grace and holiness than most who are called Christians imagine.” David Brainerd

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 what to do before you preach!
  1. Pray.
     • Seriously! How many pastors have skipped this?
     • Get some elders involved…
     • Philippians 4:4-7
  2. Review.
     • Prior to coming to the service, take time to prayerfully review your sermon.
  3. Hydrate.
     • Take care of those vocal chords the LORD has given you with some water and tea!
  4. Exegete the congregation.
     • Don't hide in your study before the sermon, but instead take time to consider:
       • Are there any visitors?
       • How are people engaging with one another?
       • Is there anything I should be aware of?
  5. Engage in the service.
     • Sing loudly.
     • Pray with the prayer leader.
     • Think through the Scriptures being read.
     • Apply the truth you are hearing to yourself.
     • Repent of any known sin.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Have a difficult child?! Read Linda J. Rice'sParenting the Difficult Child

Our Quote of the Day:

• "The chief means for attaining wisdom and suitable gifts and graces for the Christian ministry, are the Holy Scriptures and prayer." John Newton

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 on dealing with discouragement in rural ministry.
  1. You may not be called to be a rural pastor.
     • Acts 20:28
     • James 3:1
     • Spurgeon - “If any student in this room could be content to be a newspaper editor or a grocer or a farmer or a doctor or a lawyer or a senator or a king, in the name of heaven and earth, let him go his way.”
  2. You may have your eyes on the wrong prize.
     • What are you striving for? Church growth? A book deal? The chance to speak at a conference? To be liked by everyone in the congregation?  
     • Titus 1:5
     • Your One Goal: Faithful service to Christ and His people according to the Word by the aid of the Spirit.
     • 2 Timothy 4:6–8
     • Acts 20:24
  3. Discouragement isn’t the end of the world. 
     • James 1:2–4
     • Philippians 4:11-13
     • Refuse to pity yourself. Force yourself to honor all men. Love your enemies. Remember, you are God’s workmanship created to do good works that He prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. 
     • You’re a tool, bro! They get worn down as they’re used.
  4. You might need a break or a change.
     • Mark 4:35-40
     • Vacations are NOT problem solvers. They can make things worse by giving you a taste of false reality.
     • HOWEVER! If you use the break to truly be refreshed AND deal with your soul and grow closer to the Lord it can be like an oasis in the desert that gives you enough strength to make it the next break.
  5. Seek help.
     • Proverbs 15:22
     • Ecclesiastes 4:10-12
     • James 5:16

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Get you some Permethrin to keep the bugs away!

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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