In this episode we discuss...

• Retreating and discipleship!
  • Does the Bible say anything about this?
    • Matthew 28:19-20
    • Acts 1:8
    • Mark 1:17
    • Colossians 3:16
    • Hebrews 10:24-25
    • 1 Timothy 4:12
    • Ephesians 5:1
    • 1 Peter 2:21
    • 1 Corinthians 11:1
  • What types of retreats can you go on?
    • General Discipleship Retreats
      • If you’re discipling men, take them somewhere different and have intentional conversation and encouragement
    • Elder’s Retreats
      • Schedule times of fun, enrichment, and work.
    • Staff and Volunteer Retreats
      • Show appreciation for one another.
  • Resources:
    • Mark Dever’s Discipling
    • R. Kent Hughes’ Disciplines of a Godly Man
    • Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together

The listener question we answer this week:

• Ben Miller from Quarryville, PA asks, “I notice that in rural communities, men tend to work longer hours due to the nature of their jobs. How do we best develop and challenge men to lead in the church when they are working 60+ hours in the workplace and still needing to lead their families?”

Links for our Top Two's:

• Sharing Ministry Philosophies
• Pastoral Prayers
• Sworkit Exercise App
• Stand-Up Desk

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...

• Community engagement!
  • Does the Bible say anything about community involvement?
    • 1 John 2:15
    • James 4:4
    • Galatians 6:14
    • 1 Peter 2:9-11
    • Matthew 10
    • Genesis 22:17-18
    • John 13:35
  • Why should the church be involved in the community?
    • You’re visible.
    • You want people to know you care.
    • You’re sent.
    • Outreach lets people see what’s going on inside the church
    • You build equity that can be spent on Gospel conversations.
    • You learn the names and issues of your neighbors and can serve them.
    • You can pray more specifically.
    • People will remember you in their time of trouble.
    • People who might not normally serve have an easy way to get involved.
    • Churches have critical mass
  • Why should the church teach individuals to be involved in the community?
    • Nobody can impact your neighbor like you
    • The circle is bigger.
    • Much more personal and intimate conversation.
    • You have more time.
    • You’re not wearing a t-shirt and slapping on a smile.
  • What are ways the church can be involved in the community?
    • Block party
    • Feeding the teachers
    • Visiting nursing homes (this is SO critical and SO overlooked)
    • Community Christmas Eve Service
    • Community Service Events
    • Intentional informal involvement (everyone go to the ______ town event and be a warm, friendly, kind presence in the community)
    • Movie nights
    • Float in the parade
    • Take care of your property (be a good neighbor)
    • AWANA
    • Free Biblical counseling
  • Warnings (pitfalls, shortcomings, silly things, etc. we want to avoid):
    • Don’t let it stop with a fun event.
    • Don’t always make it a revival sermon 
    • No bait and switch
    • Be distinct from the world
    • Be distinct, but don’t be odd (let the Gospel be the offense, not your strange behavior, bad breath, veggie tales references, etc…)
    • Don’t call someone a brother who is not your brother

Links for our Top Two's:

• Linda J. Rice’s Parenting the Difficult Child
• Macarthur Study Bible in NASB App
• Study Eschatology
• Training for a 5K
• Family Date Night
• Alka Seltzer Cold/Daytime

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

In this episode we discuss...

• Church picnics and other events like them!
  • How should a pastor act at a church picnic?
    • There is no Script!
    • There are some principles to follow, however.
  • Is our mandate as a disciple and shepherd ever on a break?
    • Shepherds are never off duty, because neither Christ nor the enemy take a break.
    • This life isn’t ours. It’s God’s! We are merely stewards of the time, talents, and resources He has entrusted to us.
  • What does Scripture say about this?
    • I am a child of God 24/7. (Eph. 3:20)
    • I bear God’s image 24/7. (Genesis 1-2)
    • I am to manage God’s assets 24/7. (Genesis 1-2)
    • I am a sojourner and alien 24/7. (1 Peter)
    • I am called to glorify God 24/7.  (1 Cor. 10:31)
    • I am called to do the good works He prepared before Him (Eph. 2:10)

The listener question we answer this week:

• Phineas from Finland, “There is a member of my congregation who has begun to contact me too frequently. I often receive multiple texts, emails, and phone calls each day and am not sure how to handle the situation.  Most of the communication is negative and comes across as drama.  I don’t want to offend or hurt this person, but I am starting to resent them.  How can I love them yet redirect them?”

Links for our Top Two's:

• IBCD Counseling Videos
• Spiritual - Systems/Processes/Guides/SOPS/Reminders
• Line 6 HX Effects and HX Stomp Patch from Worship Tutorials
• Rotating Your Tires

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...

• Preaching God's Word
  • Why do we preach?
    • Acts 2:42
    • 1 Timothy 4:13
    • Mark 16:15
    • 2 Timothy 2:15
• What sort of preaching is there?
  • Vision Casting
  • Topical
  • Expository (Our Favorite)
• Why should our preaching expose God's Word?
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Hebrews 4:12
• What should you stay away from when preaching?
  • Talking too much about yourself
  • Listening to a bunch of other sermons on the text
  • Giving a watered down version of commentaries 
  • Preaching too intensely 
  • Not preaching intensely enough 
  • Talking “at” the congregation
  • Preaching the sermon the same way no matter where you are
  • Not enough application
  • Only applying it in ways that are relevant to your experience
  • Using language that doesn’t match your cultural context
  • Not reviewing your sermons and asking others to critique you

The listener question we answer this week:

•  Joseph from the Mountains asks, “Scripture is quite clear on our Spiritual gifts and that we are to use them to serve one another. Often, rural churches suffer a lack of servants just due to numbers and needs. I have seen people leave a church because of the fear of having to serve. How can we encourage members to see that serving is biblical and encourage them in love to do so?”

Links for our Top Two's:

• An Old School Pulpit Commentary
  • HDM Spence
  • John Calvin's New Testament Commentary
• The World and Everything in It
• Handkerchiefs
• Intermittent fasting 

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...

• Benevolence ministry in the local church...with Pastor Denny Dillman!
  • How are we called to be biblically generous with our funds?
    • Deuteronomy 15:7-10
    • Proverbs 28:27
    • Hebrews 13:16
    • Galatians 6:10 
    • Acts 2:44-45
    • Matthew 5:42 
    • Matthew 25:35-40 
  • What does a biblically healthy benevolence ministry look like?
  • How can you practically implement a biblically healthy benevolence ministry?
  • Denny's Resources!
    • budk.com
    • Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert's When Helping Hurts
    • Robert Lupton's Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor

The listener question we answer this week:

•  John Banks asks, “I'm thankful for investing time in this podcast. I’ve been to a weekender at Capital Hill—and wondered if the beltway gang could actually implement healthy church principles in rural America where local church membership is often viewed as simply a right to cast your vote? I would be interested to hear how you have implemented membership in a meaningful way in your respective churches. What challenges are there, have been, and how did you overcome objections?”

Links for our Top Two's:

• Short, Concise, Well Worded, Understandable Sermons
• Drive By Parenting
• SmartWater
• DW Candle

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 singing and song selection in the rural church:

Is singing biblical? YES!

• 1 Chronicles 15:16
• 1 Chronicles 16:23-24
• Psalm 100:1-2
• Psalm 22:1-3
• Psalm 71:22-24
• Zephaniah 3:17 - 17
• Ephesians 5:19-20
• James 5:13
• Matthew 26:30
• Acts 16:25

Who should choose the worship songs for a Sunday morning?

• As the shepherd of the church, the pastor should always be involved in what is being sung.

How do you choose songs for worship?

• You should choose songs that are appropriate for the theme of the text you're preaching.
  • This means songs that are more somber are GOOD for more somber texts!
• You should choose songs that are rich in theology.
• You should choose songs that are singable for the congregation, not just the worship leader.

Where do you choose songs for worship?

• Hymns (Hymns of Grace)
• Spotify
• Sovereign Grace Music
• Austin Stone Worship
• Shane and Shane
• Norton Hall Band
• Matt Merker Music

The listener question we answer this week:

Daniel Everett from Lock Haven, PA asks, "Also, I have a question that I would be interested in hearing your answer to. As a church member I recognize that pastors have a very wonderful calling from God, but that it is also a physically, emotionally, and spiritually arduous calling. What are ways that I am able to encourage my pastor(s), knowing that there are unique challenges and difficulties in the context of a rural church?"

Links for our Top Two's:

• Crossway's ESV Scripture Journals
• Keith & Kristyn Getty's Sing
• Bob Kauflin's Worship Matters
• Jack London Short Stories
• Yerba Mate Tea Bags

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 6 important principles for the pastor (and church member) on vacation. Vacations are good, so make time for them!

For the Pastor:

1. Find someone to preach for 2 weeks.
   • One while you're gone and one when you get back
   • You don't want to plan and write a sermon on vacation
   • Episode on Pastoral Interns
2. Time it right.
   • You need to get used to the idea that you can’t always take off when you want to…
     • Commit to being present at critical times in the life of the church.
     • Don’t plan on traveling during Christmas or Easter.
     • Plan around your spouse's work, your kids sports and events, and your other job (if applicable).
     • Try not to miss too many Sundays.
       • You can miss ALMOST 2 weeks by missing only 1 Sunday.
3. Budget for it in advance.
   • Plan to use campgrounds, Air BnB, free activities, nature, good gas mileage, packed lunches, or places that give BIG pastor discounts or even provide free lodging for pastors and their families
4. Maximize it by visiting friends and family on the way.
5. Plan to stay in the Word and prayer.
6. Be with you family and treat them well.
   • Put your work down (physically and mentally)
   • Trust the Lord with the church and take advantage of this time away together.

For the Church Member:

1. Meet with God on vacation.
   • Regular time in Word and prayer
   • Sing with your family
   • Point to God’s creative genius as you look at nature and praise Him
2. Meet with the body of Christ on vacation.
   • Go to church!
     • You are not an isolated Christian — you’re part of a body.
     • You see the bigger body you’re a part of.  You’re encouraged by people who are very different, but VERY much the same.  
     • You learn things you can introduce to your church (look at the bulletin, how kids are dismissed, new songs, an element of the liturgy, etc.)
     • You appreciate your church more.
     • You encourage Christians who see you taking this responsibility seriously.
3. Maintain your biblical lifestyle. 
4. Pray for others who are on vacation and encourage them when they get home.

Links for our Top Two's:

• preborn.org
• Post Card Sized Sermon Series Cards
• Uppercut Matte Clay
• Deodorant Style Sunscreen

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 have a less formal conversation on...

• Weddings and Funerals!
  • What would you rather do, weddings or funerals?
  • What was the first wedding and funeral you had to officiate?
  • What was the hardest funeral you have had to officiate?

Links for our Top Two's:

• Jay Adam’s How To Help People Change
• planningcenteronline.com
• Blue Crabs
• Family Vacations

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

In this episode we discuss...

• Biblical Counseling:
• What is a Biblical Counseling?
  • Speaking the truth of God's Word into the lives of those around us.
• Why should I use the Bible to counsel?
  • Scripture is sufficient for all our needs!
    • Hebrews 4:12-13
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • We're called to speak the truth in love to those around us!
    • Ephesians 4:15-16
    • Galatians 6:1-2
• How do I use the Bible to counsel?
  • Read it, study it, and pray for the Holy Spirit to help you apply it to your own life and the life of the one you're counseling.
• Helpful Resources:
  • Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands - Paul David Tripp
  • Competent to Counsel - Jay E. Adams
  • Christ and Your Problems - Jay E. Adams
  • Resources for Changing Lives
  • CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation)
  • IBCD (Institute for Biblical Counseling)
  • ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors)
  • PDI - Personal Data Inventory

The listener question we answer this week:

• Tim Madden from Forest City, PA asks, “If you’ve never been exposed to sharing a grace story, you might’ve struggled a little bit with understanding each of the pieces that are in that pie from the last episode. How do I get one of my members to write one down? What are the pieces that they absolutely should share? What are the things that they should not share?”

Links for our Top Two's:

• The Art of Marriage
• Preparing for Marriage God's Way - Wayne Mack
• preceptaustin.org
• Horse Camp
• Zenni Optical Eye Glasses

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/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk

Twitter: @ruralpastors

In this episode we discuss...

• 3 reasons grace stories are vital to the life of your church!
  • What is a grace story?
    • It is a story of how the Lord has saved you by His grace
• Why should I share my grace story? 3 Reasons!!!
  • They’re seen in Scripture
  • They’re an encouragement in the Church
  • They’re an example to the lost
• When should I share my grace story?
  • Anytime the Lord gives you the opportunity to speak the gospel to someone through how He has personally saved you
• MyCircle Training

The listener question we answer this week:

• Jeremiah from Catawissa, PA asks, “Hello Brothers, I have a question regarding why God's Family Fellowship and Wellsboro Bible Church exist as separate churches.  What doctrinal differences do you divide along?  If there are no first- or second- order theological differences, could you more effectively minister to your small town community by either combining, or working together and dividing evenly along geographic lines as autonomous congregations with a shared vision to better focus your circles of influence?  I would love to hear your thoughts on whether rural churches could more effectively reach their communities with less fragmentation.”

Links for our Top Two's:

• Jay Adam’s booklet - Christ and Your Problems
• Before you do anything, devote an hour to Prayer!
• Lime Mint Seltzer Water
• Quaker Oatmeal - Joe Style
  • Vanilla Whey Powder
  • Craisans
  • Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
  • Almonds
  • Chia Seeds
  • Hot Water

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/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk

Twitter: @ruralpastors

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