Rural Pastors Talk

By TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClarenReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Rural Pastors Talk episodes

July 22, 20194 Questions You Should Ask About Singing in the Rural Church
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
Itunes
Spotify
1 hr 23 min
July 15, 20196 Important Principles For the Pastor On Vacation
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:
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
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.
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
Maximize it by visiting friends and family on the way.
Plan to stay in the Word and prayer.
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:
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
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.
Maintain your biblical lifestyle.
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
Itunes
Spotify
Stitcher
1 hr 13 min
July 08, 2019"Nobody's Allowed to Die (Or Get Married) While I'm On Vacation!"
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
Itunes
Spotify
Stitcher
Google Play
1 hr 15 min
July 01, 2019Can You Become a Better Biblical Counselor in Just 35 Minutes?
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
1 hr
June 24, 20193 Reasons Grace Stories are Vital to the Life of Your Church
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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1 hr 18 min
June 17, 2019Seven Simple Changes for a Vibrant Church Prayer Life
In this episode we discuss...
Prayer in the church!
What is the state of prayer in your church?
How are we called to biblically pray corporately?
How can you shepherd your church to pray better together?
The Valley of Vision
Prone to Wander
Prayer Guide PDF
Prayer Guide PAGES
7 Simple Changes for a Vibrant Church Prayer Life
Ask church members to pray
Provide a member prayer guide
Give simple instructions for corporate prayer: Planning, purpose and passion
Model good prayers
Depend on God through prayer - God is actually real and God actually really responds
Celebrate answered prayer
Talk about prayer
The listener question we answer this week:
Aaron Batdorf from Lock Haven, PA asks, "I see in Scripture a high importance of older pouring into younger and the difficulty is often the exclusion of the younger. I would love to see the wisdom gained by our older people passed on, but it rarely happens and I am often told no when I ask a more mature Christian to pour into a willing younger Christian. It has gone quite well except in the areas of one-on-one discipleship. As many of our members/attenders do not have a background of being dicsipled, it can be very difficult to get some of our more mature believers to pour into our younger believers because they have never had that themselves. Do you have any experience with this and any ways to go about creating a culture where this is normal? Thank you!"
Top Two's:
The Book of Judges
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Synchronous Fireflies
Tooth Paste
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
1 hr 10 min
June 10, 2019Should Rural Churches Have Interns?
In this episode we discuss...
Pastoral Interns in the rural setting!
What is the mandate of pastors to disciple men called into ministry?
What is an intern?
How do you find one?
What is an internship?
How can you practically implement an internship at your rural church?
The listener question we answer this week:
Andy from PA asks, “Hey guys! Often it seems pastors come and go quickly in rural churches. As an elder who has seen a number of paid pastors move on, I’m wondering how rural churches can do a better job retaining pastors?”
Links for our Top Two's:
Fighter Verses
Resources for Changing Lives
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Members Mark Bulk Pancake Mix
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
Itunes
Spotify
Stitcher

Google Play
59 min
June 03, 2019Leading Meetings - Why it is Good, and Necessary!
In this episode we discuss...
Leading meetings!
Why it is necessary.
What type of meetings you can lead.
How you can shepherd well through them.
The listener question we answer this week:
Matt from Elmira, NY asks, "A lot of churches today place a heavy emphasis on ‘branding’ in an attempt to set their church apart from others. Whether through the use of church logos, mission/vision statements, social media graphics, or even the design of their worship 'experiences' as a whole, it seems like churches are trying to establish a unique identity for potential consumers. What do you feel are the pros and cons of ‘branding’ in a local church? Should a church without necessary resources (whether financial or creative) be concerned about this? And isn’t this idea of distinguishing our church from others handled by our confession of faith?"
fiverr.com
Links for our Top Two's:
ESV Economy Bible, Large Print / Contact Paper
Breeze Church Management Software
Rocky Mt. Barber Comp. Beard Balm
Kelty Outfitters
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
Itunes
Spotify

Stitcher
Google Play
50 min
May 27, 2019CHANGE in the Local Church?! Why CHANGE is Good, and Can Be Done!
In this episode we discuss...
Making changes in the local church.
Is it okay to make change?
What should be changed?
3 successful keys to making change.
What should the heart of the shepherds be as they make changes?
The listener question we answer this week:
Ben Hottel from Southern Illinois asks, "Dear Joe and TJ, My name is Ben Hottel (sounds like 'bottle'). I serve a rural church in very southern Illinois bi-vocationally. Somehow I stumbled on a FB post of yours. That led me to the podcast. So I subscribed! I listened to the first podcast over the last couple of days. I am looking forward to listening to the others as I have time. Our church runs 60-65 each Sunday. We still have Sunday School, Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night services. One question I hope you might address in time is bi-vocational ministry. I would dare say many rural churches are served by pastors in a bi-vocational role. This adds extra layers of both challenges and joys. I kind of kicked and screamed (spiritually) about it for a while, but it has been a really good thing for me to be in another field other than ministry. At any rate, I appreciate what you all are doing and hope to grow through listening to your podcast."
Links for our Top Two's:
Ed Welch's When People Are Big and God is Small
Voices From the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings
Fender's Blues Deluxe Harmonica
Sperrys Boat Shoes
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
Itunes
Spotify

Stitcher
Google Play
48 min
May 20, 2019Gospel Saturation - What? Why? How?
In this episode we discuss...
The biblical mandate to give every man, woman, and child repeated opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel.
What is a "circle of accountability?"
How do you determine your "circle of accountability?"
How can you shepherd your congregation to boldly share the gospel?
MyCircle Training
The listener question we answer this week:
John Jackson from Sunbury, Pennsylvania asks, "How do you find qualified men to serve in leadership?"
Links for our Top Two's:
Ted Tripp's Shepherding a Child's Heart
Google Doc's for Bulletins
Tile Item Finder
Apple Pencil
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
Itunes
Spotify

Stitcher
Google Play
39 min