Rural Pastors Talk

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rural Pennsylvania. They explore the challenges and blessings of rural life, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, community, and sitting under good preaching in deepening one's faith. CJ recounts how God's creation and supportive friends helped him feel less isolated and helped him grow more spiritually. They explain the need for expositional preaching and reliance on God's Word, encouraging listeners to seek out a healthy church.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: [email protected]

Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh McLaren discuss how to transform dreaded church business meetings into enjoyable, gospel-centered gatherings. They talk about the negative experiences commonly associated with these meetings and suggest steps to shift the focus towards caring for each other, growing in Christ, and fulfilling God's mission. These tips include integrating scripture, prayer, and fellowship meals into the meetings, and the importance of shepherding and setting the right tone prior to the meetings. The episode emphasizes building a culture where church business meetings are anticipated with joy rather than fear and frustration.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]
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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into everyday interactions, making it a more natural and less time-consuming practice.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]
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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Josh discuss the often-overlooked importance of church building conditions and hospitality. They explore how the sufficiency of Scripture guides every part of life, including how church environments reflect biblical hospitality. They emphasize that welcoming, clean, and well-maintained spaces convey care and respect, making visitors feel comfortable and valued. The hosts share practical tips and scriptural references to encourage church leaders to review their spaces and make necessary improvements, ultimately underscoring how such actions honor God and serve others.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Josh discuss the importance of relying on the sufficiency of Scripture in all aspects of life and ministry. They share personal experiences and reflect on the challenges of consistently depending on God's Word rather than traditions or human wisdom. The conversation highlights specific areas such as dealing with gossip in the church, making difficult decisions, and integrating Scripture into daily life, both at home and in your ministry. The episode emphasizes that Scripture provides everything needed for life and godliness, urging pastors, church leaders, and members to anchor their actions and decisions in the Bible.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]

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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ and his fellow pastor friends, Joe and Josh, dive into the crucial role rural churches play in God's mission. They discuss how God's Word, from Genesis to Revelation, underscores the importance of these small congregations in spreading His glory across the earth. Despite the challenges, rural church ministry is crucial because each church is a locale for God's presence with his gathered people. They encourage pastors and church members to see their efforts as part of a divine mandate to represent God's glory, even in the 'middle of nowhere.'

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: [email protected]
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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this premier episode of Rural Church Renewal, formerly known as Rural Pastors Talk, hosts TJ, Joe, and Josh share experiences from their pastoral work in rural settings. They discuss the unique joys and challenges faced by rural churches, such as community support, resisting change, and maintaining traditions. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of shepherding with love and compassion, staying rooted in scripture, and striving for the glory of God amidst both sweet moments and frustrations. The episode sets the stage for a season focused on the sufficiency of scripture in church life.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
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On this episode we discuss:

• Our final episode of season 4. Consider with us how God is advancing His kingdom in rural places.

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the challenge of making big decisions, especially for Christians living in small towns. He explains the common struggle of wanting direct guidance from God to make decisions easier. Through recounting his own experience of deciding whether to move from Florida to Pennsylvania, he emphasizes the importance of delighting in the Lord, seeking counsel from others, and trusting God's plans.

Key Points:

• Wisdom from Psalm 37: The more one delights in the Lord, the more their desires will be aligned to His will. 

Listener Takeaways:

• Talk to a trusted Christian friend or pastor about your decision and seek their guidance and wisdom. 
  
  
  

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• Website: backtorurality.com
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In this episode we...

• discuss why we manuscript and why we think you should try it!
  • What do you bring to the pulpit?
    • Notes?
    • An outline?
    • A manuscript?
  • Why manuscript?
    • It keeps you faithful
    • It keeps you focused
    • It keeps you concise
  • Challenges with manuscripting that need to be overcome:
    • Don't just read your manuscript, make eye contact!
    • Don't read like a lecture, color your words and preach!