Chris Trethewey is the pastor of Tri County Church in DuBois, PA. His journey to rural ministry might seem backward to some. Chris’ journey started in very urban settings, and in what might seem backward to some, has landed he and his family in rural Pennsylvania. It’s a great conversation. Enjoy.

christrethewey.com

tcconline.church

Miss a breakout at Back 40 Conference? Here’s Christina Butterworth, Summit Church Children’s Pastor, talking about how to keep the fire burning. Enjoy!

This month’s conversation with Donnie Griggs is GOLD. His passion for the communities the One Harbor Church serves is palpable, and his heart for rural church leaders is readily apparent. We had the opportunity to talk with him about the work they’re doing with addicts, how they’re partnering with local authorities to address the opiate epidemic, and how the town’s problems are the church’s problems. It is challenging, thought provoking, insightful, and powerful. Hold on tight, gang. This is a wild ride.

Matt Netzer is the pastor of Rock Pile Church in Marble Falls, TX.  Mel’s conversation with him is one of the most unique church planting stories you’re likely to hear.  Let’s do this!

Every community is unique, and this month Mel sits down to talk with Kyle Hammond about identifying, understanding, and addressing the unique needs of your community, city, or neighborhood.

Kyle is the pastor of Adventure Church in Columbus, OH, and he’s a great friend of Back 40. This is his second time on the podcast, and we’re excited to have him back and to share this conversation with you.

It’s also our tenth episode! We’ve reached double digits.

If you’d like to connect with Kyle more, you can find more at adventure.church

or you can follow on social media

Twitter @kylehammond

Instagram @kylethammond

Facebook 

This month Mel sits down with author, speaker, pastor Andi Andrew for a conversation that spans women in ministry, difficult staff transitions, church planting, and more. Andi has incredible insight and is a really good time to boot.

If you’d like to connect with Andi, look her up at:

andiandrew.com

There you’ll find her latest book, She Is Free, as well as other resources and information about what Andi is up to.

Buckle up!

Mark Altrogge is a renaissance man. He a painter, songwriter, blogger, musician, and he has faithfully served as the pastor of Saving Grace Church in Indiana, PA for the past 36 years. He’s perhaps best known for being the writer of I Stand In Awe Of You, but in addition to his great musical contribution to the church, Mark carries a depth of wisdom and experience pastoring in a rural context over the long haul.

This month Mel talks with Mark about longevity in ministry, leadership transition, navigating difficulty, and learning humility through adversity.

If you want to connect more with Mark, you can find him at

http://www.forevergratefulmusic.com

http://theblazingcenter.com

http://markaltroggepaintings.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCokILvJwHKwtrNnFKni4ylw

@markaltrogge on twitter

In episode 7, Mel sits down with our fried Sam Masteller and his associate Jason Ball. They talk about second chair leadership, equipping volunteers, choosing leaders, and building team. It’s a great conversation that has application for churches of every size.

This month Mel sits down with Todd Stanley, Worship/Creative Pastor at Summit Church in Indiana, PA and Content Director for Back 40, to talk about shifting the culture of a church. They discuss some of the changes Summit Church has gone through, what it really means to shape culture, and how clear mission helps us to focus on what really matters. We hope you enjoy it.

Mel sits down with corporate coach, Ronnie Doss. Ronnie shares how his experiences in both Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies can inform leadership in the church.