Rural Advancement Archives - Rural Advancement

Revitalization: Do’s, Don’ts, and Practical Tips with Sam Rainer

Staff — Tue, 26 May 2026 03:50:49 +0000

Join us today as host Joe Epley interviews Sam Rainer, rural pastor and author, on the topic of revitalization. In this interview Sam breaks down what it takes to build a revitalization culture, talks about the right attitudes and mindsets in relation to a rural church, and ultimately provides many helpful do’s and don’ts of the revitalization process.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can connect more with Sam as a pastor, author, and speaker, as well as see his full catalog of books at samrainer.com

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Rural Resource: The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer

Staff — Wed, 13 May 2026 04:58:56 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we dive into another rural resource. The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer is an incredibly practical guide to the ins and outs of bringing a congregation back to health. On today’s episode, Joe flips through the pages covering topics of culture, practical ministry insights, and impactful statements centering on this theme of revitalization. Join us next time as we interview the author himself, Sam Rainer!

As always if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can purchase a copy of the book The Church Revitalization Checklist at the link here!

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Hospitality, Addiction Ministry, and Finding God in Tough Times with Dave Phillips

Staff — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:58:54 +0000

Join Pastor Dave Phillips as he recounts his journey through multiple rural church settings, highlighting the importance of hospitality, practical thoughts on doing addiction ministry well, and what to do when tough times come. His wisdom and experience speak very well to the issues rural pastors face today!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or to find encouragement, you can connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Rural Resource: Recognizing Rural Ministry by Carl Greene

Staff — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:47:32 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we dive into the resource Recognizing Rural Ministry: Moving From Anecdotal Assumptions to Data Derived Opportunities by Carl P. Greene. This book makes a compelling case for looking at an older demographic of people as a source for real rural growth, instead of focusing on a less dependable “next generation” that may or may not be present in your small town. Utilizing good research, and a casual tone, Carl Greene delivers thoughtful reflection that can give fresh perspective and direction to a rural pastor.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or to get encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can purchase Carl’s book at the link here.

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Pastoring Transient Populations, Church Planting, and Preaching Schedules with Sheldon McGorman

Staff — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:01:14 +0000

Join Pastor Sheldon McGorman as we talk about what to do when a large part of the population of the small town you pastor is made up of transient workers. His insights on hospitality, community engagement, and salvation are encouraging. He also speaks about days off, the importance of preaching schedules, and how to plant as a rural church.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Rural Resource: The Homilies of John Chrysostom

Staff — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:13:03 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we dive into a resource written 300 years after the resurrection of Jesus! In the recorded Homilies of John Chrysostom, bishop of one of the largest cities of the time, are insights and admonitions that speak indisputably to the presence and importance of the rural church in his day. These insights are still speaking to the rural church of today as well!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can find a version of St. John Chrysostom’s Homilies on Matthew here

And again on the Homilies of Acts here

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Churchplanting, Board Dynamics, and the Power of Prayer with Drew Becker

Staff — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:48:20 +0000

Join us this week as we talk to Pastor Drew Becker about his time as a church planter, and best practices related to it. He also covers the power of prayer and fasting, as well as the dynamics of church boards, and how to navigate them!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Ordinary Faithfulness by Olivia Meade

Staff — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:46:58 +0000

This week, join our host Joe Epley as he pulls insights from the book Ordinary Faithfulness by Olivia Meade. She talks of the importance of worship, discipleship, and mission in the mundane and ordinary places we live. She really emphasizes the importance of finding God in our everyday lives.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, you are welcome to email our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can purchase a copy of Ordinary Faithfulness by Olivia Meade at this link here.

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Persistence, Potential, and Public Spaces with Jonathan McDaniel

Staff — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:25:06 +0000

Join us this week on Rural Advancement as we interview Pastor Jonathan McDaniel! Tune in as he shares insights on the importance of persistence, what it takes to see God’s potential in people, and the importance of allowing the community to use the church facilities!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or to find encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters

Staff — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:32:25 +0000

Join us this week on the podcast as discuss another resource. The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker talks about the importance of putting intentional thought into our “get togethers”. Often times, getting together and having fellowship can be the life blood of a rural church, and our host Joe Epley walks through his favorite parts of the book on this weeks episode.

If you would like to purchase The Art of Gathering you can do so here.

As always, if you would like to contact the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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The Heart of a Pastor with Stephen Schaible

Staff — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:34:13 +0000

Stephen Schaible has spent his entire ministry career pastoring or helping others pastor. His heart is to love people and build relationships with them. Tune in to this conversation today to be encouraged in living pastorally and relationally!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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A Big Gospel in Small Places: Should I Pastor in a Small Town?

Staff — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:49:26 +0000

Join us this week as host Joe Epley dives into Stephen Witmer’s book A Big Gospel in Small Places. Together, we’ll explore standout insights on the beauty and complexity of small-town life, rethink what true fruitfulness in ministry looks like, and wrestle with the compelling question: “Should someone pastor a small town?” It’s an encouraging, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss.

You can purchase the book on Amazon here

As always, if you would like to reach out for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas for the show, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Resilience in Rural Ministry with Winston Titus

Staff — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:56:48 +0000

Join us this week for an interview with Pastor Winston Titus, who grew up in, and eventually pastored in, the state of North Dakota. Pastor Winston talks about his insights from growing rural, pastoring rural, and eventually helping others to pastor in rural places as well. He has a heart that loves the towns and churches he has served and has a deep passion for resilience in ministry.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church: A Thought on Revitalization

Staff — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:51:32 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we look at the book Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church by Michael Beck and Tyler Kleeberger. This book is an accessible guide to revitalization, full of practical tips, good culture, and real time examples that equip a pastor and their team in a healthy way.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

If you would like to purchase a copy of Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church you can click the link here.

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Fall Update: Heading in a New Direction!

Staff — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:42:25 +0000

Join host Joe Epley as we talk about a slight shift in the direction of the podcast. Our goal is to continue to provide great content, great interviews, and great resources, but to move to a format that works better for our host even as life gets crowded! Stay tuned to hear some new episodes in just a few weeks!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for some encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Summer Reflections 2025

Staff — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:16:39 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as he shares brief thoughts on the Summer, highlighting the need to take advantage of God’s “interruptions” to our normal rhythms in order to sense His direction for our lives. This episode will mark the beginning of our summer break, and we will return with regular episodes in September.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Stewardship, Marriage, and Pastoral Care with Randy McPherson

Staff — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:48:30 +0000

Randy McPherson is a Christian businessman, an ordained minister, and grew up in a ministry household. He has found his calling in stewarding God’s resources as well as caring for and coming alongside pastors as they do the work of vocational ministry. Tune in today for his insights.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, you can connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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A Personal Reflection on Church Health with Joe Epley (Karl Vaters Part 3)

Staff — Wed, 21 May 2025 04:10:20 +0000

Join host Joe Epley as he takes some of the principles of church health found in the works of pastor and author Karl Vaters and shares how they have applied in his life. Join him as he speaks of the struggles of measuring success apart from numbers.

You can check out Karl Vaters works at www.karlvaters.com

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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De-Sizing the Church Part 2 with Karl Vaters

Staff — Wed, 14 May 2025 04:01:01 +0000

Join us as we have a discussion with Pastor and Author Karl Vaters. In the second part of this episode, we will discuss how to measure success in the church apart from numbers, how to create healthy churches, and how we as leaders can focus on discipleship in the midst of doing church.

Pastor Karl’s books, articles, and other resources can be accessed at his website here.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the podcast for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact the host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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De-Sizing The Church Part 1 with Karl Vaters

Staff — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:08:13 +0000

Join us as we have a discussion with Pastor and Author Karl Vaters. Over the next two weeks, we will discuss how to measure success in the church apart from numbers, how to create healthy churches, and how we as leaders can focus on discipleship in the midst of doing church.

Pastor Karl’s books, articles, and other resources can be accessed at his website here.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the podcast for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact the host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post De-Sizing The Church Part 1 with Karl Vaters appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 2 with Joe Girdler

Hope Danzl — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:19:43 +0000

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we discussed Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. In part two we are shifting towards talking about generosity and missions.

You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 1 with Dr. Joe Girdler

Staff — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:28:17 +0000

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we will discuss Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. Part two will shift focus to talk about evangelism and generosity.

You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Christianity Now Interview with Josh Ziefle

Staff — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:48:15 +0000

Join us this week as we talk rural ministry with Josh Ziefle, Campus Pastor at Northwest University and host of the podcast, Christianity Now, which looks at modern issues facing the contemporary church. We will be discussing challenges, misconceptions, and best practices centered around the rural church.

You can check out the Christianity Now podcast at Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts! If you would like to connect with our host Joe Epley, you can reach out to the show at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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The Dirt Roads Network Part 2 with Steve McVey

Staff — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:10:20 +0000

Join us for the second of a two part conversation with Pastor Steve McVey, the founder of the Dirt Roads Network. In the first episode Pastor Steve talked about revitalization through the lens of his time as pastor in Lamont, Kansas. This week, we will dive into the resource that is the Dirt Roads Network and talk about the future of the rural church.

You can find more info on the DRN at www.dirtroadsnetwork.com

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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The Dirt Roads Network Part 1 with Steve McVey

Hope Danzl — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:58:30 +0000

Join us for a two part conversation with Pastor Steve McVey, the founder of the Dirt Roads Network. In this first episode Pastor Steve talks about revitalization through the lens of his time as pastor in Lamont, Kansas. His story is a great encouragement for all those facing difficult church contexts. Next week, we will dive into the resource that is the Dirt Roads Network and talk about the future of the rural church.

You can find more info on the DRN at www.dirtroadsnetwork.com

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Rural Resource: Small Church Essentials by Karl Vaters

Hope Danzl — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:12:17 +0000

Join us as our host Joe Epley walks through highlights from the book Small Church Essentials by Karl Vaters. This book is a great resource for practical tips on leading small town ministry. This book highlights good strategies for church health, and proper metrics to measure success that don’t revolve around the numbers.

You can purchase Small Church Essentials or Karl Vaters’ other books at the links below:

Small Church Essentials

The Grasshopper Myth

De-Sizing the Church

As always if you would like to reach out the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, you can connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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The Litany of Humility with Joe Epley

Staff — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:21:51 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we dive into a prayer that comes to us from the Catholic tradition. The Litany of Humility is designed to inspire humility in our life as well as a road map to pray God’s blessing on others.

You can read the full litany here.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or if you would like to give feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Leading a Youth-Friendly Church Part 2 with Dereck and Gail Owen

Staff — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:37:16 +0000

Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen share about their journey in a small town over the course of two decades, highlighting their experience as both youth and lead pastors during that time. Join us today as they unpack topics such as how to lead a growing church when a town is in decline, how to create opportunities for students, and how to discover significance in part 2 of this conversation!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Leading a Youth-Friendly Church Part 1 with Dereck and Gail Owen

Staff — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:33:50 +0000

Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen share about their journey in a small town over the course of two decades, highlighting their experience as both youth and lead pastors during that time. Join us today as they unpack topics such as small town best practices for youth ministry, how to walk through the loss of a student, and how to create a congregation that empowers and embraces young people. This week is Part 1 of 2 for this great conversation!

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Prayer, Revitalization, and the Faithfulness of God with John Murdoch

Staff — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:49:28 +0000

Pastor John Murdoch shares insights on the Holy Spirit, Prayer, and God’s faithfulness through 52 years of ministry. His experience and wisdom in working with youth, lead pastoring, and planting churches created a fun and enriching conversation!

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Rural Youth Ministry: Next Gen Leaders Podcast Interview

Staff — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:58:04 +0000

This week we get a chance to listen in on a conversation between Holly Davis and Julie Pratt, hosts of the Next Gen Leader Podcast and employees of the national office of the Assemblies of God, and our host Joe Epley as we discuss principles of effective rural youth ministry!

You can check out all episodes of the Next Gen Leaders Podcast here.

As always, if you would like to contact the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Rural Youth Ministry: Next Gen Leaders Podcast Interview appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Handling Ministry Transition Part 2 with Bill Lanes

Staff — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:33:16 +0000

Pastor Bill Lanes is passionate about walking through pastoral transition. Last week we began a conversation around the topics of how to handle pastoral change as a minister, as a congregation, and as believers in general. Tune in this week to hear the final conclusions!

If you would like to access some resources for conflict resolution click here!

As always if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Handling Ministry Transition Part 2 with Bill Lanes appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Handling Ministry Transition Part 1 with Bill Lanes

Staff — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:05:12 +0000

Pastor Bill Lanes is passionate about walking through pastoral transition. Join us over the next two weeks as we discuss how to handle pastoral change as a minister, as a congregation, and as believers in general.

If you would like to access some resources for conflict resolution click here!

As always if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Handling Ministry Transition Part 1 with Bill Lanes appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 2 with Nick Rogers

Staff — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:17:24 +0000

Pastor Nick Rogers jumps on Rural Advancement to share his experience in small town ministry. In two parts, we will cover everything from community and economic development, the importance of county museums, church reputation, ministry transition, and benevolence. Tune in this week to hear the second half of this great conversation!

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 2 with Nick Rogers appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 1 with Nick Rogers

Staff — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:58:47 +0000

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 1 with Nick Rogers appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Churches Working Together with Andy Addis

Staff — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:07:08 +0000

Pastor Andy Addis is the pastor of a rural multisite church in Kansas and the host of a podcast called The Rural Pastor Podcast. Join pastor Andy and host Joe Epley as they discuss what it looks like to collaborate with other churches in small town settings.

Also, check out Pastor Andy’s podcast at Theruralpastor.com or wherever podcasts are found!

As always, if you want to connect with the show for encouragement, or to offer feedback or ideas, please email our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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New Year’s Reflection 2025

Staff — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:39:02 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we look back at 2024 and reflect on how to apply wisdom to our lives. Hopefully you are inspired and encouraged to continue pastoring in your rural context.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post New Year’s Reflection 2025 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 2

Staff — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:20:48 +0000

Pastor and Dr. Martin Giese has spent 40 years in rural pastoral ministry, and has served the last 8 years as the president of Oak Hills Christian College. Dr. Martin has a passion for helping rural pastors understand the ways in which different cultures affect the rural church. Tune in today to hear part 2 of how his insights on how you can navigate these cultures when they collide!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 1

Staff — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 16:21:36 +0000

Pastor and Dr. Martin Giese has spent 40 years in rural pastoral ministry, and has served the last 8 years as the president of Oak Hills Christian College. Dr. Martin has a passion for helping rural pastors understand the ways in which different cultures affect the rural church. Tune in today to hear part 1 of how his insights on how you can navigate these cultures when they collide!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working Through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 2

Staff — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 16:08:20 +0000

Join us today as Keith and Samantha Jones talk through the second part of a conversation on what it is like to move to rural setting. They will also highlight the biblical and practical outworkings of following the call of God, and ultimately Samantha will share on her book God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning, which can be purchased at the link below:

God and Trauma by Samantha Jones

As always, if you would like to connect with our show to give feedback or ideas, or to receive encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working Through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 1

Staff — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:51:09 +0000

Join us today as Keith and Samantha Jones talk through the first part of a conversation on what it is like to move to rural setting. They will also highlight the biblical and practical outworkings of following the call of God, and ultimately Samantha will share on her book God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning, which can be purchased at the link below:

God and Trauma by Samantha Jones

As always, if you would like to connect with our show to give feedback or ideas, or to receive encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 2

Staff — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:17:02 +0000

Pastor Mike Clarensau has had a diverse ministry career, serving as pastor, Sunday school director, church health director, church consultant, and statistician. Tune in this week and check out last weeks episode to hear insights from his ministry journey!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 1

Staff — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:03:22 +0000

Pastor Mike Clarensau has had a diverse ministry career, serving as pastor, sunday school director, church health director, church consultant, and statistician. Tune in this week and next week to hear insights from his ministry journey!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Serving Well, Men’s Ministry, and Book Recommendations with Austin Epperson

Staff — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:27:01 +0000

Pastor Austin Epperson talks about rural ministry, highlighting how to have an effective men’s ministry, the importance of having serving as a foundation, and some of his favorite book recommendations! Tune in!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Church Systems and Why They Matter with Anthony Caiola

Staff — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:40:02 +0000

Pastor Anthony Caiola has a passion for creating church systems that work! Tools and systems that help the church thrive are a key building block for a healthy church. Anthony especially cares about seeing rural contexts integrate healthy church systems that can empower them to do effective ministry.

If you would like to reach out to Pastor Anthony for more information and support on this topic, reach out to him at Anthony@awaken514.church

You can see the article Anthony wrote about church systems here

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, please reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Church Systems and Why They Matter with Anthony Caiola appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 2

Staff — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:56:14 +0000

This week is part 2 of our discussion of the book Flyover Church by Brad Roth. This book is yet another insightful take on rural ministry, arming pastors and leaders with both the right mindsets and practical tools to continue doing rural ministry well. Today we will hear from the author as he breaks down some of the core principles from the book!

If you would like to buy Flyover Church you can purchase it here. If you want to check out Brad’s first book God’s Country click here.

For more resources from Pastor Brad Roth, check out doxologyproject.com

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 1

Staff — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:37:54 +0000

This week and the next we will be discussing the book Flyover Church by Brad Roth. This book is yet another insightful take on rural ministry, arming pastors and leaders with both the right mindsets and practical tools to continue doing rural ministry well. Today begins with reflections on the book from our host Joe Epley.

If you would like to buy Flyover Church you can purchase it here. If you want to check out Brad’s first book God’s Country click here.

For more resources from Pastor Brad Roth, check out doxologyproject.com

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Fervency, Self Pity, and Spiritual Warfare with Tim Rust

Staff — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:27:39 +0000

Pastor Tim Rust has sent 50 years in business and ministry learning many good lessons through the low seasons of frustration and spiritual warfare. He currently pastors in Nebraska and runs the Nebraska Cowboy Churches Association.

As referenced in this episode, here are links to both of the books that encouraged pastor Tim in a dark time:

“Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross

“Have You Ever Felt Like Giving Up Lately” by David Wilkerson

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Fervency, Self Pity, and Spiritual Warfare with Tim Rust appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Leadership Development, Boundaries, and Best Buy with Tony Vietti

Staff — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:14:55 +0000

Pastor Tony Vietti talks in this episode about healthy culture, developing leaders well, and adjusting to the pace of rural life as someone coming in from the outside. Pulling from a long tenure at Best Buy and his own spiritual journey, tune in to hear some awesome insights!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Leadership Development, Boundaries, and Best Buy with Tony Vietti appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Walmart, Team Ministry, and Grandma’s House with Andrew Jergenson

Staff — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:58:57 +0000

Pastor Andrew Jergenson started his career within the structure of the Walmart corporation and has since transitioned to pastoring. Tune in today to hear how these two worlds have influenced one another as pastor Andrew shares insights on culture, team building, and church hospitality.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Walmart, Team Ministry, and Grandma’s House with Andrew Jergenson appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Mentorship, Dollar General, and Pick Up Trucks with Tommy Hayes

Staff — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:44:48 +0000

Join us today as we talk to Pastor Tommy Hayes, who has spent his ministry revitalizing churches and teaching other pastors to do the same. His insights on reaching the community, looking at our church through fresh eyes, and the need for fellow pastors will bless you!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Mentorship, Dollar General, and Pick Up Trucks with Tommy Hayes appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Introducing FRAN and FRANK part 2 with Dr. Terry Yancey

Staff — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 03:04:42 +0000

Dr. Terry Yancey served as pastor and ministry leader in Kansas for decades. Join part 2 of this conversation as we discuss the importance of demographics, being Pentecostal and intellectual, and the importance of outreach.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Introducing FRAN and FRANK part 2 with Dr. Terry Yancey appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Introducing FRAN and FRANK Part 1 with Dr. Terry Yancey

Staff — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:25:20 +0000

Dr. Terry Yancey served as pastor and ministry leader in Kansas for decades. Join part 1 of this conversation as we discuss the importance of demographics, being Pentecostal and intellectual, and the importance of outreach.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Introducing FRAN and FRANK Part 1 with Dr. Terry Yancey appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Pastoral Soul Care with Alan and Coleen Schaberg Part 2

Staff — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:19:17 +0000

Pastors Alan and Coleen Schaberg have served in multiple contexts of ministry, most recently as the superintendents of the Wyoming Assemblies of God. They both have completed a Masters of Arts in Rural Ministry through Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, and bring many great insights from these experiences in this two part episode. Tune in now!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Pastoral Soul Care with Alan and Coleen Schaberg Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Pastoral Soul Care with Alan and Coleen Schaberg Part 1

Staff — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 01:38:16 +0000

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Pastoral Soul Care with Alan and Coleen Schaberg Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Summer Update: A Reflection on Rhythms

Staff — Tue, 14 May 2024 14:59:16 +0000

Join host Joe Epley as he gives an update on the show for this summer and gives a brief challenge to reflect on what healthy rhythms are when it comes to seasons of ministry.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for the sake of encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Summer Update: A Reflection on Rhythms appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Legacy, Leadership, and Pentecost with Nathan Johnson

Staff — Tue, 07 May 2024 05:55:26 +0000

Join pastor Nathan Johnson as he shared on the power of legacy as it has played out in his own life. Or hear his thoughts on how to be a mindful leader within a pentecostal setting. Check out his experiences with Pentecost and learn how he incorporates it into a local body of believers

As always if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to get encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com.

The post Legacy, Leadership, and Pentecost with Nathan Johnson appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Reaching the One with Savanna Emmanuel

Staff — Wed, 01 May 2024 05:42:55 +0000

Join us as Savanna Emmanuel shares her story of growing up and how she came to know the Lord and pursue ministry. Her story is a great example of what it means to be incarnational as a church and to love the “one” faithfully! Check it out!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Reaching the One with Savanna Emmanuel appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Tall Tales of the Rural Church: Hoarders and Hospital Visits with Greg Ledgerwood

Staff — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:31:50 +0000

Our Tall Tales segment answers a simple question: What is a particularly funny or unique rural ministry experience and what did God show you through it? Join pastor Greg Ledgerwood as he talks about hoarders and hospital visits, concluding that it is important to say “yes” to opportunities in spite of how strange they may be!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

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Developing Rural Leaders, Co-Pastoring, and Succession Part 2 with Jim and Tina Von Wald

Staff — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:08:50 +0000

Join pastors Jim and Tina Von Wald for part 2 of their journey as rural church planters and co-pastors. They share not only about engaging community well and leading together, but also highlight the work of their theses. They both graduated Trinity Bible College with master’s degrees in Rural Ministry. Tina focused on developing rural leaders within the church and Jim focused on succession plans in the rural church.

If you want either of their papers, feel free to email them at tinavonwald@gmail.com or jimvonwald@gmail.com

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Developing Rural Leaders, Co-Pastoring, and Succession Part 2 with Jim and Tina Von Wald appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Developing Rural Leaders, Co-Pastoring, and Succession Part 1 with Jim and Tina Von Wald

Staff — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:48:50 +0000

Join pastors Jim and Tina Von Wald as they walk through their journey as rural church planters and co-pastors. They share not only about engaging community well and leading together, but also highlight the work of their theses. They both graduated Trinity Bible College with master’s degrees in Rural Ministry. Tina focused on developing rural leaders within the church and Jim focused on succession plans in the rural church.

If you want either of their papers, feel free to email them at tinavonwald@gmail.com or jimvonwald@gmail.com

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Developing Rural Leaders, Co-Pastoring, and Succession Part 1 with Jim and Tina Von Wald appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Pastoring for all Seasons with Cordell Hines

Staff — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:49:08 +0000

Pastor Cordell Hines shares about his diverse experiences through 30+ years of ministry. He talks of bringing order to out of control Pentecostal experience, pastoring through church hurt, restoring faith in a pastorate after the failure of others, and much more! Tune in today for this exciting conversation!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback and ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Pastoring for all Seasons with Cordell Hines appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Missions Giving, Developing Teams, and Relating to Students with Cody Berntsen

Staff — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:40:51 +0000

Pastor Cody is a kids pastor who is passionate about raising money for missions, helping kids from tough backgrounds, and raising up an effective team for kids ministry! Tune in to hear the conversation.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement or with feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Referenced in today’s episode is the book The Switching Hour: Kids of Divorce Say Goodbye Again which can be purchased on Amazon here.

The post Missions Giving, Developing Teams, and Relating to Students with Cody Berntsen appeared first on Rural Advancement.

The Value of Administration with Mackenzie Witzke

Staff — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:58:05 +0000

Join pastor Mackenzie Witzke as she talks about the call of God, relational ministry, and the value of sound administration within the body of Christ.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post The Value of Administration with Mackenzie Witzke appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Wearing Multiple Hats: An Associate Pastor’s Perspective with Jarred Smith

Staff — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:15:43 +0000

Pastor Jarred Smith has spent time working as youth pastor, church administrator, bookkeeper, and a host of other associate obligations. Join us as we talk through the lessons gleaned from wearing multiple hats in ministry!

As always if you have any feedback or ideas for the show, or would like some encouragement, please reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Wearing Multiple Hats: An Associate Pastor’s Perspective with Jarred Smith appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Creating a Bridge to Your Community with James Young

Staff — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 03:58:14 +0000

Pastor James Young shares about the various opportunities for community development he has experienced during his tenure as a small town pastor. He and his church have done community projects, cleaned up and renovated main street properties, and helped with poverty relief. Tune in for a fun conversation.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Creating a Bridge to Your Community with James Young appeared first on Rural Advancement.

All Things to All People: Contextualizing Rural Ministry Part 2 with Andy McMillan

Staff — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 16:54:47 +0000

Join us again as we talk with Pastor Andy McMillan as we discuss how a minister can lead themselves and their church to reach their community effectively. We discuss things like designing a church around the community demographics, the need for flexibility among pastors, and the nature of God’s call to ministry in this 2 part conversation

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or to get encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post All Things to All People: Contextualizing Rural Ministry Part 2 with Andy McMillan appeared first on Rural Advancement.

All things to All People: Contextualizing Rural Ministry with Andy McMillan Part 1

Staff — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:27:27 +0000

Join Pastor Andy McMillan as we discuss how a minister can lead themselves and their church to reach their community effectively. We discuss things like designing a church around the community demographics, the need for flexibility among pastors, and the nature of God’s call to ministry in this 2 part conversation

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or to get encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post All things to All People: Contextualizing Rural Ministry with Andy McMillan Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

A Passion for Revitalization with Matt Baumgartner

Staff — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:10:12 +0000

Pastor Matt Baumgartner currently lives in Laramie, WY, and is in the middle of pursuing a Phd focused on revitalization in rural churches. Join us today to talk about how that passion got started, and to look at some of the practical considerations involved with revitalization!

To connect with pastor Matt you can email him at matt@newlifelaramie.org

Check out some of his suggested resources!

“Biblical Church Revitalization” by Brian Croft

“Autopsy of a Deceased Church” by Thom Rainer

“Reclaiming Glory” by Mark Clifton

As always if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post A Passion for Revitalization with Matt Baumgartner appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Pastoring Small Towns Part 1

Staff — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:34:05 +0000

Join host Joe Epley as he walks through the book Pastoring Small Towns by Ronnie Martin and Donnie Griggs. Today’s recommendation will include thoughts on compassion, the nuance of the rural church, and how pride is possible, even in a small town setting.

To purchase the book, click the link here.

As always, to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Rural Resource: Pastoring Small Towns Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Ministry to those with Addiction with Jack Smart

Staff — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:07:42 +0000

Jack Smart has worked for 34 years with an addiction help ministry called Teen Challenge. His life has been dedicated to helping those with addiction find faith in Jesus, from his time with teen challenge and beyond. Tune in today to hear thoughts on how to minister to this group on a local level!

If you want to get a hold of Jack Smart and hear more about the ministries he offers to those struggling with addiction in rural communities, you can reach out to him at 417-849-1160 or through his email: jacksmart64@gmail.com

You can also visit livingfree.org or ruralfreedom.org to see addiction resources there!

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or to find encouragement, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Ministry to those with Addiction with Jack Smart appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Outreach Practices with Jon Baker

Staff — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:06:50 +0000

Join us as Pastor Jon Baker shares his heartbeat for the lost through the lens of his own story, adding practical insights throughout that speak to outreach in a rural community!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Outreach Practices with Jon Baker appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Apologetics, Police Work, and Mentorship with Jason Kindelberger

Staff — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:50:30 +0000

Join Pastor Jason Kindelberger as we talk about lessons applied to ministry from his work in law enforcement, the role of mentorship in shaping ministers, and his passion for apologetics!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Apologetics, Police Work, and Mentorship with Jason Kindelberger appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Co-pastoring, Church hurt, and Sabbatical Lessons with Jeremy and Amanda Harris

Staff — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:16:59 +0000

Pastors Jeremy and Amanda Harris are co-pastoring in Kulm, ND. Join us as we discuss the challenges and blessings of their co-lead role and hear how they navigate areas like sabbatical and church hurt.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com.

The post Co-pastoring, Church hurt, and Sabbatical Lessons with Jeremy and Amanda Harris appeared first on Rural Advancement.

New Year’s Reflections from 2023

Staff — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 23:20:57 +0000

Join host Joe Epley as he walks through something praiseworthy, something challenging, and something to pray about for the rural church in the coming year!

As always, you can reach out to us at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post New Year’s Reflections from 2023 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

People First Giving with Josh Lowrance

Staff — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:56:03 +0000

Join pastor Josh Lowrance as we discuss the topic of giving. In rural churches where resources are limited, Pastor Josh makes the case that priority should be given to missions, benevolence, and community outreach. He advocates that God will bless those who put people first in this way.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, you can contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

To read about the story of pastor Josh’s church, click here.

The post People First Giving with Josh Lowrance appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Champions! with Greg Ledgerwood

Staff — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 17:59:44 +0000

Join Pastor Greg Ledgerwood as he shares the story behind the book Champions!: How to be God’s Champion in a Broken World. His story is rooted in the depths of personal tragedy, but also serves to catapult him into a greater understanding of the goodness of God. It’s an encouragement for any pastor walking through tough seasons.

If you want to purchase the book Champions! you can do so on Amazon here.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, you are welcome to email our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Rural Resource: Champions! with Greg Ledgerwood appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Encouragement in the Midst of Change with Jamie Austin

Staff — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:13:47 +0000

Join Pastor Jamie Austin as we discuss navigating change, creating opportunities for leaders in the local church, and staying encouraged through painful processes of revitalization.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement or to give ideas or feedback, feel free to contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Encouragement in the Midst of Change with Jamie Austin appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Longevity, Church Planting, and a Culture of Family with Cody Cochran

Staff — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:26:41 +0000

Pastor Cody Cochran walks us through the highs and lows of longevity, why a pastor should or should not plant a church, and offers his unique take on creating a culture of family in his church. Tune in and check it out!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Longevity, Church Planting, and a Culture of Family with Cody Cochran appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Incarnational Christmas with Joe Epley

Staff — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:25:08 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as we discuss how and why to be incarnational in your community this Christmas Season. Scripture, history, and present experience all point to the need to be tangible, present, and authentic in the lives of those around us.

As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Referenced in today’s episode was the book The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society by Henri Nouwen, which you can view and purchase here.

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Circles of Gratitude with Joe Epley

Staff — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:40:08 +0000

Join our host Joe Epley as he discusses different ways to express gratitude for the church and community you find yourself serving in. Gratitude can be a powerful element towards helping people have longevity in the rural church.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show to give feedback or ideas, as well as for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Circles of Gratitude with Joe Epley appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Resiliency in the Rural Church with Chuck and Chris Griffin

Staff — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:40:35 +0000

Join pastors Chuck and Chris Griffin as we walk through the mindsets, marriage principles, and ministry practices that help us do ministry over a lifetime. Their story has ups and downs, and the lessons gleaned from each season are full of great nuggets for pastors who aspire to minister long term!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Resiliency in the Rural Church with Chuck and Chris Griffin appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Cowboy Church with Stan Formby

Staff — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:10:10 +0000

Pastor Stan Formby shares a lifetime of lessons from pastoral ministry, including how to persevere when things grow and when they don’t grow. He also highlights his newest venture, Cowboy Church, and how God is using it to reach people in his rural context. Tune in!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Cowboy Church with Stan Formby appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Church Planting and Revitalization with Paul Drost

Staff — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:58:25 +0000

Pastor Paul Drost talks us through his journey as a church planter, sharing insights on what success looks like, highlighting several great stories, and finally sharing wisdom he has picked up along the way on how to pour ourselves out for the sake of ministry.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Church Planting and Revitalization with Paul Drost appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Reclaiming Rural with Allen Stanton Part 2

Staff — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:54:16 +0000

Join us for part 2 of an interview with author Allen Stanton. His book Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations is full of wisdom on how we approaching loving churches and the small communities they are a part of. Tune in to hear highlights from this incredible and timely resource.

If you would like to purchase the book, you can do so at this website here.

The author also provided a discount code for 30% off for purchasing through that link, which is RLFANDF30

If you want to reach out to the author for encouragement or to connect about the book or your story, you can reach him at astanton@ozarks.edu

The post Rural Resource: Reclaiming Rural with Allen Stanton Part 2 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Reclaiming Rural with Allen Stanton Part 1

Staff — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:57:16 +0000

Join us for part 1 of an interview with author Allen Stanton. His book Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations is full of wisdom on how we approaching loving churches and the small communities they are a part of. Tune in to hear highlights from this incredible and timely resource.

If you would like to purchase the book, you can do so at this website here.

The author also provided a discount code for 30% off for purchasing through that link, which is RLFANDF30

If you want to reach out to the author for encouragement or to connect about the book or your story, you can reach him at astanton@ozarks.edu

The post Rural Resource: Reclaiming Rural with Allen Stanton Part 1 appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Authenticity in Relationships with Tony Searles

Staff — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:49:01 +0000

Pastor Tony Searles shares about authenticity and how it has played out over his ministry career through multiple contexts across the rural northeast. He speaks about accepting people where they are at, and the commitment we should have as ministers to love people well.

As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement or feedback, reach out to Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com.

The post Authenticity in Relationships with Tony Searles appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Feeding the Cattle: A Look at Pastoral Care with Travis Barbee

Staff — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:31:54 +0000

Pastor Travis Barbee spent the first part of his career working on a ranch in Oklahoma while serving in the local church. As he stepped into pastoring, he found the Lord had taught him plenty about how to take care of his congregants through his years working with animals. Tune in to here these valuable insights!

As always, you can reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, by contacting our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Feeding the Cattle: A Look at Pastoral Care with Travis Barbee appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Lessons from a Spanish American Context with Dennis Rivera

Staff — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:26:01 +0000

Pastor Dennis Rivera shares about challenges for rural multi-ethnic churches, but also the solutions that he has seen work in these contexts. These solutions are applicable for the wider rural church!

As always, if you want to reach out with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Lessons from a Spanish American Context with Dennis Rivera appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Seeing God through a Food Bank with Monte Reichenberg

Staff — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:17:34 +0000

Pastor Monte Reichenberg shares about seeing God show up through the work of their church in a local food bank. Today we can be encouraged and challenged by his example!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement or with ideas and feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Seeing God through a Food Bank with Monte Reichenberg appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Missions Giving, Vision Casting, and Leading into God’s Presence with Jeff Blizzard

Staff — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:29:25 +0000

Pastor Jeff Blizzard walks us through his thoughts on vision casting, how to deal with families leaving the church, and his passion for leading others into the presence of the Lord. His insights are helpful to any pastor who wants to see long term health in their congregation.

As always, feel free to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, by contacting our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Missions Giving, Vision Casting, and Leading into God’s Presence with Jeff Blizzard appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Mindsets for growth with Scott Burr

Staff — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 20:14:24 +0000

Pastor Scott shares on mindsets that have helped him achieve longevity in rural ministry. He covers practical areas like establishing a good deacon culture or how to handle families that leave, as well as his own personal moments with God that have kept him motivated when pastoral ministry gets tough.

Also, pastor Scott Burr is a published author! His book on preparing for marriage is a great resource for couples seeking godly wisdom as they approach marriage, as well as for the pastors who are guiding those couples through counseling. Check out Bound by God: Spiritual & Practical Preparation for Entering the Marriage Covenant at the link here.

As always, feel free to reach out to the show with encouragement, feedback, or ideas by emailing our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Mindsets for growth with Scott Burr appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Navigating Mentoring Relationships with Charitie Sandoz

Staff — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:29:04 +0000

Pastor Charitie Sandoz shares her perspective on effective mentoring and peer to peer relationships as a single woman in ministry. She draws from scripture and her own experiences to give balanced perspective on how to walk with integrity.

As always, feel free to reach out to the show with encouragement, feedback, or ideas, by connecting with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Navigating Mentoring Relationships with Charitie Sandoz appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Church Out Here Part 2 with Will Basham and Sam Byers

Staff — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:09:33 +0000

Join us for part 2 of our discussion with authors from the collaborative book, Church Out Here: Insights from Small-Town Churches. Today’s interview with Will Basham and Sam Byers talks about how the pastor themselves finds personal community, as well as how to have a healthy and tangible sense of community within a rural congregation.

As always, if you want to reach the show with encouragement, feedback, or ideas contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can purchase Church Out Here at this link: Church Out Here

As well as check out all resources from the Rural Church Voices group at their website www.ruralchurchvoices.com

The post Rural Resource: Church Out Here Part 2 with Will Basham and Sam Byers appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Rural Resource: Church Out Here Part 1 with Jason Cook and Jim Drake

Staff — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:22:26 +0000

Pastors Jim Drake and Jason Cook were part of a collaboration of authors who lent their voices for Church Out Here: Insights from Small-Town Churches. Today’s interview covers the rural church in decline answering the question of what to do for effective revitalization and how to care for a church facing the end of it’s journey.

As always, if you want to reach the show with encouragement, feedback, or ideas contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

You can purchase Church Out Here at this link: Church Out Here

As well as check out all resources from the Rural Church Voices group at their website www.ruralchurchvoices.com

The post Rural Resource: Church Out Here Part 1 with Jason Cook and Jim Drake appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Community Development with Beth Epley

Staff — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:15:16 +0000

Beth Epley has spent the last seven years as a licensed minister of the Assemblies of God as well as the Executive Director of an economic development agency focused on investing in rural communities of southeastern Montana. Her unique blend of both vocational and marketplace ministry yields valuable lessons on community involvement, how to love your context, and the art of place-making.

As always, if you would like to contact the show with feedback, ideas, or for encouragement, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Community Development with Beth Epley appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Small Town Resistance, the Power of a Funeral, and Successful Longevity with Jeff Kapelle

Staff — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 21:46:14 +0000

Pastor Jeff Kapelle has spent 35 years ministering in Tolna, ND. Join us today as he reflects on his tenure and how he has continued to minister successfully in his rural context.

If you ever want to contact pastor Jeff, he can be reached at Kapklan@gondtc.com.

If you want to reach out to the show for feedback, ideas, or encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Small Town Resistance, the Power of a Funeral, and Successful Longevity with Jeff Kapelle appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Healthy Work Rhythms with Paul Richardson

Staff — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:58:59 +0000

Pastor Paul Richardson joins us again to discuss concepts like sabbath, work/life balance, and the need to find sustainable rhythms for rural ministry.

As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or ideas and feedback, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Healthy Work Rhythms with Paul Richardson appeared first on Rural Advancement.

Stories of God’s Provision with Denny Curan

Staff — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 21:42:36 +0000

Pastor Denny Curan recounts his ministry journey, sharing insights about how God has provided in a variety of ways. Tune in today to have your faith encouraged and challenged!

As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback, ideas, or for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post Stories of God’s Provision with Denny Curan appeared first on Rural Advancement.

The Rural Church in Perspective with Pastor Doug Clay

Staff — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 02:11:31 +0000

Pastor Doug Clay serves as the superintendent of the Assemblies of God fellowship. Tune in today to hear how the rural church shaped his life and ministry, as well as the need for successful pastoral transition in the rural church.

To hear more about the legacy transition group, visit legacytransitiongroup.com

As always you can reach out to the show for encouragement, feedback, and ideas by connecting with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

The post The Rural Church in Perspective with Pastor Doug Clay appeared first on Rural Advancement.