Author Archives - Rural Advancement

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!

The post Rural Resource: The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer appeared first on Rural Advancement.

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

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

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.