Rural Church Renewal

TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

Rural pastors helping rural churches think biblically about the local church.

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

Top 10 Rural Church Renewal Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Rural Church Renewal episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Rural Church Renewal for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Rural Church Renewal episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Is Your Church Ready For Shady People?

Rural Church Renewal

03/16/20 • 39 min

In this episode we discuss...

how your church should respond when shady people come through the door!
- We've all had folks walk into our doors on a Sunday morning looking and acting strange!
- What should we do in these scenarios?
- Solutions!
  - Love them!
    - 1 Cor. 13.
  - Shepherd.
    - Guarding the flock should imply doing everything it takes to keep the people safe.
  - Showing hospitality means protecting those you’ve asked to attend the service.
  - Trained security team.
    - Do a walk-thru, find vulnerable areas, clearly label entrance doors, hallways, classrooms, etc...
  - Child Safety.
    - Check-in, window in the doors, physical guard, and background checks.
  - Lock the church doors during the service, but keep a person nearby to let people in.
  - Have an easy way to communicate a concern you have to a security team member.
  - Engage shady people.
    - Ask questions, look in the eyes, etc.
    - Have someone shadow them.

Links for our Top Two's:

Robert Wuthnow's The Left Behind
Pastor swap
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Take your meetings on the road

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

Pastoring on Fumes

Rural Church Renewal

09/03/20 • 42 min

In this episode we discuss...

our five points on pastoring simply on fumes:
1. Read Paul (Scripture), compare, & repeat!
  - 2 Corinthians 11:23-30
2. Think about trials correctly and praise God!
  - James 1:12
  - 1 Peter 4:12
  - 1 Peter 5:10
  - Romans 8:18
  - 2 Corinthians 12:9
  - 2 Timothy 4:5-8
3. Spend MORE time with Christ!
  - Philippians 3:7-11
  - Matthew 11:28-30
  - Philippians 4:6-7
4. Ask for help!
  - James 5:16
  - Ephesians 4
5. Take a break already!
  - Matthew 14:13 & 22

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

TJ will tell us about making your smart phone dumb!

Our Quote of the Day:

"By constantly meditating on the goodness of God and on our great deliverance from that punishment which our sins have deserved, we are brought to feel our vileness and utter unworthiness; and while we continue in this spirit of self-degradation, everything else will go on easily. We shall find ourselves advancing in our course; we shall feel the presence of God; we shall experience His love; we shall live in the enjoyment of His favour and in the hope of His glory. . . . You often feel that your prayers scarcely reach the ceiling; but, oh, get into this humble spirit by considering how good the Lord is, and how evil you all are, and then prayer will mount on wings of faith to heaven. The sigh, the groan of a broken heart, will soon go through the ceiling up to heaven, aye, into the very bosom of God." Charles Simeon

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

Losing Focus in the Rural Church Pt. II

Rural Church Renewal

12/04/20 • 58 min

In this episode we discuss...

our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church part II:
1. Politics can distract the Church
  - Titus 3:1-8
  - Instead of MAGA, Christians should be K.O.G.I.B - The Kingdom of God is Better
  - Instead of The Resistance, Christians should be The Persistence - Living a Christlike Life no matter who the president is
2. Hyper-Patriotism and/or Nationalism can distract the Church
  - God CREATED the nations (Acts 17:24-26)
  - God RULES the nations (Psalm 66:7)
  - God RAISED UP HIS OWN kingdom (Rev 5:9-10)
  - God’s KINGDOM will continue to grow (Matthew 13:31-32)
3. The Culture War can distract the Church
  - The culture war is actually a spiritual war.
  - Don’t be surprised at the depravity of man! Don’t make your only goal to win the culture war, make your goal to make disciples.
  - Jeremiah 17:9
  - Romans 1:21-24
  - Isaiah 5:20-21
  - 2 Timothy 4:1-5
4. The Church can get distracted by our response to COVID-19
  - 2 Timothy 1:3-7 - Walk in the STRENGTH/POWER of Biblical Conviction, the LOVE of Christ and the SELF-CONTROL given by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God planted into a regenerate heart... and PRAYER helps too!
5. Rather than have the “perfect church” in our own eyes, our goal is to have a church that responds perfectly to these things, and shepherd them through it
  - Be encouraged! Christ has and is working to make His church perfect, so stop comparing your church to other churches.
  - Ephesians 5:25-27
  - 2 Timothy 1:15
  - 1 Corinthians 3:3-4
Next week we’ll focus on the INTERNAL FOCUS rural congregations can develop and how to overcome it.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

Got some free time and want to listen to some books? Joe reviews Audible Plus.

Our Quote of the Day:

"The day is coming when he will ride on his white horse and go forth conquering and to conquer; but today, it is the red horse; for his church still suffers; still is she stained with the blood of persecution." Charles Spurgeon

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

The Pastor's Schedule - How to Use Your Time Best

Rural Church Renewal

05/06/19 • 53 min

In this episode we discuss...

Why it is imperative that rural pastors plan their schedules!
- Is there a biblical basis for planning?
- Why is it challenging for pastors to plan?
- How can you prudently, and effectively plan your agenda to the glory of God?
- David Murray's Reset

The listener question we answer this week:

Mark from North Central Pennsylvania asks, "I pastor in a small town where there are quite a few churches. The problem is that not all of them are gospel preaching, and of the ones that are we either have some significant level of doctrinal disagreement or they just are not healthy. How can I as a pastor engage with the other pastors right in my area in a positive way that encourages them towards Christ and the Word in spite of disagreement?"

Links for our Top Two's:

R.C. Sproul's God Is Holy
Martha Peace's The Excellent Wife
Honey and Loquat Syrup
Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer

CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)
Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741Email: [email protected]
Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalkTwitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN
Itunes Spotify
Google Play

Bonus Episode: Peace!

Rural Church Renewal

03/12/21 • 14 min

In this episode we discuss...

our 5 points on what to do while we wait for season 2:
1. Invest in individuals in your congregation,
2. Preach the Word.
3. Find rest.
4. Care for your family.
5. Pray, pray, pray!
6. Sing, sing, sing!

CONTACT

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

Leading Great Worship in Tiny Rural Churches

Rural Church Renewal

02/10/20 • 53 min

In this episode we discuss...

how can you strive for excellence in worship in tiny churches?!
We know from Scripture we're called to worship:
- Psalm 149:1
- Colossians 3:16 to name a few
Challenges for worship in tiny churches:
- There aren’t that many musicians to go around in smaller congregations.
- The few musicians that are there can stake their claim on the piano/organ.
- Some musicians or vocalists aren’t nearly as good as they think they are.
- Small congregations in big buildings.
- A poor theology of worship.
- Sacred Cows in worship.
- Worship song choices that are not glorifying to God.
- People find it really easy to complain.
How can we overcome these challenges?
- Too Few Musicians and vocalists
  - Help from other churches, camps, colleges, parachurch orgs
  - There are usually more than you think in your church. Encourage ones who can...
  - Advertising and making a well-vetted and inexpensive part-time hire... Lew
  - Train yourself as pastor to lead...
  - Simplify! Fewer songs done better!
- Members who find their identity in what they do musically that prevents others from stepping forward, or another need for correction but people are too afraid of hurting somebody’s feelings.
  - Hard conversations.
  - Lead them to repentance for their pride and disobedience as they are doing Satan’s work.
  - 2 Timothy 2:24-26
- A poor theology of Worship
  - TEACH! TEACH! TEACH! TEACH from the pulpit. A great topical sermon series or one-off.
  - Get involved with the worship team and planning!
  - Develop a Big Goal for the worship or sticky motto:
    - “The most important instrument God can hear during worship is the congregation singing together!”
  - The congregation is the choir.
  - Take/send worship team to good conferences/workshops/trainings.

Links for our Top Two's:

Cultish Podcast
Any Audio Bible
Place and water plants in your office!
Yousician App

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

3 Reasons People Are Showing Up Late to Your Services

Rural Church Renewal

02/03/20 • 54 min

In this episode we discuss...

why people are showing up late to your services!
3 Reasons:
- They have not thought carefully about the impact on others.
  - Philippians 2:3
  - 1 Corinthians 13:5
  - Hebrews 10:24-25
  - Ecclesiastes 7:1
  - Solution?
    - Teach the congregation the importance of being on time for the sake of others.
- You have not thought carefully about the impact on the congregation.
  - Church doesn’t start on time.
  - You start with boring or excessive announcements.
  - Your leaders aren’t in the service yet.
  - It’s too loud or too dark in the auditorium
  - The opening is inauthentic.
  - Solution?
    - Know why the start of the service is important.
      - What are the redeeming factors?
      - If there are none, CHANGE YOUR PRACTICE!
      - Once you know the importance of each early element, teach it!
- Other Priorities are more important.
  - Staying up late or sleeping in.
  - Poor structure in the home for getting kids around.
  - Not wanting to talk to people before church.
  - Have to stop and get that coffee.
  - Solution?
    - Make Christ compelling!!
      - Connect announcements to greater purpose of our life together as the body of Christ.
      - Have a moment of silent reflection where we ask Christ to prepare our hearts and help us to focus on Him.
      - Have a call to worship that points to the glory of Christ.
      - Sing more about Christ than yourselves.
      - Etc.

Links for our Top Two's:

Clean your study and make it inviting!
Encourage your people to read two or three chapters of the Bible at a time, as well as a Psalm and/or a Proverb! Tim Challies Reading Plan
Gunpowder Green Tea!
Don't get DC Comics APP!

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

The Second Step Toward Revitalization

Rural Church Renewal

01/20/20 • 54 min

In this episode we discuss...

the second step toward church revitalization: THE WORD !
- 7 Reasons the Word of God Can Revitalize Your Church !
  - The Word of God does more than you can .
    - Hebrews 4:12-13
  - The Word of God changes people who have problems .
    - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  - The Word of God is smarter than you are .
    - Psalm 119:105
  - The Word of God works for the simple .
    - Psalm 119:130
  - You cannot live without the Word of God.
    - Matthew 4:4
  - The Word of God alone saves .
    - James 1:21
  - Jesus commands us to use the Word of God.
    - Matthew 4:4

Links for our Top Two's:

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: @ruralpastorsLISTEN

4 Easy Ways to Fight Biblical Illiteracy in Your Church

Rural Church Renewal

11/25/19 • 58 min

In this episode we discuss...

the problem of Biblical illiteracy and easy ways to fight it!
- Biblical literacy in the church is on the decline.
  - LifeWay Research
  - Ligonier State of Theology Survey
- Why is this a problem?
  - Matthew 4:4
  - Through the Bible we:
    - Understand our purpose.
    - Respond to trouble.
    - Learn to steward what God has entrusted to us.
    - Have hope.
    - And much more!!
- What can we do to combat biblical illiteracy?

Make the Bible important.
- Offer Bibles instead of putting the reference on screens.
- Don't use bookmarks.
- Give people time to turn to the reference.
Teach while you preach.
- When you see therefore, ask "What is it there for?"
- Genre
- Parallelism
- Comparison & Contrasts
- Repeated Words & Phrases
- Types & Shadows
Include passages about Scripture in your everyday conversations.
- Colossians 3:16
- Hebrews 4:12
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Encourage slow, intentional, Bible reading.
- gotquestions.org
- ligonier.org

Links for our Top Two's:

ESV Heirloom Single Column Legacy Bible
The Christian Counselor's New Testament
Be a FUN Dad
Woodcarving Knives by Morakniv

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

Pastoring Rural Parents with Dr. Tedd Tripp!

Rural Church Renewal

11/11/19 • 69 min

In this episode we discuss...

pastoring rural parents with our guest author, speaker, and pastor Dr. Tedd Tripp!
- We'll answer these questions:
  - What do we need to know about the kids in our church before we can equip the parents in our churches to shepherd them well?
  - What is the biggest mistake you see Christian parents making that they might not even be aware of?
  - If a young pastor came to you and said, “Dr. Tripp, I’ve noticed that the children in our church are undisciplined. They can’t sit still. They don’t listen to their parents. They don’t respect their teachers.” And I don’t know what to do.” How would you counsel that pastor?
  - One of the main arguments you make in the book is that our focus should be on changing hearts rather than behavior. Are you suggesting that we should not try to change the behavior of our children?
  - Why would you encourage us to spank our children when a nice time out could get the job done and keep us in the good graces of society?
  - How can we encourage the parents in our churches to see their children as a blessing?
  - Is it wrong for us to discourage the parents in our churches from having their children so involved in these activities?

Links for our Top Two's: