Advertise on podcast: Rural Church Renewal

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, Joe Wagner, Josh MacClaren, and CJ Dematatis open with a humorous “Pastoralax” skit before diving into what makes pastors grumpy and why a “holy heart check” matters in rural ministry.  They share personal stories including travel fatigue and traffic, tightly planned schedules getting disrupted, last-minute Sunday volunteer changes, losing a preaching slot, and discouragement over a church building situation and how the Lord used Exodus (especially Israel’s grumbling) and Scripture to expose pride, discontentment, and doubts about God’s sovereignty.  The guys discuss how grumpiness can poison a rural church by resisting change, harming welcome, and creating rifts, and they encourage drawing close to grumpy members with patience, good questions, prayer, and self-examination. They recommend Jerry Bridges’ The Discipline of Grace and close with a Spurgeon quote on catechizing your own heart.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren swap favorite vacation spots before pivoting to a needed conversation about rest for pastors. They discuss the common extremes: discouraged pastors who drift into laziness versus pastors who can’t shut ministry off. Then Josh lays out a biblical theology of rest from creation, the Sabbath, and the gospel, including the promised rest fulfilled in Christ and awaited in the new heavens and new earth. The guys talk practical rhythms like guarding a day off, setting boundaries with texts and phones, and how physical work can be restorative. TJ shares about taking a Lilly Endowment-funded sabbatical focused on unplugging, counseling, journaling, and family time, and encourages pastors to evaluate where they are on the “rest continuum” and take steps toward faithful, God-honoring rest.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, Joe Wagner and CJ Dematatis discuss why pulpit supply and guest preaching matter for both congregations and preachers, pushing back on the idea that rural ministry is a “training wheels” assignment. CJ reflects on early preaching lessons and shares key takeaways from the Charles Simeon Trust Chicago Course on Preaching: get the text right for the original audience, then faithfully connect it to Jesus and thoughtfully apply it to real people by knowing and loving them.  Residents Jacob Smoker and Brydon Ratliff recount their first sermons, the value of critique, and practical advice like arriving early, staying anchored in the text, and asking hosting churches good questions about context and expectations. They recommend the book 'Saving Eutychus' and close with a George Whitefield quote.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren discuss how a church can become a “reverse witness” in its community when it’s known for something other than Christ. They argue that in small towns, reputation spreads fast and lasts for generations, so building genuine relationships with community leaders and neighbors matters for both practical needs (like zoning and securing a building) and gospel opportunities. Josh shares encouragement from his Chamber of Commerce president amid ongoing zoning hurdles, and the guys unpack dangers like manipulation, “us vs. them” thinking, and confusing pragmatics with mission. They recommend Stephen Viars’ Loving Your Community and close with a Bonhoeffer quote on the church existing for others.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Josh MacClaren, and Joe Wagner swap memorable “worst hotel” stories to highlight how first impressions linger and why hospitality matters when guests visit a church.  They discuss common rural-church hospitality pitfalls, like locked or unused front doors, unclear entrances, and assuming everyone already knows where to go. They also offer practical steps such as opening the main doors, using simple signage (especially for bathrooms and classrooms), keeping entryways clean, and providing coffee and refreshments.  The guys talk through greeting strategies from the parking lot to the door, caution against “greeting fatigue” and calling visitors out from the pulpit, and encourage equipping members (including teens) for welcoming roles.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman interviews Bryce Asberg, director of a pregnancy resource center in Hillsdale, Michigan, about why the pro-life issue matters deeply for rural churches.  Bryce shares his background, his “boring” Christian testimony, and how his long-standing pro-life convictions led him into pregnancy center work. Together they discuss how abortion is now present in every community through telemedicine and mailed abortion pills, making discipleship and clear, compassionate biblical teaching more urgent than ever.  Bryce argues abortion is ultimately about God’s glory and authority as Creator, and he encourages pastors to strengthen local discipleship while partnering with pregnancy centers through prayer, people, and financial support. They also explore how centers can serve as “emergency room” ministries and wisely connect clients to the local church. Contact Bryce to learn more at [email protected].

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, Josh MacClaren, Joe Wagner, and first-time podcast guest Eric Grant swap small-town stories before diving into why churches in tiny towns matter and why church planters shouldn’t overlook them. Eric shares about planting Trinity Church in Antrim, Pennsylvania, a former coal town with about 30 weekly attendees, more hunting cabins than permanent homes, and the only other establishment being a bar across the street. The guys discuss how rural ministry keeps relationships intimate, why the “what and why” of ministry stay the same while the “how” shifts by context, and why shorter sermons can serve unchurched listeners without compromising substance. Eric recommends Martin Lloyd-Jones’s Preaching and Preachers and closes with a Steven Whitmer quote from A Big Gospel in Small Places.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman and pastors Joshua MacClaren and Joe Wagner discuss church music and whether “better music” can save a struggling rural ministry.  After swapping childhood music memories, they talk about why music matters and how churches often treat it as the quick fix for low attendance or discontent members. They contrast different approaches, from full bands to YouTube backing tracks, and argue that singing is meant to encourage one another, not to perform or attract crowds.  The guys encourage pastors to aim for faithfulness and teach a biblical theology of congregational singing. They also share some more practical advice such as: choose simpler, thematically fitting songs, and use a service leader to guide the church through worship.

TJ got a chance to interview our friend, Sam Hahn, on why relationships between men in many churches, especially rural settings, can feel shallow. They get to chat about how pastors can help cultivate deeper, gospel-centered brotherhood.  Drawing from Sam's doctoral ministry project, they discuss the need for safe, non-sexualized male intimacy, the biblical priority of men not being alone, and a practical approach for building vulnerability through guided story-sharing in small groups with prayer.  We hope this conversation can help rural pastors encourage their church members to pursue deep, meaningful relationships with the fellow men in their congregation! 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a rural pastor who needs encouragement. Your support helps strengthen healthy rural churches for the glory of Christ.

Rural Pastors Talk is back! In this Season 6 premiere of the Rural Pastors Talk podcast, we’re asking: What ever happened to Rural Pastor’s Talk? This episode is gives us the opportunity to “un-rebrand.” And with it comes a renewed commitment to the health of the rural church. We talk honestly about why RPT rebranded, what we hoped to accomplish, why we’re changing back, and what we believe is at stake for pastors serving Christ faithfully in rural places. Beneath the humor and banter is a clear conviction: the rural church is not a stepping stone, a training ground, or God’s penalty box. As long as Christ’s people live in rural communities, Jesus intends a vibrant, healthy, multiplying church to be there. This episode of Rural Pastors Talk is for rural pastors, small-church leaders, bivocational ministers, elders, and anyone who cares about the long-term strength of churches in rural America. We pray this episode helps encouage as you pursue faithfulness in your small, country church.  In this episode, we discuss:  • Why Rural Pastors Talk is back  • Why we rebranded—and why we’re changing back again  • Why healthy rural churches matter for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom  • A practical book recommendation rural pastors can actually use  • A  quote from John Wesley to keep us from being too fleshly  • Plus some banter—including the important question you’ll have to tune in to hear! Book recommendation for rural pastors: 📘 What’s Best Next by Matt Perman A theologically grounded vision for productivity that roots joyful, effective work in the doctrine of justification and love for others. Quote featured in this episode: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” — John Wesley If you’re serving in rural ministry, leading a small church, or laboring faithfully in a place that feels overlooked, this episode sets the tone for Season 6 and reminds us why the rural church is worth giving our lives to. 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a rural pastor who needs encouragement. Your support helps strengthen healthy rural churches for the glory of Christ.

Speaker: Sean Demars Summary: In this session, Sean Demars preaches from Hebrews Chapter 11 to underline the inescapable nature of affliction in gospel ministry. The sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding through times of hardship. Through five key points, the speaker encourages expecting and understanding various afflictions, recognizing their fruits, leading well amid trials, and maintaining hope, dependence, love, and joy. The session highlights that affliction is an inherent part of ministry, intended to shape more effective and humble leaders. Biblical references and personal anecdotes bolster the message, ultimately guiding shepherds to anticipate justice and find profound growth through their sufferings. Connect with us: Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook

Speaker: Raphael Mnkandhla Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Conference, Raphael Mnkandhla focuses on Romans chapter 10, highlighting Paul's dedication to preaching to the Jews despite them being largely resistant to the gospel. The core message is about the Kingdom of God advancing in forgotten places such as rural areas and small towns, which often feel overlooked in evangelism. Through the lens of Romans 10, the speaker discusses the importance of heartfelt compassion, prayer, and perseverance in spreading the gospel. Citing personal experiences and historical examples, the session underscores that genuine transformation through Christ compels believers to desire and work for the salvation of others. The speaker encourages attendees to stay committed to their callings, maintain hope, and continue sharing the gospel with passion in their respective communities. Connect with us: Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook

Speaker: Mike Miosi Summary: In this session from the Brainerd Conference, Mike Miosi emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's design for shepherding His church, especially in rural contexts. He shares personal experiences, including church planting and pastoring, and underscores the significance of scriptural alignment in church leadership. The session explores the Trinitarian nature of God's work in the church, the biblical foundation of shepherding, and the need for a plurality of elders. Practical advice is provided on discipling men and aligning church structure with biblical patterns, with a call to use scripture as the ultimate guide. Connect with us: Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook

Speaker: Sean Demars Summary: In this morning sermon at the Brainerd Conference, Sean Demars highlights the unique advantages of congregational singing, particularly within small churches. Demars explores the dichotomy between artistically and logically inclined Christians, referencing Exodus 15 to illustrate how God appreciates both prose and poetry, logic and beauty. He interprets the Song of Moses as a vital tool for teaching the importance of congregational singing, emphasizing that singing is both a duty and a privilege for God's people. Singing engages the whole person and should be done in response to God's grace, together as a community, and in a way that bears witness to our faith. Demars underscores the necessity for leaders to set an example in worship, encourages singing truth about God, and advocates for covering the full spectrum of God's attributes in worship. He concludes by connecting the Song of Moses to the Song of the Lamb in Revelation, emphasizing the eternal nature of our worship. Connect with us: Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook

Speaker: Sean Demars Summary: In this Brainerd Conference session, Sean shares his journey of church revitalization at Sixth Avenue Community Church. Initially confident and equipped with years of ministry experience, he faced numerous challenges, from financial struggles to dealing with members' heretical beliefs and personal betrayals. Through these hardships, he discovered the profound lesson that true pastoral strength is found in embracing weakness, as highlighted in Second Corinthians 12. The session emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength rather than personal abilities, urging pastors to be transparent with their faults and to trust in God's grace even amidst adversities. Connect with us: Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook