Advertise on podcast: Rural Advancement

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

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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] You can purchase Carl’s book at the link here.

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]   You can find a version of St. John Chrysostom’s Homilies on Matthew here And again on the Homilies of Acts here

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 [email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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

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 [email protected]