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In this episode, host Shelby Pinson chats with Kirby Fraley, the Community Outreach Minister with the Church of Christ at Cedar Lane in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Drawing from her background in mental healthcare and social services, Kirby shares how her path unexpectedly led her into ministry. She discusses the economic divides in her hometown, the pressing challenges low-income families face, and how her congregation is working to bridge those gaps. Throughout the conversation, Kirby highlights the joy of relational ministry, finding hope in the church's inspiring youth, and leaning into the Holy Spirit while embracing small, everyday acts of faithful community service. Listen for these three talking points from the episode: Bridging community divides through mutual relationships: Kirby highlights the economic divide in her town and emphasizes that meaningful ministry begins with building genuine relationships, listening to one another, and recognizing that everyone has something to learn from and teach one another. Finding hope in the younger generation: Instead of wringing hands over the future, Cedar Lane sees its youth leading the way in spiritual formation and deep belonging, refreshing the whole congregation with their genuine faith. Celebrating the day of small things: Real impact happens in quiet, everyday moments – like sharing casseroles, trying small community experiments, or hosting a winter shelter – rather than chasing big numbers or a social media spotlight. You can get in touch with Kirby via email: [email protected]

In this episode, we hear from Allen Stanton, founder of Reclaiming Rural and author of Reclaiming Rural and The Gift of Small. Allen challenges the narrative that small or rural churches are failing. He talks about how society pushes a business mindset where bigger is always better, contrasting that with the intrinsic strength of small congregations. Allen highlights how these churches thrive through intergenerational relationships, local flexibility, and deep community roots, offering a wonderfully hopeful message for leaders to stop apologizing for their size and embrace the unique gifts they bring. Listen for these three takeaways: Redefining growth and success: Business models often push the idea that bigger is always better, but church vitality shouldn't be measured purely by numbers. Small congregations foster higher per-capita commitment, deep personal connection, and sustainable spiritual care. The unique gifts of small churches: Small congregations naturally function as tight-knit communities where intergenerational relationships flourish, members discover and practice new talents, and teams can respond quickly and flexibly to local community needs. Stop apologizing for being small: Leaders are urged to drop the mindset of scarcity and fear. Being small isn't a failure or a temporary phase – it's a meaningful, vital calling that anchors neighborhoods and leaves a generational impact. Connect with Allen:  Email: [email protected]   Substack: https://allenstanton.substack.com/  Find Allen's books here

In this episode, host Shelby Pinson sits down with Johnny Hobbie, minister at Maul Road Church of Christ in Camden, Arkansas, for a discussion about the unique challenges and rewards of small-town ministry. Johnny shares his decades-long history with Camden, describing a community marked by a striking economic contrast between high-tech defense industry jobs and widespread local poverty. He reflects on how Maul Road has intentionally grown to mirror its town's diversity across age groups, racial backgrounds, and income levels.  Johnny highlights that effective ministry happens outside the building walls, through their bustling food pantry, being present during sudden town crises, or simply sharing warm hellos in the Walmart aisles. While small churches can struggle with volunteer fatigue and raising up new teachers, Johnny offers heartfelt encouragement to keep persevering. He stresses the beauty of intergenerational relationships, equipping youth for active worship, giving volunteers freedom in how they serve, and taking time for personal rest, physical health, and family. It’s a deeply moving reminder that loving people well and showing up in life's ordinary, everyday moments lies at the core of ministerial leadership. Three highlights from the conversation: Presence Over Programs: True pastoral care happens out in the community. Whether it's stopping for a chat in a grocery store aisle, visiting a local restaurant owner, or showing up at the hospital during a crisis, building authentic everyday relationships creates the trust needed when people go through difficult times. The Power of Intergenerational Community: Small-town churches flourish when every generation participates together. From a 92-year-old faithfully teaching Bible class to children actively leading singing and praying during worship, connecting older members with youth creates a vibrant environment where young people are naturally equipped to lead. Leading with Patience, Freedom, and Rest: Sustaining long-term ministry requires flexibility and time for rest. Leaders can let good ideas "simmer," grant volunteers the freedom to carry out service in their own style rather than micromanaging, and prioritize physical and spiritual rest to avoid burnout. Book mentioned: Toxic Charity : How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton Contact Johnny at [email protected]

In this encouraging episode, Shelby Pinson sits down with long-time minister and professor Tim Gunnels to explore what it truly means to shepherd a small-town congregation with patience and wisdom. Tim opens up about his personal journey into ministry, including taking a break to care for his aging parents while navigating severe health challenges of his own, before returning to the pulpit at Southside Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He reflects on how entering a tight-knit, slow-paced rural community required a meaningful shift in his leadership style. Rather than charging ahead with quick programs or relying on academic credentials, Tim learned the art of listening deeply, earning trust slowly, and letting new initiatives mature naturally through local elders. The heart of their discussion turns toward spiritual formation and sustainable personal rhythms. Tim shares how stepping back from high-pressure church growth models to embrace simple spiritual disciplines (such as solitude, continuous daily prayer, and living simply) restored his soul after experiencing burnout. Ultimately, he encourages leaders in small towns to slow down, invest genuinely in every individual, and lead from a place of deep, unconditional love. Listen for these three themes in particular: 1 | Patience and Discernment Over Quick Fixes: Serving in a close-knit rural community requires leaders to slow down, set aside credentials, and listen far more than they speak. Real progress happens when you honor the local culture and let ideas grow organically through local leadership rather than pushing rapid change. 2 | Sustaining Ministry Through Spiritual Formation: Lasting ministry flows out of *being* rather than constant *doing*. Moving away from primarily program-driven ministry toward simple spiritual disciplines (like solitude, ongoing prayer, and simplicity) prevents burnout and grounds leadership in a genuine relationship with God. 3 | Valuing Every Individual with Unconditional Love: Meaningful impact in a small town isn't about targeting key figures of influence; it's about intentionally connecting with everyone. Taking the time for simple, everyday conversations with youth, church members, and neighbors builds lasting trust and shows love freely. If you'd like to connect with Tim, reach out to him here: [email protected]

In this episode, we hear from Brad Roth, a rural Kansas pastor who’s passionate about small-town life and church. He kicks things off by breaking down the common myths we often hear — that rural areas are either perfect "Mayberry" towns or they are dying out. The reality is much more interesting! He points out that only about 6% of folks in these areas actually work in agriculture. Instead, these towns are vibrant hubs for manufacturing, schools, and healthcare. The heart of Brad's message is about abiding — the simple but powerful act of staying put and building real relationships over the long haul. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, he talks about how Jesus wasn't in a rush and really cared about the specific places he visited. He encourages leaders to worry less about attendance numbers and start looking at how much "goodness" they’re bringing to their neighbors. He also gets honest about burnout, suggesting that we should see ministry as a series of experiments rather than a series of high-stakes tests. By embracing a slower pace and taking time for silence, pastors can stay grounded and remember they are a unique gift to their community. Talking points: Moving Beyond the Myths: Brad reminds us that rural communities are permanent, diverse places. They aren't just "flyover" country or simple farm towns; they are complex environments that need leaders who engage with the real economic and social life happening right now. The Art of Staying Put: True fulfillment often comes down to the theology of abiding. By committing to a place for years, pastors build the deep trust and "stick-to-itiveness" needed to navigate local anxieties and conflicts that might otherwise cause a leader to give up too soon. Redefining Success: Instead of just tracking budgets and pews, Brad challenges churches to ask: "How are we being good to our community?" Shifting the focus to practical kindness and faithfulness creates a much more invitational culture in the long run. You can contact Brad at: doxologyproject.com and townsquareco.org

Shelby Coble talks with Josh Tracy about his transition from living in the DFW Metroplex to small-town ministry. He expresses the difference in doing ministry in the two contexts by appreciating how his church community has come together for one another and by wanting to create a culture where everyone is welcome at the table. He wants to encourage his congregation, as well as everyone in the audience, that God has you where you’re at for a reason, use that for God’s glory and for His kingdom. Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble talks with BJ McMichael, pulpit minister at the Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ in McAlester, Oklahoma, about building intentional relationships by strengthening existing pathways of connection and fostering goodwill. Through the imagery of “table fellowship,” BJ explores how curiosity, attentive listening, and being fully present shape his approach to ministry.

Shelby Coble speaks with Tony Smith about his life and ministry in Kalispell, Montana. Over 20 years of living in Montana, Tony has developed strong relationships with church members and nearby ministries in Kalispell. In addition, his work within the school system has allowed him to build meaningful connections with students and their parents, giving him opportunities to better understand and support the varied situations families face at home. Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble and Kevin Hooper discuss how Kevin returned to his hometown and has spent fifteen years serving two congregations. In their conversation, Kevin shares how 17 churches in Washington County, Idaho, partner together through Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) and highlights the key indicators he looks for when seeking a flourishing community. He also encourages ministers to identify the passions within their congregations and intentionally pursue ways to bring those passions to life. Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble talks with Shawn Jones about his calling into ministry during his college years and the journey that calling has taken him on. Shawn now serves as the Northwest Regional Director for the Empower and Equip Initiative in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Drawing on a lifetime of ministry experience, he shares how he guides, supports, and equips ministers and their families serving in rural communities and small towns throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Shelby Coble speaks with Jason Swick, Minister of the Word at Prineville Church of Christ in Oregon, about his journey from electrical engineering into ministry and how both that background and his time as a campus minister shape his leadership today. Jason’s hope for the congregation is to cultivate a culture of intentional prayer, safety, and meaningful connection in response to the epidemic of loneliness in today’s society. By fostering a spirit of experimentation and shared learning, he creates space to try new approaches, grow through the process, and engage both the church and the broader community. Website: www.prinevillechurch.com

Shelby Coble interviews Doug Crum about his experience working at Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Doug, who moved from Hobbs, New Mexico, within the past year, shares the opportunities of transitioning to the Brownwood community and highlights how members at Austin Avenue are cultivating relational care beyond structured ministry programs. His longing for the community is to strengthen connections with the hope that strangers can meet and become friends. Website: www.austinavenue.org

Shelby Coble talks with Andrew Gass about his ministry context in Keizer, Oregon, and his church’s emphasis on community engagement. Andrew shares how they have used the resources they've been blessed with to serve not only the local community, but also other churches throughout the Willamette Valley. He reflects on his ongoing journey of learning what it means to truly live as the body of Christ and encourages leaders to center their identity in Christ.

Shelby Coble talks with David Bearden about the needs of his community in Stephenville and explains how the community has come together to provide resources to those in need in Erath County, specifically through the Wholistic Investment Network. Whether it is a physical, spiritual, or emotional need, by working together with their network of providers, they aim to find solutions that address the root causes behind the need for external support.

Shelby Coble talks with Bart Croasmun about his life in ministry at Sulfur Wells Church of Christ. He shares his journey from bi-vocational service to full-time youth ministry. He also discusses the prompting and collaboration that led to the creation of ABLE Farms, a missional farm community where persons of all abilities and backgrounds experience belonging, love, and equality. Website: ablefarms.org Email: [email protected]