Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions

Jul 08 2024 18 ep. 53 mins 2

Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions artwork

Renewal is happening in small-town churches. Many of Jesus' followers across rural regions are uncovering exciting possibilities as they explore creative and practical approaches to loving their neighbors. This new podcast from Fresh Expressions will introduce you to ministry leaders serving in rural contexts to provide examples and inspiration for being the Church and addressing the needs unique to your community.

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Episode 10: Intergenerational and Music Ministries with Trish Johnsen and Brad and Joanie Perry

Jul 08 2024 48 mins

Engaging all ages in ministry is core to the work of the church, but the reality of rural life can make that complicated. In this episode, we’ll hear about creative ways to incorporate children and adults into the life of rural congregations, even in the face of declining populations and limited resources.Listen in to learn about how the “Messy Church” approach to multigenera

Episode 9: Small Acts of Love in the Skeptical Places with Jamie McMahan

Jun 24 2024 55 mins

What can churches do in a culture known for its skepticism? Nestled between Seattle and the Olympic National Forest, Belfair Community Church focuses on consistent, small acts that reflect God’s love and goodness. In this inspiring interview, you’ll hear from A Culture of Scarcity And a God of Abundance: Leading a Church into a Bigger, Better, More Beautiful Story

Episode 8: Church at the Opry

Jun 10 2024 45 mins

What do you do when you know there are people in your small town who need a community and a place to learn about Jesus, but they aren’t coming to your church? Sharon White led her church through a process of listening for needs and opportunities in their small town of Waco, Ga. When they discovered a shared passion for Bluegrass music they prayed for God’s help to start somethi

Episode 7: Brad Roth: Understanding the Places You're Called To

May 27 2024 49 mins

The stories of news media and Hollywood often focus on major coastal cities. But God is at work everywhere and the small towns and rural communities of North America are a testimony to God’s goodness.In this interview, Brad Roth, Mennonite pastor and award-winning author, shares about the importance of place, people watching and recognizing people for who God believes they can

Bonus Episode: Small Churches on Mission with Chris Backert

May 06 2024 46 mins

Most churches are “small churches,” but they don’t always get the attention, resources and support they need. In this episode, Senior Director Chris Backert shares what he sees happening across North America and the exciting things that can only happen in smaller congregations.

Episode 6: Churches and Rural Healthcare with Allen Stanton and Sidney Everhart

Apr 29 2024 61 mins

Of the challenges facing rural North America, health care remains one of the most pressing. What can local churches do to help? In this episode, Allen Stanton, author or Reclaiming Rural returns alongside Sidney Everhart to discuss how they've seen churches help their members and their communities stay healthy.

Episode 5: Robert Frazier: Where City Churches and Rural Churches Meet

Apr 15 2024 48 mins

Robert Frazier might not be the first person you think of when you consider the needs of rural churches. Robert planted Redemption Hill, a network of microchurches in Boise, Idaho, and founded The City Network. However, Boise is the only major city in the region, and their ministry has expanded to the suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas in the two-hour vicinity.In this episode, Robert

Episode 4: Ron Johnston: Why (Some) Churches Change and Others Do Not

Apr 01 2024 49 mins

Times change, but the same can’t always be said of churches. Why is it that some take risks and try new things, while others can’t seem to get unstuck?In this overwhelmingly encouraging conversation, Ron Johnston, Executive Director of Small Church Connections in Canada, shares practical steps pastors can take to build trust and cast vision with their congregations. You’ll al

S2E3: Rural Churches, Excellent Preaching with Patricia Batten

Mar 18 2024 59 mins

Many rural church leaders are part-time or bi-vocational. With such high demands on their time, what does "excellent" preaching look like?Patricia Batten, Assistant Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, provides encouragement and direction for rural church leaders doing their best with limited resources. She also shares her story of ministry among those wit

S2E2: More Relational, Less Professional with David Blackwell

Mar 04 2024 60 mins

With many rural areas declining in population, "growth" is an impossible goal. What should churches do instead?David Blackwell returns to the podcast to explore a more "relational" model of ministry. With a keen awareness of the average rural and small church, Blackwell outlines a realistic approach to leading a highly engaged and mission-driven church.David Blackwell has pastored