What happens when a rural church leans fully into the gifts of its landscape and the passions of its people? In this episode, we sit down with Clint and Steph Pearsall to explore how their congregation is building community through simple, heartfelt hospitality—from their wildly successful Hunters Dinner that gathers neighbors across generations, to creative outreach like inviting a local game warden to Vacation Bible School to spark kids’ curiosity and connection to the outdoors. Join us for a conversation full of laughter, storytelling, and fresh hope for ministry in the everyday rhythms of rural life.
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’s mission.Their story shows how small steps—led by ordinary church members, not just pastors—can bear real fruit. If you’re longing to see your community thrive, this conversation offers hope and practical inspiration for what God can spark right where you are.
What happens when a heart for missions meets the quiet rhythms of rural life? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with Tim Schwartz, a Pennsylvania pastor whose calling to short-term mission work has led him into all kinds of disaster relief efforts across the country. Tim shares how serving in places of crisis has reshaped his understanding of ministry and the local church.Now serving in a rural setting, Tim opens up about adjusting to small-town life—and how simple acts, like gathering with men for breakfast every week, have become spaces for real connection and transformation.Tim Schwartz lives in Cogan Station, PA with his wife, Jenn, and three children. He pastors Hepburn Baptist Church and works as the North Central PA Geographic Pastoral Servant for ABCOPAD. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at James Madison University and his Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his last 25 years of ministry, Tim has pastored churches, worked as an interim minister, and facilitated numerous mission trips in disaster recovery. Tim is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, well-experienced youth sports coach, cancer survivor, and enjoys chatting with people over lunch or coffee.Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
What makes a rural church thrive in the face of challenges? In this conversation, we explore the strengths, creativity, and opportunities that rural churches carry into their communities—and how they can lean on faith to navigate the obstacles before them.Our guest is John Crowder, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in West, Texas, and author of the newly released Anchor Point: How to Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope After Crisis. John shares his own story of faith—growing up, sensing God’s call to ministry, and eventually being called west to shepherd a rural congregation.Dr. John Crowder (DMin) is the Sr. Pastor of First Baptist Church of West, TX, where he has served for over thirty years. John helped his community recover after a massive explosion in 2013. Since then, he has spent a great deal of time studying disaster recovery. He has led multiple training sessions for pastors and has spoken on the subject many times in churches and civic organizations and wrote Anchor Point after a culmination of over a decade of experience, study, and working with others going through disaster recovery.Related Resources:Anchor Point: How To Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope After CrisisEmail us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
Retired pastor and ministry coach Dave Peppler shares lessons from over 20 years in rural ministry, from guiding a congregation through closure to helping churches rediscover their unique calling. He offers practical insights on pastoral health, the value of bi-vocational ministry, and trusting that the God who calls is always sufficient to equip.
In this episode, we hear from Jon in Florida and Greg in Virginia—two rural leaders using Dinner Church to reach their communities in powerful ways.Jon shares how a simple outdoor meal in a town of 700 became a bridge across division. Greg describes how his church now gathers at fairgrounds and homes, empowers lay leaders, and even partners globally—all through the table.From refugee connections to special needs ministries, these stories show how sharing food and faith can transform a community.
In this rich and reflective episode, we talk with pastor and author Brad Roth about the heart behind his latest book, Flyover Church. Brad shares a compelling vision for ministry in rural places—one grounded not in programs or performance, but in presence, patience, and the power of story.We explore the difference between task-based and presence-based ministry, how fear can lead us to misguided goals, and why both success and failure have something to teach the Church. Brad offers practical ways to "be with" our communities, how to navigate being an outsider, and why the stories we tell—of bounty and brokenness—matter deeply. Whether you're rooted in a rural church or simply longing for a deeper sense of place and purpose, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and hope.
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with David Blackwell for a candid conversation about one of the most important — and sometimes most challenging — parts of ministry: helping relationships move from social connection to spiritual depth.We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we share honest reflections, stories, and questions from our own experiences. This episode is more of an open-ended conversation than a how-to guide — a space to spark your own ideas and invite you into the dialogue.How do you help everyday conversations turn toward faith without feeling forced or awkward? What has worked in your context? We’d love to hear from you.
In this episode of Rural Renewal, Chris Morton shares simple, practical ways rural and small churches can improve their online presence—without needing a big budget or tech team.From claiming your Google listing to using Facebook like a town bulletin board, Chris explains how digital engagement today is the new front porch. You’ll learn why hospitality starts online, how to overcome assumptions people make about your church, and how a few small steps can make a big difference in helping people find—and feel welcome in—your church.This isn’t about going viral. It’s about being visible.
Dean Miller joins the podcast to share how churches can move from maintenance to mission—especially in rural and challenging contexts. Drawing on his pastoral experience, Dean encourages leaders to listen deeply, build community partnerships, and rethink success in ministry.He highlights stories of churches making a real difference by focusing on relationships, not just programs, and reminds us that innovation doesn’t require a big budget—just curiosity and courage. This episode offers practical encouragement for pastors feeling isolated, with a hopeful reminder: faithful presence matters, and God is still at work.
In this episode we explore leadership and mission in rural ministry.First, John Upton reflects on his journey from missionary work in Taiwan to leading the Baptist General Association of Virginia, emphasizing the importance of presence, trust, and adaptability in leadership.Next, Brandon Shook of Fusion USA discusses connecting college students with local churches, highlighting relational approaches and long-term investment in young adults.Together, these conversations offer insights into nurturing leadership and fostering intergenerational connections within rural communities.
What happens when a small-town church becomes a lifeline for mental health support? Since 2004, Corey Laughary has served as pastor in the rural community of Palouse, Washington, where he and his church have stepped into the mental health gap. In this episode, Corey shares how they’ve built a mental health ministry team, offered Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings, and equipped schools, agencies, and churches to care for their communities. Full of practical insights and hard-won hope, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing the realities of rural ministry and mental health care.
What happens when the church leaves the building? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from two sets of leaders who are reimagining church in unexpected places. Heather Jallad shares how Fresh Expressions are flourishing in rural spaces—around dinner tables, in parks, even barns—through simple, relational gatherings rooted in deep listening and trust. Then we head to Virginia, where Theresa Colomba and Tony Gray bring Church in the Park to life for people facing homelessness and addiction. Their stories remind us that presence matters more than polish, and that faithfulness in forgotten corners can bear incredible fruit. Get ready to be inspired by these stories of mission, mercy, and grassroots renewal.
In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of creative and faithful ministry.Russell Goodrich shares how Cape Charles Baptist Church went from near closure to becoming a vibrant community hub—serving over 130 kids each summer through Splash Camp and transforming lives through local partnerships.Amy Hall shares her journey from religious trauma to spiritual renewal, launching Shalom Creatives and Forest Church—spaces where art, nature, and community open doors to healing and connection.Two very different paths. One shared mission: joining God where He’s already at work.
What does it mean to dream big in a rural setting? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Tim Brown and Allen Jesse share how small-town churches can make a big impact. From disaster relief efforts after severe flooding to building networks for struggling rural pastors, they explore the power of community-driven ministry.Hear how Tim connects with first responders, how Allen’s church mobilized disaster relief teams, and how even a 90-year-old woman found purpose through simple acts of kindness. Discover how faith, perseverance, and collaboration can transform rural communities.
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 multigenerational ministry plays out in rural churches from Trish Johnsen, Senior Pastor at Salem Chapel United Methodist Church in LaPorte, Indiana. You will also hear from Brad and Joanie Perry from Alabaster Grace Ministries, who provided the music for season two, about how their music came to be.
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
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 something new. Today, in their town of barely 500, 100 people show up for the West Georgia Opry every weekend. Listen to hear the full story.Rev. Sharon White serves as Pastor of Waco UMC and Fresh Expressions Cultivator for the North Georgia Conference within the United Methodist Church. She feels called to minister to those on the fringe through acts of mercy and social justice andis passionate about finding creative ways to connect non-churchgoers to God.
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
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.