Rural Advancement
Religion & Spirituality
About
Rural Advancement's mission is to provide resources to equip pastors and churches to reach their communities with fresh approaches for sharing the good news of a loving Lord. Provide resources for existing rural churches and identify, equip, and deploy 10,000 leaders for the rural church.
Episodes
- Rural Resource: The Church Revitalization Checklist by Sam Rainer
This episode of Rural Advancement explores Sam Rainer's The Church Revitalization Checklist with host Joe Epley. The discussion covers practical ministry insights, cultural aspects, and impactful statements related to revitalizing a congre…
- Hospitality, Addiction Ministry, and Finding God in Tough Times with Dave Phillips
Pastor Dave Phillips discusses his journey through rural churches, emphasizing hospitality and addiction ministry, and offering guidance for tough times. His insights are relevant to issues faced by rural pastors.
- Rural Resource: Recognizing Rural Ministry by Carl Greene
The Rural Advancement episode features Carl Greene discussing his book "Recognizing Rural Ministry." The book suggests focusing on the older demographic for rural growth rather than the uncertain "next generation," using research to offer…
- Pastoring Transient Populations, Church Planting, and Preaching Schedules with Sheldon McGorman
The episode features Pastor Sheldon McGorman discussing the challenges of pastoring transient populations in small towns. Topics include hospitality, community engagement, salvation, preaching schedules, and rural church planting.
- Rural Resource: The Homilies of John Chrysostom
This episode of Rural Advancement examines the Homilies of John Chrysostom, discussing insights relevant to the rural church, both in his time and today. The host is Joe Epley.
- Churchplanting, Board Dynamics, and the Power of Prayer with Drew Becker
On Rural Advancement, Pastor Drew Becker shares insights from his experience as a church planter, discussing best practices, the significance of prayer and fasting, and navigating church board dynamics. The episode also provides contact in…
- Ordinary Faithfulness by Olivia Meade
The episode "Ordinary Faithfulness" features insights from Olivia Meade's book, discussing the significance of worship, discipleship, and mission within the context of everyday life and ordinary places. Meade highlights the importance of d…
- Persistence, Potential, and Public Spaces with Jonathan McDaniel
This episode of Rural Advancement features Pastor Jonathan McDaniel discussing the significance of persistence, identifying divine potential within individuals, and advocating for community use of church facilities.
- The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters
This episode of Rural Advancement discusses Priya Parker's book, 'The Art of Gathering,' focusing on the importance of intentionality in social gatherings and their significance for rural church communities.
- The Heart of a Pastor with Stephen Schaible
Stephen Schaible, with his extensive ministry career, shares his passion for loving people and building relationships. This episode offers encouragement for pastoral and relational living.
- A Big Gospel in Small Places: Should I Pastor in a Small Town?
This episode of Rural Advancement features host Joe Epley discussing Stephen Witmer's book "A Big Gospel in Small Places." They examine the complexities of small-town life, redefine ministry fruitfulness, and address the question of whethe…
- Resilience in Rural Ministry with Winston Titus
Pastor Winston Titus shares insights on rural ministry in North Dakota, discussing his experiences and passion for fostering resilience in rural towns and churches. The episode also includes contact information for host Joe Epley.
- Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church: A Thought on Revitalization
The Rural Advancement podcast episode discusses Michael Beck and Tyler Kleeberger's book, Fresh Expressions of the Rural Church. It highlights the book as a guide for church revitalization, offering practical advice and real examples.
- Fall Update: Heading in a New Direction!
Host Joe Epley announces a change in the podcast's direction, aiming for a more sustainable format while continuing to offer quality content and interviews. New episodes are planned for release in a few weeks.
- Summer Reflections 2025
Host Joe Epley reflects on summer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing God's interruptions for guidance. The show will take a break and return in September.
- Stewardship, Marriage, and Pastoral Care with Randy McPherson
Randy McPherson shares his insights on stewarding God's resources and providing pastoral care, drawing from his experience as a Christian businessman and ordained minister. The episode also provides host Joe Epley's contact information for…
- A Personal Reflection on Church Health with Joe Epley (Karl Vaters Part 3)
In this episode, Joe Epley shares personal reflections on church health, drawing from the principles of pastor and author Karl Vaters. Epley discusses the challenges of evaluating success without relying solely on numbers.
- De-Sizing the Church Part 2 with Karl Vaters
In this episode of Rural Advancement, Pastor Karl Vaters joins host Joe Epley to discuss how churches can measure success apart from attendance, build healthy congregations, and focus on discipleship.
- De-Sizing The Church Part 1 with Karl Vaters
This episode features Pastor and Author Karl Vaters discussing how to measure church success apart from numbers, create healthy churches, and how leaders can focus on discipleship.
- Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 2 with Joe Girdler
This episode of Rural Advancement features Dr. Joe Girdler discussing generosity and missions. Part two of the conversation builds upon topics from part one, which included evangelism and the Holy Spirit.
- Evangelism, Generosity, and Pentecost Part 1 with Dr. Joe Girdler
This episode features Dr. Joe Girdler discussing his personal story, practical advice for small town pastors on creating Sunday morning atmosphere, and methods for encouraging dialogue about the Holy Spirit.
- Christianity Now Interview with Josh Ziefle
Rural Advancement features an interview with Josh Ziefle, discussing modern issues facing the rural church, including challenges, misconceptions, and best practices.
- The Dirt Roads Network Part 2 with Steve McVey
This episode features Pastor Steve McVey, founder of the Dirt Roads Network, in the second part of a two-part conversation. They discuss the future of the rural church and the resources provided by the Dirt Roads Network.
- The Dirt Roads Network Part 1 with Steve McVey
This episode features Pastor Steve McVey discussing rural church revitalization, drawing from his experiences in Lamont, Kansas. The conversation serves as encouragement for those in difficult church situations.
- Rural Resource: Small Church Essentials by Karl Vaters
This episode of Rural Advancement covers highlights from Karl Vaters' book "Small Church Essentials." The discussion focuses on practical strategies for small town ministry, emphasizing church health and metrics that do not solely rely on…
- The Litany of Humility with Joe Epley
Host Joe Epley explores the Catholic prayer known as The Litany of Humility. The episode discusses its role in cultivating personal humility and offering blessings to others.
- Leading a Youth-Friendly Church Part 2 with Dereck and Gail Owen
In Part 2 of this conversation, Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen share their two decades of experience leading a church in a small town. They discuss strategies for leading a growing church amidst a declining town population, creating opportun…
- Leading a Youth-Friendly Church Part 1 with Dereck and Gail Owen
Part 1 of 2 features Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen sharing their two decades of experience in small-town ministry. They discuss best practices for youth ministry, navigating the loss of a student, and fostering a supportive congregation for…
- Prayer, Revitalization, and the Faithfulness of God with John Murdoch
Pastor John Murdoch shared insights on the Holy Spirit, prayer, and God's faithfulness during his 52 years of ministry, drawing from his experiences in youth work, pastoring, and church planting.
- Rural Youth Ministry: Next Gen Leaders Podcast Interview
Joe Epley interviews Holly Davis and Julie Pratt, hosts of the Next Gen Leaders Podcast, on principles of effective rural youth ministry. Davis and Pratt are employees of the national office of the Assemblies of God.
- Handling Ministry Transition Part 2 with Bill Lanes
This episode, part two of a series, continues the discussion on pastoral transition with Pastor Bill Lanes. It covers how to manage change as a minister, congregation, and believers.
- Handling Ministry Transition Part 1 with Bill Lanes
This episode features Pastor Bill Lanes discussing pastoral transition. The conversation covers how to handle this change as a minister, a congregation, and as believers. The show also mentions resources for conflict resolution.
- Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 2 with Nick Rogers
Pastor Nick Rogers discusses his experiences in small-town ministry, including community and economic development, the role of county museums, church reputation, ministry transitions, and benevolence. This is the second part of the convers…
- Pastor the Town and You’ll Pastor the Church Part 1 with Nick Rogers
Nick Rogers joins Rural Advancement to discuss his experiences in small town ministry. Topics include community development, county museums, church reputation, and ministry transition.
- Churches Working Together with Andy Addis
Pastor Andy Addis discusses collaboration between churches in small towns, sharing insights from his experience with a rural multisite church in Kansas. The conversation also touches on his podcast, The Rural Pastor Podcast.
- New Year’s Reflection 2025
The Rural Advancement podcast
- When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 2
This episode features Dr. Martin Giese discussing the influence of various cultures on rural churches and how pastors can navigate these dynamics. This is the second part of his discussion with host Joe Epley.
- When Rural and Urban Collide with Dr. Martin Giese Part 1
Dr. Martin Giese, with 40 years in rural pastoral ministry and 8 years as president of Oak Hills Christian College, shares insights on how different cultures affect the rural church. This episode explores how pastors can navigate cultural…
- Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working Through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 2
In part two of their conversation, Keith and Samantha Jones discuss the experience of moving to a rural area and the practical aspects of following God's call. Samantha Jones also shares insights from her book, "God and Trauma: The Lessons…
- Moving to Rural, The Call of God, and Working through Trauma with Keith and Samantha Jones Part 1
Keith and Samantha Jones discuss the experience of moving to a rural area and the practical aspects of responding to a divine calling. Samantha Jones also touches upon her book, 'God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning'.
- Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 2
Mike Clarensau shares insights from his diverse ministry career, which has included roles as a pastor, Sunday school director, church health director, consultant, and statistician. This is the second part of a discussion with host Joe Eple…
- Statistics, Sunday School, and Church Health with Mike Clarensau Part 1
Pastor Mike Clarensau shares insights from his ministry, which has included roles as a pastor, Sunday school director, church health director, consultant, and statistician. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.
- Serving Well, Men’s Ministry, and Book Recommendations with Austin Epperson
Pastor Austin Epperson discusses rural ministry, highlighting how to have an effective men’s ministry, the importance of serving, and book recommendations.
- Church Systems and Why They Matter with Anthony Caiola
Pastor Anthony Caiola discusses the importance of church systems for a thriving and healthy church, with a focus on empowering rural ministry. Caiola can be reached at Anthony@awaken514.church for more information.
- Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 2
Part 2 of the Rural Advancement episode features author Brad Roth discussing his book Flyover Church, which offers insights and practical tools for rural ministry. Roth breaks down core principles from the book.
- Rural Resource: Flyover Church by Brad Roth Part 1
Host Joe Epley reflects on Brad Roth's book "Flyover Church," which offers insights and practical tools for rural ministry. This episode begins the discussion on the book's themes and their application to pastors and leaders in rural commu…
- Fervency, Self Pity, and Spiritual Warfare with Tim Rust
Pastor Tim Rust discusses lessons learned over 50 years in business and ministry, focusing on overcoming frustration and spiritual warfare. He currently serves as a pastor in Nebraska and heads the Nebraska Cowboy Churches Association.
- Leadership Development, Boundaries, and Best Buy with Tony Vietti
Pastor Tony Vietti shares insights on building healthy cultures, developing leaders, and adapting to rural life, referencing his time at Best Buy and his spiritual path. The episode touches on adjusting to the pace of rural living for newc…
- Walmart, Team Ministry, and Grandma’s House with Andrew Jergenson
Andrew Jergenson, a pastor who previously worked at Walmart, shares how his experiences in the corporation have influenced his approach to pastoring, including insights on culture, team building, and hospitality.
- Mentorship, Dollar General, and Pick Up Trucks with Tommy Hayes
Pastor Tommy Hayes discusses church revitalization, community outreach, and the need for pastoral mentorship. The episode also touches on topics like Dollar General and pick-up trucks.