Shows
Rural Church RenewalMaking Friends in the Middle of NowhereHosts: TJ Freeman & Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode, Pastor TJ Freeman and Pastor Joshua MacClaren, discuss the challenges and rewards of rural ministry, focusing on the importance of cultivating partnerships. They share personal experiences about feeling isolated and the steps taken to connect with other like-minded pastors and organizations. The conversation covers how partnerships can enhance ministry effectiveness, the benefits of learning from other church contexts, and practical steps to develop meaningful connections. TJ and Joshua also highlight their collaboration with organizations like ABWE and SCP to promote gospel-centered Antioch churches across...2025-05-0716 min
Back to RuralityWhat Does God Want to Do with Your House? [42]Host: TJ FreemanSummary: TJ Freeman hosts Joshua MacClaren on today's episode of Back to Rurality, discussing how to use one's home and possessions to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. Josh shares his personal journey of transitioning from a camper to building a new home, all while striving to show hospitality and care for others. The conversation emphasizes that everything we own belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom. Whether you live in an apartment, trailer, or house, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can...2025-05-0712 minRural Church RenewalAre Bad Habits Killing Your Ministry?Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode, rural pastors TJ Freeman, Joshua McLaren, Joe Wagner, and guest Casey Nowlin discuss the challenge of managing pastoral responsibilities, focusing on creating effective goals and habits. Casey shares insights from his 16 years in ministry, emphasizing the importance of discipline and habitual practices grounded in Scripture for personal growth and effectiveness. They talk about practical ways to integrate habits like prayer, exercise, and time management into daily routines by using techniques like habit stacking. Casey and the hosts also explore particular challenges...2025-04-0232 minRural Church RenewalWhat Other Pastors See in Your Preaching That You MissedHost: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Joshua McLaren discuss the value of not being isolated as rural pastors and the benefits of forming cohorts to enhance pastoral skills and spiritual growth. They recount their experience with the Simeon Trust, an organization aimed at improving preaching through collaborative workshops. The pastors share how they have organized local groups to work on sermon preparation and theological understanding, leading to stronger preaching and deeper camaraderie. The discussion emphasizes the importance of...2025-03-2616 minBack to RuralityWhy Rural Churches Can't Skip DisciplingHosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into...2025-02-1924 minRural Church RenewalWhy Rural Churches Can’t Skip DisciplingHosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into...2025-02-1924 minRural Church RenewalWhen Your Elders Make a Bad CallIn this episode we discuss...helping rural elders & deacons support each other by laying aside their own feelings in favor of the decision of the plurality.How you react after the vote is cast matters more than you think.Don't give into temptation to complain and dishonor the brothers you're serving with.Instead respond humbly, and walk through theological and practical differences with grace.Our Quote of the Day:Come to the expository work shop in Williampsort PA on April 27 and come to...2023-03-0927 minRural Church RenewalMerry Christmas from Rural Pastor's Talk!A very merry Christmas from TJ, Joe, and Joshua! We will see you in January, 2023!2022-12-2200 minRural Church RenewalIntern InsurgencyIn this episode we discuss...pastoral internships with Zeke, Trevor, and Joshua!Why do a pastoral internship?Purpose: To help young men discern if they are called to pastoral ministry in the future.To grow in Character, Conviction, and Competency.Why host a pastoral internship?Is Seminary a bad thing?How might this experience change how you love the church after you’re done here?Reach Joshua:joshua@wellsborobible.comStuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:...2022-07-0147 minRural Church RenewalLosing Focus in the Rural ChurchIn this episode we discuss...our 5 points on losing focus in the rural church:Fear of man.I hope they like me: makes for weak sermons, poor counsel, and a continual inward calculating, etc…Proverbs 29:25Galatians 1:10Platforming.Feeling accepted/important based on FB likes, how many people attend Sunday, how many people viewed online, who you know, etc.1 John 2:16 Galatians 6:3Jeremiah 9:23-24Woe is me.Thinking your ministry is too hard, the situations you...2020-11-2055 min