Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions Fresh Expressions NA

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.

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.

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 discusses the difference between being a "small" church and a "micro" church. He provides new insight into how churches of all sizes can approach discipleship and the unique strengths small and rural churches have. He also discusses how the ministry of rural churches makes a significant impact on cities.

You'll also hear a bonus section where hosts Chris and Kathleen Blackey discuss their approach to building relationships.

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 also hear a refreshing and very personal approach to life-on-life discipleship. Listen in and gain new hope for your rural church.

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 with disabilities and explores what a more inclusive church experience could be.