Rural Pastors Talk

TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren
  • 4.9 (59)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Rural pastors helping rural churches think biblically about the local church.

  1. Jun 3

    How Do You Stay in Ministry for the Long Haul?

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren swap favorite vacation spots before pivoting to a needed conversation about rest for pastors. They discuss the common extremes: discouraged pastors who drift into laziness versus pastors who can’t shut ministry off. Then Josh lays out a biblical theology of rest from creation, the Sabbath, and the gospel, including the promised rest fulfilled in Christ and awaited in the new heavens and new earth. The guys talk practical rhythms like guarding a day off, setting boundaries with texts and phones, and how physical work can be restorative. TJ shares about taking a Lilly Endowment-funded sabbatical focused on unplugging, counseling, journaling, and family time, and encourages pastors to evaluate where they are on the “rest continuum” and take steps toward faithful, God-honoring rest.

    34 min

  2. May 25

    Who Should Fill Your Pulpit?

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, Joe Wagner and CJ Dematatis discuss why pulpit supply and guest preaching matter for both congregations and preachers, pushing back on the idea that rural ministry is a “training wheels” assignment. CJ reflects on early preaching lessons and shares key takeaways from the Charles Simeon Trust Chicago Course on Preaching: get the text right for the original audience, then faithfully connect it to Jesus and thoughtfully apply it to real people by knowing and loving them.  Residents Jacob Smoker and Brydon Ratliff recount their first sermons, the value of critique, and practical advice like arriving early, staying anchored in the text, and asking hosting churches good questions about context and expectations. They recommend the book 'Saving Eutychus' and close with a George Whitefield quote.

    39 min

  3. May 22

    Does Your Church Have a Community Witness?

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren discuss how a church can become a “reverse witness” in its community when it’s known for something other than Christ. They argue that in small towns, reputation spreads fast and lasts for generations, so building genuine relationships with community leaders and neighbors matters for both practical needs (like zoning and securing a building) and gospel opportunities. Josh shares encouragement from his Chamber of Commerce president amid ongoing zoning hurdles, and the guys unpack dangers like manipulation, “us vs. them” thinking, and confusing pragmatics with mission. They recommend Stephen Viars’ Loving Your Community and close with a Bonhoeffer quote on the church existing for others.

    36 min

  4. Apr 29

    Do You Pass the Hospitality Test?

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Josh MacClaren, and Joe Wagner swap memorable “worst hotel” stories to highlight how first impressions linger and why hospitality matters when guests visit a church.  They discuss common rural-church hospitality pitfalls, like locked or unused front doors, unclear entrances, and assuming everyone already knows where to go. They also offer practical steps such as opening the main doors, using simple signage (especially for bathrooms and classrooms), keeping entryways clean, and providing coffee and refreshments.  The guys talk through greeting strategies from the parking lot to the door, caution against “greeting fatigue” and calling visitors out from the pulpit, and encourage equipping members (including teens) for welcoming roles.

    45 min

  5. Mar 25

    Are People in Rural Communities Having Abortions?

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman interviews Bryce Asberg, director of a pregnancy resource center in Hillsdale, Michigan, about why the pro-life issue matters deeply for rural churches.  Bryce shares his background, his “boring” Christian testimony, and how his long-standing pro-life convictions led him into pregnancy center work. Together they discuss how abortion is now present in every community through telemedicine and mailed abortion pills, making discipleship and clear, compassionate biblical teaching more urgent than ever.  Bryce argues abortion is ultimately about God’s glory and authority as Creator, and he encourages pastors to strengthen local discipleship while partnering with pregnancy centers through prayer, people, and financial support. They also explore how centers can serve as “emergency room” ministries and wisely connect clients to the local church. Contact Bryce to learn more at bryce@helpinghandsprc.org.

    1h 19m

  6. Mar 18

    The Small Town Church Plant Challenge

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, Josh MacClaren, Joe Wagner, and first-time podcast guest Eric Grant swap small-town stories before diving into why churches in tiny towns matter and why church planters shouldn’t overlook them. Eric shares about planting Trinity Church in Antrim, Pennsylvania, a former coal town with about 30 weekly attendees, more hunting cabins than permanent homes, and the only other establishment being a bar across the street. The guys discuss how rural ministry keeps relationships intimate, why the “what and why” of ministry stay the same while the “how” shifts by context, and why shorter sermons can serve unchurched listeners without compromising substance. Eric recommends Martin Lloyd-Jones’s Preaching and Preachers and closes with a Steven Whitmer quote from A Big Gospel in Small Places.

    28 min

  7. Mar 4

    How to Grow Your Church with Better Music

    In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman and pastors Joshua MacClaren and Joe Wagner discuss church music and whether “better music” can save a struggling rural ministry.  After swapping childhood music memories, they talk about why music matters and how churches often treat it as the quick fix for low attendance or discontent members. They contrast different approaches, from full bands to YouTube backing tracks, and argue that singing is meant to encourage one another, not to perform or attract crowds.  The guys encourage pastors to aim for faithfulness and teach a biblical theology of congregational singing. They also share some more practical advice such as: choose simpler, thematically fitting songs, and use a service leader to guide the church through worship.

    29 min

  8. Feb 25

    Sam Hahn — How to Motivate the Men in Your Church

    TJ got a chance to interview our friend, Sam Hahn, on why relationships between men in many churches, especially rural settings, can feel shallow. They get to chat about how pastors can help cultivate deeper, gospel-centered brotherhood.  Drawing from Sam's doctoral ministry project, they discuss the need for safe, non-sexualized male intimacy, the biblical priority of men not being alone, and a practical approach for building vulnerability through guided story-sharing in small groups with prayer.  We hope this conversation can help rural pastors encourage their church members to pursue deep, meaningful relationships with the fellow men in their congregation! 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a rural pastor who needs encouragement. Your support helps strengthen healthy rural churches for the glory of Christ.

    47 min
See All (224)

4.9
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

Rural pastors helping rural churches think biblically about the local church.

Information

  • Creator
    TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    224
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rural Pastors Talk
  • Show Website
    Rural Pastors Talk

You Might Also Like