Empower and Equip

empowerandequip
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity

Relevant conversations between ministers, church leaders, and scholars, are brought to you by the staff of the Empower and Equip Initiative. Join us to hear the experiences and perspectives of rural and small-town church leaders throughout America. The Empower and Equip Initiative seeks to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the ministers and leaders who guide them. This podcast is part of Pepperdine University's 'Empower and Equip' program, funded generously by Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of their 'Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative,' and is hosted by the Siburt Institute at ACU.

  1. 5d ago

    Johnny Hobbie: Camden, AR

    In this episode, host Shelby Pinson sits down with Johnny Hobbie, minister at Maul Road Church of Christ in Camden, Arkansas, for a discussion about the unique challenges and rewards of small-town ministry. Johnny shares his decades-long history with Camden, describing a community marked by a striking economic contrast between high-tech defense industry jobs and widespread local poverty. He reflects on how Maul Road has intentionally grown to mirror its town's diversity across age groups, racial backgrounds, and income levels.  Johnny highlights that effective ministry happens outside the building walls, through their bustling food pantry, being present during sudden town crises, or simply sharing warm hellos in the Walmart aisles. While small churches can struggle with volunteer fatigue and raising up new teachers, Johnny offers heartfelt encouragement to keep persevering. He stresses the beauty of intergenerational relationships, equipping youth for active worship, giving volunteers freedom in how they serve, and taking time for personal rest, physical health, and family. It’s a deeply moving reminder that loving people well and showing up in life's ordinary, everyday moments lies at the core of ministerial leadership. Three highlights from the conversation: Presence Over Programs: True pastoral care happens out in the community. Whether it's stopping for a chat in a grocery store aisle, visiting a local restaurant owner, or showing up at the hospital during a crisis, building authentic everyday relationships creates the trust needed when people go through difficult times. The Power of Intergenerational Community: Small-town churches flourish when every generation participates together. From a 92-year-old faithfully teaching Bible class to children actively leading singing and praying during worship, connecting older members with youth creates a vibrant environment where young people are naturally equipped to lead. Leading with Patience, Freedom, and Rest: Sustaining long-term ministry requires flexibility and time for rest. Leaders can let good ideas "simmer," grant volunteers the freedom to carry out service in their own style rather than micromanaging, and prioritize physical and spiritual rest to avoid burnout. Book mentioned: Toxic Charity : How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (and How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton Contact Johnny at johnny.hobbie@gmail.com

  2. Sep 22

    Tim Gunnells: Shelbyville, TN

    In this encouraging episode, Shelby Pinson sits down with long-time minister and professor Tim Gunnels to explore what it truly means to shepherd a small-town congregation with patience and wisdom. Tim opens up about his personal journey into ministry, including taking a break to care for his aging parents while navigating severe health challenges of his own, before returning to the pulpit at Southside Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He reflects on how entering a tight-knit, slow-paced rural community required a meaningful shift in his leadership style. Rather than charging ahead with quick programs or relying on academic credentials, Tim learned the art of listening deeply, earning trust slowly, and letting new initiatives mature naturally through local elders. The heart of their discussion turns toward spiritual formation and sustainable personal rhythms. Tim shares how stepping back from high-pressure church growth models to embrace simple spiritual disciplines (such as solitude, continuous daily prayer, and living simply) restored his soul after experiencing burnout. Ultimately, he encourages leaders in small towns to slow down, invest genuinely in every individual, and lead from a place of deep, unconditional love. Listen for these three themes in particular: 1 | Patience and Discernment Over Quick Fixes: Serving in a close-knit rural community requires leaders to slow down, set aside credentials, and listen far more than they speak. Real progress happens when you honor the local culture and let ideas grow organically through local leadership rather than pushing rapid change. 2 | Sustaining Ministry Through Spiritual Formation: Lasting ministry flows out of *being* rather than constant *doing*. Moving away from primarily program-driven ministry toward simple spiritual disciplines (like solitude, ongoing prayer, and simplicity) prevents burnout and grounds leadership in a genuine relationship with God. 3 | Valuing Every Individual with Unconditional Love: Meaningful impact in a small town isn't about targeting key figures of influence; it's about intentionally connecting with everyone. Taking the time for simple, everyday conversations with youth, church members, and neighbors builds lasting trust and shows love freely. If you'd like to connect with Tim, reach out to him here: timothygunnells@gmail.com

  3. Sep 8

    Brad Roth: Author of God’s Country and Flyover Church

    In this episode, we hear from Brad Roth, a rural Kansas pastor who’s passionate about small-town life and church. He kicks things off by breaking down the common myths we often hear — that rural areas are either perfect "Mayberry" towns or they are dying out. The reality is much more interesting! He points out that only about 6% of folks in these areas actually work in agriculture. Instead, these towns are vibrant hubs for manufacturing, schools, and healthcare. The heart of Brad's message is about abiding — the simple but powerful act of staying put and building real relationships over the long haul. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, he talks about how Jesus wasn't in a rush and really cared about the specific places he visited. He encourages leaders to worry less about attendance numbers and start looking at how much "goodness" they’re bringing to their neighbors. He also gets honest about burnout, suggesting that we should see ministry as a series of experiments rather than a series of high-stakes tests. By embracing a slower pace and taking time for silence, pastors can stay grounded and remember they are a unique gift to their community. Talking points: Moving Beyond the Myths: Brad reminds us that rural communities are permanent, diverse places. They aren't just "flyover" country or simple farm towns; they are complex environments that need leaders who engage with the real economic and social life happening right now. The Art of Staying Put: True fulfillment often comes down to the theology of abiding. By committing to a place for years, pastors build the deep trust and "stick-to-itiveness" needed to navigate local anxieties and conflicts that might otherwise cause a leader to give up too soon. Redefining Success: Instead of just tracking budgets and pews, Brad challenges churches to ask: "How are we being good to our community?" Shifting the focus to practical kindness and faithfulness creates a much more invitational culture in the long run. You can contact Brad at: doxologyproject.com and townsquareco.org

  4. May 12

    Josh Tracy: Childress, TX

    Shelby Coble talks with Josh Tracy about his transition from living in the DFW Metroplex to small-town ministry. He expresses the difference in doing ministry in the two contexts by appreciating how his church community has come together for one another and by wanting to create a culture where everyone is welcome at the table. He wants to encourage his congregation, as well as everyone in the audience, that God has you where you’re at for a reason, use that for God’s glory and for His kingdom. Email: jtracyccoc@gmail.com

  5. Apr 28

    BJ McMichael: McAlistar, OK

    Shelby Coble talks with BJ McMichael, pulpit minister at the Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ in McAlester, Oklahoma, about building intentional relationships by strengthening existing pathways of connection and fostering goodwill. Through the imagery of “table fellowship,” BJ explores how curiosity, attentive listening, and being fully present shape his approach to ministry.

  6. Apr 14

    Tony Smith: Kalispell, MT

    Shelby Coble speaks with Tony Smith about his life and ministry in Kalispell, Montana. Over 20 years of living in Montana, Tony has developed strong relationships with church members and nearby ministries in Kalispell. In addition, his work within the school system has allowed him to build meaningful connections with students and their parents, giving him opportunities to better understand and support the varied situations families face at home. Email: ynot4give@gmail.com

  7. Mar 31

    Kevin Hooper: Midvale, ID

    Shelby Coble and Kevin Hooper discuss how Kevin returned to his hometown and has spent fifteen years serving two congregations. In their conversation, Kevin shares how 17 churches in Washington County, Idaho, partner together through Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) and highlights the key indicators he looks for when seeking a flourishing community. He also encourages ministers to identify the passions within their congregations and intentionally pursue ways to bring those passions to life. Email: kevinhooper45@gmail.com

  8. Mar 17

    Shawn Jones: Newberg, OR

    Shelby Coble talks with Shawn Jones about his calling into ministry during his college years and the journey that calling has taken him on. Shawn now serves as the Northwest Regional Director for the Empower and Equip Initiative in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Drawing on a lifetime of ministry experience, he shares how he guides, supports, and equips ministers and their families serving in rural communities and small towns throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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About

Relevant conversations between ministers, church leaders, and scholars, are brought to you by the staff of the Empower and Equip Initiative. Join us to hear the experiences and perspectives of rural and small-town church leaders throughout America. The Empower and Equip Initiative seeks to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the ministers and leaders who guide them. This podcast is part of Pepperdine University's 'Empower and Equip' program, funded generously by Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of their 'Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative,' and is hosted by the Siburt Institute at ACU.

Information

  • Creator
    empowerandequip
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Empower and Equip

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