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Category: Rural Church Health

The Rural Brain Drain: Nurturing Small Communities in the Face of Migration

June 24, 2023 by brentlacydotcom

In the backdrop of beautiful landscapes and close-knit communities, rural areas face a significant challenge known as the “rural brain drain.” This phenomenon refers to the outward migration of talented young individuals from small communities to larger urban areas in search of better educational and career opportunities. The consequences of this migration pattern are far-reaching …

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Reaching Hearts in the Heartland: Spreading the Gospel in Rural Communities

June 24, 2023 by brentlacydotcom

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual needs of those living in rural communities. The bustling cities often take center stage, attracting attention and resources, while the rural communities are left longing for a touch of God’s love. However, as followers of Christ, it is our duty and privilege to …

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 47: Does it look like the Neighborhood?

February 22, 2021 by brentlacydotcom
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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

January 25, 2021 by brentlacydotcom
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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This episode is about the usefulness, pros, and cons associated with using an outside independent church consultant in cooperation with your search team. I share some of the things that I have experienced serving in this role for several churches.  As always, if this is a blessing, share this podcast with others. If you feel …

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: Maintaining the business reputation of a church

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This podcast episode addresses the question – Can how a church conducts business in the community help or hinder it’s witness and reputation? The answer may not be as clearcut as you think…  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 32: Change the Oil

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message on Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 given 1/26/30 at Bloomingdale Friends Church in Bloomingdale, Illinois.  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message. Video available on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/scott.miller.9619/posts/10158132991073960?comment_id=10158133159328960&reply_comment_id=10158133562978960¬if_id=1580056196868779¬if_t=comment_mention

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 31: Is the age of large youth events over?

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This podcast episode looks at the evolution of large youth events, and what that looks like over the last 5-10 years.  Some events have remained, some have evolved.  Some of the Things I mention in the episode: Dare2Share Live: https://dare2sharelive.org/ WinterJam : https://2020.jamtour.com/ Contacting RuralThinkTank :http://ruralthinktank.com/contact-the-rural-think-tank/ Supporting the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ruralthinktank

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 29: Do churches really stink at HR?

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This episode explores some of the tough questions that need to be asked as a church goes through a pastor search process. It is by no means exhaustive, but designed to get you thinking about the discussions that need to happen during the search and interview process.  If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and …

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 28: Leveraging the power of the local church for you community

March 12, 2020 by brentlacydotcom

This episode talks about my experience at a Operation Christmas Child processing center in Chicago and the lessons learned there that can translate to local community ministry efforts.  Things I mention in this episode: Operation Christmas Child – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ Blessing Boxes – https://www.facebook.com/Blessing-BOX-1723297441261962/

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Recent Posts

  • The Rural Brain Drain: Nurturing Small Communities in the Face of Migration
  • Embracing Technology: Reaching Rural Communities with the Gospel
  • Reaching Hearts in the Heartland: Spreading the Gospel in Rural Communities
  • Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 50: Which entry are you paying attention to?
  • Rural Thinktank Episode 49: What’s Your Story?

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