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The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

Category: Rural Church Health

Why So Many Rural Pastors Are Getting Older at the Same Time

April 30, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

The aging rural pastorate is not a single-cause problem. It is the result of compensation pressure, delayed retirement, seminary debt, shrinking pipelines, and changing expectations about ministry life.

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How School Consolidation, Charter Schools, and Homeschooling Change Rural Ministry

April 26, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

School consolidation, charter options, and homeschooling are reshaping rural community life. Here is why churches serving children and teenagers need to pay attention.

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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?

April 28, 2026 by brentlacydotcom
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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

April 28, 2026 by brentlacydotcom
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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

April 28, 2026 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

April 28, 2026 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

April 28, 2026 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?

April 28, 2026 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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Recent Posts

  • Why So Many Rural Pastors Are Getting Older at the Same Time
  • How School Consolidation, Charter Schools, and Homeschooling Change Rural Ministry
  • The King We Did Not Expect
  • The Rural Brain Drain: Nurturing Small Communities in the Face of Migration
  • Embracing Technology: Reaching Rural Communities with the Gospel

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