The Rural Think Tank
…It's Different Out Here.
This podcast episode looks at the “graying” of our rural and small congregations (Episodes 3 and 6 are also related here). I discuss changing the perspective of how you do ministry when you have a predominately senior adult congregation. We look at not what seniors can’t do, but what they can do. Links to things …
What are you doing in your church and community to empower those gifted with creative talents to use those gifts for the kingdom? We will look at the hows and why of utilizing “creatives” in your community for eternal good. Links to things I mention in this episode: The Rural Think Tank – http://ruralthinktank.com Rural Youth …
The day that the last episode aired, news broke of another high profile pastor ending his own life, Jarrid Wilson. He was an outspoken advocate of the mental health for ministry professionals. This episode expands on the content of episode 7, in light of current events. God has a purpose for you. Your friends, family, …
Taking care of yourself. This is probably one of the last things on the priority list of most ministry workers, yet it is vital. An unhealthy leader cannot take a ministry to a place of health. Many of us serve near the edge of the cliff called burnout. This episode has some tips to help …
The Led Zeppelin classic “When the levee breaks” tells the story of a disaster causing people in a smaller town leaving for work elsewhere. There are other implications that this song brings for Rural Ministry in today’s society. You don’t want to miss this episode! Links to things I mention in this episode: The Rural …
In this episode we are going to look at how a “game changing” idea from Dare2Share (see link below) can shift how we equip our congregation to reach the community around us with the Gospel. The question is: Are you the Quarterback or the Coach? The answer changed the way I approached ministry beginning several …
This is an unscheduled Bonus episode this week that is a little longer form than the typical episode. This is because it is packed with two topics that deeply affect rural ministry – Demographics and the “Rural Brain Drain”. I also throw out a “What If” scenario for rural communities to combat the talent drain …
In the latest episode of the Rural Think Tank Podcast, I discuss the history and purpose of the Rural Think Tank.
Rural America is approaching, (or has already approached) a tipping point in education. The education dollars are largely no longer there. We have to come up with innovative solutions to have competitive students that complete school, have reasons to stay, and start business. We are shipping out our “best and brightest”, leading to a “Brain …
I had the opportunity to visit DC with my sons as part of a school trip last week. It was the first time any of us had been to DC. We were able to visit many of the monuments, memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Mount Vernon and more. One of the places was the Vietnam …