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The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

Category: Rural Church Health

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This message was given 1/24/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ, near Westville, Illinois. 

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

June 8, 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

June 8, 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

June 8, 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?

June 8, 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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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 29: Do churches really stink at HR?

June 8, 2026 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

June 8, 2026 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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Rural Thinktank Episode 25: The Corvette in the Barn

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This is a message given at Bainbridge Christian Church in Bainbridge, Indiana on 12/29/2019.  Focal Passage: I John 1:1-10 The Word of Life 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of …

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Rural Thinktank Episode 23: What is a “Community Missionary”?

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

I often refer to myself and the ministry I provide in my area as being a “Community Missionary”. It’s not an idea that is new or novel. I am sure that there are a lot of people like me all over rural areas that are doing some of the same things in my community that …

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Rural Thinktank Episode 22: Modern Thoughts on Church Security

June 8, 2026 by brentlacydotcom

This episode looks at some thoughts on how Church Security has changed in recent years.  Links to things I mention in this episode: The Rural Think Tank – http://ruralthinktank.com Rural Youth Ministry 2nd Edition Book at Amazon – http://bit.do/rym2 Supporting this podcast – https://anchor.fm/ruralthinktank

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