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The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

About the Rural ThinkTank Podcast and Website…

June 12, 2026 by Brent Lacy

If you are new here, welcome. I did not expect the Rural ThinkTank to have the reach or number of episodes that it has, or the ideas to flow as freely as they have.  My goal and calling is to help as many small and rural churches as God allows me to reach. This website …

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Rural ThinkTank Episode 45: Morey Chapel Church of Christ 1/17/21

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This message was given 1/17/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ, near Westville, Illinois.   

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

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

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 …

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: If your church had a CIO (Chief Information Officer), what would they tell you?

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This episode is about the thing that many small and medium sized churches think they cover, but really neglect – Their IT We discuss Data Security, Backup, Hardware Refresh, and other things that many churches ignore, accidentally or on purpose.   I try my best to break down all the terms I discuss to terms …

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

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

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.

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 32: Change the Oil

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

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

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

June 12, 2026 by Brent Lacy

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 Sources https://dare2sharelive.org/ https://2020.jamtour.com/ https://anchor.fm/ruralthinktank

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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 30: The Bible is Bizarre

June 8, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This is a message given 1/19/2020 at Bloomingdale Christian Church in Bloomingdale, Indiana.  This covers some of the odd passages that we find in the Bible and how we can see how God cares for us through them, and what theses passages tell us about ourselves

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

June 12, 2026 by Brent Lacy

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 Brent Lacy

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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