Skip to content
  • Home
  • Rural Church
    • Church Revitalization
    • Bivocational Ministry
    • Pastor Search & Transition
    • Rural Youth Ministry
    • Sermons & Bible Studies
  • Rural Community
  • AI & Technology
  • Podcast
  • Resources
    • MinistryPlace.net
    • Brent Lacy
    • Speaking
    • AI Speaking
  • Contact

The Rural Think Tank

…It's Different Out Here.

Tag: leadership

What a Transitional Pastor Can Help a Rural Church See Before the Next Call

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

Many churches think of leadership transition in only one category: get someone in the pulpit until the next pastor arrives. Sometimes that is enough for a short season. But sometimes a congregation needs more than coverage. It needs clarity. That is where a transitional pastor can be especially helpful. The role is not just to …

Continue Reading

Why Small Churches Need a Different AI Conversation

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

Most technology commentary is built for large staffs, corporate workflows, or ministry brands with resources that smaller churches simply do not have. That is one reason so much AI discussion feels unhelpful to rural and bivocational leaders. It is often too abstract, too hyped, too suspicious, or too detached from the actual work of shepherding …

Continue Reading

The Risks of AI in Ministry That Small Churches Need to Name Clearly

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

Small churches need to name the risks of AI in ministry clearly, including dishonesty, privacy failures, shallow theology, and replacing presence with automation.

Continue Reading

Ethical AI Use in a Small Church Requires Clear Boundaries

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

Ethical AI use in a small church means truthfulness, privacy, doctrinal care, and clear limits so technology supports ministry without replacing responsibility.

Continue Reading

Rural Thinktank Episode 49: What’s Your Story?

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This message is from 3/21/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois.      Sources MinistryPlace.net Rural Think Tank

Continue Reading

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 48: Who are you, really?

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This message was given at Morey Chapel Church of Christ on 3/14/21, based out of Ezekiel 37. It encourages you to consider your identity.  Sources MinistryPlace.net Rural Think Tank

Continue Reading

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

August 9, 2026 by Brent Lacy

This message was given 1/24/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ, near Westville, Illinois.  Sources MinistryPlace.net Rural Think Tank

Continue Reading

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

August 9, 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 …

Continue Reading

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

August 9, 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 …

Continue Reading

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

August 9, 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. Sources …

Continue Reading

Posts pagination

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

Recent Posts

  • Small Church Partnerships in Rural Communities: Ministry Beyond Competition
  • Support Youth Workers in Rural Churches: Practical Ways Congregations Can Help
  • The Long Decline Nobody Names in Rural Churches
  • Teaching Kids to Pray in a Church With No Children’s Program
  • Rural Churches and the Opioid Settlement Money

Categories

  • AI & Technology
  • Bivocational Ministry
  • Church Revitalization
  • Pastor Search & Transition
  • Podcast
  • Rural Church
  • Rural Church Planting
  • Rural Community
  • Rural Youth Ministry
  • Sermons and Bible Studies
© 2026 The Rural Think Tank | WordPress Theme by Superbthemes