Rural Advancement

Join our host Joe Epley as he shares brief thoughts on the Summer, highlighting the need to take advantage of God’s “interruptions” to our normal rhythms in order to sense His direction for our lives. This episode will mark the beginning of our summer break, and we will return with regular episodes in September. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Randy McPherson is a Christian businessman, an ordained minister, and grew up in a ministry household. He has found his calling in stewarding God’s resources as well as caring for and coming alongside pastors as they do the work of vocational ministry. Tune in today for his insights. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, you can connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join host Joe Epley as he takes some of the principles of church health found in the works of pastor and author Karl Vaters and shares how they have applied in his life. Join him as he speaks of the struggles of measuring success apart from numbers. You can check out Karl Vaters works at www.karlvaters.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us as we have a discussion with Pastor and Author Karl Vaters. In the second part of this episode, we will discuss how to measure success in the church apart from numbers, how to create healthy churches, and how we as leaders can focus on discipleship in the midst of doing church. Pastor Karl’s books, articles, and other resources can be accessed at his website here. As always, if you would like to reach out to the podcast for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact the host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us as we have a discussion with Pastor and Author Karl Vaters. Over the next two weeks, we will discuss how to measure success in the church apart from numbers, how to create healthy churches, and how we as leaders can focus on discipleship in the midst of doing church. Pastor Karl’s books, articles, and other resources can be accessed at his website here. As always, if you would like to reach out to the podcast for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact the host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we discussed Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. In part two we are shifting towards talking about generosity and missions. You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us for a two part conversation with Dr. Joe Girdler. Dr. Joe is a published author, current superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Kentucky, and has a lengthy career in ministry. In part 1, we will discuss Dr. Joe’s story, some practical ways in which small town pastors can set the atmosphere on a Sunday morning, and how to encourage conversations about the Holy Spirit. Part two will shift focus to talk about evangelism and generosity. You can find links to all of Dr. Joe’s books at joegirdler.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or just for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us this week as we talk rural ministry with Josh Ziefle, Campus Pastor at Northwest University and host of the podcast, Christianity Now, which looks at modern issues facing the contemporary church. We will be discussing challenges, misconceptions, and best practices centered around the rural church. You can check out the Christianity Now podcast at Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts! If you would like to connect with our host Joe Epley, you can reach out to the show at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us for  the second of a two part conversation with Pastor Steve McVey, the founder of the Dirt Roads Network. In the first episode Pastor Steve talked about revitalization through the lens of his time as pastor in Lamont, Kansas. This week, we will dive into the resource that is the Dirt Roads Network and talk about the future of the rural church. You can find more info on the DRN at www.dirtroadsnetwork.com As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us for a two part conversation with Pastor Steve McVey, the founder of the Dirt Roads Network. In this first episode Pastor Steve talks about revitalization through the lens of his time as pastor in Lamont, Kansas. His story is a great encouragement for all those facing difficult church contexts. Next week, we will dive into the resource that is the Dirt Roads Network and talk about the future of the rural church. You can find more info on the DRN at www.dirtroadsnetwork.com As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us as our host Joe Epley walks through highlights from the book Small Church Essentials by Karl Vaters. This book is a great resource for practical tips on leading small town ministry. This book highlights good strategies for church health, and proper metrics to measure success that don’t revolve around the numbers. You can purchase Small Church Essentials or Karl Vaters’ other books at the links below: Small Church Essentials The Grasshopper Myth De-Sizing the Church As always if you would like to reach out the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, you can connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join our host Joe Epley as we dive into a prayer that comes to us from the Catholic tradition. The Litany of Humility is designed to inspire humility in our life as well as a road map to pray God’s blessing on others. You can read the full litany here. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or if you would like to give feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen share about their journey in a small town over the course of two decades, highlighting their experience as both youth and lead pastors during that time. Join us today as they unpack topics such as how to lead a growing church when a town is in decline, how to create opportunities for students, and how to discover significance in part 2 of this conversation! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastors Dereck and Gail Owen share about their journey in a small town over the course of two decades, highlighting their experience as both youth and lead pastors during that time. Join us today as they unpack topics such as small town best practices for youth ministry, how to walk through the loss of a student, and how to create a congregation that empowers and embraces young people. This week is Part 1 of 2 for this great conversation!

Pastor John Murdoch shares insights on the Holy Spirit, Prayer, and God’s faithfulness through 52 years of ministry. His experience and wisdom in working with youth, lead pastoring, and planting churches created a fun and enriching conversation! As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

This week we get a chance to listen in on a conversation between Holly Davis and Julie Pratt, hosts of the Next Gen Leader Podcast and employees of the national office of the Assemblies of God, and our host Joe Epley as we discuss principles of effective rural youth ministry! You can check out all episodes of the Next Gen Leaders Podcast here. As always, if you would like to contact the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Bill Lanes is passionate about walking through pastoral transition. Last week we began a conversation around the topics of how to handle pastoral change as a minister, as a congregation, and as believers in general. Tune in this week to hear the final conclusions! If you would like to access some resources for conflict resolution click here! As always if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Bill Lanes is passionate about walking through pastoral transition. Join us over the next two weeks as we discuss how to handle pastoral change as a minister, as a congregation, and as believers in general. If you would like to access some resources for conflict resolution click here! As always if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Nick Rogers jumps on Rural Advancement to share his experience in small town ministry. In two parts, we will cover everything from community and economic development, the importance of county museums, church reputation, ministry transition, and benevolence. Tune in this week to hear the second half of this great conversation! As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Nick Rogers jumps on Rural Advancement to share his experience in small town ministry. In two parts, we will cover everything from community and economic development, the importance of county museums, church reputation, ministry transition, and benevolence. Tune in this week and next for this great conversation! As always, if you would like to connect with the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Andy Addis is the pastor of a rural multisite church in Kansas and the host of a podcast called The Rural Pastor Podcast. Join pastor Andy and host Joe Epley as they discuss what it looks like to collaborate with other churches in small town settings. Also, check out Pastor Andy’s podcast at Theruralpastor.com or wherever podcasts are found! As always, if you want to connect with the show for encouragement, or to offer feedback or ideas, please email our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join our host Joe Epley as we look back at 2024 and reflect on how to apply wisdom to our lives. Hopefully you are inspired and encouraged to continue pastoring in your rural context. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, please contact our host at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor and Dr. Martin Giese has spent 40 years in rural pastoral ministry, and has served the last 8 years as the president of Oak Hills Christian College. Dr. Martin has a passion for helping rural pastors understand the ways in which different cultures affect the rural church. Tune in today to hear part 2 of how his insights on how you can navigate these cultures when they collide! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor and Dr. Martin Giese has spent 40 years in rural pastoral ministry, and has served the last 8 years as the president of Oak Hills Christian College. Dr. Martin has a passion for helping rural pastors understand the ways in which different cultures affect the rural church. Tune in today to hear part 1 of how his insights on how you can navigate these cultures when they collide! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us today as Keith and Samantha Jones talk through the second part of a conversation on what it is like to move to rural setting. They will also highlight the biblical and practical outworkings of following the call of God, and ultimately Samantha will share on her book God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning, which can be purchased at the link below: God and Trauma by Samantha Jones As always, if you would like to connect with our show to give feedback or ideas, or to receive encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us today as Keith and Samantha Jones talk through the first part of a conversation on what it is like to move to rural setting. They will also highlight the biblical and practical outworkings of following the call of God, and ultimately Samantha will share on her book God and Trauma: The Lessons I’m Learning, which can be purchased at the link below: God and Trauma by Samantha Jones As always, if you would like to connect with our show to give feedback or ideas, or to receive encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Mike Clarensau has had a diverse ministry career, serving as pastor, Sunday school director, church health director, church consultant, and statistician. Tune in this week and check out last weeks episode to hear insights from his ministry journey! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Mike Clarensau has had a diverse ministry career, serving as pastor, sunday school director, church health director, church consultant, and statistician. Tune in this week and next week to hear insights from his ministry journey! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Austin Epperson talks about rural ministry, highlighting how to have an effective men’s ministry, the importance of having serving as a foundation, and some of his favorite book recommendations! Tune in! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Anthony Caiola has a passion for creating church systems that work! Tools and systems that help the church thrive are a key building block for a healthy church. Anthony especially cares about seeing rural contexts integrate healthy church systems that can empower them to do effective ministry. If you would like to reach out to Pastor Anthony for more information and support on this topic, reach out to him at Anthony@awaken514.church As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, please reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

This week is part 2 of our discussion of the book Flyover Church by Brad Roth. This book is yet another insightful take on rural ministry, arming pastors and leaders with both the right mindsets and practical tools to continue doing rural ministry well. Today we will hear from the author as he breaks down some of the core principles from the book! If you would like to buy Flyover Church you can purchase it here. If you want to check out Brad’s first book God’s Country click here. For more resources from Pastor Brad Roth, check out doxologyproject.com As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

This week and the next we will be discussing the book Flyover Church by Brad Roth. This book is yet another insightful take on rural ministry, arming pastors and leaders with both the right mindsets and practical tools to continue doing rural ministry well. Today begins with reflections on the book from our host Joe Epley. If you would like to buy Flyover Church you can purchase it here. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas and feedback, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Tim Rust has sent 50 years in business and ministry learning many good lessons through the low seasons of frustration and spiritual warfare. He currently pastors in Nebraska and runs the Nebraska Cowboy Churches Association. As referenced in this episode, here are links to both of the books that encouraged pastor Tim in a dark time: “Dark Night of the Soul” by St. John of the Cross “Have You Ever Felt Like Giving Up Lately” by David Wilkerson As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Tony Vietti talks in this episode about healthy culture, developing leaders well, and adjusting to the pace of rural life as someone coming in from the outside. Pulling from a long tenure at Best Buy and his own spiritual journey, tune in to hear some awesome insights! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback and ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Andrew Jergenson started his career within the structure of the Walmart corporation and has since transitioned to pastoring. Tune in today to hear how these two worlds have influenced one another as pastor Andrew shares insights on culture, team building, and church hospitality. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join us today as we talk to Pastor Tommy Hayes, who has spent his ministry revitalizing churches and teaching other pastors to do the same. His insights on reaching the community, looking at our church through fresh eyes, and the need for fellow pastors will bless you! As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to find encouragement, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Dr. Terry Yancey served as pastor and ministry leader in Kansas for decades. Join part 2 of this conversation as we discuss the importance of demographics, being Pentecostal and intellectual, and the importance of outreach. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Dr. Terry Yancey served as pastor and ministry leader in Kansas for decades. Join part 1 of this conversation as we discuss the importance of demographics, being Pentecostal and intellectual, and the importance of outreach. As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with ideas or feedback, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastors Alan and Coleen Schaberg have served in multiple contexts of ministry, most recently as the superintendents of the Wyoming Assemblies of God. They both have completed a Masters of Arts in Rural Ministry through Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, and bring many great insights from these experiences in this two part episode. Tune in now! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastors Alan and Coleen Schaberg have served in multiple contexts of ministry, most recently as the superintendents of the Wyoming Assemblies of God. They both have completed a Masters of Arts in Rural Ministry through Trinity Bible College and Graduate School, and bring many great insights from these experiences in this two part episode. Tune in now! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give ideas or feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join host Joe Epley as he gives an update on the show for this summer and gives a brief challenge to reflect on what healthy rhythms are when it comes to seasons of ministry. As always, if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for the sake of encouragement, connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join pastor Nathan Johnson as he shared on the power of legacy as it has played out in his own life. Or hear his thoughts on how to be a mindful leader within a pentecostal setting. Check out his experiences with Pentecost and learn how he incorporates it into a local body of believers As always if you want to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or to get encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com.

Join us as Savanna Emmanuel shares her story of growing up and how she came to know the Lord and pursue ministry. Her story is a great example of what it means to be incarnational as a church and to love the “one” faithfully! Check it out! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback and ideas, or for encouragement, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Our Tall Tales segment answers a simple question: What is a particularly funny or unique rural ministry experience and what did God show you through it? Join pastor Greg Ledgerwood as he talks about hoarders and hospital visits, concluding that it is important to say “yes” to opportunities in spite of how strange they may be! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show with feedback or ideas, or for encouragement, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join pastors Jim and Tina Von Wald for part 2 of their journey as rural church planters and co-pastors. They share not only about engaging community well and leading together, but also highlight the work of their theses. They both graduated Trinity Bible College with master’s degrees in Rural Ministry. Tina focused on developing rural leaders within the church and Jim focused on succession plans in the rural church. If you want either of their papers, feel free to email them at tinavonwald@gmail.com or jimvonwald@gmail.com As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Join pastors Jim and Tina Von Wald as they walk through their journey as rural church planters and co-pastors. They share not only about engaging community well and leading together, but also highlight the work of their theses. They both graduated Trinity Bible College with master’s degrees in Rural Ministry. Tina focused on developing rural leaders within the church and Jim focused on succession plans in the rural church. If you want either of their papers, feel free to email them at tinavonwald@gmail.com or jimvonwald@gmail.com As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with feedback or ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Cordell Hines shares about his diverse experiences through 30+ years of ministry. He talks of bringing order to out of control Pentecostal experience, pastoring through church hurt, restoring faith in a pastorate after the failure of others, and much more! Tune in today for this exciting conversation! As always, if you would like to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback and ideas, contact our host Joe Epley at Joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Cody is a kids pastor who is passionate about raising money for missions, helping kids from tough backgrounds, and raising up an effective team for kids ministry! Tune in to hear the conversation. As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement or with feedback or ideas, you can contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com Referenced in today’s episode is the book The Switching Hour: Kids of Divorce Say Goodbye Again which can be purchased on Amazon here.

Join pastor Mackenzie Witzke as she talks about the call of God, relational ministry, and the value of sound administration within the body of Christ. As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or to give feedback or ideas, please connect with our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor Jarred Smith has spent time working as youth pastor, church administrator, bookkeeper, and a host of other associate obligations. Join us as we talk through the lessons gleaned from wearing multiple hats in ministry! As always if you have any feedback or ideas for the show, or would like some encouragement, please reach out to our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com

Pastor James Young shares about the various opportunities for community development he has experienced during his tenure as a small town pastor. He and his church have done community projects, cleaned up and renovated main street properties, and helped with poverty relief. Tune in for a fun conversation. As always, if you want to reach out to the show for encouragement, or with ideas and feedback, please contact our host Joe Epley at joseph.g.epley@gmail.com