Bridging Generations: Empowering Rural Churches for Tomorrow with John Upton & Brandon Shook

Retired pastor and ministry coach Dave Peppler shares lessons from over 20 years in rural ministry, from guiding a congregation through closure to helping churches rediscover their unique calling. He offers practical insights on pastoral health, the value of bi-vocational ministry, and trusting that the God who calls is always sufficient to equip.

In this episode, we hear from Jon in Florida and Greg in Virginia—two rural leaders using Dinner Church to reach their communities in powerful ways.Jon shares how a simple outdoor meal in a town of 700 became a bridge across division. Greg describes how his church now gathers at fairgrounds and homes, empowers lay leaders, and even partners globally—all through the table.From refugee connections to special needs ministries, these stories show how sharing food and faith can transform a community.

In this rich and reflective episode, we talk with pastor and author Brad Roth about the heart behind his latest book, Flyover Church. Brad shares a compelling vision for ministry in rural places—one grounded not in programs or performance, but in presence, patience, and the power of story.We explore the difference between task-based and presence-based ministry, how fear can lead us to misguided goals, and why both success and failure have something to teach the Church. Brad offers practical ways to "be with" our communities, how to navigate being an outsider, and why the stories we tell—of bounty and brokenness—matter deeply. Whether you're rooted in a rural church or simply longing for a deeper sense of place and purpose, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and hope.

In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with David Blackwell for a candid conversation about one of the most important — and sometimes most challenging — parts of ministry: helping relationships move from social connection to spiritual depth.We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we share honest reflections, stories, and questions from our own experiences. This episode is more of an open-ended conversation than a how-to guide — a space to spark your own ideas and invite you into the dialogue.How do you help everyday conversations turn toward faith without feeling forced or awkward? What has worked in your context? We’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Rural Renewal, Chris Morton shares simple, practical ways rural and small churches can improve their online presence—without needing a big budget or tech team.From claiming your Google listing to using Facebook like a town bulletin board, Chris explains how digital engagement today is the new front porch. You’ll learn why hospitality starts online, how to overcome assumptions people make about your church, and how a few small steps can make a big difference in helping people find—and feel welcome in—your church.This isn’t about going viral. It’s about being visible.

Dean Miller joins the podcast to share how churches can move from maintenance to mission—especially in rural and challenging contexts. Drawing on his pastoral experience, Dean encourages leaders to listen deeply, build community partnerships, and rethink success in ministry.He highlights stories of churches making a real difference by focusing on relationships, not just programs, and reminds us that innovation doesn’t require a big budget—just curiosity and courage. This episode offers practical encouragement for pastors feeling isolated, with a hopeful reminder: faithful presence matters, and God is still at work.

In this episode we explore leadership and mission in rural ministry.First, John Upton reflects on his journey from missionary work in Taiwan to leading the Baptist General Association of Virginia, emphasizing the importance of presence, trust, and adaptability in leadership.Next, Brandon Shook of Fusion USA discusses connecting college students with local churches, highlighting relational approaches and long-term investment in young adults.Together, these conversations offer insights into nurturing leadership and fostering intergenerational connections within rural communities.

What happens when a small-town church becomes a lifeline for mental health support? Since 2004, Corey Laughary has served as pastor in the rural community of Palouse, Washington, where he and his church have stepped into the mental health gap. In this episode, Corey shares how they’ve built a mental health ministry team, offered Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings, and equipped schools, agencies, and churches to care for their communities. Full of practical insights and hard-won hope, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing the realities of rural ministry and mental health care.

What happens when the church leaves the building? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from two sets of leaders who are reimagining church in unexpected places. Heather Jallad shares how Fresh Expressions are flourishing in rural spaces—around dinner tables, in parks, even barns—through simple, relational gatherings rooted in deep listening and trust. Then we head to Virginia, where Theresa Colomba and Tony Gray bring Church in the Park to life for people facing homelessness and addiction. Their stories remind us that presence matters more than polish, and that faithfulness in forgotten corners can bear incredible fruit. Get ready to be inspired by these stories of mission, mercy, and grassroots renewal.

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of creative and faithful ministry.Russell Goodrich shares how Cape Charles Baptist Church went from near closure to becoming a vibrant community hub—serving over 130 kids each summer through Splash Camp and transforming lives through local partnerships.Amy Hall shares her journey from religious trauma to spiritual renewal, launching Shalom Creatives and Forest Church—spaces where art, nature, and community open doors to healing and connection.Two very different paths. One shared mission: joining God where He’s already at work.