The Rural Pastor Podcast
Andy Addis & Mark Clifton
The Rural Pastor Podcast knows that isolation, low resources and vocational identity are three heavy weights hanging heavy on the rural church leader and we want to help you move from surviving to thriving. It is designed to be a kitchen table conversation between you and real-time practitioners who've done rural ministry for years. Our desire is to affirm the role that you play whether it's full-time part-time or somewhere in between, and to share with you a variety of resources that will make your life and ministry easier. -
Isolation & Loneliness in Ministry rural pastor loneliness, pastoral isolation, ministry burnout, lonely pastor support, isolated church leader, community for pastors, connect rural pastors
Burnout / Fatigue / Stress pastor burnout recovery, ministry fatigue, stressed pastor, overwhelmed pastor, emotional health for pastors, self-care for church leaders
Bivocational / Financial Struggles bivocational pastor support, pastors with day job, low income pastor, financial stress ministry, ministry with limited resources
Feeling stuck / stuck ministry stuck in ministry, stuck pastor season, ministry stuck point, no resources church, under-resourced church leadership
Renewal / Revival / Hope spiritual renewal for pastors, revival for rural churches, hope for exhausted pastor, renewing passion ministry, ministry refresh
Creative ideas / innovation creative ministry ideas, church innovation rural, fresh ministry strategies, creative outreach small church, novel ministry methods
Biblical / Theological Anchoring biblical solutions for pastors, theology for ministry, doctrine for church leaders, scriptural guidance for pastors, biblical leadership
Community / Connection / Engagement church leader community, peer support pastors, connecting rural churches, pastor network, ministry collaboration
Growth & Opportunity growth for small church, opportunities in rural church, expanding small church ministry, multiplying ministry in low resource areas
Wellbeing & Renewal spiritual, emotional, physical health pastors, rest and renewal ministry, balancing life & ministry, rejuvenation for church leaders
“how to avoid pastor burnout in small towns”
“encouragement for rural pastors feeling alone”
“ministry ideas for under-resourced churches”
“bivocational pastor encouragement podcast”
“renewal and hope for exhausted pastors”
“creative outreach for small town churches”
“biblical answers for struggling church leaders”
“theology for everyday ministry challenges”
“finding community as an isolated pastor”
“ways to reboot your pastoral passion”
“leading a church with hardly any resources”
“surviving small church ministry”
“how to pastor when you feel stuck”
“hope and revival in rural ministry”
“practical theology for rural pastors”
“support for stressed pastors”
“ministry ideas for weary church leader”
“renew your calling as pastor”
“pastoral care in rural contexts”
“how to grow a small church in rural area”
Isolation & Loneliness in Ministry rural pastor loneliness, pastoral isolation, ministry burnout, lonely pastor support, isolated church leader, community for pastors, connect rural pastors
Burnout / Fatigue / Stress pastor burnout recovery, ministry fatigue, stressed pastor, overwhelmed pastor, emotional health for pastors, self-care for church leaders
Bivocational / Financial Struggles bivocational pastor support, pastors with day job, low income pastor, financial stress ministry, ministry with limited resources
Feeling stuck / stuck ministry stuck in ministry, stuck pastor season, ministry stuck point, no resources church, under-resourced church leadership
Renewal / Revival / Hope spiritual renewal for pastors, revival for rural churches, hope for exhausted pastor, renewing passion ministry, ministry refresh
Creative ideas / innovation creative ministry ideas, church innovation rural, fresh ministry strategies, creative outreach small church, novel ministry methods
Biblical / Theological Anchoring biblical solutions for pastors, theology for ministry, doctrine for church leaders, scriptural guidance for pastors, biblical leadership
Community / Connection / Engagement church leader community, peer support pastors, connecting rural churches, pastor network, ministry collaboration
Growth & Opportunity growth for small church, opportunities in rural church, expanding small church ministry, multiplying ministry in low resource areas
Wellbeing & Renewal spiritual, emotional, physical health pastors, rest and renewal ministry, balancing life & ministry, rejuvenation for church leaders
“how to avoid pastor burnout in small towns”
“encouragement for rural pastors feeling alone”
“ministry ideas for under-resourced churches”
“bivocational pastor encouragement podcast”
“renewal and hope for exhausted pastors”
“creative outreach for small town churches”
“biblical answers for struggling church leaders”
“theology for everyday ministry challenges”
“finding community as an isolated pastor”
“ways to reboot your pastoral passion”
“leading a church with hardly any resources”
“surviving small church ministry”
“how to pastor when you feel stuck”
“hope and revival in rural ministry”
“practical theology for rural pastors”
“support for stressed pastors”
“ministry ideas for weary church leader”
“renew your calling as pastor”
“pastoral care in rural contexts”
“how to grow a small church in rural area”
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 58 – Crossing Lines To End Isolation
Joe Epley, a dedicated pastor serving in the Assemblies of God, shares insights from his extensive experience in rural community outreach. He discusses the pressing issue of isolation among pastors and the power of unity across denominations, emphasizing collaboration to serve local communities effectively. Joe highlights the importance of building genuine connections and the role of shared experiences through Rural Advancement. The conversation is filled with light-hearted anecdotes, showcasing the strength found in fellowship and diversity.
Oct 26, 2024 • 16min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 57 – Pastor we appreciate you
Pastor appreciation month can be a downer if you don’t hear the words “Thank you.” So, let this episode of the of The Rural Pastor Podcast be the thank you, so deserve!
Sep 19, 2024 • 20min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 56 – What You Need To Know
Explore the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by rural pastors, likening their struggles to those of biblical figures. Discover the vital role of relationships and community engagement in effective pastoral leadership. Hear personal stories from rural pastors about the importance of prayer and resilience. The podcast highlights the often unseen but significant impacts of rural ministry on communities, reinforcing the hope and dedication found in this unique field.
Aug 22, 2024 • 25min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 55 – Heading back to school and making the school your friend
Join Andy Addis and Danny Payne for a back to school episode focusing on how to make sure that the school in your community is an opportunity and not the enemy.
Aug 15, 2024 • 28min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 54 – Part three of the BIG 3 – Isolation
Isolation is a prominent challenge for rural pastors, who often feel alone in their vital roles. A playful rivalry between basketball fans segues into a deep dive on the struggles of rural ministry. The speakers emphasize the importance of community and hobbies to combat feelings of loneliness. Personal anecdotes highlight how intentional connections can enhance the well-being of pastors. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the need for support networks to navigate the unique hurdles of ministry in less visible communities.
Aug 8, 2024 • 31min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 53 – Part two of the BIG 3 – Vocational Identity
The hosts explore the challenges rural pastors face in balancing their diverse roles while maintaining a vibrant ministry. They discuss the concept of co-vocational ministry, emphasizing how combining secular jobs with pastoral work can enhance community involvement. A touching story about a pastor's engagement in local events illustrates the power of building relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of vocational identity and celebrates bi-vocational pastors as vital connectors between church and community.
Aug 1, 2024 • 30min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 52 – Part one of the BIG 3 – Low Resources
The discussion opens with a poetic reflection on the loneliness and uncertainty faced by rural pastors, setting an inspiring tone. Personal anecdotes about summer vacations create a warm atmosphere. They delve into the dreams and challenges of church growth in Kansas, including a new plant in Holton. The talk highlights the urgent issue of low resources in rural ministry and advocates for a shift from a scarcity mindset to a vision-driven approach. Practical strategies are shared to turn challenges into opportunities, emphasizing community engagement and creative solutions.
Jul 24, 2024 • 13min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 51 – Getting Ready For A New Season
The podcast discusses handling relationships in conflict, promoting rest and resources for rural pastors, and the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in relationships and society.
Mar 16, 2024 • 31min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 50 – Pastor Wives Appreciation Month
Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for some helpful hints for pastors on honoring their wives for Pastor Wives Appreciation Month (March). This was a live recording with a great audience at The 2024 Rural Summit!
Jan 25, 2024 • 28min
The Rural Pastor Podcast – Episode 49 – The Spiritually Healthy Pastor 4
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of physical health for pastors in ministry, the significance of self-care for endurance, the need for discipline and Sabbath rest, and the power of partnering with others for personal growth. They also give a sneak peek of upcoming episodes on marriage and pastors' role in modeling it.
