Renewal is happening in small-town churches. Many of Jesus' followers across rural regions are uncovering exciting possibilities as they explore creative and practical approaches to loving their neighbors. This podcast from Ascent will introduce you to ministry leaders serving in rural contexts to provide examples and inspiration for being the Church and addressing the needs unique to your community.
What Gives Us Hope for the Rural Church? With Andy Barnes
What is giving rural church leaders hope right now? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Chris and Kathleen sit down with Andy Barnes for a conversation about what he is seeing and hearing across rural churches and communities. Together, they explore the stories we sometimes miss when challenges become the dominant narrative and the creative, faithful ways rural churches are loving their neighbors, serving their communities, and joining in with what God is already doing.
Andy also offers encouragement for pastors who are tired or wondering whether their faithful presence is really making a difference, and shares what gives him hope as he looks toward the future of the rural church.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the heart behind Here for Good (https://www.freshexpressions.com/here-for-good): paying attention to what God is already doing right where we are and discovering how we might join in.
17 Aug 2026
What If Your Church Building Is More Than a Building? with Josh Lilly
For many rural churches, the building is one of the most significant resources they have and sometimes one of their greatest challenges. But what might change if we began to see our facilities not simply as something to maintain, but as something entrusted to us for the sake of our communities?
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Kathleen and Chris sit down with Josh Lilly, Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Michigan, for a conversation about faithful stewardship, creative ministry, and looking at the resources we already have with fresh eyes.
Josh shares how Crossroads is finding creative ways to use its facilities to serve its community, build relationships, and create opportunities for ministry. Along the way, he talks candidly about the challenges and surprises that come with opening a church building to new possibilities, how leaders can discern which partnerships fit the church’s mission, and why meaningful community impact doesn’t require a large or impressive facility.
Upcoming Webinar on August 24th, 2026:
Faithful Stewardship: Creative Ways to Use Your Church Building for Ministry and Mission
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h0fvupOLQeSMQlJQLpxh7w (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h0fvupOLQeSMQlJQLpxh7w)
6 Jul 2026
Pastoring Through Community Crisis with John Crowder
What does faithful leadership look like when crisis hits your church or community?
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Chris and Kathleen Blackey welcome back John Crowder, author of Anchor Point. Drawing from his experience serving the community of West, Texas following the 2013 fertilizer plant explosion, John shares practical wisdom for navigating crisis, caring for yourself as a leader, responding to criticism, and helping communities move from immediate relief toward long-term recovery. Whether you're facing a crisis today or preparing for one tomorrow, this conversation offers timely encouragement and guidance.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions
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