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.
Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions
Claim This Podcastby Ascent Movement
5.0(8 reviews)
36 episodes
Updated Monthly
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Podcast Overview
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.
Language
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Publishing Since
2/16/2023
1 verified contact email on file for Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions
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Recent Episodes
March 9, 2026
Dunbar’s Number, Weak Ties, and Rural Church Community with David Blackwell
<p>A healthy church isn’t just a tight-knit group of friends. It’s a place where all kinds of relationships can flourish. In this conversation, David Blackwell shares how insights from Dunbar’s Number invite rural church leaders to rethink size and connection, and how prioritizing weak, bridging relationships can help rural churches break down cliques, welcome outsiders, and embody the Gospel in place. Listeners will hear both a challenge and a roadmap for building more robust relational ecosystems that reflect the breadth of God’s community.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Guest Info (title, bio, headshot, where to find them): </b></p><p>David has served as the senior pastor of Florence-Carlton Community Church in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana for 19 years, and is passionate about helping develop church leaders and pastors for outwardly-focused, community-oriented ministry in small town and rural settings.</p><p><br></p><p><br>Related Resources:</p><p>The Church and Dunbar’s Number - <a href="https://seedbed.com/the-church-and-dunbars-number/">https://seedbed.com/the-church-and-dunbars-number/</a></p><p>Rural Churches Need More Weak Relationships - <a href="https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-churches-need-more-weak-relationships-by-carl-greene/">https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-churches-need-more-weak-relationships-by-carl-greene/</a></p><p><br></p><p><b>Email us: </b></p><p>podcasts@freshexpressions.com</p><p><br></p>
January 26, 2026
Grace, Doubt, and Leadership on the Big Screen
<p>Do movies actually reflect real-life ministry? Or do they miss the quiet tensions, complexities, and grace that leaders carry every day? In this episode of Rural Renewal, we take a different approach by reflecting on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Beneath the mystery, the film raises questions about faith, leadership, public trust, and human frailty in close-knit communities. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, this conversation invites you to think about how stories shape our understanding of church, calling, and renewal where life and faith intersect.</p>
December 22, 2025
Listening First: Prayer, Patience, and Pastoring a Rural Church Plant with PJ Johnson and Melanie McMurray
<p>What if faithfulness in rural ministry isn’t about moving faster—but about listening longer?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from PJ and Melanie, two co-pastors planting a church in southwestern Virginia who have learned to let prayer, patience, and presence set the pace. They share honestly about discerning God’s leading, choosing slowness in a culture that rewards speed, and remaining open to change—even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. Their story is a reminder that deep roots are formed through intentional prayer, trust in God’s timing, and the courage to adapt for the sake of the people God has placed before us.</p><p><br></p>
36 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Rural Renewal Podcast by Fresh Expressions?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates monthly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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