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Clint Fowler Podcasts

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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.
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What happens when a rural church leans fully into the gifts of its landscape and the passions of its people? In this episode, we sit down with Clint and Steph Pearsall to explore how their congregation is building community through simple, heartfelt hospitality—from their wildly successful Hunters Dinner that gathers neighbors across generations, t…
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In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’…
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What happens when a heart for missions meets the quiet rhythms of rural life? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with Tim Schwartz, a Pennsylvania pastor whose calling to short-term mission work has led him into all kinds of disaster relief efforts across the country. Tim shares how serving in places of crisis has reshaped hi…
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What makes a rural church thrive in the face of challenges? In this conversation, we explore the strengths, creativity, and opportunities that rural churches carry into their communities—and how they can lean on faith to navigate the obstacles before them. Our guest is John Crowder, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in West, Texas, and author o…
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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.…
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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 global…
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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-b…
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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 que…
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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 hospit…
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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 …
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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 w…
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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…
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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 …
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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 tra…
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What does it mean to dream big in a rural setting? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Tim Brown and Allen Jesse share how small-town churches can make a big impact. From disaster relief efforts after severe flooding to building networks for struggling rural pastors, they explore the power of community-driven ministry. Hear how Tim connec…
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Engaging all ages in ministry is core to the work of the church, but the reality of rural life can make that complicated. In this episode, we’ll hear about creative ways to incorporate children and adults into the life of rural congregations, even in the face of declining populations and limited resources. Listen in to learn about how the “Messy Ch…
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What can churches do in a culture known for its skepticism? Nestled between Seattle and the Olympic National Forest, Belfair Community Church focuses on consistent, small acts that reflect God’s love and goodness. In this inspiring interview, you’ll hear from A Culture of Scarcity And a God of Abundance: Leading a Church into a Bigger, Better, More…
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What do you do when you know there are people in your small town who need a community and a place to learn about Jesus, but they aren’t coming to your church? Sharon White led her church through a process of listening for needs and opportunities in their small town of Waco, Ga. When they discovered a shared passion for Bluegrass music they prayed f…
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The stories of news media and Hollywood often focus on major coastal cities. But God is at work everywhere and the small towns and rural communities of North America are a testimony to God’s goodness. In this interview, Brad Roth, Mennonite pastor and award-winning author, shares about the importance of place, people watching and recognizing people…
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Of the challenges facing rural North America, health care remains one of the most pressing. What can local churches do to help? In this episode, Allen Stanton, author or Reclaiming Rural returns alongside Sidney Everhart to discuss how they've seen churches help their members and their communities stay healthy.…
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Robert Frazier might not be the first person you think of when you consider the needs of rural churches. Robert planted Redemption Hill, a network of microchurches in Boise, Idaho, and founded The City Network. However, Boise is the only major city in the region, and their ministry has expanded to the suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas in the two-hou…
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Times change, but the same can’t always be said of churches. Why is it that some take risks and try new things, while others can’t seem to get unstuck? In this overwhelmingly encouraging conversation, Ron Johnston, Executive Director of Small Church Connections in Canada, shares practical steps pastors can take to build trust and cast vision with t…
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Many rural church leaders are part-time or bi-vocational. With such high demands on their time, what does "excellent" preaching look like? Patricia Batten, Assistant Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, provides encouragement and direction for rural church leaders doing their best with limited resources. She also shares he…
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With many rural areas declining in population, "growth" is an impossible goal. What should churches do instead? David Blackwell returns to the podcast to explore a more "relational" model of ministry. With a keen awareness of the average rural and small church, Blackwell outlines a realistic approach to leading a highly engaged and mission-driven c…
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Should small, rural churches aim for excellence, authenticity, or both? Many well-known, usually large churches, are known to strive for "excellence" in their production of weekend worship. This can leave small churches, with fewer means, feeling like they have to keep up. Brandon O'Brien offers an alternative for small churches to aim instead to r…
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What do you think a rural church looks like? Listen to new ideas from real-life leaders who are reaching new people in places already accustomed to church. Featuring David Blackwell of Florence, Montana, Chris and Jaidy Smith from Ramseur, North Carolina and Allen Jessee from Abingdon, Virginia. Allen Jessee, is the Lead Pastor of Highlands Fellows…
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Rural church pastors preach and organize church programs. But sometimes they manage contractors, water pigs, and other things you might not expect. Join Lindsay Callaway from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada in a discussion of how to prepare church for the unexpected opportunities in rural ministry. Lindsay Callaway has been with the EFC since …
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Ministry in rural areas can have challenges, when it comes to resources. Listen to Marta share how she has addressed the needs of Latino community (especially with language barriers) in her town and advocate for them and how she has partnered with schools, libraries, and other organizations to connect with people in her community. Marta Sobrino Bol…
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What does it mean to be the church in a place where people come to vacation? Some small towns and less about Friday Night Lights and more about AirBnB. But what if it was possible not only to reach weekend warriors looking for recreation and the local population who live in small towns all year long. In this episode listen to discover different way…
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Doing ministry in rural areas is different from doing ministry in urban or suburban areas, but many books and conferences tend to be more helpful for larger population areas. In this episode listen to two denominational leaders provide their perspective on strengths and challenges for doing discipleship in rural churches. Dr. Leah Hidde-Gregory is …
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The word "rural" can bring to mind both bucolic and dilapidated images. But the truth is much more complicated! Discover how churches serve as anchors for small-towns, and new metrics for measuring success in this unique environment. In the first episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, you'll hear from Allen Stanton, an ordained pastor who currently …
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Revival is happening in small-town churches. Many of Jesus' followers across ruralregions are uncovering exciting possibilities as they explore creative and practical approaches to loving their neighbors. Hosted by rural church co-pastors, Chris and Kathleen Blackey, this new podcast from Fresh Expressions will introduce you to ministry leaders ser…
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