TJ got a chance to interview our friend, Sam Hahn, on why relationships between men in many churches, especially rural settings, can feel shallow. They get to chat about how pastors can help cultivate deeper, gospel-centered brotherhood.

Drawing from Sam's doctoral ministry project, they discuss the need for safe, non-sexualized male intimacy, the biblical priority of men not being alone, and a practical approach for building vulnerability through guided story-sharing in small groups with prayer.

We hope this conversation can help rural pastors encourage their church members to pursue deep, meaningful relationships with the fellow men in their congregation!

👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a rural pastor who needs encouragement. Your support helps strengthen healthy rural churches for the glory of Christ.

Rural Pastors Talk is back!

In this Season 6 premiere of the Rural Pastors Talk podcast, we’re asking: What ever happened to Rural Pastor’s Talk?

This episode is gives us the opportunity to “un-rebrand.” And with it comes a renewed commitment to the health of the rural church. We talk honestly about why RPT rebranded, what we hoped to accomplish, why we’re changing back, and what we believe is at stake for pastors serving Christ faithfully in rural places. Beneath the humor and banter is a clear conviction: the rural church is not a stepping stone, a training ground, or God’s penalty box. As long as Christ’s people live in rural communities, Jesus intends a vibrant, healthy, multiplying church to be there.

This episode of Rural Pastors Talk is for rural pastors, small-church leaders, bivocational ministers, elders, and anyone who cares about the long-term strength of churches in rural America. We pray this episode helps encouage as you pursue faithfulness in your small, country church.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why Rural Pastors Talk is back
• Why we rebranded—and why we’re changing back again
• Why healthy rural churches matter for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom
• A practical book recommendation rural pastors can actually use
• A quote from John Wesley to keep us from being too fleshly
• Plus some banter—including the important question you’ll have to tune in to hear!

Book recommendation for rural pastors:
📘 What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
A theologically grounded vision for productivity that roots joyful, effective work in the doctrine of justification and love for others.

Quote featured in this episode:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.” — John Wesley

If you’re serving in rural ministry, leading a small church, or laboring faithfully in a place that feels overlooked, this episode sets the tone for Season 6 and reminds us why the rural church is worth giving our lives to.

👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a rural pastor who needs encouragement. Your support helps strengthen healthy rural churches for the glory of Christ.

Speaker: Sean Demars

Summary: In this session, Sean Demars preaches from Hebrews Chapter 11 to underline the inescapable nature of affliction in gospel ministry. The sermon emphasizes the importance of shepherding through times of hardship. Through five key points, the speaker encourages expecting and understanding various afflictions, recognizing their fruits, leading well amid trials, and maintaining hope, dependence, love, and joy. The session highlights that affliction is an inherent part of ministry, intended to shape more effective and humble leaders. Biblical references and personal anecdotes bolster the message, ultimately guiding shepherds to anticipate justice and find profound growth through their sufferings.

Connect with us:

• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: contact@brainerdinstitute.com
• Facebook: Brainerd Facebook