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 relationships, not just programs, and reminds us that innovation doesn’t require a big budget—just curiosity and courage. This episode offers practical encouragement for pastors feeling isolated, with a hopeful reminder: faithful presence matters, and God is still at work.

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 with local churches, highlighting relational approaches and long-term investment in young adults.

Together, these conversations offer insights into nurturing leadership and fostering intergenerational connections within rural communities.

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 First Aid trainings, and equipped schools, agencies, and churches to care for their communities. Full of practical insights and hard-won hope, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing the realities of rural ministry and mental health care.