TJ Freeman sits down with repeat guest Bryce Asberg in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from childhood stories and picky eating to Bryce’s visit to speak at the Heart of Tioga pregnancy center banquet. Bryce previews his framework of “six bad responses”: apathy, distancing ourselves from “those Christians,” surrendering in discouragement, treating politics as the answer, treating politics as irrelevant, and separating pro-life work from the gospel. They discuss the unique challenges of taking a stand in small towns, the sobering cultural and political realities post-Dobbs, and why hope is still warranted because God is a God of resurrection. Bryce urges believers to see the unborn as neighbors and pursue faithful, varied forms of love, witness, and engagement.

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman interviews Bryce Asberg, director of a pregnancy resource center in Hillsdale, Michigan, about why the pro-life issue matters deeply for rural churches.

Bryce shares his background, his “boring” Christian testimony, and how his long-standing pro-life convictions led him into pregnancy center work. Together they discuss how abortion is now present in every community through telemedicine and mailed abortion pills, making discipleship and clear, compassionate biblical teaching more urgent than ever.

Bryce argues abortion is ultimately about God’s glory and authority as Creator, and he encourages pastors to strengthen local discipleship while partnering with pregnancy centers through prayer, people, and financial support. They also explore how centers can serve as “emergency room” ministries and wisely connect clients to the local church.

Contact Bryce to learn more at bryce@helpinghandsprc.org.

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman dives into the question, "Am I a Good Person?" Drawing from personal experiences and various Bible passages, he explores the struggle of living up to God’s standards of goodness. TJ explains that while humans are inherently flawed, salvation and the power to do good come from God's grace. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating goodness in everyday life, especially in rural communities, and encourages listeners to let God's goodness shine through their actions. Finally, TJ introduces the new recording space at the Brainerd Institute for Rural Ministry and invites viewers to share the podcast to reach more rural Christians.

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