Rural Ministry: Leadership & Planting - TJ Freeman

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor TJ Freeman to talk about the heart behind rural ministry, leadership development, and church planting in overlooked communities. TJ serves as the Executive Director of The Brainerd Institute and pastors Christ Church in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. His passion is helping rural churches thrive through healthy leadership, gospel-centered discipleship, and long-term pastoral faithfulness.TJ shares his own ministry journey—from church planting and pastoral ministry to leading initiatives focused on equipping leaders in rural contexts. Together, we explore why rural communities matter deeply to the mission of God and how healthy churches can multiply even in places many overlook.In This EpisodeWhy rural ministry matters more than everThe unique opportunities and challenges of leading in small townsBuilding leadership pipelines in rural churchesChurch planting outside urban centersWhy long-term pastoral faithfulness mattersHow isolation impacts pastors and leadersCreating healthy cultures in smaller congregationsPractical encouragement for rural pastors and church plantersThe vision behind The Brainerd InstituteWhat it looks like to make Christ known “in the middle of nowhere"Resources & LinksThe Brainerd InstituteRural Church Renewal PodcastBack to Rurality PodcastConnect & SubscribeIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a pastor, church planter, or ministry leader serving in a rural context. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, multiplication, and the future of the Church in the Northeast and beyond.