Small Town Pastor Podcast

THE MONEY IS GOING TO RUN OUT! WE'VE GOT TO CUT THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR'S SALARY! In this second interview, Matthew Anderson discusses their prayer-fueled vision for church planting among Mormons in Utah. Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

If you missed this the first time around, be sure to listen to Matthew Anderson's story. FROM BULL RIDER TO CHURCH PLANTER! Today, Matthew Anderson talks about growing up on a ranch, riding bulls, catching bass, and being changed by the gospel! Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

70% OF ADULTS IN SMALL GROUPS! Get ready for the second half of our interview with Adam Ray, one of the pastors at the Tabernacle in Buckley, Michigan. We talk about groups, discipleship, a little more hunting talk, and their multisite strategy. https://thetabchurch.com/

CHURCH OF 1000 IN TOWN OF 690! Today, we're joined by Adam Ray, who is a dedicated family man, pastor, and avid outdoorsman. We discuss Adam's journey to faith, path to ministry, and brass knuckle church t-shirts. We also discuss a little bit of hunting! https://thetabchurch.com/ https://thechurch.shop/shop/the-tabswag-store/product/bella-canvas-unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee-soli-deo-gloria/ 

"THIS IS A LIFE TO LIFE THING.” This is part 2 of the one-year update from Draw Near Church in Winchester, TN. In this episode, Evan Barry talks about discipleship and shares some stories about the people who are forming this new church.  For more about Draw Near Church, visit www.drawneartoday.com

ONE YEAR UPDATE! Today, we're joined by Small Town Network planter, Evan Barry. Draw Near church is just celebrating its one-year anniversary, and Evan shares about some of the joys and challenges of being a bivocational church in a rural community. For more about Draw Near Church, visit www.drawneartoday.com

“WE NEED TO TRY STUFF!” Today, we're joined by Jake Zauche again from First Christian Church in Lewistown, Montana. He discusses some of the challenges and opportunities in his rural settings. For more about FCC, visit https://www.fcclewistown.org

“I KNEW THAT HELL WAS BAD!” Today, we're joined by Jake Zauche from First Christian Church in Lewistown, Montana. Jakes shares about his path to faith, ministry, and leading a vibrant church in a rural community. For more about FCC visit https://www.fcclewistown.org  

"PEOPLE ARE UNINFORMED, UNDERINFORMED, MISINFORMED ABOUT WHO JESUS IS.” Today, we're joined again by Dave & Lori Vigna for another round of conversation about church planting, business ownership, and the challenges of COVID-19. www.thebranchcc.com For more about Small Town Network, visit www.smalltownnetwork.com 

“I’M NOT IN MINISTRY ON MY OWN.” Today we're joined by Dave and Lori Vigna who serve at The Branch Christian Church in Vancouver, WA. www.thebranchcc.com The Vignas talk about their pathway to ministry, raising 5 children, a painful firing, and the decision to plant a new church as an older couple.  For more about Small Town Network, visit www.smalltownnetwork.com----more----

HE HAD THIS “GIANT BINDER.” Today we're joined again by Brandon Fletcher, the pastor of First Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. https://www.fccmiamiok.com/ Brandon talks with us about becoming the pastor at his home church, Sunday School vs. Small Groups, and shares some thoughts on Discovery Bible Study. For more information about the Small Town Network, find us online at smalltownnetwork.com

“I WANTED TO BE THE OWNER OF A BUSINESS.” Today, we're joined by Brandon Fletcher, pastor of the First Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma. https://www.fccmiamiok.com  Brandon talks about his call to ministry, and his roundabout journey from high school to college, and eventually back to his home church.  For more about Small Town Network, visit us online at smalltownnetwork.com 

“GREEN AND GROWING IS BETTER THAN RIPE AND ROTTING.” Today we're joined again by James Floyd who is the pastor of Shiloh Community Church in Orleans, Michigan. James shares about his experience planting a church in Gig Harbor, Washington and contrasts it with his current work in rural Michigan. For more about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Check out our sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

“ARE WE CATHOLIC OR PROTESTERS?” Today we're joined by James Floyd who is the pastor of Shiloh Community Church in Orleans, Michigan. James shares about his childhood, his journey to faith, and his beginnings in ministry.  For more about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com   Check out our sponsors at www.9centprinting.com

HE LEFT "ONE OF THE GREATEST JOBS ON THE PLANET!”  Today, we're joined again by Daniel Baker, who is the pastor of Lighthouse Christian Church in Seaside, Oregon. In this episode, Daniel talks about his church and their focus on raising up leaders for the Kingdom. You can reach Daniel at [email protected] For more about Small Town Network visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com  Thanks to our sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

HE HEARD JESUS SAY, “GO MAKE DISCIPLES!”  Today, we're joined by Daniel Baker, who is the pastor of Lighthouse Christian Church in Seaside, Oregon. In this episode, Daniel talks about his journey to faith and his path to ministry.  You can reach Daniel at [email protected] For more about Small Town Network visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com  Thanks to our sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com  Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

"THE THEOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT TOPIC OF TURKEY BACON" Today, Erik Neilson shares a message from Ephesians 5:3-20.  Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com  Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

“I CANNOT HEAR THE BREAD OF LIFE WHEN I HAVE NO BREAD IN MY STOMACH.” Today, we're joined again by my long-time friend Pam Walker. Pam is a missionary who trains people in trauma care, community development, discipleship, and church planting. Today, Pam talks about her ministry in Rwanda and the new organization she has started called "Hope Ministries." If you or your church would like to get in contact with Pam, contact us at [email protected] Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

“THEY WERE PRAYING FOR PEOPLE THAT NO ONE ELSE WANTED.” Today, we're joined by my long-time friend Pam Walker. Pam is a missionary who trains people in trauma care, community development, discipleship, and church planting. In this episode, Pam talks about her journey from childhood, through addiction, and eventually to faith in Jesus. If you or your church would like to get in contact with Pam, contact us at [email protected] Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

“IN RURAL MINISTRY, IT’S EASY TO THINK YOU’RE ON THE B-TEAM.” We're joined again by Dr. Kyle Bueermann. Kyle shares about his work as a Rural Specialist with the North American Mission Board. He also shares additional thoughts about the article he wrote for Lifeway. Read the article here: https://research.lifeway.com/2025/10/30/what-is-a-rural-church/?omhide=true&emid=om:em:251030%7Csub%7Cna%7Cresearch%7Cinsights%7C2500800%7Cthursday:20251030:na&utm_campaign=fy26_research_general_insights-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=subscription_2500800_20251030& For more about Kyle visit https://www.pastorkb.com/ or https://www.namb.net/church-replanting/ Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general

“I WAS COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED IN BEING A SENIOR PASTOR.” Today we're joined by Dr. Kyle Bueermann who works as a Rural Specialist with the North American Mission Board. Kyle talks about growing up in a small town Texas church, and the beginnings of his journey into ministry. For more about Kyle visit https://www.namb.net/church-replanting/ or https://www.pastorkb.com/ Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general

“IS CHRISTIANITY THE CULT OF BEING NICE?” We're joined again by Cody Cade, the pastor of Timber Hill Christian Church in McMinnville, OR. Cody talks about the struggles to plant a new church during Covid-19. We also discuss Cody's thoughts on American Christianity becoming the "cult of nice". For more about Cody visit www.timberhill.cc Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general. 

"THERE WAS SOMETHING OUTSIDE THE NOTHING." Today we're joined by Cody Cade, the pastor of Timber Hill Christian Church in McMinnville, OR. Cody shares about his childhood, his journey from atheist to disciple, to pastor. For more about Cody visit www.timberhill.cc Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/generalv 

"FLYOVER CHURCH!" We're joined today by pastor and author Brad Roth. He has served in rural communities in South America, Eastern Washington, and now Kansas. For more about Brad, visit his website at www.doxologyproject.com Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com  Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

"I WAS THE FARM BOY THAT WANTED TO GET OFF THE FARM!" We're joined today by pastor and author Brad Roth. He has served in rural communities in South America, Eastern Washington, and now Kansas. For more about Brad, visit his website at www.doxologyproject.com Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general

In today's episode, we are joined again by Professor Ben Williams, who is now the pastor of Canyon Springs Christian Church in Middleton, Idaho. Ben shares what it's like to start pastoring again in a small town. We cover things like discipleship, culture change, leadership, and going local! For more about Canyon Springs Christian Church, visit: https://www.canyonspringschristian.com Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

In today's episode, we are joined by Professor Ben Williams, who is now the pastor of Canyon Springs Christian Church in Middleton, Idaho. Ben talks about growing up in a pastor's home in small Midwest towns and his journey from church ministry to academics and now back to church ministry! For more about Canyon Springs Christian Church, visit: https://www.canyonspringschristian.com  Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general  

HIS FRIEND HAD A DREAM ABOUT HIM CHURCH PLANTING! Today, we're joined again by our friend Nick Duffel, pastor of Evergreen Church in Boise, Idaho. In this episode, Nick talks about his new adventures in church planting. Shout out to Hill City Church for their commitment to church planting! For more about Evergreen Church visit: https://www.evergreenboise.org Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general

I CHEWED HIM OUT AT CAMP! Today, we're joined by our friend Nick Duffel, pastor of Evergreen Church in Boise, Idaho. In this episode, Nick shares about his family, his pathway to discipleship, and the ministry journey that led him to church planting. For more about Evergreen Church visit: https://www.evergreenboise.org Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general

WHAT IS A MICRO CHURCH? Today, we're rejoined by Mario Romero, pastor of the United Church in Caldwell, ID. In this episode, Mario talks about his micro church movement in Caldwell, ID. For more about United Church visit https://www.weareunited.church Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info: https://small-town-network-inc-466439.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general 

FREE TO FAIL! Today, we're joined by Mario Romero, pastor of the United Church in Caldwell, ID. In this episode, Mario talks about his journey from Catholicism, the Marine Corps, to marriage, fatherhood, faith, and ministry! For more about United Church visit https://www.weareunited.church Thanks to our friends at www.9centcopies.com for sponsoring this episode. For more information about Small Town Network, visit us at www.smalltownnetwork.com Would you consider supporting this ministry? Click here for more info.

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT COFFEE!" Today we're joined again by Will Ritter, who is the pastor of Renew, which also happens to be a fantastic coffee shop. Will tells the story of Renew and talks about being a church planting pastor in a small town. For about Renew, find them online at www.renewchurches.com Interested in supporting the Small Town Network? Click here. Please check out our generous sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

"THE ACRONYM DOESN'T MATCH...THERE'S A STORY!" Today we're joined by my good friend Will Ritter, who is the pastor of Renew, which also happens to be a fantastic coffee shop. Located in Jerome, Idaho, Will talks about his journey to church planting with ECO (Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians). For about Renew, find them online at www.renewchurches.com Interested in supporting the Small Town Network? Click here. Please check out our generous sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

A CHURCH OF 160 IN A TOWN OF 120!  We're joined again by Pastor Jim Frech of the Countryside Christian Church in Pittsburg, Kansas! (The home of the Pitt State Gorillas!) In this second half, Jim shares about ministry in the small town of Galesburg, Kansas, population 120.  If you have ever considered pastoral ministry or church planting in a small town, you need to listen to this. For more information about Countryside Christian Church, visit www.cccpitt.org  Interested in supporting the Small Town Network? Click here. Please check out our generous sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

"THE NACHO LADY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE!"  We're joined today by Pastor Jim Frech of the Countryside Christian Church in Pittsburg, Kansas! (The home of the Pitt State Gorillas!) Jim shares his upbringing in a broken home, his longing for community, and his reluctance to become a pastor. Many faithful people had a hand in discipling Jim in the ways of King Jesus, and he's now paying that forward in his pastoral ministry. For more information about Countryside Christian Church, visit www.cccpitt.org  Interested in supporting the Small Town Network? Click here. Please check out our generous sponsors at www.9centprinting.com 

HE'S A PASTOR AND A YOUTUBE GURU! Cody Ballard is the associate pastor of High Plains Christian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho. He talks with us about his journey from megachurch to small-town ministry. We also discuss doing bi-vocational ministry, and his church's focus on discipleship. Check out Cody's website at https://www.skool.com/codyballard

"I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE GARNETT, KS!" Chris Goetz is the pastor of First Christian Church in Garnett, KS. In this episode, Chris shares about some of the joys and struggles of ministry in small towns. For more information, visit https://fccgarnett.org/

FROM BULL RIDER TO CHURCH PLANTER! Today, Matthew Anderson talks about growing up on a ranch, riding bulls, catching bass, and being changed by the gospel! Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

GOD SAVED HIM FROM BECOMING AN OSU BEAVER! Chris Goetz is the pastor of First Christian Church in Garnett, KS. In this episode, Chris shares about his journey to faith and ministry in small-town USA. For more information visit https://fccgarnett.org/

THE MONEY IS GOING TO RUN OUT! WE'VE GOT TO CUT THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR'S SALARY! In this second interview with Matthew Anderson, he discusses their prayer-fueled vision of church planting among Mormons in Utah. Matthew is the pastor of Utah Valley Church in Spanish Fork, Utah, and the director of Plant Utah. Check them out online at www.plantutah.com

THE APES HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING TO START NON-PROFITS??? We're joined again by Sean Thome from the Expand Network. In this episode, we discuss our shared vision of kingdom expansion and the necessary spirit of cooperation between networks. For more information visit https://expandnw.org/

IS 48 DEGREE WATER GOOD FOR SURFING? Today, we are joined by longtime friend Sean Thome of the Expand Network. Sean talks about finding Christ in his teens and being able to start making disciples as a student. We also talk about Sean's experience in church planting, and begin the conversation about his work with the Expand Network. Be sure to tune in for the next episode where we discuss our shared vision of kingdom expansion and the necessary spirit of cooperation between networks. For more information visit https://expandnw.org/

HE CALLED ME A REPEAT OFFENDER! We are happy to welcome back Patrick Bradley to the podcast. In this episode, Patrick shares about his work with P4P and Renew Movement. We also get into assessments, bootcamps, residencies, and project management. For more information, visit www.church-planting.net

HIS CHURCH PLANTING JOURNEY STARTED AT 10 YEARS OLD! We are happy to welcome our good friend Patrick Bradley to the podcast. Patrick is the director of Passion 4 Planting and he shares his journey to faith, church planting, and project management. Be sure and catch episode 14 where Patrick shares in greater detail about his work with P4P and Renew Movement. For more information visit www.church-planting.net

Toney Salva is the director of the Evergreen Network church planting group, based near Seattle, Washington. In today's episode, Toney shares his testimony and talks about insights into church planting trends, bi-vocational pastors, etc. Learn more about the Evergreen Network at evergreen.network

Toney Salva is the director of the church planting group called Evergreen Network, based near Seattle, Washington. In today's episode Toney tells his testimony and about his journey toward church planting. you can learn more about the Evergreen Network at evergreen.network

Pastor Ben Bauman from Dallas Church joins the podcast. Ben is a pastor, musician, and church planter. You can find his church at dallaschurch.org

Pastor Ben Bauman from Dallas Church joins the podcast. Ben is a pastor, musician, and church planter. You can find his church at dallaschurch.org

In this episode, we talk with our first three planters about the Small Town Network.