Back to Rurality

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 [email protected].

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: 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.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman interviews Rob and Amanda Miller, a couple who relocated to a rural part of Pennsylvania to farm. The Millers discuss their personal journeys, including the cultural shifts and personal growth they experienced moving from urban settings to a remote farm life. They share the challenges and rewards of rural living, emphasizing the importance of community, faith, and leveraging their resources for God’s glory. Amanda highlights the impact of agritourism on their farm and the unique ways they integrate faith into their business. The episode underscores the significance of relational ministry and community involvement in rural settings, encouraging listeners to use whatever means they have to make a difference for God's kingdom.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman explores the significance of kindness as a representation of God's character. He shares stories about the challenges of being consistently kind and emphasizes that Christians, especially in small towns, are called to reflect God's kindness in their daily interactions. TJ discusses biblical principles that advocate for kindness, such as overcoming evil with good and being tenderhearted. He also encourages listeners to seek support from their local Christian communities and consider establishing or strengthening church presence in their area to further display the gospel through kindness.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the importance of prioritizing responsibilities, especially when overwhelmed by every day challenges. He shares personal experiences and offers insights on how Christians in rural areas can find peace amidst chaos by trusting in God's sovereignty. Highlighting scripture, including Colossians 3:15 and Philippians 4, TJ explains how the peace of God helps believers reframe their circumstances and remain steadfast. He also encourages engagement with other Christians for mutual support and recommends Thomas Watson's book, 'The Art of Divine Contentment,' for deeper spiritual growth.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the societal misconception that happiness can be achieved through external circumstances. He argues that true joy, which transcends fleeting happiness, comes from a relationship with God and the transformation of the heart through Christ. TJ addresses the influence of social media, the degradation of rural social fabrics, and the true meaning of joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to find joy by walking closely with Christ, addressing sins and lies, and focusing on the eternal perspective provided in the Bible.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores the concept of Christian responsibility and how it can often be a source of spiritual guilt. He emphasizes that living out one's faith should be freeing, not crippling. TJ, a rural pastor, particularly addresses Christians in remote areas, discussing how their smaller communities mean they hold greater responsibility to demonstrate God's glory. The focus then shifts to the Fruit of the Spirit, urging listeners to see it as an integral part of their identity rather than a list of tasks. TJ zeroes in on love as a key aspect of the Fruit. He emphasizes that true transformation comes from meditating on Christ's love and aligning one's thoughts with biblical truths.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses glorifying God in daily life, particularly within the context of small-town living. He shares his personal journey of understanding what it means to glorify God in all actions, even the most mundane, such as cooking or paying taxes. Using 1 Corinthians 10:31, TJ emphasizes how every action, when done with a grateful heart, can bring glory to God. He offers practical examples and encourages listeners to actively think about how their daily tasks can serve God's purpose, especially in rural areas where Christian community may be sparse. The episode aims to help Christians understand their unique role in spreading God's glory and provides steps for implementing this mindset in everyday activities.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor in Pennsylvania, discusses how to turn to faith during difficult times and help others who come to you with their struggles. TJ is joined by fellow rural pastor Anthony Caiola. The conversation covers the responsibilities of being a Christian in a small town, including the importance of authenticity, being in the Word, and participating in community activities. They emphasize the role of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, the need to support one another, and the importance of prayer and Scripture in guiding and helping those in need. The episode encourages rural Christians to embrace their unique positions to make Christ known in their communities.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores leading and following, with a humorous and insightful touch on rural life. Drawing from Ephesians chapter 2 and Psalm 23, he emphasizes that Christians are called to follow Jesus, leaving behind the destructive influences of the world, the devil, and the flesh. He highlights the ongoing role of followers of Jesus in their communities, encouraging listeners to point others to Christ through their actions and words. TJ also shares a personal anecdote about a recent family road trip, explaining a short hiatus from the podcast.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ, a rural pastor, addresses the challenges of living peacefully with others in small towns. He emphasizes the Christian responsibility to glorify God by maintaining harmonious relationships, even with difficult people. TJ shares personal anecdotes from his teaching days and references various Bible passages that advocate kindness, forgiveness, and love towards both fellow Christians and non-believers. He encourages the audience to reflect on their interactions and actively demonstrate Christ's love in their communities. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to represent Christ to neighbors.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman discusses how to confidently know if the Holy Spirit lives within you. TJ addresses common misconceptions about spiritual experiences, Bible knowledge, and Christian duties. He emphasizes that true saving faith is found in trusting Jesus Christ alone. TJ explains that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is evidenced by increasing qualities like love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. Additionally, TJ talks about the importance of having a healthy local church and encourages listeners to pray for congregations in rural areas. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feelings of monotony and insignificance that can come with living in rural areas. Using personal anecdotes and biblical principles, TJ encourages listeners to recognize their unique purpose as representatives of God. He emphasizes the importance of living out the values of love, joy, and peace, and how to find joy in sharing God's word with others. TJ also discusses the significance of fostering a healthy church community and how you can be a part of that in your rural area. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that their lives, though they may feel mundane, are integral to God's broader plan to display His glory.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: TJ Freeman hosts Joshua MacClaren on today's episode of Back to Rurality, discussing how to use one's home and possessions to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. Josh shares his personal journey of transitioning from a camper to building a new home, all while striving to show hospitality and care for others. The conversation emphasizes that everything we own belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom. Whether you live in an apartment, trailer, or house, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can use their living spaces to serve their communities and share the love of Christ.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the common frustration of unanswered prayers. Drawing from Tom Ellif's book 'A Passion for Prayer,' TJ identifies seven barriers that may hinder prayers: neglecting personal holiness, praying with wrong motives, unresolved relational issues, relying on worldly sources, Satan's opposition, divine purposes, and a lack of faith. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, genuine motives, and faith in God's wisdom and timing. TJ encourages listeners to trust in God through prayer for spiritual growth and alignment with His will.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feeling that some people in our lives might seem beyond God's reach. He uses the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 to illustrate how no case is too hard for God. TJ also discusses his travels for the Brainerd Institute, aiming to create a theology of rural ministry and recruit young men for an upcoming residency program. The episode encourages listeners to trust God's ability to prepare hearts and to boldly share the gospel with those around them.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common disappointments in life when we place our hope in relationships, jobs, or health, only to be let down. He reads from Ezekiel 6, where God condemns idolatry and emphasizes the folly of placing hope in anything other than Him. TJ explains how God desires us to trust Him completely, as only God can save us. He encourages listeners to reflect on their misplaced hopes and to fully trust in Christ.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses how to deal with people who drive you crazy. TJ emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is made in God's image. He explains that as Christians, we should show mercy, grace, and love to those who frustrate us, reflecting God's nature in our interactions. TJ draws on the Book of Genesis and personal insights to encourage viewers to see challenging individuals as image bearers of God, and to seek reconciliation and kindness, especially in small-town settings.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the struggles of being open and authentic in a small-town church. He shares the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts to illustrate the dangers of faking external appearances while hiding inner struggles. TJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and building genuine relationships within the church. This episode encourages rural Christians to be real, support each other, and work towards establishing healthy, vibrant churches.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the time when we face the consequences of our poor decisions. TJ uses the story of Ezekiel, who, along with the people of Israel, faced exile due to their own sins. Despite their stubbornness, God met them in their distress and called them to return to Him. TJ encourages listeners to read Ezekiel 1 and see how God, in His glory, reaches out to His people even in their lowest moments. The episode highlights the importance of repentance, God's enduring presence, and His desire to restore us, urging rural listeners to embrace the hope found in Scripture.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rural Pennsylvania. They explore the challenges and blessings of rural life, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, community, and sitting under good preaching in deepening one's faith. CJ recounts how God's creation and supportive friends helped him feel less isolated and helped him grow more spiritually. They explain the need for expositional preaching and reliance on God's Word, encouraging listeners to seek out a healthy church.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClarenSummary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into everyday interactions, making it a more natural and less time-consuming practice.Connect with us:Website: brainerdinstitute.comEmail: [email protected]: Brainerd Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the concept of true and lasting refreshment sourced from our satisfaction in the Lord. Through his own personal experiences and in his study of Acts 3, TJ emphasizes that, unlike temporary fixes, true refreshment comes from repentance and turning away from sin. He closes the podcast by inviting listeners to reflect on their lives, suggesting practical steps like reading and praying through Acts chapter 3, and ends with the hymn 'And Can It Be.'Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the guilt many Christians feel about not sharing the gospel. TJ offers up a powerful tool for evangelism he calls 'grace stories'—narratives of God's grace in one's life. He reassures listeners that it's okay not to have all the answers and encourages them to be genuinely interested in others' stories. TJ shares his own experiences and biblical examples, such as the Apostle Paul's testimonies, to illustrate how to communicate one's faith. He challenges listeners to share their 'grace story' with at least one person this week and offers practical advice on how to practice and improve this skill.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the exhaustion and struggles many face in their daily lives. He brings encouragement through Revelation chapter 7, emphasizing that faithfulness amidst challenges is not in vain. He likens life to assembling a puzzling and reveals that scripture provides a clear vision of the ultimate picture. TJ reassures Christians of the future victory in Christ and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ over other things in our life.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman talks about the purpose we can find in everyday tasks, from chores to work to school, by recognizing God's greater plan. He shares personal anecdotes, including his time working in a freezer, and biblical insights to encourage listeners to see all of their actions as expressions of God's glory. He emphasizes that all work, whether paid or unpaid, seen or unseen, is valuable because it is done in God's image and for His glory.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, reflects on the holiday season's mixed feelings and emphasizes making the most of it to point people to Christ. He shares personal stories, traditions, and practical steps to help listeners glorify God during the holidays. Using the acronym 'GLOW,' Freeman encourages his audience to remember the true reason for Christmas and how to navigate difficult circumstances with faith.Key Points:Christmas as a Tradition: Oftentimes during the holidays we can lose ourselves in the traditions surrounding a holiday and forget what the holiday is actually about. We can get lost in what we’re doing or what we are feeling, with our pausing to think about Christ (Colossians 3:17).Seeing Christ in the Holidays: We can start to focus our gaze back on Christ this Christmas by thinking of the acronym: GLOW. GLOW stands for Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7), look for the lonely (Matthew 24:40), orient your activities around Christ, and witness in the wonder (John 1:14). Listener Takeaways:Remember to give cheerfully, especially to your local church. It can be really encouraging to give financially or to give your time to serve your church. Invite people into your home this holiday season, especially if you know they might be alone this year. Have them over for Thanksgiving or for a holiday movie.Be looking for opportunities for things that naturally point to Christ. It could be the star on the top of your tree, or another special holiday tradition. Look for Christ in them. Take the opportunity to witness to others. Tell them about Jesus this holiday season. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of the podcast, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the challenge many Christians face of not regularly engaging with the Bible. He shares personal stories of his own struggles and how finding a different translation helped him understand Scripture better. TJ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time for Bible reading, offers practical tips for integrating it into a busy schedule, and explains the benefits of deep engagement with God's Word.Key Points:Reading the Bible as a Chore: Many Christians go through seasons where reading the Bible is easier and others where it feels like a while since we’ve spent time with the Lord. Even though it’s a hard truth to stomach, many times this is because we are not rightly prioritizing time in the Word. We need to remember that spending time in the Word is more important than lots of things we do in a day. Why it’s Worth it: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that the Word is profitable for us. We can know that reading the Bible will only benefit us! It teaches reproofs, corrects, and trains us in righteousness. Since God created us, we can only be whole if we are spending time with Him in His Word. The more we read, the more we are equipped to live like Christ. How to Read the Bible: Commit to more than just reading one verse or chapter a day and just being done with it. Read it, draw some observations from it, try to interpret it, find some applications to your own life, and then pray through that text. Start with a smaller portion of Scripture and spend some time really reflecting on it. Listener Takeaways:Pick up a translation of the Bible that you understand. If you can’t understand what you’re reading well, you will have a hard time meditating on it. Sometimes we need to read a different translation to help us get into the Word more. Study notes can also be an aid in our understanding of the Bible. When you sit down to read God’s Word, take a second to pray and ask the Lord to help you understand it. Ask also that it would transform your heart and mind.Go back to episode four of this podcast to hear more about how to read the Bible!Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into whether Christians should listen to Christian radio. He shares that we should listen to songs, radio hosts, and radio preaching with discernment. TJ also shares some helpful examples through his own experience with radio. If you feel like this might be a silly question to ask, this episode is for you!Key Points:Avoiding Emotionalism: When TJ started listening to Christian radio, he really enjoyed it and it became a source of encouragement to him. Things started to take a turn when TJ started to rely more on the radio than his time in God’s Word and prayer with the Lord. The Purpose of Songs: We see in Colossians 3:16 that God means to use songs to form us and shape us to be more like his son. It is a good thing when the songs we’re hearing are helping us meditate on things that are true to the Word of God. It is bad when we are listening to songs that are singing untrue things about God. Benefits of Christian Radio: Rural people who may not have access to a grand theological library or a counseling center, can have access to fantastic sermons and other resources from their cars or own living rooms! You can have these resources right when you may need them, especially when you’re having a tough day. Listening to Christian radio also helps us connect us to the broader church. It is good to hear from Christians outside of our little bubbles whether that be missionaries or pastors from different parts of the world. Shallow Theology: Christians should be careful when they listen to Christian Radio because often times the songs or artists can have wrong or just shallow theology. We need to remember that the songs we listen to shape our thoughts and our worship, so be careful and use discernment. Listener Takeaways:When you are listening to the radio, ask yourself if this is helping you understand what the Bible says? Use discernment when listening to songs or sermons on the radio. Don’t just trust the artists because they’re on the radio!Don’t let Christian radio be your only source of encouragement. It should not be a replacement for your relationship with the Lord. Prioritize time in the Word and time in prayer.Consider listening to some older hymns every one and awhile for some deep and profound songs. These hymns are often also written by people who we can know were trustworthy Christians. Let some older saints come alongside you in worship!Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: FacebookEmail: [email protected]

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the endless pursuit of satisfaction in worldly things and its futility. He shares his own experiences of chasing material things and legalistic spirituality, only to realize true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with God. TJ encourages listeners to focus on knowing and delighting in God in prayer and the study of His word, surrendering other pursuits, and strengthening their faith within their church community.Key Points:Feeling Restless: Do you feel like you’re always chasing something? Maybe you always are jumping from hobby to hobby. Or you want a new wardrobe, truck, or the newest iPhone. Maybe you want to feel that closeness to God that you felt at one point in your life. Finding Rest in the Lord: When our minds are fixed on worldly, lesser things, we will never feel truly fulfilled. When our primary pursuit is the Lord, we can find full satisfaction and true rest. Don’t continue pursuing things that will not fill you up. Instead, reflect on what it means to really enjoy the Lord. Put Your Trust in God Alone: Believe that His word is true and that he is not withholding one good thing from you. He is good and wants you to delight in Him! He will not leave you feeling empty. Listener Takeaways:Memorize Genesis 1:26-28 and Psalm 16:11. God has made us with a purpose, and that purpose is to reflect him as a people who know him intimately. Spend time in the word and take time getting to know the Lord. Pray and thank the Lord that he’s brought you into a close relationship with him. Ask him that he’ll help you have a sense of his presence. Then just praise him and thank him for five minutes. Surrender your competing pursuits! Take an inventory of your life and think about the things that you might be putting ahead of the Lord. It could be your time on social media, a hobby you really love, or any number of things. Reset your priority on Christ’s kingdom.Spend time with your church community. They are meant to aid you in your pursuit of the Lord. Let your church members guide you towards loving God more. If you don’t have access to a healthy church, get together with another Christian in your area and pray with them.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, challenges the reliance on personality tests to define identity. He shares personal struggles with identity crises and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's worth as being made in God's image. He encourages listeners to root their identity in their relationship with God and to live out God's word, regardless of one's individual personality traits.Key Points:Identity Crisis: Many Christians go through seasons of life where they struggle with their identity. We might seek out solutions in an online test, our professions, or our friends. Instead, we should seek out to live according to the Bible says about us!What the Bible Says About Us: The very beginning of the Bible tells us that we were made in God’s image. We are His representatives and we exist to bring Him glory!How Can We Represent God: We can best represent God by walking in relationship with Him. As we continue to grow closer to  Him in prayer and studying His word, we begin to look more and more like him. Then we reflect Him to those around us.Listener Takeaways:We can confidently trust the Lord for the way he has made us. We can fight the temptation to be jealous of the personalities He has given our friends. Our own personalities are gifts from the Lord, but we can still take time to reflect and make sure we are living our lives according in God’s word, and exercising dominion in the way he has called us to. When our minds are set on representing Christ, a lot of our own insecurities and questions about ourselves are able to fade away. Live to make Him known!Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into dealing with life's hardest challenges, from severe diagnoses to financial struggles. Sharing personal stories and biblical insights, TJ discusses practical ways to trust God and maintain hope when everything feels like it's falling apart. Through prayer, seeking God's perspective, and anchoring hope in His faithfulness, he offers listeners a spiritual toolkit to navigate tough situations.Key Points:Overcoming Overthinking and Negative Thoughts: We have a tendency when we're struggling with various challenges to allow our minds to get stuck in an unhelpful thought cycle. Philippians 4:8 reminds us that in these incredible difficult moments we need to focus our minds on the good and be thankful. Overcoming Isolation: Another natural response to hardships can be isolation. We can often try to tough it out, or solve our own problems. The purpose of the Church is to support and encourage each other. Resist this common urge and seek help! Overcoming Control: When a situation pops up that is outside of our plans, it is often a reminder that we are not actually in control. That can be scary and then we can be tempted to grasp around to control everything around us! Remember that this will not help us. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that we are helped most when we place our trust in God, not ourselves.Listener Takeaways:Meditate on the Scriptures mentioned in this episode. Pray honestly, transparently, and with thanksgiving. Seek God's perspective. He is good, in control, and has a plan beyond what we can see in our current circumstances.Anchor your hope. Like David in Psalm 42, remember God is with you and you can put your hope in him alone. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman delves into the paralyzing effect of 'what if' worries and the importance of embracing God's grace for today. Listeners are encouraged to focus on 'what is' and let go of future anxieties. Key Points:God's Presence: Matthew 6:24 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 show us that God is with us and he is actively caring for us. His grace is sufficient for us right in the moment we are at our weakest!God's Grace is for the 'What Is': We often harbor anxieties and fears over various 'What Ifs'. Whether our fears are about our careers or our families, we actually cause more trouble for today if our eyes are fixed on our future worries. We miss the grace God has for us in this moment. Listener Takeaways:Be in God's Word. Memorize it and it will work on your heart! When you are struggling with anxiety think through those memorized passages. Ask yourself where you actually need God's grace right now? What do you really need? That allows you to focus on asking God for grace in what is actually troubling us in that moment. Remember God's faithfulness over time. Look through Scripture and look back through your life and reflect on the times that God has shown his faithfulness to you.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the importance of love as outlined in scripture, emphasizing that love starts in the mind and often requires intentional, sacrificial actions. He shares practical tips for loving neighbors and handling difficult relationships. This episode also concludes our Rural Reset Series!Key Points:Not Sure How to Love Your Neighbor? Maybe you have a family member who is really irritable and hard to love. Maybe it seems like that one neighbor is out to rile up your family. It is natural for us to struggle to love others. That's why the Bible says we have to bear with one another in love!Ever Tried Renewing Your Mind? When we really are struggling to love someone, we can take that cycle of angry thoughts against them and start replacing them with thankful, loving thoughts towards that person. We can commit to starting to love them in our minds. What Is Love Anyway? Love is a commitment  or a decision to do what is best for the other person, actively, sacrificially, and unconditionally regardless of feelings to the glory of God.Listener Takeaways:Meditate: Meditate on God's word. God's word will renew our minds and transform it. (Romans 12)Intentional: Intentionally love others by praying with them, writing them a note, or going out of your way to bless them. (Ephesians 4)Navigate: Navigate hard relationships with grace. It will often take dying to yourself, but that is exactly what we are meant to do! (Philippians 4)Depend: Depend on God's Strength. We are not able to love others out of our own strength. We are going to fail, but we want to keep trying to love others to honor the Lord and share his love with our neighbors. Remember that we love because he first loved us! (1 John 4)Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: Rural pastor TJ Freeman explores what it means to feel the Holy Spirit's presence. He emphasizes that spiritual conviction often surpasses fleeting emotions. Through personal stories and biblical insights, he encourages trusting in God's promises and recognizing divine work in our lives, even when feelings are ambiguous.Key Points:Do you feel left out? Maybe you go to church and feel as if you are missing something. Fortunately, Romans 8:16 helps us see that being filled by the Spirit is less about an actual feeling and more about a conviction. The Fickleness of Emotions: Emotions are constantly changing. They are unreliable and unpredictable. They can be caused by various biological processes and outside circumstances. The Spirit is unchanging and promises that it is always with us Christians. Listener Takeaways:Study the Bible. The more you know God's Word, the more you will remember and rely on it when your emotions take a turn. Knowing God's Word helps us wait on the Lord in difficult times. Don't measure the presence of the Holy Spirit by your feelings, but by the Word of God, by the work of God in your heart, and by His faithfulness.Reflect on your desires and your actions. Can you see some evidence over time that you're becoming more like Christ? That is evidence of the Holy Spirit.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the common anxieties of showing hospitality, particularly in small towns. Through scriptural insights and practical advice, TJ encourages Christians to see hospitality not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to live out their faith, break down barriers, and experience joy.Key Points:What If My House Isn't Clean? Hospitality isn't about showing off, instead it is actually about living out your faith in a way that breaks down some barriers and reflects God's grace to those around you. Isn't It My Home? Everything we have is a gift from God! Our home, our resources, our personalities and even our time. We invest what God has given to us for kingdom purposes.Listener Takeaways:Think of one person, or family, that you could get together with this week. It could be a neighbor, a peer, a coworker, or a fellow church member! Be creative with your hospitality. You can meet with people in a park, a coffee, shop, or have people over for a game night.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the concerns and misunderstandings surrounding the Lord's Supper. He explores who should partake in it, the meaning behind the practice, and how it should be a joyous, communal act for believers. Key Points:Who is Communion For? Communion is for believers. We are taking the Lord's Supper together, placing our hope in work of Christ, instead of our own works. It is also for believers gathered together in local churches, not 'lone-ranger' Christians. What is Communion For? Communion is like an ongoing Baptism. It is a symbolic reminder of our need for Christ. Just as God made us have a need for food, we have a need to go to him again and again. Listener Takeaways:Run to communion table with Joy. Praise the God who saved you.If you feel burdened by your sin, so much so that you feel as if you cannot take the Lord's Supper, talk with your pastor. Remember that communion is a reminder of all of our need for God's grace. When you take the Lord's Supper, look to three things. Look back to the sacrifice that Christ made. Look around you to the people taking the supper with you. Lastly, look forward, in hope, to the supper feast of the lamb!  Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses Baptism. He addresses common questions such as whether believers should get baptized, the legitimacy of infant baptism, and the significance of baptism in the Christian faith.Key Points:Baptism as a Covenant: Baptism is a sign of entering into a covenant relationship with God, akin to a wedding ring symbolizing marriage. While baptism does not save, it is a crucial step for believers as an affirmation of faith and entry into the church community. Baptism as a Front Door: When you are Baptized in a church, you effectively join that church community as a member. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says that we are baptized into the body of the church! The church is affirming your confession of faith as true. Listener Takeaways:Baptism is set aside for believers. You only need to be baptized one time. If you have questions about your baptism, your pastors would love to help you think through it. Additionally, you should consider reading "Understanding Baptism" by Bobby Jamison. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common challenge of sharing the gospel, especially in small towns. He shares personal experiences and practical steps to help Christians overcome fear and awkwardness when evangelizing.Key Points:Evangelizing in a Small Town: Sharing the gospel in a rural area can be difficult for many. You might be afraid to share, or maybe they don't even know how to start. You also might feel that you don't know many non-Christians. You Have Been Commissioned: When you became a Christian, you became a citizen of heaven and an ambassador for Christ. In Matthew 28, we read that we have an assignment to tell people the good news of the gospel. Sharing the gospel is a task intended for all Christians. Listener Takeaways:Think of five people who you know that are not Christians. Pray for one of those people one day a week, Monday through Friday.Reach out and have an intentional conversation once a month with those five people. Turn that monthly conversation into a spiritual one on a quarterly basis. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the challenge of making big decisions, especially for Christians living in small towns. He explains the common struggle of wanting direct guidance from God to make decisions easier. Through recounting his own experience of deciding whether to move from Florida to Pennsylvania, he emphasizes the importance of delighting in the Lord, seeking counsel from others, and trusting God's plans.Key Points:Wisdom from Psalm 37: The more one delights in the Lord, the more their desires will be aligned to His will. Listener Takeaways:Talk to a trusted Christian friend or pastor about your decision and seek their guidance and wisdom. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: This episode of Back to Rurality, hosted by TJ Freeman, addresses the common reluctance many experience towards singing in church. Freeman highlights the biblical imperative to sing as an act of worship, encouragement for others, and a reflection of genuine faith and transformation through the gospel.Key Points:Why People Aren't Singing: There are various reasons why people might feel uncomfortable or disinterested in singing, ranging from lack of musical knowledge to personal insecurities about one's voice.Who Should We Sing For: Singing is not a personal preference, but instead is an act of worship. Congregations sing not for themselves, but for each other and for the glory of the Lord. Believers sing because their hearts have been transformed by the gospel. Listener Takeaways:Prepare before church on Sunday. Ask a pastor for the list of songs to be sung on Sunday and listen to them. Pray through the songs as well. Remember the mnemonic device, 'SING': Sacrifice of praise, Inspiration, New song in our hearts, and Glorifying God.Participate energetically in church singing as a vital expression of faith and community worship.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: This episode of the Back to Rurality podcast, hosted by TJ Freeman, focuses on how to wisely invest in a local church, especially in rural areas where options may be limited. Freeman acknowledges the challenges of finding a healthy church and discusses the pitfalls of approaching church selection with a consumerist mindset.Key Points:The Problem of a Consumerist Mindset: Freeman addresses that choosing a church based on their friendliness, look, music selection, or any other nonessential reason is not how to pick a good church home. Understanding and Teaching the Gospel: If a church does not proclaim the truth of the Gospel it is not a church. If the truths of the gospel are not taught regularly and believed by the members then it is not a church worth investing in.Faithfully Preaching the Word: The pastor does not have to be the next Charles Spurgeon, but he does need to open his Bible and teach the congregation the best he can the emphasis of the text.Administering Sacraments Regularly: The church needs to take part in regular  baptism and the Lord's Supper. The regularity can vary, but the church is required to have them.Listener Takeaways:Just go visit a church. If it meets the three qualifications talk about here, then go to membership class and try to get to know the members. Listen as carefully to the preaching as you expect the pastor to be preaching. Pray and ask the Lord to grow your church in other healthy ways. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses the concept of church membership. Freeman explains how church membership helps Christians to clarify, participate, demonstrate, and identify with their local churches.Key Points:Common Questions: Freeman addresses whether church membership biblical. He also begs the question whether church membership is controlling. Church Body as a Building: Much like a home, a church is made up of many different parts. TJ expresses that if a brick if left out of a building it isn't serving it's purpose. This is true also of Christians not joining in on the life of a local church. Church Discipline: Although it the concept of church discipline is uncomfortable, it is a means of grace. In other words, it is a helpful tool to keep each other away from destruction of sin. Listener Takeaways:Join a local church and lock arms with other Christians in your area. Befriend them, serve with them, and go all in. Be known by others in your church. Prayerfully consider joining a church. Read through the statement of faith and see what it is you will be joining.Meet with the pastors of church and talk through any reservations you may have in joining the church. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: This episode of the Rural Reset series, hosted by TJ Freeman, addresses the common question of whether attending church is necessary for worshipping God, especially for those living in rural areas with limited church options. Freeman argues from scripture, particularly Ephesians chapters two and three, that while individual worship is valid, full worship and honoring God require participation in the life of a local church.Key Points:Christianity is a Communal Faith: Christianity is meant to bring believers together as one body with different gifts, and this is played out in local churches. This is God's plan for displaying his glory!The Importance of Church: Christians must rethink their priorities, and therefore, give priority to the eternal values such as church.Benefits of Church Life: Even though being in the church can provide various challenges, Christians can practice preferring others over themselves. Being in the church provides mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. Listener Takeaways:How you spend your time speaks to your values. Prioritize gathering with other believers to worship God! Pray and ask the Lord to give you the ability to pay attention during the worship service. Pray alongside those who are praying publicly, pray the words you're singing, and pray for the preacher. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, hosted by rural pastor TJ Freeman, listeners are guided on how to combat persistent and challenging sins by understanding and utilizing the ordinary means of grace provided by God. Key Points:The Deceitfulness of Sin: Freeman discusses how sins deceive us, using examples such as anxiety, addiction, and anger, and emphasizes the destructive nature of sin.Renewal of the Mind: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can fight sinful patterns by reading Scripture and regularly praying. Listener Takeaways:No sin is too powerful for a Christian to overcome. Take heart in this truth!Seek to be in regular fellowship with other Christians. The Church was made to support each other in their fight for holiness. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this podcast episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman explores the universal struggle against temptation by sharing one of his own personal battles. Freeman offers biblical insights, particularly focusing on 1 Corinthians 10:13, to encourage listeners that they are not alone in their temptations, that God is faithful, and that there is a way to endure and escape temptation without giving in. Key Points:The Root Issues Behind Temptations: Freeman connects his fear of flying to a broader spiritual struggle of not trusting God's sovereign control. Temptations are Universal: Believers should know and take comfort that they are not alone in any temptation that they are facing. The parade of saints who have gone before have gotten through this very temptation with God's help.Listener Takeaways:Scripture memory can be helpful in the fight to resist temptations. Trust that the Holy Spirit will bring that to mind when it is needed most. It is helpful and necessary for Christians to seek accountability in their common temptations. This helps bring temptations out of the dark and into the light. Since temptation is a constant battle, a believer must fight to continuously turn to God's promises for strength and deliverance. Pray that the Lord will help one to cling to these promises.Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' rural pastor TJ Freeman explores the struggle between the Christian's focus on a relationship with Jesus and the plethora of rules often associated with the faith. He shares personal experiences of growing up with strict Christian rules and discusses the challenges of guilt and pride that come with viewing Christianity as merely a list of do's and don'ts. Key Points:Two Ditches of Living for Rules: When a Christian tries to live out their faith by adhering to a strict list of rules they often fall into two negative camps: the guilty or the prideful. The guilty camp often struggles with intense shame. On the other hand, the prideful feel satisfied even though they too are missing out the freedom that comes from a relationship with Christ. The Purpose of God's Law: God has given his people different commands throughout Scripture so that they would be a people set apart from the nations around them. God intends his people to image him and show off his glory.The Truth of John 8: Those who are truly Christians abide in God's word because they truly love God. Listener Takeaways: TJ encourages his listeners to ask themselves two questions. The first question is "Do I love God's Word?", and the second is "Are you abiding in God's word?"Christians should pray and ask the Lord to give them a hunger for his word, motivated by a love for him. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the common feeling of distance from God and offers practical tools to help listeners reconnect with their Heavenly Father. Key Points:Potential Causes for this Distance Feeling: Their can be various causes to this feeling including unconfessed sin, unmet expectations, or comparison to others.God's Steadfast Love: In Psalm 13 and Hebrews 13:5, one can see that God is steadfast in His love for His people. God is never distant from His flock.  The Importance of Pressing On: Trust the Lord and be encouraged by the promises in His Word. Listener Takeaways:Despite how one can feel on any given day, the Bible assures us that God is always present and faithful. He will never leave his people. If you are feeling distant, do some homework and ask yourself some questions. Try to get to the source of why you are feeling distant from God. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses spiritual gifts, their importance, and how to identify and use them effectively. He emphasizes that every Christian has unique spiritual gifts meant to glorify God and build up the church.Key Points:One Body, Many Parts: In Romans 12 we read that the church is one unified body made up by many different parts. Each part has their own vital gifting to serve the church. The church is dependent on one another. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: God has granted each Christian spiritual giftings not so they can show them off, or take pride in them, but so that they can build up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to aid one's fellow church members. The Joy of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are not a burden or an unwanted responsibility. They are gifts meant to pass on to others. God made the church to find their joy in Him and one of the best ways to experience this joy is to serve others. Listener Takeaways:Don't rely on spiritual gift tests, instead consider one's abilities, desires and one's church's needs, and use those to actively serve and engage within the local church community.Try not to fall into the temptation to be a "Lone Ranger" Christian. Christians are meant to be interdependent on one another. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook

Host: TJ FreemanSummary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses the common confusions and questions people have about prayer, addressing both theological and practical aspects. He emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians, especially those in rural areas, and provides foundational insights into why and how to pray effectively.Key Points:Common Struggles with Prayer: Many might get distracted while praying, or not even know what to pray for.  Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to his will in the name of Christ.Prayer is how one can communicate with God or fellowship with Him, which allows their relationship with the Lord to grow.Listener Takeaways:Pray before you read the Bible and pray through a book in the Bible. Minimize all possible distraction when coming to the Lord in prayer. One helpful way to do this is to walk in nature and pray!Use the "ACTS" method of prayer. Bring your adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication to the Lord in prayer. Connect with Us:Website: backtorurality.comSocial Media: Facebook