Empower and Equip

Shelby Coble talks with BJ McMichael, pulpit minister at the Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ in McAlester, Oklahoma, about building intentional relationships by strengthening existing pathways of connection and fostering goodwill. Through the imagery of “table fellowship,” BJ explores how curiosity, attentive listening, and being fully present shape his approach to ministry.

Shelby Coble speaks with Tony Smith about his life and ministry in Kalispell, Montana. Over 20 years of living in Montana, Tony has developed strong relationships with church members and nearby ministries in Kalispell. In addition, his work within the school system has allowed him to build meaningful connections with students and their parents, giving him opportunities to better understand and support the varied situations families face at home. Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble and Kevin Hooper discuss how Kevin returned to his hometown and has spent fifteen years serving two congregations. In their conversation, Kevin shares how 17 churches in Washington County, Idaho, partner together through Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ) and highlights the key indicators he looks for when seeking a flourishing community. He also encourages ministers to identify the passions within their congregations and intentionally pursue ways to bring those passions to life. Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble talks with Shawn Jones about his calling into ministry during his college years and the journey that calling has taken him on. Shawn now serves as the Northwest Regional Director for the Empower and Equip Initiative in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Drawing on a lifetime of ministry experience, he shares how he guides, supports, and equips ministers and their families serving in rural communities and small towns throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Shelby Coble speaks with Jason Swick, Minister of the Word at Prineville Church of Christ in Oregon, about his journey from electrical engineering into ministry and how both that background and his time as a campus minister shape his leadership today. Jason’s hope for the congregation is to cultivate a culture of intentional prayer, safety, and meaningful connection in response to the epidemic of loneliness in today’s society. By fostering a spirit of experimentation and shared learning, he creates space to try new approaches, grow through the process, and engage both the church and the broader community. Website: www.prinevillechurch.com 

Shelby Coble interviews Doug Crum about his experience working at Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Doug, who moved from Hobbs, New Mexico, within the past year, shares the opportunities of transitioning to the Brownwood community and highlights how members at Austin Avenue are cultivating relational care beyond structured ministry programs. His longing for the community is to strengthen connections with the hope that strangers can meet and become friends. Website: www.austinavenue.org

Shelby Coble talks with Andrew Gass about his ministry context in Keizer, Oregon, and his church’s emphasis on community engagement. Andrew shares how they have used the resources they've been blessed with to serve not only the local community, but also other churches throughout the Willamette Valley. He reflects on his ongoing journey of learning what it means to truly live as the body of Christ and encourages leaders to center their identity in Christ.

Shelby Coble talks with David Bearden about the needs of his community in Stephenville and explains how the community has come together to provide resources to those in need in Erath County, specifically through the Wholistic Investment Network. Whether it is a physical, spiritual, or emotional need, by working together with their network of providers, they aim to find solutions that address the root causes behind the need for external support.

Shelby Coble talks with Bart Croasmun about his life in ministry at Sulfur Wells Church of Christ. He shares his journey from bi-vocational service to full-time youth ministry. He also discusses the prompting and collaboration that led to the creation of ABLE Farms, a missional farm community where persons of all abilities and backgrounds experience belonging, love, and equality. Website: ablefarms.org Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble talks with Wes Horn about his 24 years of ministry at the Orient Street Church of Christ in Stamford, TX. Wes reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his ministry context, highlighting the remarkable collaboration among local ministers and the spirit of unity among leaders and congregations across town. He also discusses the evolving focus of ministry and the growing opportunities to serve children and youth.

Shelby Coble interviews Josh Yaeger of the 4th and College Church of Christ in Cordell, Oklahoma. Josh reflects on his journey in ministry and his experiences serving in rural Oklahoma, particularly during the past few years since returning to help relaunch the church. He offers insight into both the opportunities and the complexities of relaunching a church within a small-town context.

Shelby Coble interviews Scott Laird about his years of life and ministry in Great Falls, Montana and beyond. Scott reflects on the sustaining priorities for ministry, emphasizing the value of deep relational connections and the call to faithfulness. He also shares how these experiences inform his current role at York University, where he serves as co-executive director of the Center for Ministry, which supports small-town and rural churches. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 

Shelby Coble talks with Trevon Buchanan about his life in ministry at Stolley Park Church of Christ in rural Nebraska. Trevon shares the importance of serving the community as a church body and discusses his work with the community, particularly through their clothing drive. He also reflects on how the community has become increasingly diverse in recent years, with people from other countries settling in the area, and how this has encouraged him to think creatively about hospitality and welcome within the congregation. Email: [email protected] Phone: (940) 372-9664

Shelby Coble talks with Matt Mills, who has served as the preaching minister at Perkins Church of Christ in Oklahoma for the past seven years. During his time there, Matt has recognized the growing needs of children and youth in the community. In this conversation, he shares how his small-town church has stepped up to meet those needs—particularly through after-school programs that offer support, connection, and care to local students.

Shelby Coble talks with Suzie Macaluso about her role as Director of Research for the Empower and Equip Initiative. Suzie shares her passion for studying congregations and her desire to help them succeed. She also highlights some of the current and upcoming research projects to support ministers of small-town and rural churches.  Email: [email protected]

Shelby Coble talks with Justin Simmons about Glenmora Church of Christ in central Louisiana. Since the start of his ministry there in 2011, his congregation has been able to serve and support the under-resourced communities in his small town. Justin also talks about the joys and hardships that come with wearing multiple hats as a rural minister.  Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Glenmora-Church-of-Christ/100064637021186/  

Shelby Coble talks with Greg Neill about Marble Falls Church of Christ where Greg has been the preaching minister since 2006. Greg discusses the way his church has adapted to unique challenges that a church in a resort town faces as well as how he and the congegation have been able to invest in the community of Marble Falls, Texas. Website: www.marblefallscofc.org Call: 830-693-5575

Shelby Coble interviews Tyler Goudeau about his ministry in Poncha Springs, Colorado. Tyler started as a minister at Poncha Springs Church of Christ in 2021 and talks with us about how his church has changed over the post-COVID years he has been there, specifically the demographic changes. He gives ideas and helpful tips on how a small church can engage in the community outside the walls of the building.  Website: www.ponchaspringschurchofchrist.org Email: [email protected] Call or text: 719-315-4995

Shelby Coble talks with Joel Childers from The Avenue Church in Glasgow, KY. A native Texan, Joel shares the gifts and opportunities he has embraced since beginning his ministry at The Avenue Church in 2021. Joel reflects on the many ways the church has been a blessing—not only to the community, but also to his own family—and the possibilities that arise from being a church in a small town.  Website: http://www.avechurch.org/ Email: [email protected]