Rural Renewal Podcast by Ascent Movement

Renewal is happening in small-town churches. Many of Jesus' followers across rural regions are uncovering exciting possibilities as they explore creative and practical approaches to loving their neighbors. This podcast from Ascent will introduce you to ministry leaders serving in rural contexts to provide examples and inspiration for being the Church and addressing the needs unique to your community.

Rural Renewal Podcast by Ascent Movement is a christianity podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 39 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Rural Renewal Podcast by Ascent Movement, a christianity show with 39 episodes published.

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  Episode #19

  Ministry Pie, Volunteer Droughts, and Leading with Patience with Sam Peters

  May 4, 20261h 8mS3

  <p>If you’ve ever felt like your ministry is unseen, slow, or harder than you expected—you’re not alone. </p><p> </p><p>In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Sam Peters shares wisdom from The Heart of a Small Town Pastor, offering encouragement for leaders who are in it for the long haul. From building meaningful relationships to leading with patience and protecting your family, this conversation is a reminder that God is at work in the ordinary, everyday faithfulness of pastoral life. </p>

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  Episode #18

  Dunbar’s Number, Weak Ties, and Rural Church Community with David Blackwell

  Mar 9, 20261h 4mS3

  <p>A healthy church isn’t just a tight-knit group of friends. It’s a place where all kinds of relationships can flourish. In this conversation, David Blackwell shares how insights from Dunbar’s Number invite rural church leaders to rethink size and connection, and how prioritizing weak, bridging relationships can help rural churches break down cliques, welcome outsiders, and embody the Gospel in place. Listeners will hear both a challenge and a roadmap for building more robust relational ecosystems that reflect the breadth of God’s community.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Guest Info (title, bio, headshot, where to find...

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  Episode #17

  Grace, Doubt, and Leadership on the Big Screen

  Jan 26, 202659 minS3

  <p>Do movies actually reflect real-life ministry? Or do they miss the quiet tensions, complexities, and grace that leaders carry every day? In this episode of Rural Renewal, we take a different approach by reflecting on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Beneath the mystery, the film raises questions about faith, leadership, public trust, and human frailty in close-knit communities. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, this conversation invites you to think about how stories shape our understanding of church, calling, and renewal where life and faith intersect.</p>

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  Episode #16

  Listening First: Prayer, Patience, and Pastoring a Rural Church Plant with PJ Johnson and Melanie McMurray

  Dec 22, 202557 minS3

  <p>What if faithfulness in rural ministry isn’t about moving faster—but about listening longer?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we hear from PJ and Melanie, two co-pastors planting a church in southwestern Virginia who have learned to let prayer, patience, and presence set the pace. They share honestly about discerning God’s leading, choosing slowness in a culture that rewards speed, and remaining open to change—even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. Their story is a reminder that deep roots are formed through intentional prayer, trust in God’s timing, and...

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  Episode #15

  From Woods to Table: Renewing Community in Rural Places with Clint and Steph Pearsall

  Dec 8, 202548 minS3

  <p>What happens when a rural church leans fully into the gifts of its landscape and the passions of its people? In this episode, we sit down with Clint and Steph Pearsall to explore how their congregation is building community through simple, heartfelt hospitality—from their wildly successful Hunters Dinner that gathers neighbors across generations, to creative outreach like inviting a local game warden to Vacation Bible School to spark kids’ curiosity and connection to the outdoors. Join us for a conversation full of laughter, storytelling, and fresh hope for ministry in the everyday rhythms of rural life.</p>

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