What if church began by listening to the passions already shaping a community? In this episode, Sharon White shares how a small rural congregation in Waco, Georgia, discovered that bluegrass music was a doorway to belonging. What started as prayerful curiosity grew into the West Georgia Opry, a weekly gathering where music, story, and hospitality now draw nearly 100 people in a town of just 500. This is a story of paying attention, trusting the Spirit, and discovering how church can take shape far beyond Sunday morning. Rev. Sharon White is Senior Pastor of Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. Shaped by her rural church roots, she leads with a passion for creative, inclusive ministry and cultivating fresh expressions of church beyond traditional walls. She has pioneered initiatives like Bluegrass Church , blending Appalachian music, storytelling, and Christian hospitality. Grounded in United Methodist tradition, Sharon empowers laity and helps communities discover joyful, accessible ways of being church. This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. Related Resources:
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. Chris and Kathleen Blackey , are hosts of the Rural Renewal Podcast. Since 2010, together they have served as co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. The Blackeys live in South Londonderry, Vermont with their children – Sarah, Daniel, and Priscilla, as well as their cat, dog, and chickens. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
What if the things you already love could become the very place God’s mission comes alive? Mindy and Nathan Heimer share how a passion for paddle boarding, their love for God, and deep care for their community have come together to form a beautiful ecosystem—one where God’s mission is growing and their business is blossoming. In this episode, we explore what it looks like when vocation, faith, and everyday life intersect, and how paying attention to what you already love can open unexpected doors for mission. Nathan and Mindy Heimer are the owners and founders of A Stoked Life! A Stoked Life has many different layers to it, two of which are a paddleboard rental and retail business with a coffee shop inside, and a New Worshipping Community. The goal is to create a place for people to belong before they believe - and do all of that with a bit of adventure! Both Nathan and Mindy are Colorado natives and love nothing more than spending time in God’s creation. They have two boys who keep them busy and love to be with them. This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. Related Resources:
Pastor Matt Lake shares his journey of building a discipleship pathway and uncovering unexpected gaps that led to deep self-assessment and growth. In this candid conversation, Matt unpacks how starting Fresh Expressions reshaped his church’s understanding of following Jesus. His story offers both challenge and encouragement to leaders ready to ask hard questions and embrace transformation. Matt Lake serves as the Lead Pastor of First Church of Williamsport, PA. First Church also currently hosts a network of fresh expressions of ministry called the Acts Network. Matt has worked with a variety of churches in consultant and coaching roles and has a passion to see God’s Kingdom impacted through lives transformed in the love of Jesus Christ. He is a Mission Strategist & Trainer with Fresh Expressions NA. In Season 6, we're diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities. Related Resources:
What if faithfulness in rural ministry isn’t about moving faster—but about listening longer? 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 the courage to adapt for the sake of the people God has placed before us. Patrick “PJ” Johnson serves as a network administrator for Scott County Public Schools, Lead Pastor of Uplift Church in Weber City, Virginia, and an adjunct faculty member at the Appalachian School of Theology. He and his wife, Amanda, planted Uplift Church in their home in 2012. Patrick and Amanda have been married for 24 years and have four daughters. Melanie McMurray is married to her husband, Matt, and is raising three children, Elijah, Elan, and Salem. She serves as an administrator in Scott County Public Schools and as the children’s ministry director at Uplift Church. Melanie is also stepping into a new role as vice president of the Appalachian School of Theology. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
What happens when faith is formed through creativity, curiosity, and hands-on participation rather than rows and sermons? In this episode, Heather sits down with Crystal Goetz to explore the shared heartbeat between Messy Church and Fresh Expressions. Together they unpack how intergenerational, creative, and hands-on spaces cultivate openness, curiosity, and connection—often in places far beyond a traditional sanctuary. Crystal shares surprising stories of discipleship that unfolds across generations and reflects on how participatory, experiential communities naturally invite people into belonging from the very beginning. Crystal Goetz is a session writer, ambassador, and trainer for Messy Church USA, bringing her long-time experience as a Family Ministries Director into creating inclusive content and launching Messy Churches in unconventional community spaces. When she’s not immersed in all things Messy Church, she enjoys making junk journals and reclaimed paper ephemera, watching English football with a cup of tea, and traveling or playing games with her family. Crystal often says, “Messy Church is my church,” finding deep meaning in its interactive, inquisitive nature and dedicating herself to helping Messy Churches grow and thrive for years to come. This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. Related Resources:
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’s mission. Their story shows how small steps—led by ordinary church members, not just pastors—can bear real fruit. If you’re longing to see your community thrive, this conversation offers hope and practical inspiration for what God can spark right where you are. Malcolm Fowler is the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, VT since 2016. He is called to serve with the love of Jesus for the people of Jesus. A native New Englander he loves all things motorcycling, all things Scottish, Tolkien, his family, his Church, and his Savior, not necessarily in that order. In ministry Malcolm loves to see people grow in the depth of their relationship with Jesus. Nanc Bourne is a recently retired registered nurse. She is joyously engaged in ministry at the Calvary Baptist fellowship Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we talk with Nanc Bourne and Malcolm Fowler about how a simple nudge from God grew into monthly community dinners that meet a real need in their rural town. What began with a few faithful people has become a lay-led ministry that’s strengthening relationships, feeding neighbors, and renewing the church’s mission. Their story shows how small steps—led by ordinary church members, not just pastors—can bear real fruit. If you’re longing to see your community thrive, this conversation offers hope and practical inspiration for what God can spark right where you are. Malcolm Fowler is the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, VT since 2016. He is called to serve with the love of Jesus for the people of Jesus. A native New Englander he loves all things motorcycling, all things Scottish, Tolkien, his family, his Church, and his Savior, not necessarily in that order. In ministry Malcolm loves to see people grow in the depth of their relationship with Jesus. Nanc Bourne is a recently retired registered nurse. She is joyously engaged in ministry at the Calvary Baptist fellowship Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
Marta never imagined she’d live in Mississippi—much less start a church. But God had other plans. In this episode, hear how Marta’s love for her Hispanic community and passion for teaching became the spark for a new kind of church—one that began not in a sanctuary, but in a local library and around shared meals. As she gathered with children and families to read books in their language, moments of storytime and food became sacred opportunities to build relationships, nurture belonging, and share the love of Jesus. Discover how something as simple as gathering over a table or opening a book can become the foundation for a vibrant faith community—a beautiful fresh expression of church rooted in familia, hospitality, and hope. Marta Sobrino Bolen , the pastor of Glenfield United Methodist Church, has started a ministry for Latinos called La Misión that helps Latino families in three areas: family, community, and spiritual growth. La Misión currently includes a tutoring program, a food pantry, a clothes pantry, reading and writing skills, spiritual growth, and support to families who have just arrived to the US. Related Resources: Fresh Expressions Incubator - Dinner Church in Hispanic Communities (November 5th) Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
What happens when a h eart for missions meets the quiet rhythms of rural life? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we sit down with Tim Schwartz, a Pennsylvania pastor whose calling to short-term mission work has led him into all kinds of disaster relief efforts across the country. Tim shares how serving in places of crisis has reshaped his understanding of ministry and the local church. Now serving in a rural setting, Tim opens up about adjusting to small-town life—and how simple acts, like gathering with men for breakfast every week, have become spaces for real connection and transformation. Tim Schwartz lives in Cogan Station, PA with his wife, Jenn, and three children. He pastors Hepburn Baptist Church and works as the North Central PA Geographic Pastoral Servant for ABCOPAD. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at James Madison University and his Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his last 25 years of ministry, Tim has pastored churches, worked as an interim minister, and facilitated numerous mission trips in disaster recovery. Tim is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, well-experienced youth sports coach, cancer survivor, and enjoys chatting with people over lunch or coffee. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts
