Restoring Dignity Through Dinner Church with Sandy Johnson

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

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Graves, author of Table Talk and plenary speaker for the Dinner Church Summit 2025 in Pittsburgh (Nov 6–8). He shares the personal story behind his ministry—childhood roots, encounters with Jesus, and the life messages God has entrusted to him. We also get a preview of what excites him about the Table and why it remains one of the most transformative spaces for the Gospel today. Register now for the Dinner Church Summit at freshexpressions.com/dinner-church-summit-2025 Mike Graves is Scholar in Residence at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Before retiring from teaching, he was the Wm. K. McElvaney Professor of Preaching and Worship at Saint Paul School of Theology, also in Kansas City. His most recent book is Table Talk: Rethinking Communion and Community. Related Resources: 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 does it look like to build a vibrant Christian community in a senior living center—one of the loneliest places in our culture? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Moody, leader of Park Place Community in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to hear how a Fresh Expression of Church is reshaping life in senior living. From vulnerability and loneliness to newfound belonging and faith, Jon shares the surprising blessings of starting this ministry—and the simple practices of showing up and listening that make all the difference. Park Place Community is more than a program; it’s changing culture, creating connection, and showing that even later in life, people are finding their place at the table with Jesus. Whether you serve seniors, lead in ministry, or simply care about belonging, this story will inspire you to imagine what’s possible when the church shows up in unexpected places. 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:

Ministry in rural areas can have challenges, when it comes to resources. Listen to Marta share how she has addressed the needs of Latino community (especially with language barriers) in her town and advocate for them and how she has partnered with schools, libraries, and other organizations to connect with people in her community. 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: Glenfield UMC Facebook page 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

Retired pastor and ministry coach Dave Peppler shares lessons from over 20 years in rural ministry, from guiding a congregation through closure to helping churches rediscover their unique calling. He offers practical insights on pastoral health, the value of bi-vocational ministry, and trusting that the God who calls is always sufficient to equip. Dave Peppler is a retired pastor with more than 22 years of ministry in North Carolina and Virginia. He holds advanced degrees in spirituality, Christian education, leadership, and theology. The author of Healthy Endings: A Leader’s Journey Through a Church Legacy Transition , he now serves as a spirituality coach, retreat leader, church consultant, and Christian leadership coach, helping individuals and faith communities discover and live out their unique calling in Christ. Help us spread the word about the Rural Renewal podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. Related Resources: The Still Small Voice in the Deer Stand – Christianity Today HOME | Peptalk Ministries Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com

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In this episode, we hear from Jon Davis in Florida and Greg LeMaster in Virginia—two rural leaders using Dinner Church to reach their communities in powerful ways. Jon shares how a simple outdoor meal in a town of 700 became a bridge across division. Greg describes how his church now gathers at fairgrounds and homes, empowers lay leaders, and even partners globally—all through the table. From refugee connections to special needs ministries, these stories show how sharing food and faith can transform a community. Greg LeMaster is a native of Roanoke, Va. Since becoming a member of Graceland Baptist Church in Powhatan VA in 1992 , Greg has served in various areas of ministry such as Deacon, Teacher, and Outreach Ministry to mention a few. Jon Davis coordinates major Fresh Expression events, training and resources for the Dinner Church Collective and is a mission strategist and trainer on the Fresh Expressions team. He is an Episcopal priest serving as the part-time Rector of historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, Florida. Help us spread the word about the Rural Renewal podcast by subscribing and leaving us reviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. Related Resources: Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Interview Summary “I just feel like I’m at home here.” – Michael, a Dinner Church guest In a world where traditional church attendance continues to decline, a simple meal around a shared table is sparking revival in rural communities. This episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast explores the power of Dinner Church with two passionate leaders who are witnessing transformation—one plate and one conversation at a time. Jon Davis , an Episcopal priest and member of the Fresh Expressions Dinner Church team, and Greg LeMaster , an outreach leader and long-time advocate for special needs and multicultural ministry, share their stories of launching Dinner Churches in small towns and seeing unlikely people find belonging, faith, and purpose. From the islands of Florida to the hills of Virginia—and even into Nigeria—their insights offer encouragement, wisdom, and practical steps for anyone considering how to bring Jesus to the dinner table. Listening to the Community: Start Where You Are Both Jon and Greg emphasized one essential starting point for Dinner Church: context matters . “We live together on this island… we shop at the same store… so how can we be a stronger community?” – Jon Davis For Jon, launching a Dinner Church in Cedar Key—a town of 700—meant leaning into proximity. By gathering people who already lived close to one another, Jon’s team emphasized the power of shared life and mutual care. Similarly, his current Dinner Church in Palatka focuses on neighbors within walking distance of the church. Greg’s outreach emerged from personal experience: “My son is autistic, so that was the lead-in.” What began as a special needs gathering in his home expanded into services at a public library, then his church. Every effort started with a genuine need in the community and a desire to build bridges. Reimagining Church Around the Table Dinner Church isn’t a new program—it’s a reorientation of what church can be. Instead of expecting people to come into the sanctuary, leaders bring the Gospel to where people are. “We need to be willing to call Dinner Church a church… a true ecclesia… gathered around the table.” – Jon Davis At Palatka’s neighborhood dinner gatherings, Jon has seen around 30% of attendees be unchurched or previously disconnected from faith communities. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on Jesus stories—not sermons—help people feel at ease. Greg echoed this, sharing how their Friday night house church brought together Nigerian and Jamaican families. For some participants, the meal is the best they eat all week. But it’s more than physical nourishment: “They’re hungry for the Gospel. They may not know it, but they are. As soon as they taste it, they know—that’s what I’ve been craving.” – Greg LeMaster Lay Empowerment and Family Involvement One of the most powerful insights from both leaders was how Dinner Church empowers others to share and lead. “You don’t have to do it all. Get your laity involved. … I tell pastors: Ask someone to share a Jesus story. You’ll be surprised—they’ll rise to it.” – Greg LeMaster This simple shift—inviting everyday people to read scripture, pray, lead discussions, or offer testimony—has opened the door for greater participation and spiritual growth. Dinner Church also breaks down generational silos. Greg described families sitting together, children engaging with Bible coloring books while still absorbing and responding to the Jesus stories. The intergenerational nature of Dinner Church allows faith to be experienced communally and naturally. Feeding Bodies and Souls—Locally and Globally  Perhaps the most surprising moment of the podcast was Greg’s testimony of how a simple house church in Virginia grew into a global movement: “We sent a Dinner Church book to Nigeria… now they’re feeding 750 people, and over 200 have given their life to Christ.” – Greg LeMaster From Zoom calls across continents to local partnerships with food-insecure families, the table has become a space of global mission. The impact of a consistent, loving presence is multiplying in ways no one expected. “I don’t know why every church isn’t doing something like Dinner Church.” – Jon Davis Dinner Church is not about building attendance—it’s about building relationships. It’s not about watering down the Gospel—it’s about delivering it in accessible, beautiful ways. Whether on a front porch, in a fellowship hall, or at a community center, the table offers space for healing, connection, and transformation. “Our goal is to love on people with the love of Jesus. And I really believe people are starved for that relationship.” – Greg LeMaster Reflection Questions What unique needs or opportunities exist in your community that a Dinner Church could meet? Who are the neighbors within walking distance of your church—and how might you invite them to the table? What does it mean to reimagine “church” as a meal-based gathering? What assumptions might you need to release to embrace a different way of doing church? What stories from Jon or Greg’s ministry most resonated with your own context? How could a shared meal break down barriers in your divided or isolated community?

What does it take to move from casual connection to deeper discipleship in the messy, relational spaces of Fresh Expressions? In this episode, Heather and J.R. Briggs dive into the challenges and opportunities of discipleship in new forms of church. They explore why so many people get stuck in the “hanging out” phase and how churches can gently and intentionally invite them into deeper faith conversations. J.R. unpacks the importance of both mindset and heartset when approaching discipleship, offering insight into how posture shapes practice. Together, they introduce key ideas from the new course, "From Hanging Out to Exploring Faith," and share practical ways to move toward meaningful spiritual growth in Fresh Expressions of Church. J.R. Briggs is a Mission Strategist and Trainer with Fresh Expressions NA and the founding director of Kairos Partnerships, where he coaches and equips church leaders. He teaches in Fuller Seminary’s doctoral program and serves with The Ecclesia Network. J.R. has authored or contributed to thirteen books and numerous articles. 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: