The Rural Pastor Podcast

In this episode, we continue the journey of personal renewal as we walk through Psalm 51 and underscore the testimony of King David. Specifically, we talk about how reconciliation leads to better ministry. Here’s the link we talked about to the whole series for you to use in any way you would like: Re: The […]

In this episode, we continue the journey of personal renewal as we walk through Psalm 51 and underscore the testimony of King David. Specifically, we talk about how failure can help us rely on God and relay his goodness to others. And, here’s the link we promised to share for the Replant Summit in August: […]

Andy Addis and Mark Clifton continue their series on personal renewal rolling through Psalm 51. This week the focus is on ‘restoration.’   Psalm 51:7-12 (ESV) 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones […]

Andy Addis and Mark Clifton continue their series on personal renewal rolling through Psalm 51. This week the focus is on ‘remembering.’ Psalm 51:3-6 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton as they embark on a multi-episode pursuit of revival beginning on the inside. The foundation for these episodes is Psalm 51 and the repentance of King David. This week the focus is on RELIANCE that leads to revival.   Psalm 51:1–2 (ESV) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, […]

After a great message to leaders and leaders of leaders at the AMS Lab in Atlanta, Ga, Andy Addis interviews Mark Clifton to dissect the lesson and the four ways we “see it wrong” when we are in a difficult spot in ministry.   Matthew 11:2–3 (ESV) 2 Now when John heard in prison about the […]

Join Pastor Andy at us and his wife Kathy as they wrap up this three-part mini-series on marriage in ministry. Learning to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength is the key to also learning to love your spouse like they need to be loved. Rekindle and re-engage your […]

Join Pastors Andy Addis and mark Clifton for a discussion on Marriage and Ministry. In this second part of a three-part marriage series, we focus on how to make a marriage comeback. If you are suffering, under tension, or are worried about your relationship’s direction, this podcast is for you! Col 3:12-16 – Put On […]

Join Pastors Andy Addis and mark Clifton for a discussion on Marriage and Ministry. This week, focusing on some stats to reveal some things you may not know: Don’t Commit Adultery with the church, 38% do not get the attention they need from their spouse because the church needs so much. 35% of spouses often […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton to discuss the re-released book, Reclaiming Glory. This book has been updated with new stories, stats and discussion questions to help a new generation of church planters and revitalizers. Get a copy of the book and access other connected resources at Reclaiming Glory And don’t forget to join Andy, […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton to discuss the re-released book, Reclaiming Glory. This book has been updated with new stories, stats and discussion questions to help a new generation of church planters and revitalizers. Get a copy of the book and access other connected resources at Reclaiming Glory And don’t forget to join Andy, […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton to discuss the re-released book, Reclaiming Glory. This book has been updated with new stories, stats and discussion questions to help a new generation of church planters and revitalizers. Get a copy of the book and access other connected resources at Reclaiming Glory And don’t forget to join Andy, […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a look at why resolutions don’t work but good plans can help you capitalize on a fresh start!   Resolutions fail because: Unrealistic Expectations Goals without plans Manufactured Miracles (expecting change without changing anything else) Internal yielding to the external No measured progress How to Capitalize On A […]

Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a discussion of the often misunderstood and misapplied Great Expectations of Christmas Services in ministry! Spurgeon Quote: “Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here […]

Join Pastors Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a discussion on preparing for whatever comes next. We can’t do ministry alone, and the recent pandemic has taught us valuable lessons on how to thrive in the coming “Whatever.” Tips for preparing for anything: • Commit to good and bad • Laser focus on who you […]

It’s not enough to survive in ministry. You can thrive! When a local pastor and ministry take their eyes off of themselves and their issues and places them up to the Lord and the Kingdom, that’s the beginning of real change! Join Pastors Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a discussion on becoming a multiplying […]

In this episode, we face the reality that if we do anything worth doing, part of the process will be failing. When that happens, you can either learn from it or keep failing. Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton to get a handle on being able to fail well!   How to fail well: • […]

If you pastor in a rural place, you may not be valuing your building (or lack thereof) the way your community does. Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a discussion on facilities and their use in the ministry of the church. Thanks to https:// exeter.anglican.org/resources/church-buildings/wider-use-church-buildings for helping us with this discussion Building should: • […]

There is no scarcity of resources in the Kingdom of God. We are more effective and less stressed when we learn to live and lead with an open hand.   Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton for a frank discussion about being a church amongst the entire body of Christ! And, enjoy access to the […]

There is a truth: Christianity is a team sport. As you do ministry, do not do it alone. You need to start investing in relationships, resources and opportunities now. Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton as they reveal the value of operating outside yourself in real ministry partnerships.

The need for a pastor to establish a strong and healthy culture outside of their personality is paramount. Join Andy Addis and Mark Clifton as they explore how to keep from fostering dependency on the pastor as you disciple, develop and deploy.

If video works for farmers, video can work anywhere! But, please know that video ministry is not THE way, or the best way… it’s just A way to do ministry in hard to reach places. Don’t be deterred by cost, tradition and don’t say no for other people. Instead, explore the possibilities of what might […]

Stepping down doesn’t mean stepping out… it’s raising others up to use their strengths when you have reached your limit. No pastor is a super human. We all have our limits and if we recognize them we can actually take our church further!

People will follow leaders longer than they follow plans, but you need to be a leader worth following. Rural pastor, here are five ways to become that leader: Make good decisions love on people be vulnerable be honest lead fearlessly.

People follow vision more than they follow need. And they’re willing to put the hand to the plow when they see a big vision. Learn the difference between lead lag measures and set the bar high for what God’s called you to do!   https://replanthub.com

The pastor leader also needs to be the pastor shepherd. The importance of understanding relationships and valuing their role in pastoring is even more important in the rural context. Join us for this discussion and get a game plan to negotiate the gurgling waters of relationships from Walmart to the church to the porch to […]

The rural pastor is like any pastor, a sermon is due every Sunday morning! But when you’re bi-vocational and pulled in numerous directions what does your preparation schedule look like? How much focus should you put on presentation? And what’s the follow up, to make yourself better? Join us for a conversation with two practitioners […]

Living in rurality has it’s advantages, but one clear problem for anyone living, working and serving “out there” is the lack of resources. Whether it’s stuff for the church, events to attend, or training to access, resources have always been a huge need in rurality. But, in this episode we introduce you to TheReplantHub.com

It is possible to feel alone in the midst of the crowd, and the problem is even more real for the rural pastor. Why? Because the isolation is often not just perceived, but it’s a reality. There are ways to connect and resources to use, but it will take an intentional practice on the part […]

The role of the rural pastor is often obscured by the title of the position they fill: volunteer, bi-vocational, co-vocational, or full-time. Those labels make some pastors feel like there is a big leagues to get to if you are not full time, and may even be used in a demeaning way by congregation members. […]

For ministry leaders serving in the difficult but needed work of the rural church. Too often you feel alone and under resourced, but you have a partner. Finding hope and sustainable rhythms in the ministry. This unique episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the NAMB (North American Mission Board) AMS Lab […]