Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the societal misconception that happiness can be achieved through external circumstances. He argues that true joy, which transcends fleeting happiness, comes from a relationship with God and the transformation of the heart through Christ. TJ addresses the influence of social media, the degradation of rural social fabrics, and the true meaning of joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to find joy by walking closely with Christ, addressing sins and lies, and focusing on the eternal perspective provided in the Bible.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores the concept of Christian responsibility and how it can often be a source of spiritual guilt. He emphasizes that living out one's faith should be freeing, not crippling. TJ, a rural pastor, particularly addresses Christians in remote areas, discussing how their smaller communities mean they hold greater responsibility to demonstrate God's glory. The focus then shifts to the Fruit of the Spirit, urging listeners to see it as an integral part of their identity rather than a list of tasks. TJ zeroes in on love as a key aspect of the Fruit. He emphasizes that true transformation comes from meditating on Christ's love and aligning one's thoughts with biblical truths.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses glorifying God in daily life, particularly within the context of small-town living. He shares his personal journey of understanding what it means to glorify God in all actions, even the most mundane, such as cooking or paying taxes. Using 1 Corinthians 10:31, TJ emphasizes how every action, when done with a grateful heart, can bring glory to God. He offers practical examples and encourages listeners to actively think about how their daily tasks can serve God's purpose, especially in rural areas where Christian community may be sparse. The episode aims to help Christians understand their unique role in spreading God's glory and provides steps for implementing this mindset in everyday activities.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor in Pennsylvania, discusses how to turn to faith during difficult times and help others who come to you with their struggles. TJ is joined by fellow rural pastor Anthony Caiola. The conversation covers the responsibilities of being a Christian in a small town, including the importance of authenticity, being in the Word, and participating in community activities. They emphasize the role of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, the need to support one another, and the importance of prayer and Scripture in guiding and helping those in need. The episode encourages rural Christians to embrace their unique positions to make Christ known in their communities.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores leading and following, with a humorous and insightful touch on rural life. Drawing from Ephesians chapter 2 and Psalm 23, he emphasizes that Christians are called to follow Jesus, leaving behind the destructive influences of the world, the devil, and the flesh. He highlights the ongoing role of followers of Jesus in their communities, encouraging listeners to point others to Christ through their actions and words. TJ also shares a personal anecdote about a recent family road trip, explaining a short hiatus from the podcast.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ, a rural pastor, addresses the challenges of living peacefully with others in small towns. He emphasizes the Christian responsibility to glorify God by maintaining harmonious relationships, even with difficult people. TJ shares personal anecdotes from his teaching days and references various Bible passages that advocate kindness, forgiveness, and love towards both fellow Christians and non-believers. He encourages the audience to reflect on their interactions and actively demonstrate Christ's love in their communities. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to represent Christ to neighbors.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman discusses how to confidently know if the Holy Spirit lives within you. TJ addresses common misconceptions about spiritual experiences, Bible knowledge, and Christian duties. He emphasizes that true saving faith is found in trusting Jesus Christ alone. TJ explains that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is evidenced by increasing qualities like love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. Additionally, TJ talks about the importance of having a healthy local church and encourages listeners to pray for congregations in rural areas. 

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feelings of monotony and insignificance that can come with living in rural areas. Using personal anecdotes and biblical principles, TJ encourages listeners to recognize their unique purpose as representatives of God. He emphasizes the importance of living out the values of love, joy, and peace, and how to find joy in sharing God's word with others. TJ also discusses the significance of fostering a healthy church community and how you can be a part of that in your rural area. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that their lives, though they may feel mundane, are integral to God's broader plan to display His glory.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: TJ Freeman hosts Joshua MacClaren on today's episode of Back to Rurality, discussing how to use one's home and possessions to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. Josh shares his personal journey of transitioning from a camper to building a new home, all while striving to show hospitality and care for others. The conversation emphasizes that everything we own belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom. Whether you live in an apartment, trailer, or house, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can use their living spaces to serve their communities and share the love of Christ.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the common frustration of unanswered prayers. Drawing from Tom Ellif's book 'A Passion for Prayer,' TJ identifies seven barriers that may hinder prayers: neglecting personal holiness, praying with wrong motives, unresolved relational issues, relying on worldly sources, Satan's opposition, divine purposes, and a lack of faith. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, genuine motives, and faith in God's wisdom and timing. TJ encourages listeners to trust in God through prayer for spiritual growth and alignment with His will.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feeling that some people in our lives might seem beyond God's reach. He uses the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 to illustrate how no case is too hard for God. TJ also discusses his travels for the Brainerd Institute, aiming to create a theology of rural ministry and recruit young men for an upcoming residency program. The episode encourages listeners to trust God's ability to prepare hearts and to boldly share the gospel with those around them.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common disappointments in life when we place our hope in relationships, jobs, or health, only to be let down. He reads from Ezekiel 6, where God condemns idolatry and emphasizes the folly of placing hope in anything other than Him. TJ explains how God desires us to trust Him completely, as only God can save us. He encourages listeners to reflect on their misplaced hopes and to fully trust in Christ.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses how to deal with people who drive you crazy. TJ emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is made in God's image. He explains that as Christians, we should show mercy, grace, and love to those who frustrate us, reflecting God's nature in our interactions. TJ draws on the Book of Genesis and personal insights to encourage viewers to see challenging individuals as image bearers of God, and to seek reconciliation and kindness, especially in small-town settings.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the struggles of being open and authentic in a small-town church. He shares the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts to illustrate the dangers of faking external appearances while hiding inner struggles. TJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and building genuine relationships within the church. This episode encourages rural Christians to be real, support each other, and work towards establishing healthy, vibrant churches.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the time when we face the consequences of our poor decisions. TJ uses the story of Ezekiel, who, along with the people of Israel, faced exile due to their own sins. Despite their stubbornness, God met them in their distress and called them to return to Him. TJ encourages listeners to read Ezekiel 1 and see how God, in His glory, reaches out to His people even in their lowest moments. The episode highlights the importance of repentance, God's enduring presence, and His desire to restore us, urging rural listeners to embrace the hope found in Scripture.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rural Pennsylvania. They explore the challenges and blessings of rural life, emphasizing the importance of Scripture, community, and sitting under good preaching in deepening one's faith. CJ recounts how God's creation and supportive friends helped him feel less isolated and helped him grow more spiritually. They explain the need for expositional preaching and reliance on God's Word, encouraging listeners to seek out a healthy church.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren

Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding discipleship efforts and how organic, relationship-based discipleship can be more effective than structured programs. They share personal anecdotes on how building relational equity can naturally lead to spiritual growth. The episode encourages church leaders and members to integrate discipleship into everyday interactions, making it a more natural and less time-consuming practice.

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• Website: brainerdinstitute.com
• Email: contact@brainerdinstitute.com
• Facebook: Brainerd Facebook

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the concept of true and lasting refreshment sourced from our satisfaction in the Lord. Through his own personal experiences and in his study of Acts 3, TJ emphasizes that, unlike temporary fixes, true refreshment comes from repentance and turning away from sin. He closes the podcast by inviting listeners to reflect on their lives, suggesting practical steps like reading and praying through Acts chapter 3, and ends with the hymn 'And Can It Be.'

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the guilt many Christians feel about not sharing the gospel. TJ offers up a powerful tool for evangelism he calls 'grace stories'—narratives of God's grace in one's life. He reassures listeners that it's okay not to have all the answers and encourages them to be genuinely interested in others' stories. TJ shares his own experiences and biblical examples, such as the Apostle Paul's testimonies, to illustrate how to communicate one's faith. He challenges listeners to share their 'grace story' with at least one person this week and offers practical advice on how to practice and improve this skill.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the exhaustion and struggles many face in their daily lives. He brings encouragement through Revelation chapter 7, emphasizing that faithfulness amidst challenges is not in vain. He likens life to assembling a puzzling and reveals that scripture provides a clear vision of the ultimate picture. TJ reassures Christians of the future victory in Christ and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Christ over other things in our life.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman talks about the purpose we can find in everyday tasks, from chores to work to school, by recognizing God's greater plan. He shares personal anecdotes, including his time working in a freezer, and biblical insights to encourage listeners to see all of their actions as expressions of God's glory. He emphasizes that all work, whether paid or unpaid, seen or unseen, is valuable because it is done in God's image and for His glory.

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• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, reflects on the holiday season's mixed feelings and emphasizes making the most of it to point people to Christ. He shares personal stories, traditions, and practical steps to help listeners glorify God during the holidays. Using the acronym 'GLOW,' Freeman encourages his audience to remember the true reason for Christmas and how to navigate difficult circumstances with faith.

Key Points:

• Christmas as a Tradition: Oftentimes during the holidays we can lose ourselves in the traditions surrounding a holiday and forget what the holiday is actually about. We can get lost in what we’re doing or what we are feeling, with our pausing to think about Christ (Colossians 3:17).
• Seeing Christ in the Holidays: We can start to focus our gaze back on Christ this Christmas by thinking of the acronym: GLOW. GLOW stands for Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7), look for the lonely (Matthew 24:40), orient your activities around Christ, and witness in the wonder (John 1:14). 

Listener Takeaways:

• Remember to give cheerfully, especially to your local church. It can be really encouraging to give financially or to give your time to serve your church. 
• Invite people into your home this holiday season, especially if you know they might be alone this year. Have them over for Thanksgiving or for a holiday movie.
• Be looking for opportunities for things that naturally point to Christ. It could be the star on the top of your tree, or another special holiday tradition. Look for Christ in them. 
• Take the opportunity to witness to others. Tell them about Jesus this holiday season. 

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of the podcast, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the challenge many Christians face of not regularly engaging with the Bible. He shares personal stories of his own struggles and how finding a different translation helped him understand Scripture better. TJ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time for Bible reading, offers practical tips for integrating it into a busy schedule, and explains the benefits of deep engagement with God's Word.

Key Points:

• Reading the Bible as a Chore: Many Christians go through seasons where reading the Bible is easier and others where it feels like a while since we’ve spent time with the Lord. Even though it’s a hard truth to stomach, many times this is because we are not rightly prioritizing time in the Word. We need to remember that spending time in the Word is more important than lots of things we do in a day. 
• Why it’s Worth it: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that the Word is profitable for us. We can know that reading the Bible will only benefit us! It teaches reproofs, corrects, and trains us in righteousness. Since God created us, we can only be whole if we are spending time with Him in His Word. The more we read, the more we are equipped to live like Christ. 
• How to Read the Bible: Commit to more than just reading one verse or chapter a day and just being done with it. Read it, draw some observations from it, try to interpret it, find some applications to your own life, and then pray through that text. Start with a smaller portion of Scripture and spend some time really reflecting on it. 

Listener Takeaways:

• Pick up a translation of the Bible that you understand. If you can’t understand what you’re reading well, you will have a hard time meditating on it. Sometimes we need to read a different translation to help us get into the Word more. Study notes can also be an aid in our understanding of the Bible. 
• When you sit down to read God’s Word, take a second to pray and ask the Lord to help you understand it. Ask also that it would transform your heart and mind.
• Go back to episode four of this podcast to hear more about how to read the Bible!

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into whether Christians should listen to Christian radio. He shares that we should listen to songs, radio hosts, and radio preaching with discernment. TJ also shares some helpful examples through his own experience with radio. If you feel like this might be a silly question to ask, this episode is for you!

Key Points:

• Avoiding Emotionalism: When TJ started listening to Christian radio, he really enjoyed it and it became a source of encouragement to him. Things started to take a turn when TJ started to rely more on the radio than his time in God’s Word and prayer with the Lord. 
• The Purpose of Songs: We see in Colossians 3:16 that God means to use songs to form us and shape us to be more like his son. It is a good thing when the songs we’re hearing are helping us meditate on things that are true to the Word of God. It is bad when we are listening to songs that are singing untrue things about God. 
• Benefits of Christian Radio: Rural people who may not have access to a grand theological library or a counseling center, can have access to fantastic sermons and other resources from their cars or own living rooms! You can have these resources right when you may need them, especially when you’re having a tough day. Listening to Christian radio also helps us connect us to the broader church. It is good to hear from Christians outside of our little bubbles whether that be missionaries or pastors from different parts of the world. 
• Shallow Theology: Christians should be careful when they listen to Christian Radio because often times the songs or artists can have wrong or just shallow theology. We need to remember that the songs we listen to shape our thoughts and our worship, so be careful and use discernment. 

Listener Takeaways:

• When you are listening to the radio, ask yourself if this is helping you understand what the Bible says? Use discernment when listening to songs or sermons on the radio. Don’t just trust the artists because they’re on the radio!
• Don’t let Christian radio be your only source of encouragement. It should not be a replacement for your relationship with the Lord. Prioritize time in the Word and time in prayer.
• Consider listening to some older hymns every one and awhile for some deep and profound songs. These hymns are often also written by people who we can know were trustworthy Christians. Let some older saints come alongside you in worship!

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the endless pursuit of satisfaction in worldly things and its futility. He shares his own experiences of chasing material things and legalistic spirituality, only to realize true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with God. TJ encourages listeners to focus on knowing and delighting in God in prayer and the study of His word, surrendering other pursuits, and strengthening their faith within their church community.

Key Points:

• Feeling Restless: Do you feel like you’re always chasing something? Maybe you always are jumping from hobby to hobby. Or you want a new wardrobe, truck, or the newest iPhone. Maybe you want to feel that closeness to God that you felt at one point in your life. 
• Finding Rest in the Lord: When our minds are fixed on worldly, lesser things, we will never feel truly fulfilled. When our primary pursuit is the Lord, we can find full satisfaction and true rest. Don’t continue pursuing things that will not fill you up. Instead, reflect on what it means to really enjoy the Lord. 
• Put Your Trust in God Alone: Believe that His word is true and that he is not withholding one good thing from you. He is good and wants you to delight in Him! He will not leave you feeling empty. 

Listener Takeaways:

• Memorize Genesis 1:26-28 and Psalm 16:11. God has made us with a purpose, and that purpose is to reflect him as a people who know him intimately. Spend time in the word and take time getting to know the Lord. 
• Pray and thank the Lord that he’s brought you into a close relationship with him. Ask him that he’ll help you have a sense of his presence. Then just praise him and thank him for five minutes. 
• Surrender your competing pursuits! Take an inventory of your life and think about the things that you might be putting ahead of the Lord. It could be your time on social media, a hobby you really love, or any number of things. Reset your priority on Christ’s kingdom.
• Spend time with your church community. They are meant to aid you in your pursuit of the Lord. Let your church members guide you towards loving God more. If you don’t have access to a healthy church, get together with another Christian in your area and pray with them.
  
  

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