Do You Pass the Hospitality Test?

Rural Pastors Talk

Rural Pastors Talk
Do You Pass the Hospitality Test?
Apr 29, 2026 Season 6 Episode 6
TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, & Josh MacClaren

In this episode of Rural Pastors Talk, TJ Freeman, Josh MacClaren, and Joe Wagner swap memorable “worst hotel” stories to highlight how first impressions linger and why hospitality matters when guests visit a church. 

They discuss common rural-church hospitality pitfalls, like locked or unused front doors, unclear entrances, and assuming everyone already knows where to go. They also offer practical steps such as opening the main doors, using simple signage (especially for bathrooms and classrooms), keeping entryways clean, and providing coffee and refreshments. 

The guys talk through greeting strategies from the parking lot to the door, caution against “greeting fatigue” and calling visitors out from the pulpit, and encourage equipping members (including teens) for welcoming roles. 

Episode Artwork Do You Pass the Hospitality Test? 44:39 Episode Artwork Are People in Rural Communities Having Abortions? 1:18:32 Episode Artwork The Small Town Church Plant Challenge 27:38 Episode Artwork How to Grow Your Church with Better Music 28:33 Episode Artwork Sam Hahn — How to Motivate the Men in Your Church 46:44 Episode Artwork Who Cares About the Rural Church? 21:53 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Day Two: Closing Sermon, Sean Demars 41:48 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Session 5 – Raphael Mnkandhla: The Kingdom Advancing in Forgotten Places 49:19 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Session 4 - Mike Miosi: Shepherding & Healthy Teams in Rural Contexts 54:01 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Day Two: Morning Sermon, Sean Demars 48:38 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Day One: Evening Sermon, Sean DeMars 43:28 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Session 3 – Raphael Mnkandhla: Church History & Rural Witness 47:12 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Session 2 – Mike Miosi: Expositional Preaching & Listening 58:01 Episode Artwork Brainerd Conference Session 1 - God’s Plan A for Creation: A Theology of Place 45:03 Episode Artwork Room For Nuance Crossover Episode! 1:19:44 Episode Artwork What if the Congregation Doesn’t Like Your Preaching? 13:20 Episode Artwork Is the Weight of Leadership Crushing You? 17:08 Episode Artwork Are Church Constitutions Biblical? 25:14 Episode Artwork Would Ministry Be Easier Without People? 35:47 Episode Artwork How to Handle a Frustrating Church 14:59 Episode Artwork Testimonies — A Good Idea? 14:19 Episode Artwork How Soon Should You Make Changes? 24:31 Episode Artwork Should Your Rural Church Plant? 25:26 Episode Artwork What’s Driving You? 29:40 Episode Artwork Are Your People Bored at Church? 17:05