Sharpening the Scythe en Welcome to Sharpening the Scythe, a podcast for pastors and leaders serving rural churches and small towns. Just as farmers knew to sharpen before the work began, each episode is designed to renew your vision, strengthen your calling, and equip you for faithful ministry in the places God has planted you. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6df3cdc2-44cc-11f1-8aaa-6fe14a95acc1/image/891689625e1302c86b98c4ab059a8fcf.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Sharpening the Scythe episodic Jason McConnell Welcome to Sharpening the Scythe, a podcast for pastors and leaders serving rural churches and small towns. Just as farmers knew to sharpen before the work began, each episode is designed to renew your vision, strengthen your calling, and equip you for faithful ministry in the places God has planted you. Welcome to Sharpening the Scythe, a podcast for pastors and leaders serving rural churches and small towns. Just as farmers knew to sharpen before the work began, each episode is designed to renew your vision, strengthen your calling, and equip you for faithful ministry in the places God has planted you.

]]> Wheaton College Billy Graham Center wcbgc@wheaton.edu Ep 04: Dealing with Tribal Chiefs & Entrenched Traditions What happens when a pastor steps into a rural church where the real decision-makers aren't always the people with official titles? In Episode 4 of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Steve McVey, director of Dirt Roads Network and a longtime rural pastor, to talk about one of the most challenging parts of rural church revitalization: navigating tribal chiefs, entrenched traditions, and resistance to change. Steve draws from more than two decades of ministry at Lamont Wesleyan Church in Lamont, Kansas, a community of just 40 people. When he arrived after growing up in the city, he quickly learned that rural ministry required him to become a missionary to a culture he didn't yet understand. Rather than trying to immediately change the church, Steve learned to listen, build trust, recognize informal leaders, and work within the relationships that shaped the congregation. In this conversation, Steve and Jason explore: • How informal leaders and founding families influence rural churches • Why “that's just the way we do things” can be difficult for pastors to navigate • How humility and loyalty create space for meaningful change • When a pastor should work within an existing structure rather than fight against it • How to distinguish between personal preferences, entrenched traditions, and genuine “sacred cows” • Why all change involves some degree of loss and grief • What pastors should consider before taking a stand in a difficult leadership situation • Why the three-to-seven-year window can be a significant season of leadership transition • How rural churches can move from being church-centered to mission-centered • Why every church member should see themselves as a missionary in their own community • How Dirt Roads Network helps rural pastors and key leaders pursue revitalization together At the center of the conversation is a question every rural pastor should wrestle with: Are we changing because we want things our way, or because we are seeking to become better missionaries in the place God has called us? If you serve a rural or small-town church, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading change with humility while keeping the mission of Jesus at the center. Sharpen your ministry. Clarify your calling. Serve your community well. Learn more about the Rural Church Institute at https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/ Learn more about Dirt Roads Network at https://www.dirtroadsnetwork.com #RuralChurch #RuralMinistry #ChurchRevitalization #ChurchLeadership #PastoralLeadership #ChurchPlanting #SharpeningTheScythe Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full Jason McConnell What happens when a pastor steps into a rural church where the real decision-makers aren't always the people with official titles? In Episode 4 of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Steve McVey, director of Dirt Roads Network and a longtime rural pastor, to talk about one of the most challenging parts of rural church revitalization: navigating tribal chiefs, entrenched traditions, and resistance to change. Steve draws from more than two decades of ministry at Lamont Wesleyan Church in Lamont, Kansas, a community of just 40 people. When he arrived after growing up in the city, he quickly learned that rural ministry required him to become a missionary to a culture he didn't yet understand. Rather than trying to immediately change the church, Steve learned to listen, build trust, recognize informal leaders, and work within the relationships that shaped the congregation. In this conversation, Steve and Jason explore: • How informal leaders and founding families influence rural churches • Why “that's just the way we do things” can be difficult for pastors to navigate • How humility and loyalty create space for meaningful change • When a pastor should work within an existing structure rather than fight against it • How to distinguish between personal preferences, entrenched traditions, and genuine “sacred cows” • Why all change involves some degree of loss and grief • What pastors should consider before taking a stand in a difficult leadership situation • Why the three-to-seven-year window can be a significant season of leadership transition • How rural churches can move from being church-centered to mission-centered • Why every church member should see themselves as a missionary in their own community • How Dirt Roads Network helps rural pastors and key leaders pursue revitalization together At the center of the conversation is a question every rural pastor should wrestle with: Are we changing because we want things our way, or because we are seeking to become better missionaries in the place God has called us? If you serve a rural or small-town church, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading change with humility while keeping the mission of Jesus at the center. Sharpen your ministry. Clarify your calling. Serve your community well. Learn more about the Rural Church Institute at https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/ Learn more about Dirt Roads Network at https://www.dirtroadsnetwork.com #RuralChurch #RuralMinistry #ChurchRevitalization #ChurchLeadership #PastoralLeadership #ChurchPlanting #SharpeningTheScythe What happens when a pastor steps into a rural church where the real decision-makers aren't always the people with official titles? In Episode 4 of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Steve McVey, director of Dirt Roads Network and a longtime rural pastor, to talk about one of the most challenging parts of rural church revitalization: navigating tribal chiefs, entrenched traditions, and resistance to change. Steve draws from more than two decades of ministry at Lamont Wesleyan Church in Lamont, Kansas, a community of just 40 people. When he arrived after growing up in the city, he quickly learned that rural ministry required him to become a missionary to a culture he didn't yet understand. Rather than trying to immediately change the church, Steve learned to listen, build trust, recognize informal leaders, and work within the relationships that shaped the congregation. In this conversation, Steve and Jason explore: • How informal leaders and founding families influence rural churches • Why “that's just the way we do things” can be difficult for pastors to navigate • How humility and loyalty create space for meaningful change • When a pastor should work within an existing structure rather than fight against it • How to distinguish between personal preferences, entrenched traditions, and genuine “sacred cows” • Why all change involves some degree of loss and grief • What pastors should consider before taking a stand in a difficult leadership situation • Why the three-to-seven-year window can be a significant season of leadership transition • How rural churches can move from being church-centered to mission-centered • Why every church member should see themselves as a missionary in their own community • How Dirt Roads Network helps rural pastors and key leaders pursue revitalization together At the center of the conversation is a question every rural pastor should wrestle with: Are we changing because we want things our way, or because we are seeking to become better missionaries in the place God has called us? If you serve a rural or small-town church, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading change with humility while keeping the mission of Jesus at the center. Sharpen your ministry. Clarify your calling. Serve your community well. Learn more about the Rural Church Institute at https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/ Learn more about Dirt Roads Network at https://www.dirtroadsnetwork.com #RuralChurch #RuralMinistry #ChurchRevitalization #ChurchLeadership #PastoralLeadership #ChurchPlanting #SharpeningTheScythe

]]> 2542 Ep 03: Bi-vocational Challenges & Opportunities w/ Ira Antoine In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Dr. Ira Antoine, Director of Bivocational Pastors for Texas Baptists and pastor of Minniehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, Texas, to discuss the realities of serving as a bivocational pastor. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Antoine shares practical wisdom on discerning a call to bivocational ministry, managing competing responsibilities, avoiding burnout, setting healthy expectations with church members, and leading a thriving ministry while balancing work, family, and church life. Whether you're currently serving bivocationally, considering it, or supporting a pastor who is, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and actionable insights for ministry in rural and small-town contexts. In this episode: Is bivocational ministry a calling, a season, or a necessity? The blessings and challenges of serving in both church and marketplace Time management, delegation, and avoiding burnout Protecting family rhythms while leading faithfully Setting healthy expectations with congregations Compensation, sustainability, and supporting bivocational pastors Why the workplace can be one of a pastor's most effective mission fields Learn more about the Rural Church Institute and its resources for rural pastors and church leaders:https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:43:00 -0000 full Jason McConnell In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Dr. Ira Antoine, Director of Bivocational Pastors for Texas Baptists and pastor of Minniehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, Texas, to discuss the realities of serving as a bivocational pastor. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Antoine shares practical wisdom on discerning a call to bivocational ministry, managing competing responsibilities, avoiding burnout, setting healthy expectations with church members, and leading a thriving ministry while balancing work, family, and church life. Whether you're currently serving bivocationally, considering it, or supporting a pastor who is, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and actionable insights for ministry in rural and small-town contexts. In this episode: Is bivocational ministry a calling, a season, or a necessity? The blessings and challenges of serving in both church and marketplace Time management, delegation, and avoiding burnout Protecting family rhythms while leading faithfully Setting healthy expectations with congregations Compensation, sustainability, and supporting bivocational pastors Why the workplace can be one of a pastor's most effective mission fields Learn more about the Rural Church Institute and its resources for rural pastors and church leaders:https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/ In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with Dr. Ira Antoine, Director of Bivocational Pastors for Texas Baptists and pastor of Minniehulla Baptist Church in Goliad, Texas, to discuss the realities of serving as a bivocational pastor. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Antoine shares practical wisdom on discerning a call to bivocational ministry, managing competing responsibilities, avoiding burnout, setting healthy expectations with church members, and leading a thriving ministry while balancing work, family, and church life. Whether you're currently serving bivocationally, considering it, or supporting a pastor who is, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and actionable insights for ministry in rural and small-town contexts. In this episode: Is bivocational ministry a calling, a season, or a necessity? The blessings and challenges of serving in both church and marketplace Time management, delegation, and avoiding burnout Protecting family rhythms while leading faithfully Setting healthy expectations with congregations Compensation, sustainability, and supporting bivocational pastors Why the workplace can be one of a pastor's most effective mission fields Learn more about the Rural Church Institute and its resources for rural pastors and church leaders:https://wheatonbillygraham.com/rural-church-institute/

]]> 2584 Ep: 02 Understanding Small Town Culture What does it take to faithfully lead in a small town? In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with sociologist and author Dr. Robert Wuthnow to explore the realities shaping rural communities today. Drawing from decades of research and thousands of interviews across America’s small towns, Dr. Wuthnow shares insights into resilience, change, belonging, and the unique role churches play in rural life. Together, they discuss how pastors can better understand community culture, navigate change wisely, engage beyond the church walls, and lead with hope in places where relationships run deep. Whether you serve in a rural church, small town ministry, or care deeply about the future of rural communities, this conversation offers encouragement and practical perspective for the work ahead. Subscribe and join us as we continue sharpening vision, clarifying calling, and equipping leaders for ministry where God has planted them. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:51:00 -0000 full Jason McConnell What does it take to faithfully lead in a small town? In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with sociologist and author Dr. Robert Wuthnow to explore the realities shaping rural communities today. Drawing from decades of research and thousands of interviews across America’s small towns, Dr. Wuthnow shares insights into resilience, change, belonging, and the unique role churches play in rural life. Together, they discuss how pastors can better understand community culture, navigate change wisely, engage beyond the church walls, and lead with hope in places where relationships run deep. Whether you serve in a rural church, small town ministry, or care deeply about the future of rural communities, this conversation offers encouragement and practical perspective for the work ahead. Subscribe and join us as we continue sharpening vision, clarifying calling, and equipping leaders for ministry where God has planted them. What does it take to faithfully lead in a small town?

In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, Dr. Jason McConnell sits down with sociologist and author Dr. Robert Wuthnow to explore the realities shaping rural communities today. Drawing from decades of research and thousands of interviews across America’s small towns, Dr. Wuthnow shares insights into resilience, change, belonging, and the unique role churches play in rural life.

Together, they discuss how pastors can better understand community culture, navigate change wisely, engage beyond the church walls, and lead with hope in places where relationships run deep.

Whether you serve in a rural church, small town ministry, or care deeply about the future of rural communities, this conversation offers encouragement and practical perspective for the work ahead.

Subscribe and join us as we continue sharpening vision, clarifying calling, and equipping leaders for ministry where God has planted them.

]]> 2610 Ep 01: A Theological Vision for Small Place Ministry In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Witmer—pastor, author of A Big Gospel in Small Places, and co-founder of Small Town Summits. Together, we explore a theological vision for ministry in small places and consider how the gospel challenges the assumption that bigger is always better. Dr. Witmer shares why rural churches and small towns play a vital role in the mission of God, and why their impact should not be overlooked. We also talk through the unique challenges pastors face in rural contexts, the importance of partnership and perseverance, and offer practical encouragement for both emerging and seasoned leaders faithfully serving where God has called them. Tue, 05 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000 A Theological Vision for Small Place Ministry full 1 1 Jason McConnell Why the gospel challenges “bigger is better” and calls us to faithful ministry in small places In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Witmer—pastor, author of A Big Gospel in Small Places, and co-founder of Small Town Summits. Together, we explore a theological vision for ministry in small places and consider how the gospel challenges the assumption that bigger is always better. Dr. Witmer shares why rural churches and small towns play a vital role in the mission of God, and why their impact should not be overlooked. We also talk through the unique challenges pastors face in rural contexts, the importance of partnership and perseverance, and offer practical encouragement for both emerging and seasoned leaders faithfully serving where God has called them. In this episode of Sharpening the Scythe, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Witmer—pastor, author of A Big Gospel in Small Places, and co-founder of Small Town Summits.

Together, we explore a theological vision for ministry in small places and consider how the gospel challenges the assumption that bigger is always better. Dr. Witmer shares why rural churches and small towns play a vital role in the mission of God, and why their impact should not be overlooked.

We also talk through the unique challenges pastors face in rural contexts, the importance of partnership and perseverance, and offer practical encouragement for both emerging and seasoned leaders faithfully serving where God has called them.

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