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Rural Revitalization Network

Rural Revitalization Network

By Rural Revitalization Network

The Rural Revitalization Network is committed to encouraging pastors, churches, and communities throughout rural America to engage, equip, and empower through local resources to build God’s church. Rural churches are still at the heart of God’s plan, and remains relevant to the call, worthy of our effort to help, and we stand committed with each pastor, church, and community to win the lost for Christ.
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Currently playing episode

Episode 39: Church members are more than numbers

Rural Revitalization Network Jun 30, 2021

00:00
22:26
Bonus Episode: Announcement

Bonus Episode: Announcement

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

Jul 22, 202103:03
Episode 42: Ministering in the shadows

Episode 42: Ministering in the shadows

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. See the shadows.

2. Spend time in the shadows.

3. Serve those in the shadows.

Jul 21, 202118:03
Episode 41: Four Shifts Coming to the Church

Episode 41: Four Shifts Coming to the Church

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Shift to a hybrid model.

2.Shift to a professional media model.

3.Shift to smaller gatherings.

4.Shift to outward-focused church.

Jul 14, 202117:35
Episode 40: Serving in the hard places

Episode 40: Serving in the hard places

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Care about the calling.

2. Come to terms.

3. Celebrate the successes.

4. Commit to continue.



Jul 07, 202120:16
Episode 39: Church members are more than numbers

Episode 39: Church members are more than numbers

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. The Church will prevail.

2. Connections matter.

3. Reexamining what the church means.

Jun 30, 202122:26
Episode 38: Four warning signs that it is time to revive the revitalization effort in the local church

Episode 38: Four warning signs that it is time to revive the revitalization effort in the local church

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


Warning sign 1: Lack of vision of for Kingdom advancement.

Warning sign 2: Spiritual depth and discipleship are lacking.

Warning sign 3: The congregation is dysfunctional.

Warning sign 4: Leadership seems inadequate.

Jun 23, 202122:28
Episode 37: Five ways to help yourself overcome church hurt and heal

Episode 37: Five ways to help yourself overcome church hurt and heal

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Everyone has pain.

2. Everyone carries pain their way.

3. Everyone releases pain in some way. 

4. Everyone needs to give up on what others think.

5. Everyone needs to love themselves as Christ loves them. 

Jun 16, 202120:51
Episode 36: 4 Ways to Get Your Church Ready for Guests

Episode 36: 4 Ways to Get Your Church Ready for Guests

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Pray for Guests

2. Plan for Guests

3. Prepare for Guests

4. Parlay Guests into Members



Jun 10, 202119:18
Episode 35: Catalyst for change with special guest Dr. Brian Powell, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District

Episode 35: Catalyst for change with special guest Dr. Brian Powell, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

Jun 03, 202125:16
Episode 34: Serving with a servant heart.

Episode 34: Serving with a servant heart.

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. A servant uses Jesus as the model servant.

2. A servant strives to be great by being the least.

3. A servant is a person who loves others like God.

4. A servant considers others before self.

5. A servant uses the gifts God has given in order to serve others.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

May 26, 202123:38
Episode 33: Special Guest Dr. Brian Powell, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District (Part II)

Episode 33: Special Guest Dr. Brian Powell, District Superintendent of the Kentucky District (Part II)

with Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett

May 17, 202124:56
Episode 32: Special Guest Dr. Brian Powell; District Superintendent of the Kentucky District (Part I)

Episode 32: Special Guest Dr. Brian Powell; District Superintendent of the Kentucky District (Part I)

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

May 12, 202123:24
Episode 31: Is your church living for survival or revival?

Episode 31: Is your church living for survival or revival?

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. The presence and power of God is tangible.

2. Revival is not survival.

3. Who has the power in the church?

Resource of the Week:

Revitalizing the Declining Church: From Death's Door to Community Growth (Amazon in paperback and on Kindle) by Dr. Desmond Barrett

May 05, 202118:03
Episode 30: What is the church called to do?

Episode 30: What is the church called to do?

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. My plan or God's?

2. Planning without praying.

3. Are you trying to accomplish God's work the world's way?

4. What matters to God should matter to you.

5. Is the church going to be a kingdom builder or a kingdom ruler?

Apr 28, 202119:51
Episode 29: Three things that derail building the Kingdom of God in a revitalization effort.

Episode 29: Three things that derail building the Kingdom of God in a revitalization effort.

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Opposition forms resistance. 

2. The desire to grow "Your" church over "Our" congregation.

3. Complacency by becoming too comfortable in the life of the church. 

Apr 23, 202118:03
Episode 28: Special Guest Rev. Joe Foltz

Episode 28: Special Guest Rev. Joe Foltz

with Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett

Pastor Joe Foltz is the Senior Pastor at Olive Hill Church of the Nazarene on the Eastern Kentucky District

Apr 16, 202125:22
Episode 27: Priming the prayer spirit in a revitalization work

Episode 27: Priming the prayer spirit in a revitalization work

With Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Pray with a purpose.

2. Pray with passion.

3. Pray with people.

4. Pray over the problem.

Apr 07, 202119:01
Episode 25: Dr. Tim Crump - District Superintendent of the SW Indiana District - Part II

Episode 25: Dr. Tim Crump - District Superintendent of the SW Indiana District - Part II

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

Guest: Dr. Tim Crump; District Superintendent of the SWID District - Part II

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Mar 31, 202121:36
Episode 24: Dr. Tim Crump - District Superintendent of the SW Indiana District - Part I

Episode 24: Dr. Tim Crump - District Superintendent of the SW Indiana District - Part I

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

Guest: Dr. Tim Crump; District Superintendent of the SWID District - Part I


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Mar 24, 202122:07
Episode 23: Three keys to preparing to serve at your very best during a tough season.

Episode 23: Three keys to preparing to serve at your very best during a tough season.

with Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Be purpose-driven.

2. Be people-focused.

3. Be promise-delivered.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Mar 17, 202119:49
Episode 22: Leading better in a season of renewal

Episode 22: Leading better in a season of renewal

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Adapt to the new reality.

2. Address what needs to be fixed.

3. Attend to the needs of members, but also of guests ( or future guests).

4. Activate the promises God has put in your heart. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Mar 10, 202115:48
Episode 21: Four ways a leader can help the church progress forward after a leadership loss.

Episode 21: Four ways a leader can help the church progress forward after a leadership loss.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Celebrate the person more than the position.

2. Carefully select the next person.

3. Create opportunities to serve.

4. Confidently project future-forward momentum. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Mar 03, 202120:44
Episode 20: Building into the DNA of the Church a mission-mindset

Episode 20: Building into the DNA of the Church a mission-mindset

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Connect with the vision that God has for your church.

2. Serve others as the hands and feet of Christ.

3. Go into the mission field; it is never too late to do something. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Feb 24, 202120:01
Episode 19: Revitalizing the pastors spiritual life in the midst of the pandemic.

Episode 19: Revitalizing the pastors spiritual life in the midst of the pandemic.

with Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Get alone with God.

2. Share your heart with God to experience spiritual renewal. 

3. The one you pray to must be more important than the problem you face.

4. Ask for your blessing.

5. Thank God for what he has done, is doing, will do in the future. 

6. Claim the victory over your prayer. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Feb 17, 202116:30
Episode 18: Guest Rev. Duane Brown

Episode 18: Guest Rev. Duane Brown

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

Feb 10, 202111:32
Episode 17: Guest Rev. Dwayne Mills with Appalachia Reach Out

Episode 17: Guest Rev. Dwayne Mills with Appalachia Reach Out

with Rev. Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett


Guest: Rev. Dwayne Mills, Executive Director of Appalachia Reach Out

www.appalachiareachout.com

Feb 03, 202119:14
Episode 16: Modeling a healthy rural church

Episode 16: Modeling a healthy rural church

With Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. What is the model of church health?

2. The modeling of a healthy rural church is modeling theological and moral truth.

3. A healthy rural church is modeling community.

4. A healthy rural church is being involved.

5. Modeling a healthy a rural church is modeling multigeneration.

Jan 27, 202119:11
Episode 15: Decluttering the clutter

Episode 15: Decluttering the clutter

With Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Guest are coming, be prepared.

2. The 'stuff' in storage rooms means something to someone.

3. Who is the 'stuff' for? What's the why behind the what?

4. Organize for the Savior not self.

5. Develop a central storage location and not have it spread out throughout the facility.

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Jan 20, 202116:23
Episode 14: Redefining the Rural Church in four easy steps.

Episode 14: Redefining the Rural Church in four easy steps.

With Pastor Rob Beckett and Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Rural does not have to be boring.

2. Rural does not have to mean a lack of innovation.

3. Excellence is not found in the design of the building but in the dedication of the people.

4. Rural and success coexist not from the church size but in church effectiveness.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Jan 13, 202117:19
Episode 13: Four decision points that can make or break a rural pastor

Episode 13: Four decision points that can make or break a rural pastor

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. To pastor in rural America. 

2. To reach the lost and the unchurched. 

3. To equip the church with healthy structures.

4. To remove sacred cows to become more effective. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Jan 06, 202119:56
Episode 12: My Church is stuck in the status quo.

Episode 12: My Church is stuck in the status quo.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Status quo opposes "more".

2. Status quo is highly contagious.

3. Status quo discourages risk.

4. Status quo encourages complacency.

5. Status quo leaves people unprepared for disruptions.

6. Status quo leaders leave their people unprepared for what will eventually happen. 

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Dec 30, 202019:31
Episode 11: Four things the church wants but is not willing to pay the price for.

Episode 11: Four things the church wants but is not willing to pay the price for.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Progress, but not the unknown that comes with it.

2. Security and stability, but not  stagnation.

3. Love, but not the risk of rejection from others.

4. Adventure, but not the unpredictability of charting a new course.

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Dec 23, 202019:56
Episode 10: Stepping into the promise or staying in the familiar?

Episode 10: Stepping into the promise or staying in the familiar?

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Everyone goes into the desert, but it is our choice how long we stay there.

2. Egypt looked good looking back, but death and slavery was waiting.

3. Lack of action is not an option - the world is changing.

4. What lies ahead is better than what is behind.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Dec 16, 202016:18
Episode 9: The Microwave Church

Episode 9: The Microwave Church

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. We want to grow a congregation before we start growing congregants.

2. We want followers before we learn to lead.

3. We want disciples without discipling.

4. We want community influence before we make a community investment.

5. We want Holy Spirit power without sacrificial commitment.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network



Dec 09, 202016:29
Episode 8: The past is not the hero but can be a help.

Episode 8: The past is not the hero but can be a help.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. See the past as foundational for today.

2. Let go of past mistakes, and failures.

3. Rethink a new way forward.

4. Develop unity by bridging the past and present to the future.

5. Be willing to be bold and flexible depending on the issue. 


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Dec 02, 202018:06
Episode 7: Rewriting the story of decline.

Episode 7: Rewriting the story of decline.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. Tell the Story, Share your Story, Live the Story.

2. Tell your story.

3. Tell a story of a life change.

4. Tell the success and failure stories but do it with passion by bringing God glory.

5. Listen to other people's stories and help them see the 'good' and not the 'bad'.

6. Celebrate the story.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Nov 25, 202019:27
Episode 6: Eyes to see what others see in the vision of the local church.

Episode 6: Eyes to see what others see in the vision of the local church.

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett


1. What is the purpose (vision) of the revitalization effort in the church?

2. Who does the Church want to connect with? (Community or Self?)

3. Whose voice is being heard in casting the vision?

4. What needs to be changed to adapt to the new vision?

5. How do you know the vision is being followed? What's the measurement?


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Nov 18, 202019:44
Episode 5: Revitalization is pioneer work

Episode 5: Revitalization is pioneer work

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Revitalization is not easy, or everyone would be doing it.

2. Revitalization is tough on the family, especially children.

3. Revitalization is a major cause of burn out for the pastor.

4. Revitalization is about breaking barriers and shining God's light.

5. Revitalization is about connecting outside the church to find balance.


Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Nov 11, 202019:23
Episode 4: Do facilities matter?

Episode 4: Do facilities matter?

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Do facilities matter? Simple answer is yes.

2. A facility review should be undertaken to help direct focus.

3. Guest Worshipers to provide feedback to the leadership team.

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Nov 04, 202017:50
Episode 3: Change is hard, can it be done?

Episode 3: Change is hard, can it be done?

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Be prayed up.

2. Be prepared for push back.

3. Be proactive in developing relationships.

4. Be positioned for success.

5. Be predetermined to stick with God's plan. 


 Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network


Oct 28, 202021:11
Episode 2: What is the Rural Revitalization Network?

Episode 2: What is the Rural Revitalization Network?

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Why a Network focused on Nazarene Churches?

2. Who needs the Network?

3. Who leads the Network?

4. What can the Network do for a Pastor or Local Church?

Connect with the Network:

https://rural-revitalization.network/

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com

Facebook – Rural Revitalization Network

Oct 21, 202017:01
 Episode 1: How do I know my Church needs revitalization?

Episode 1: How do I know my Church needs revitalization?

With Pastor Rob Beckett & Dr. Desmond Barrett

1. Worship attendance had plateaued or declined for five or more years in a row.

2. The Church does not look like the community.

3. Pastoral tenure decreases.

4. Funds are inside focused and not outwardly focused.

5. Average age of regular attenders is increasing.

6. The community would not know if the church closed.

https://rural-revitalization.network         

Email – rural.revitalization.ky@gmail.com



Oct 14, 202020:00