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The Rural Think Tank

The Rural Think Tank

By brent lacy

The Rural Think Tank (ruralthinktank.com) has articles, demographics, and resources to help encourage ministry workers in Rural Ministry
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Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 58: Why do bad things happen to good people?

The Rural Think TankMay 10, 2022

00:00
22:06
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 58: Why do bad things happen to good people?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 58: Why do bad things happen to good people?

This message was given at Eugene United Methodist Church on the passage of Luke 13:1-9, centering around the question of "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

May 10, 202222:06
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 57: Harsh Words.

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 57: Harsh Words.

This message was given at Eugene United Methodist church, based on a focal passage of Luke 13:31-35

May 02, 202221:40
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 56: Gospel Advancing Ministry
Apr 25, 202235:10
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 55: Transfigured.

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 55: Transfigured.

This is a message given at Victory Baptist in Clinton, Indiana on the Transfiguration as recounted in Luke 9

Apr 19, 202230:05
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 54: Resurrection

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 54: Resurrection

This is a message given at Eugene United Methodist Church on Paul's defense of the Resurrection. The focal passage is 1 Corinthians 15: 35-38 42-50

Apr 13, 202219:54
Rural Thinktank Episode 53: Back to Basics.

Rural Thinktank Episode 53: Back to Basics.

This is a message given at Eugene United Methodist church on 1 Corinthians 15. It looks at the basic foundations of our faith. 

Apr 07, 202219:42
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 52: Gifted (Part 2 of 2)

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 52: Gifted (Part 2 of 2)

The first part of this series is located here : https://anchor.fm/ruralthinktank/episodes/Rural-Thinktank-Podcast-Episode-51-Gifted-Part-1-e1g9rle

This is part 2 of a 2 part message series given at Victory Baptist Church in Clinton Indiana titled "Gifted" based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Apr 01, 202230:36
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 51: Gifted (Part 1)

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 51: Gifted (Part 1)

This is part 1 of a 2 part message series given at Victory Baptist Church in Clinton Indiana titled "Gifted" based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Mar 26, 202231:52
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 50: Which entry are you paying attention to?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 50: Which entry are you paying attention to?

This message is from 3/28/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois. It takes a look at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus on Palm Sunday, plcing it in hisorical context of other things occurring at the same time. What are you paying attention to?

Apr 04, 202142:50
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 49: What's Your Story?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 49: What's Your Story?

This message is from 3/21/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois. It takes a look at the blind man Jesus healed on the sabbath. It encourages you to examine your story as well. 

Mar 24, 202137:40
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 48: Who Are You, Really?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 48: Who Are You, Really?

This is a message given on 3/14/2021 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ, based out of Ezekiel 37, urging you to consider your identity. 

Mar 17, 202143:09
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 47: Does it look like the Neighborhood?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 47: Does it look like the Neighborhood?

This message was given 2/21/2021 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ in Westville, IL. 

Feb 22, 202149:46
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 46: Foundational Issues for a Healthy Church

This message was given 1/24/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, Illinois. 


Jan 25, 202145:14
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 45: Do You Want to Be Well?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 45: Do You Want to Be Well?

This message was given 1/17/21 at Morey Chapel Church of Christ near Westville, IL

This message takes a fresh look at the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. 

Jan 19, 202136:44
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 44: Welcome to 2021! Live From Bloomingdale, Indiana!

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 44: Welcome to 2021! Live From Bloomingdale, Indiana!

Welcome to 2021!

This message was given at Bloomingdale Christian Church on 1/3/21. 

This message addresses the "one job" we have as belivers. 

Jan 19, 202138:05
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 43: Intro to Alternative Social Media, and the new Mission Field it Presents
Dec 06, 202021:14
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 42: What can the business world teach churches from the CoVID 19 response?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 42: What can the business world teach churches from the CoVID 19 response?

This episode looks at things that Churches can learn from how businesses adapted to the changes brought on by the CoVID 19 Response. 

Jun 02, 202013:53
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 41: Foundations for Equipping Parents in Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
May 30, 202022:49
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 41: Continuing Online Church Services in the Post Covid world
May 21, 202019:59
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 40: How can churches become a vital part of the community in the Post-Covid world?
May 19, 202009:57
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 39: The Post-Covid Church.
May 14, 202015:07
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 38: Hiatus, New Resources, and the Start of "Post-Covid-19 Discussions"
May 12, 202015:55
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 37: What is a  "Near Miss"?
Mar 17, 202015:60
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 36: Announcing The new "Near Miss" training and tools...
Mar 13, 202011:33
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 35: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 35: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Content Warning - This episode is not kid - friendly as it discusses the realities of keeping children safe on line. 



ABC Nightline video on "Sloane Ryan" (not real name) that talks about how tactics and predators are being caught online by a special operations team at Bark. 

Here is the full article from "Sloane"


Voice for the Voiceless - This Episode is an interview with the mother of a child that was exploited online (Warning: there is some tough to handle, raw emotional content in this episode)


Tools mentioned in the episode:

Bark - Bark is a tool that monitors and protects your kids online - tell them I sent you by going to bark.brentlacy.com+

Video on Bark here

https://www.qustodio.com/en/ - Another tool that monitors, protects and reports on your child's online activity

https://www.life360.com/ - this is another recommended solution 

https://meetcircle.com/ - Circle is a combination hardware and software solution. 


There is also the announcement of my New Training - Near Miss: An IT Professional speaks on keeping your child safe online.
If you are interested in knowing more or scheduling this training for parents in your community,  go to
http://ruralthinktank.com and click the contact button in the top right corner.  


There will also be a special bonus episode on 3/13/20 that goes live at 8:00AM EST dedicated specifically to the "Near Miss" Training. 

Mar 12, 202031:03
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 34: Should your pastor search team use an outside independent consultant?

This episode is about the usefulness, pros, and cons associated with using an outside independent church consultant in cooperation with your search team. I share some of the things that I have experienced serving in this role for several churches. 


As always, if this is a blessing, share this podcast with others. If you feel led, you can support this podcast at anchor.fm/ruralthinktank

If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.

Mar 10, 202012:37
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: If your church had a CIO (Chief Information Officer), what would they tell you?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: If your church had a CIO (Chief Information Officer), what would they tell you?

This episode is about the thing that many small and medium sized churches think they cover, but really neglect - Their IT

We discuss Data Security, Backup, Hardware Refresh, and other things that many churches ignore, accidentally or on purpose.  

I try my best to break down all the terms I discuss to terms that anyone who has ever turned on a computer understand. 


As always, if this is a blessing, share this podcast with others. If you feel led, you can support this podcast at anchor.fm/ruralthinktank

If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.

Mar 05, 202018:29
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: Maintaining the business reputation of a church

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 33: Maintaining the business reputation of a church

This podcast episode addresses the question - Can how a church conducts business in the community help or hinder it's witness and reputation?

The answer may not be as clearcut as you think... 


If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message.

Mar 04, 202012:15
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 32: Change the Oil
Jan 26, 202028:48
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 31: Is the age of large youth events over?
Jan 24, 202020:15
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 30: The Bible is Bizarre

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 30: The Bible is Bizarre

This is a message given 1/19/2020 at Bloomingdale Christian Church in Bloomingdale, Indiana. 


This covers some of the odd passages that we find in the Bible and how we can see how God cares for us through them, and what theses passages tell us about ourselves

Jan 20, 202033:19
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 29: Do churches really stink at HR?

Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 29: Do churches really stink at HR?

This episode explores some of the tough questions that need to be asked as a church goes through a pastor search process. It is by no means exhaustive, but designed to get you thinking about the discussions that need to happen during the search and interview process. 


If you have thoughts/input/questions, go to ruralthinktank.com and hit the contact button or go to anchor.fm/ruralthinktank and leave a voice message. 

Jan 14, 202024:22
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 28: Leveraging the power of the local church for you community
Jan 09, 202018:18
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 27: The Corvette in the Barn - Aligning your social media and technology in ministry
Jan 06, 202022:08
Rural Thinktank Episode 26 : More thoughts on Church Safety
Jan 02, 202018:05
Rural Thinktank Episode 25: The Corvette in the Barn

Rural Thinktank Episode 25: The Corvette in the Barn


This is a message given at Bainbridge Christian Church in Bainbridge, Indiana on 12/29/2019. 

Focal Passage:

I John 1:1-10

The Word of Life

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Walking in the Light

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.



Things I Mention in the Message:


Johnny Morris - Cabela’s/Bass Pro - Working together to make a difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2NC8u5E3mQ&feature=youtu.be&om_rid=NuPwMH&om_mid=_BeAn6wB90rR9b8&email=brentlacydotcom%40gmail.com


Right Now Media - https://www.rightnowmedia.org/

Dec 31, 201947:49
Rural Thinktank Episode 24 : Bonus Episode! - Thoughts on IT in the local church
Dec 06, 201907:12
Rural Thinktank Episode 23: What is a "Community Missionary"?
Dec 05, 201916:01
Rural Thinktank Episode 22: Modern Thoughts on Church Security
Dec 03, 201923:47
Rural Thinktank Episode 21: Things you don't learn in Bible College or Seminary about Rural Ministry
Nov 28, 201917:59
Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 20: Epic Fails: Bible Edition - Part II

Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 20: Epic Fails: Bible Edition - Part II

This is a message given 11/24/2019 at Bloomingdale Friends Church, in Bloomingdale, Indiana.

EPIC fails: Bible Edition. Part II

We will be looking at how God used people in spite of their personalities, backgrounds and failures.

Week 2 - Fear, Doubt and Past Shame  - We will be looking at Moses, Thomas, Gideon, Peter (Again!), Paul, Rahab, and Elijah

Nov 26, 201933:14
Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 19: Epic Fails: Bible Edition - Part I

Rural Thanktank Podcast Episode 19: Epic Fails: Bible Edition - Part I

This is a message given 11/17/2019 at Bloomingdale Friends Church, in Bloomingdale, Indiana. 

EPIC fails: Bible Edition. Part I

We will be looking at how God used people in spite of their personalities, backgrounds and failures.

Week 1 - Lust, Pride and, Lies - We will be looking at King David, Baalam, Samson, Peter, Jacob and Abraham, and how God still used them beyond their failures.

Nov 19, 201931:30
Rural Thinktank Episode 18: Two Economic trends we need to pay attention to in Rural America
Oct 29, 201913:26
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 17: Managing Technology in Rural Ministry
Oct 25, 201929:13
Rural Thinktank Podcast Episode 16: Changing Media Consumption and Rural Ministry
Oct 22, 201918:52
Rural Thinktank Poscast Episode 15: Identity and Data Security in Rural Ministry
Oct 16, 201924:57
Rural Think Tank Podcast Episode 14: Streamlining in Rural and Small Church Ministry
Oct 11, 201919:13
Rural Think Tank Podcast Episode 13: Training Resources for Rural and Small Church Ministry
Oct 05, 201915:53
Rural Think Tank Podcast Episode 12: Empowering the Senior Adults in Your Congregation
Oct 02, 201919:26
Rural Think Tank Podcast Episode 11: Unleash the Creatives!
Oct 01, 201918:40