Small Town Summits

How Does an Outsider Become an Insider? (w/ Ron Klassen)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:11:52 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast, Ben has a conversation with Ron Klassen. They discuss coming into a small town as an outsider and the various challenges, and blessings, that can bring to your gospel ministry. We hope this episode encourages you as you seek to make Christ known in your own small town context.

If you would like to learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
If you would like to register for out fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) Beholding Beauty Together by Brett Cody

Small Town Summits — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:52:27 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast, we have a recording of Brett Cody's STS article, Beholding Beauty Together: Pastoral Ministry and Creativity in the Local Church.

We hope this article is an encouragement to you as you consider how to glorify Christ with your church in new, creative ways.

To register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

To read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

Is There Hope for Our Dying Churches? (w/ Kyle Bueermann)

Small Town Summits — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:26:50 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben sits down with Kyle Bueermann to discuss gospel hope for dying churches. We hope this episode encourages and refreshes your heart for small-town ministry.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) Embrace “Place” as a Means of Endurance in Ministry by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:47:21 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcasts, we have a recording of Tim Counts STS article, "Embrace “Place” as a Means of Endurance in Ministry".

To read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

Is Rural Ministry a Priority for God? (w/ John Adams)

Small Town Summits — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 02:55:14 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast, Ben sits down with John Adams to discuss the importance of small towns in God's gospel mission. We hope this episode encourages you and refreshes your heart for small-town ministry.

If you would like to learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
If you would like to register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) Pastoral Evaluation in the Small-Town Church by Jason McConnell

Small Town Summits — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:22:42 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast, we have a recording of Jason McConnell's STS article, Pastoral Evaluation in the Small-Town Church. We hope this is a useful tool for you as you seek to grow in your pastoral ministry in your own small-town church.

If you want to read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
If you would like to register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

The God of Small Places & Evangelism in Rural Communities w/ Glenn Daman

Small Town Summits — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:42:52 GMT

On this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we sit down and speak with pastor and author, Glenn Daman, about God's heart for small places. We hope this conversation encourages you in your gospel work in your own small town.

To register for the STS Fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com
To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

(Article) Church Planter, Please Don't Forget the Lowly Places

Small Town Summits — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:47:43 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast, we have a recording of Johnnie Each's STS article, Church Planter, Please Don't Forget the Lowly Places. We hope you enjoy this article and that it encourages your ministry.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

To register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

A Simple Method for Training Lay Preachers (w/ Dan Sargent)

Small Town Summits — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:22:30 GMT

On this weeks episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have a special recording of Dan Sargents break out session he gave at one of our summits. He gives practical advice and wisdom on how to train up lay preachers within your church.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for our fall conference, visit: www.stsfallconference.com

Small-Town Pastors Should Preach Like Poets (w/ Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:06:24 GMT

On this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben speaks with the co-founder of STS, Stephen Witmer, about his newly released book on the poetry of George Herbert titled, "In All Things Thee to See". In this interview, Stephen challenges us to use words like a skilled craftsman for the glory of God and the proclamation of the gospel.

For more information about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for our fall conference, visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) Dying and Living in Small Places by Dave Scott

Small Town Summits — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:17:41 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have the audio recording of Dave Scott's STS article "Dying and Living in Small Places". We hope this article can encourage you as you work with perseverance in your own small place!

To read more STS Articles, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To register for our fall conference, visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) How Jesus and a Royal Official Can Help Small-Town Pastors by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:08:42 GMT

This week on the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have a recording of Stephen Witmer's STS article, "How Jesus and a Royal Official Can Help Small-Town Pastors".

To read more STS Articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

To register for our Fall conference, visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) Adorning the Gospel Through Foster Care by Ben Whittinghill

Small Town Summits — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:43:36 GMT

This week on the Small Town Summit podcast, we have a recording of Ben Whittinghill's STS article, Adorning the Gospel Through Foster Care. We pray this article is an encouragement to you as you consider displaying the gospel through the ministry of foster care.

If you would like to read more Small Town Summit Articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To sign up for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

The Ministry of Encouragement (w/ Phil Waldrep)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:52:21 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben and Michael sit down with Phil Waldrep of Phil Waldrep Ministries. One of the many aspects of Phil's ministry is providing retreats that offer encouragement and refreshment to pastors and pastor wives in New England. We hope that you are encouraged by his story of how the Lord burdened his heart for those ministering in New England.

If you want to learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
If you would like to register for our fall conference, please visit: www.stsfallconference.com

(Article) 10 Reasons I Love My Small Church by Mike Penza

Small Town Summits — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:51:41 GMT

On this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have a recording of Mike Penza's STS article, 10 Reasons I Love My Small Church. We hope this can encourage and uplift you in your ministry in the small places of New England.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

To read more STS Articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

Beginning a Counseling Ministry (w/ Femi Oni)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:40:27 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Michael speaks with Femi Oni, a certified biblical counselor and a pastor at East Randolph Baptist Church in Vermont, about the in's and out's of beginning a counseling ministry in a small town. We pray that this episode is a blessing to you as you seek ways to serve and love your small town church.

To learn more Small Town Summits, please visit: Smalltownsummits.com
To register for our fall conference, please visit: stsfallconference.com

2026 STS Vision Roundtable (w/ the STS Leadership Team)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:30:00 GMT

In the first episode of our ninth season, the STS leadership team shares about what's coming down the road for STS in 2026. We're excited to share it, and hope you can join us when we come to your state!

For more information about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) God’s Word, Christ’s Church: The Catalyst and Context for Transformation by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On this weeks episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have a recording of Stephen Witmer's STS article, God’s Word, Christ’s Church: The Catalyst and Context for Transformation. We pray this article encourages you as you bring the gospel to your small town context.

To register for a summit in your state, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS articles, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

(Article) I Got Up by Bob Emberley

Small Town Summits — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:02:02 GMT

This week's episode of the Small Town Summits Podcast is a recording of Bob Emberley's STS article, I Got Up. We hope it can be an encouragement to you during the difficult seasons of small town ministry.

If you would like to learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
If you would like to read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

Pursuing a Pastorate in Small Places (w/ Ethan Wormell)

Small Town Summits — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:00:43 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Ethan Wormell to talk about how the Lord lead him to pursue a pastorate in a small place in New England. Ethan shares from his own experience and offers some thoughtful advice for others considering the same path.

If after listening to this episode you're interested in hearing more about pastoral residencies in New England, please contact us at smalltownsummits@gmail.com.

Small Town Summits are small, local, affordable gatherings of Christians who long for God’s glory to spread throughout the small places of New England. We welcome pastors and lay leaders, men and women. Partnering with The Gospel Coalition New England, our Summits provide support, training, encouragement, and connection for New England churches beyond the urban centers. The goal of Small Town Summits is to see the small places of New England filled with healthy, missional, gospel-centered churches and Christian workers, for the glory of God.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

What Gospel Shaped Small Town Ministry Looks Like in Practice (w/ Donnie Griggs)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:49:19 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, we share Donnie Griggs' plenary session "What Gospel Shaped Small Town Ministry Like in Practice" from "Small Town Summit: New England" on March 18, 2019. Donnie Griggs is a pastor in small-town North Carolina and author of the popular book Small Town Jesus

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

About Small Town Summits: Small Town Summits are small, local, affordable gatherings of Christians who long for God’s glory to spread throughout the small places of New England. We welcome pastors and lay leaders, men and women. Partnering with The Gospel Coalition New England, our Summits provide support, training, encouragement, and connection for New England churches beyond the urban centers. The goal of Small Town Summits is to see the small places of New England filled with healthy, missional, gospel-centered churches and Christian workers, for the glory of God.

(Article) Our Extraordinary Examples of Faith by David Pinckney

Small Town Summits — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:06:58 GMT

This podcast is a recording of David Pinckney's STS article, "Our Extraordinary Examples".

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS Articles, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

(Article) Our Extraordinary Builder

Small Town Summits — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Michael Badger's STS article "Our Extraordinary Builder". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) Small-Place Apologetics by Ian Hard

Small Town Summits — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:55:41 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ian Hard's excellent STS article "Small-Place Apologetics." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

A Long Stay in a Small Place (w/ Mike Rattin)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:50:48 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Mike Rattin to talk about his long ministry of 35 years in the small town of Hollis, NH. May this conversation be an encouragement to pastors faithfully serving in small places.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Our Extraordinary Equipping by Ben Emberley

Small Town Summits — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:44:32 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Ben Emberley's STS article, Our Extraordinary Equipping - Hebrews 13. We hope it's an encouragement to you are you faithfully endure in your small set eternally significant calling.

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠
To read more STS Articles, please visit here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

Weakness & Dependence (w/ John Hindley)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of season two, Ben sits down with John Hindley to hear about his ministry in a small place and hear what God's been teaching him about weakness and dependence.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

About Small Town Summits: Small Town Summits are small, local, affordable gatherings of Christians who long for God’s glory to spread throughout the small places of New England. We welcome pastors and lay leaders, men and women. Partnering with The Gospel Coalition New England, our Summits provide support, training, encouragement, and connection for New England churches beyond the urban centers. The goal of Small Town Summits is to see the small places of New England filled with healthy, missional, gospel-centered churches and Christian workers, for the glory of God.

Robust Theology in the Local Church (w/ Zach Vaughn)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:19:07 GMT

In this episode of the STS Podcast, Ben has a wonderful conversation with Zach Vaughn about the importance of theology in the local church. We hope this conversation encourages you to create a culture of rich theology in your church, unified in the person and work of Christ.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, please give here: www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To register for a summit in your state, visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) The Communion of Saints and Small Town Churches by Ian Hard

Small Town Summits — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Ian Hard's STS article, The Communion of Saints and Small Town Churches. We hope it is an encouragement to you as you faithfully serve in your small town.

To read more articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

Introducing Our New Cohost (w/ Michael Badger)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:06:54 GMT

In this season 8 premier of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben introduces the new podcast cohost, Michael Badger. Ben and Michael talk about the origins of the STS Podcast as well as their hopes for its future.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a Fall summit, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

Managing Your Household Well (w/ Chap Bettis)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:09:06 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben sits down with Chap Bettis to discuss his book "Managing Your Household Well". We hope you enjoy this discussion on this very important topic.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

(Article) Four Blessings to Ask God For in 2025 by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

This podcast episode is the recording of Tim Count's STS article, "Four Blessings to Ask God For in 2025".

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: Smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS Articles, please visit: Smalltownsummits.com/articles

(Article) Unexpected Avenues of Small Town Ministry: Reflections of a Bi-vocational Pastor by Gary DeHaas

Small Town Summits — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:55:44 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Gary DeHaas' STS article, "Unexpected Avenues of Small Town Ministry: Reflections of a Bi-vocational Pastor".

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS Articles, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

Theological Vision Roundtable #1 - Outreach in Small Places (w/ Andrew Bermúdez, Brian Smith & Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT

This episode of the STS Podcast is the first in a series of roundtable discussions on cultivating a theological vision for contextualized ministry in small places. In this episode, Ben sits down with Andrew Bermúdez, Brian Smith & Stephen Witmer to talk about the unique opportunities and difficulties of reachng out to your small communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For more on what a theological vision is, you can listen to Rick Lints' plenary session "What Theological Vision Is & Why It Matters for Small Place Ministry" from "Small Town Summit: New England" on March 18, 2019.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Crockpot Church Planting (w/ Eliot DeLorme & Andrew Sheard)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of season 6, Ben sits down with Eliot DeLorme and Andrew Sheard to talk about their long journey toward planting a new church in Henniker, NH. We know you will be encouraged to hear this story of how God has been at work.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

When God Changes Your Assignment (w/ Ben Ruhl)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:30:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben and Stephen talk with Ben Ruhl about his recent move to pastor in Ojai, CA. This discussion addresses discerning when to leave a church, how to leave a church well, and prioritizing our callings in the pursuit of obeying Christ. Whether you're considering a move or not, we hope it's an encouragement to you.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Our Extraordinary Helper by Dan Crichton

Small Town Summits — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Dan Crichton's STS article "Our Extraordinary Helper". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Discipling Youth in Small Places (w/ Dave Coryell of Christian Endeavor)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:50:02 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben speaks with Dave Coryell of Christian Endeavor to talk about how small churches in small places can disciple the next generation. We pray this conversation fills you with hope as you put your own hand to the plow for Christ's kingdom.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Theological Vision Roundtable #2 - Church Planting in Small Places (w/ David Pinckney, Joel Sedam & Paul Gordon)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:00:56 GMT

This episode of the STS Podcast is the second in a series of roundtable discussions on cultivating a theological vision for contextualized ministry in small places. In this episode, Ben sits down with David Pinckney, Joel Sedam & Paul Gordon to talk about the unique opportunities and difficulties of planting churches in small, rural communities. For more on what a theological vision is, you can listen to Rick Lints' plenary session "⁠What Theological Vision Is & Why It Matters for Small Place Ministry⁠" from "Small Town Summit: New England" on March 18, 2019.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠view this PDF⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

The Joyful Struggle of Pastoral Ministry (w/ Mark McCullough)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ben chats with long time pastor Mark McCullough about his ministry in small town Alabama and hears about the joyful struggle of pastoral ministry.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Our Extraordinary Path by Joel Sedam

Small Town Summits — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Joel Sedam’s STS article “Our Extraordinary Path”. To register for the 2025 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) Our Extraordinary Brother by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:41:59 GMT

Small-Town Muse: Lessons from the Life and Poetry of Anne Bradstreet (A Breakout Session w/ Heather Peets)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:58:19 GMT

In this episode, we share the audio from a breakout session at STS Vermont.

One of New England’s early settlers, Anne Bradstreet left behind her comfortable life in England for the wilderness of Massachusetts. Though she would become America’s first published poet, her most important roles were as devoted wife, nurturing mother, and committed saint. Through infertility, loss, fear, and pain, Bradstreet demonstrated faith and faithfulness. Nearly 400 years later, let Bradstreet’s life and poetry instruct you, her Christian sisters, how to live and minister in small-town New England.

Heather Peets is a pastor’s wife, mom of five, and teacher. She and her family live in Vermont where her husband pastors a small but committed congregation. For nearly fifteen years, Heather has served in educational ministry as a teacher in Christian colleges and schools. Currently, she teaches English at Mid Vermont Christian School where she enjoys sharing life lessons and theological truths through literature.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Singing in Small Places (A Breakout Session w/ Joel Sedam)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 31 May 2023 12:30:08 GMT

In this episode, we share the audio from a breakout session at STS Rhode Island.

Singing is a gift God gives to weak Christians. Hearing the voices of our brothers and sisters helps us know we're not alone. It also shifts our gaze to the beauty of our triune God and His unfading truth. Join us as we discuss the role of singing in the life of the church, and how your church can grow as a singing people for their unity, joy, and the glory of God.

Joel grew up in Westerly, RI. After graduating with a B.A. in Theology, he continued his studies at Southern Seminary. He has worked with InterVarsity Fellowship and has served on the pastoral staff at Grace Harbor Church in Providence. He and his wife Jen moved to Bristol in June of 2015, where they and their core team planted Mount Hope Church.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) ⁠Our Extraordinary Minister by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:29:45 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Micah Lang's STS article, "Our Extraordinary Minister - Hebrews 8."

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: ⁠Smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠
To read more STS Articles, please visit: ⁠Smalltownsummits.com/articles

Speaking the Truth in Love about Gender and Sexuality in Small Places (w/ Travis Rymer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:50:04 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Travis Rymer to talk about what it looks like for Christ's people to actively speak truth to issues of gender and sexuality in a loving way. We're confident that Travis' conviction and compassion will be an encouragement for you as you continue to seek to live and for Christ today.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Hope for the Rural Church (Or Any Church) by David Pinckney

Small Town Summits — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

What's Next for STS? (w/ Stephen Witmer & Ben Ruhl)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:45:26 GMT

We’re excited to see how the Lord will use Small Town Summits in the future and we want you to be a part of it:

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Testing Ambitions in Small Places by Ben Miller

Small Town Summits — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:35:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ben Miller STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Testing Ambitions in Small Places.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Roundtable: Sabbaticals (w/ Crichton, Counts, Whittinghill, Sedam)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:45:00 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with Dan Crichton, Tim Counts and Joel Sedam about pastoral Sabbaticals in our small place churches. We hope this episode encourages you to consider taking intentional time to stop and recharge for ongoing faithfulness.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Family Discipleship in Small Places (w/ Chap Bettis)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:00:49 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Chap Bettis to talk about family discipleship in small places. Chap is the author of The Disciple-Making Parent and the executive director of the ministry with the same name. To learn more please visit www.thedisciplemakingparent.com.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

Women's Discipleship in Small Places (w/ Liz Burns & Olivia Ruhl)

Small Town Summits — Fri, 21 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down to talk with Liz Burns and Olivia Ruhl about the specific joys and challenges of discipling women in small places.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Stewarding the Pen in Small Places (w/ Tim Counts & Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 13:41:11 GMT

In this episode, Ben chats with Tim Counts & Stephen Witmer about stewarding the pen in small places. We pray this new episode will encourage you to use your gift of writing well for the glory of God even in small places. You can find some of Stephen's writing here, Tim's writing here and writing from other small town pastors and ministry leaders here.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Be Careful How You Build the Church by Joel Sedam

Small Town Summits — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:50:38 GMT

This episode is a recording of Joel Sedam's excellent STS article "Be Careful How You Build the Church." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Jesus: From Ancient Days, Now From Bethlehem by Ben Whittinghill

Small Town Summits — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 10:27:27 GMT

This BONUS EPISODE is a recording of Ben Whittinghill's excellent STS article "Jesus: From Ancient Days, Now From Bethlehem." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Finding Balance as a Bivocational Pastor by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:43:57 GMT

This episode is a recording of Micah Lang's STS article "Finding Balance as a Bivocational Pastor". To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com. To read more STS Articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) Five Guiding Principles of Small Town Summits by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:14:33 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Stephen Witmer's STS article, "Five Guiding Principles of Small Town Summits".

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: Smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS Articles, please visit: Smalltownsummits.com/articles

Praying for a Move of God in Small Places (w/ Al Whittinghill)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:26:30 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with is father, Al Whittinghill, to talk about corporate prayer in small places. Al shares stories of God's amazing work in small places when his people pray. We pray this episode will challenge and encourage you to persevere in a ministry of prayer in your small towns.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Christian, Are You Called to Counsel? by Andy Engert

Small Town Summits — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:14:10 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Andy Engert's STS article, "Christian, Are You Called to Counsel?"

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits
To read more STS Articles, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com/articles

(Article) The Curative Power of the Gospel and Fighting “Terminal” Cancer by Ian Shearer

Small Town Summits — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:22:24 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ian Shearer's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Curative Power of the Gospel and Fighting “Terminal” Cancer⁠.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) The Need for Beauty in Preaching by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:50:06 GMT

On this week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we have a recording of Micah Lang's STS article, The Need for Beauty in Preaching. We pray that this encourages you as you bring God's word in your small town church.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To read more STS articles, visits: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

New England Mission Foundation (w/ Jere Vincent)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:42:06 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben speaks with Jere Vincent, the executive director of New England Mission Foundation. In this conversation, Ben and Jere speak of the work the Lord is doing in New England and how the New England Mission Foundation can aid you in your own small town ministry.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To learn more about New England Mission Foundation, please visit: www.nemissionfoundation.org

Cultivating Pastoral Fellowship in Small Places (w/ Joel Littlefield)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben talks with Joel Littlefield about the need for pastors to cultivate fellowship with other local pastors. Joel reminds pastors that rather than being afraid to show their weaknesses, they should embrace one another for mutual encouragement and brotherly love. If you are a pastor struggling with isolation or loneliness, we hope this episode is an encouragement to you.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Rejoicing in What God Has Done (w/ the STS Leadership Team)

Small Town Summits — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

In this final episode of season 4 the STS Leadership Team sits down together to reflect on all God has done over the past year. We pray this discussion brings glory to the one for whom and by whom we do all things.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

God-Glorifying Liturgy (w/ Nathan Peets and Josh Moore)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:20:21 GMT

On this week's episode of the STS Podcast, Ben has a fruitful discussion with Nathan Peets and Josh Moore about the importance of a gospel shaped liturgy in the church. We pray that this podcast helps renew your love of the Sunday morning gathering of the saints.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) Our Extraordinary Sacrifice by Shawn Carpenter

Small Town Summits — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:26:45 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Shawn Carpenter's STS article, ⁠"Our Extraordinary Sacrifice". ⁠

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit ⁠www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠
To read more STS Articles, please visit: ⁠www.Smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠

Heeding & Remembering the Call in Small Places (w/ Aaron Sellars)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:09:49 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Aaron Sellars to talk about heeding the Lord's call to serve him, even when that call is hard. Aaron is a dear friend and an amazing man of God. We trust this episode will bless and encourage those who are faithfully seeking to fulfill Christ's calling where he's placed them.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

Staying Encouraged in Christ (w/ Ben Presten)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:53:14 GMT

In this episode, Ben chats with Ben Presten about the need to wage war against discouragement by seeking to make our hearts happy in Christ. Ben Pastors New King Church in Burlington, VT.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Highs & Lows in Small Places (w/ Daryl Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:22:23 GMT

In this episode, Stephen chats with his father, Daryl Witmer, about the highs and lows of pastoring in small places. You can learn more about Daryl's apologetics ministry (the AIIA Institute) here: http://aiiainstitute.org/

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Faithfully Abiding in Small Places (w/ Brad Roth)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down with Brad Roth to talk about what it looks like to faithfully abide in Christ while pastoring in small places. If you would like to watch Brad's talk at Small Town Summits New England, you can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs8lJD3_BQE.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

When God Calls You Home (w/ Tim Kimberley)

Small Town Summits — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:13:48 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down to talk with Tim Kimberley, pastor of Sacred Mission Church in his home town of Collins, IA, a community of 450 people.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) The Heart of Political Discipleship in Small Churches by Jonathan Romig

Small Town Summits — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 11:40:35 GMT

This episode is a recording of Jonathan Romig's excellent STS article "The Heart of Political Discipleship in Small Churches." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Preparing to Plant in Small Places (w/ Jeff Willett & Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:17 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Jeff Willett and Stephen Witmer to talk about the process of preparing to plant a new church in Townsend, MA. Jeff's story is exciting and encouraging to all those serving in small places. We hope that this will be as much of a blessing to you as it was to us.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) The Job Assignment by Joel Sedam

Small Town Summits — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:11:07 GMT

This episode is a recording of Joel Sedam's STS article "The Job Assignment". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Bi-Vocational Ministry in Small Places (w/ Lyandon Warren and Corey Ickes)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:12 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Lyandon Warren and Corey Ickes, to talk about bi-vocational ministry in small places. Whether you're a bi-vocational pastor in New England or not, Lyandon and Corey's perspective will be a challenge and encouragement to you.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Our Extraordinary Hope by Ben Whittinghill

Small Town Summits — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:40:58 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ben Whittinghill's STS article "Our Extraordinary Hope". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) An Open Letter from a Pastor to His Friend by Ben Ruhl

Small Town Summits — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:57:55 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ben Ruhl's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠An Open Letter from a Pastor to His Friend.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Small Discipleship Matters Greatly by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Micah Lang's STS article "Small Discipleship Matters Greatly". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Women's Discipleship (w/ Elizabeth Pinckney and Charla DeJager)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:37:17 GMT

In this episode of the STS Podcast, Ben discusses the challenges, joys, and opportunities of women's discipleship in the small town context with Elizabeth Pinckney and Charla DeJager. We pray their wisdom and experience in women's discipleship both challenges and encourages you as you seek to build up the women in your church for the glory of God.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit here: www.Smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, please give here: www.Smalltownsummits.com/give
To register for a summit in your state, visit here: www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits

One-to-One Bible Reading in Small Places (w/ Ben Ruhl)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:24:53 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Ben Ruhl to discuss one-to-one Bible reading and our new upcoming training event in Lewiston, ME called "One-to-One: Word Driven Discipleship. We hope this episode will help communicate the vision of one-to-one Bible reading and spur you on, wherever you are, to take responsibility for the spiritual good of one another.

"One-to-One Bible Reading in Small Places" by Ben Ruhl

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

Planting Churches in Small Places (w/ David Pinckney & Paul Gordon)

Small Town Summits — Sat, 01 May 2021 18:22:53 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down to talk with David Pinckney and Paul Gordon, two church planters in the small places of New England. Hear their stories and their vision for how small churches can partner together to plant more churches in small places.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Pastoral Retreat (A Breakout Session w/ Paul Gordon)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we share the audio from a breakout session at STS Massachusetts in 2023.

In the busiest moments of His ministry and when Jesus felt weakest, He often withdrew; retreated. Pastors in small places of small churches know how busy ministry can be and how few resources are available (time, funds, pulpit coverage, etc) So, how can one consider the idea of a retreat when the demands are so much and resources so precious? This interactive breakout will highlight the importance of retreats but focus on providing practical tools on how to retreat so busy small town pastors can find distance from everyday life, pursue presence with God and His Word, so they return to ministry with enduring purpose.

Paul Gordon has been in pastoral ministry since 2010 and since 2015 has been working to see a church planted in North Adams, MA. Paul juggles being a church planter, an Executive Pastor for the family of Terra Nova Churches, the director of the Village Green Collective along with being a husband to Nicole and father to Margot & Elgin. Despite the busyness you will often catch Paul retreating - especially in November when retreats are spent in his deer stands.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Growing as a Counselor for Big Needs in Small Places (w/ Andy Engert & Daniel Sargent)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:36:42 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with Andy Engert & Daniel Sargent about the place of Biblical counseling, both formal and informal, in small places. If you would like to learn more about the ministry of CCEF New England, please visit ⁠www.ccef.org/counseling/new-england-office⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Five Ways for Rural Ministry to Look Ahead by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:10:48 GMT

This episode is a recording of Stephen Witmer's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Five Ways for Rural Ministry to Look Ahead.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Finding Courage in Small Places (w/ Michael Badger & Josh Moore)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:51 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Michael Badger and Josh Moore to talk about what it looks like for Christ's people to actively pursue Biblical courage today. Michael and Josh are Small Town Summit partners in Vermont and will be leading a breakout session on this topic at our summit on May 11th in South Royalton, VT. For more information, or to register, please visit: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/vt2023.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Surprising Challenges and Blessings of Small-Town Ministry (w/ Josh Moore)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:01:55 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Josh Moore, one of our STS partner team members, to talk about the surprising challenges and blessings of small-town ministry. Whether you're a pastor or layperson, living in New England or not, we know Josh's story and insights will be an encouragement to you.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) The Lord Does Not Despise the Day of Small Things by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:00:16 GMT

We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Soul Care in Small Places (w/ Alasdair Groves)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:11:37 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Alasdair Groves to talk about counseling, soul care and the place this worthy work should take in the life and ministry of the small town pastor. Alasdair Groves serves as CCEF’s executive director and was the co-founder of a biblical counseling center in Northern New England. He is the co-author of Untangling Emotions and hosts the podcast "Where Life & Scripture Meet."

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Developing Leaders in Small Places (w/ Dan Crichton)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 13:30:38 GMT

In this episode, Ben chats with Dan Crichton, and a handful of young men he has personally discipled, about the the importance of developing leaders in the context of the local church. Dan pastors Grace Bible Church in Cranston, RI.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Church Revitalization in Small Places (w/ Nate Oliver)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ben chats with pastor Nate Oliver about the important and meaningful ministry of small town church revitalization. Nate pastors the Federated Church of Willington in Willington, CT.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

What is Theological Vision? (w/ Rick Lints)

Small Town Summits — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:40:04 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, we share Rick Lints' plenary session "What Theological Vision Is & Why It Matters for Small Place Ministry" from "Small Town Summit: New England" on March 18, 2019. Dr. Lints is the provost and Andrew Mutch distinguished professor of theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) Battling Loneliness with the Blessing of Brotherhood by Gary DeHaas

Small Town Summits — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:12:34 GMT

This episode is a recording of Gary DeHaas' excellent STS article "Battling Loneliness with the Blessing of Brotherhood." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) ⁠⁠⁠⁠6 Things to Teach Your People About Suffering⁠ by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Tue, 09 May 2023 12:39:53 GMT

This episode is a recording of Micah Lang's STS article "⁠6 Things to Teach Your People About Suffering⁠." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

A Move of God in New Hampshire Nursing Homes (w/ John Hoover)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:30:00 GMT

In the first episode of season 5, Ben sits down with John Hoover to hear about his mission into the nursing homes of southern New Hampshire. We know you will be encouraged by John's stories and his heart for the gospel.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Reflecting & Looking Forward (w/ the STS Leadership Team)

Small Town Summits — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 09:27:02 GMT

In the final episode of season 1, the Small Town Summits team sits down together to introduce themselves, reflect on what God has done over the past 4 years and look forward to where we believe he is leading in the years to come. We hope this conversation will be as enriching for you as it was for us.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) God, Help Me To See My Small-Town Church As You Do by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:59:00 GMT

This podcast episode is a recording of Tim Counts STS article, God, Help Me To See My Small-Town Church As You Do. We hope that it is an encouragement to you as you minister in your own small-town church.

To read more articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) The Pastor as Public Theologian in Small Places by Ben Ruhl

Small Town Summits — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:23:41 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ben Ruhl's STS article "The Pastor as Public Theologian in Small Places." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠view this PDF⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Welcome & Vision (w/ Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down to talk with Stephen Witmer, the co-founder of Small Town Summits and author of A Big Gospel in Small Places.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Pastoring Small Towns (w/ Donnie Griggs and Ronnie Martin)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:00:10 GMT

In this episode, Ben and Stephen sit down with Donnie Griggs and Ronnie Martin to discuss their excellent new book Pastoring Small Towns: Help and Hope for Those Ministering in Smaller Places. As you listen, you'll sense Donnie and Ronnies zeal for the Lord and their passion for his church. We hope this episode is an encouragement to you no matter where you serve.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) An Unlikely Pilgrimage by Doug Cooper

Small Town Summits — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:17:37 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Doug Cooper's STS's article, An Unlikely Pilgrimage. We hope that it is an encouragement to you as you minister in your own small town context.

To read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To learn more about Small Town Summits, visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

(Article) Do Your Job by David Pinckney

Small Town Summits — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of David Pinkney's excellent STS article "Do Your Job." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Small Church Revitalzation in New England by Andrew M. Davis

Small Town Summits — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:00:07 GMT

This episode is a recording of Andrew M. Davis' excellent STS article "Small Church Revitalzation in New England." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

A Light in the Community (w/ Andrew Bermúdez)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 11:53:37 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down to talk with Andrew Burmúdez, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dexter, Maine.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Building a Godward Family Culture (w/ Ben Presten)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with Ben Presten about building a Godward family culture that echoes down through the generations. We know this will be a blessing you you and the families in your churches.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) ⁠Weeping With Those Who Weep by Ben Emberley

Small Town Summits — Tue, 06 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Ben Emberley's STS article, "Weeping With Those Who Weep: The Opportunity of Funerals"

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit ⁠⁠www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠⁠

To read more STS Articles, please visit: ⁠⁠www.Smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠

STS Women's Ministry Vision (w/ Liz Burns)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Liz Burns to hear about how God has been moving through STS Women and the vision he has given them for the years to come. We know you will be encouraged by Liz's story and her heart for making disciples.

Contact Liz at smalltownsummitswomen@gmail.com

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(STS Breakout) Reaching Gen Z with Shane and Kara Carvalho

Small Town Summits — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:33:34 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, we share a breakout session from our 2024 Rhode Island summit led by Shane and Kara Carvalho. In this breakout, the Carvalhos give essential wisdom on how to reach Gen Z with the gospel.

If you would like to learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

Sermon Application in Small Places (A Breakout Session w/ Nathan Tharel)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:32:40 GMT

In this episode, we share the audio from a breakout session at STS Connecticut '23 with Nathan Tharel Called, "Sermon Application in Small Places." We hope this episode is an encouragement and a blessing to you.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Our Extraordinary Priest by Jordan Brown

Small Town Summits — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:54:45 GMT

This episode is a recording of Jordan Brown's STS article “⁠Our Extraordinary Priest”⁠. To register for the 2025 summit in your state, please visit⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠. To read more STS Articles, please visit⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠.

STS New Initiatives (w/ Stephen Witmer and David Pinckney)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:08:37 GMT

In the season 7 premiere of the podcast, Ben is joined by STS President Stephen Witmer and Vice-President David Pinckney to discuss new initiatives made possible by God's wonderful and provisional grace. We pray that this episode will excite you for what God is doing through STS and ministry workers all over New England!

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/about-us⁠⁠

To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠

To register for the 2025 summit in your state, visit here: ⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠

Coaching Roundtable (w/ David Pinckney, Marty Bascom and Mark Gedicks)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:15:09 GMT

On this week's episode of the STS Podcast, we have a roundtable discussion with David Pinckney, Marty Bascom and Mark Gedicks about our new coaching initiative for churches in New England. We discuss what this coaching will look like, destigmatizing pastors seeking help, and the need for this type ministry in the small places of New England.

If you would like to learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com
If you would like to learn more about our new initiatives, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/new-initiatives

Pastoral Overwork in Small Places (w/ Dr. James Ellis and Micah Lang)

Small Town Summits — Fri, 30 May 2025 22:51:22 GMT

In this episode of the STS Podcast Ben discusses pastoral overwork with Dr. James Ellis and Micah Lang. We pray the wisdom and experience of these two men challenges and encourages you as you seek to faithfully endure in the marathon work of pastoral ministry.

Registration is now open for STS Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut! Click here to register: ⁠smalltownsummits.com⁠

Embracing a Long-Haul Approach to Ministry (w/ Doug Cooper)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben speaks with Doug Cooper about the Lord leading him to embrace and find joy in a long-haul approach to ministry in New London, NH. We pray this conversation fills you with hope as you put your own hand to the plow for Christ's kingdom.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Unique Discipleship Opportunities in Small Places by Ben Ruhl

Small Town Summits — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:14:19 GMT

This episode is a recording of Ben Ruhl's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unique Discipleship Opportunities in Small Places.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

The Ministry of Military Chaplaincy (w/ B.J. Walters)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:22:54 GMT

For the season finale of the Small Town Summits Podcast Michael sits down with BJ Walters to discuss the difficulties and joys of being a chaplain in the Air Guard. We hope this conversation is a blessing to you and we will see you in 2026 for the next season of the Small Town Summit Podcast.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To learn more about our 2026 summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) A Hard Lesson Learned by Donald McKinnon

Small Town Summits — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:14:39 GMT

This week's episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast is Donald McKinnon's STS article, "A Hard Lesson Learned: When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong".

To read more STS articles, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/articles
To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com

A Gospel Legacy in New England (w/ Merwyn and Linda Borders)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:02:31 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben and Michael sit down with Merwyn and Linda Borders. This amazing couple served faithfully in New England for 36 years, planting seeds many of us have the joy of harvesting today. We hope you enjoy this living history of ministry in New England.

If you want to know more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

The Minister's Wife (w/ Karen Stiller)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:59:52 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Michael speaks with Karen Stiller about the unique joys and burdens of being a pastors wife.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits

(Article) Gospel Hope for Faithful Shepherding by Ben Whittinghill

Small Town Summits — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:45:13 GMT

This podcast is a recording of Ben Whittinghill's STS article, ⁠Gospel Hope for Faithful Shepherding⁠. We hope it's an encouragement to you are you faithfully endure in your small wet eternally significant calling.

To register for a 2025 summit in your state, please visit here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/summits⁠⁠
To read more STS Articles, please visit here: ⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/articles

One to One Discipleship Training (w/ Ben Ruhl)

Small Town Summits — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:42:28 GMT

On this special episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, you will hear a recording of one of our training events called "One to One: Word Driven Discipleship". Ben Ruhl will walk you through how to use a uniquely reproducible tool that can help create a culture of Word-driven discipleship in your churches.

For more information on our training events, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/trainings
To sign up for a summit in your state, please visit: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church (w/ Rick Harrington)

Small Town Summits — Tue, 13 May 2025 12:09:33 GMT

What is central to the Christian church? This is the question Ben and Rick Harrington sit down to answer in this week's STS Podcast.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

Preaching Cohort Roundtable

Small Town Summits — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:08:53 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with a few of our STS Partners about the often overlooked value of preaching cohorts. We hope this episode encourages you to consider leading a preaching cohort of your own.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Becoming, Making, and Being Pastors (w/ Jordan Brown)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:15:46 GMT

In this episode of the STS Podcast, Ben sits down with Connecticut pastor and STS partner, Jordan Brown. Ben and Jordan discuss heading the call to pastoral ministry, training others to become pastors, and staying faith to the call to pastor for the long haul.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To register for a summit in your state, visit here: www.smalltownsummits.com/summits

Called to Counsel 2025 (w/ Andy Engert & Stephen Witmer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:00:40 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit Podcast, Ben and Stephen talk with Andy Engert about our 2025 Summits entitles, "Called to Counsel." We’re praying this will serve pastors in their counseling and also equip lay leaders. We hope you’ll save the date and make plans to join us for a summit next year!

(Article) A Loving Life by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:25:16 GMT

This episode is a recording of Tim Count's STS article "A Loving Life". To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) Small-Town Seed Beds by Rob Parson

Small Town Summits — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:49:26 GMT

This episode is a recording of Rob Parson's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small-Town Seed Beds.⁠" We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) What a Famous Poet Can Teach Rural Pastors by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Mon, 22 May 2023 10:06:44 GMT

This episode is a recording of Stephen Witmer's STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠What a Famous Poet Can Teach Rural Pastors⁠.⁠" This article originally appeared at The Gospel Coalition on August 19th 2019. We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Shepherded as We Shepherd by Andy Engert

Small Town Summits — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

This episode is a recording of Andy Engert's excellent STS article "Shepherded as We Shepherd." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com
To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Thanksgiving in Small Places (w/ Tim Counts)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 10:25:11 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Tim Counts to open the Word of God together and discuss the place that thankfulness and gratitude play in our lives and ministries. We pray this discussion is an encouragement to each of you.

To partner with us financially, give here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact
For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

(Article) When to Pursue and When to Wait: The Heartache of Pastoring Those Who Stray by Micah Lang

Small Town Summits — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:05:03 GMT

This episode is a recording of Micah Lang's excellent STS article "When to Pursue and When to Wait: The Heartache of Pastoring Those Who Stray." We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

(Article) To Faithful Pastors in Forgotten Places by Stephen Witmer

Small Town Summits — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:06:16 GMT

We pray this article from the archives is a blessing and an encouragement to you. You can find more STS Articles at https://www.smalltownsummits.com/articles.

Being a Mentor in Small Places (w/ Brian Smith)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:35:51 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Brian Smith to talk about the place mentoring has played in his life and ministry. Brian speaks both to our need to be mentored and our responsibility to mentor. Whether you've been monitored or not, we know this conversation will bless you and encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

Staying Long in Small Places (w/ Keith Greer)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben sits down with Keith Greer to hear wisdom learned from 30+ years of pastoring in the small town of Carlisle, MA. We know that you'll be encouraged by Keith's humble wisdom.

Learn more about Small Town Summits at www.smalltownsummits.com.

A Praying Church in Small Places (w/ Jerry Scheumann)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:30:52 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Jerry Scheumann to talk about how he has sought to cultivate the priority of gathered prayer in his small-town church. Jerry is the pastor of Ludlow Baptist Church, in Ludlow, VT.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠view this PDF⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Contextualizing Small Town Ministry (A Breakout Session w/ Lyandon Warren)

Small Town Summits — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:08:29 GMT

In this episode, we share the audio from a breakout session at STS Vermont.

Gospel ministry is to be done everywhere. From the big cities to the small village, ministry workers are to be about the business of spreading the gospel in whatever context they find themselves in. But what does gospel ministry look like in the small places of rural New England? That is the question Lyandon Warren answers in this breakout session.

Before moving to Vermont in 2006, Lyandon Warren grew up in North Carolina and was pursuing a career in the Tool & Die Industry. After surrendering to a call to ministry in 2003 and serving as an Associate Pastor until the summer of 2006, he and his wife Kim moved to Vermont to launch Mettowee Valley Church. After planting MVC, from 2012-2019, Lyandon served as a Church Planting Catalyst with the North American Mission Board and assisted in the planting of churches across N.W. New England. For the last few years he’s had the immense privilege of returning to MVC to pastor the first church he started. Lyandon and his wife Kimberley have been married for 27 years and they have two daughters, Ava and Charlotte, who love the outdoors here in NE.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠
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Pastoring Through Hardship and Heartache in Small Places (w/ Micah Lang)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 10:15:36 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Micah Lang to talk about the pain of pastoring through hardship and heartache. This episode is a follow up to Micah's Excellent article, "When to Pursue and When to Wait: The Heartache of Pastoring Those Who Stray" which you can find on the STS website.

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To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, view this PDF.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: SmallTownSummits@gmail.com
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For any and all other STS information, visit our website here: www.smalltownsummits.com.

Shepherding through Trauma, Abuse, and Sexual Assault (w/ Shawn Carpenter)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:33:21 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with Shawn Carpenter about shepherding people in our small places who have faced trauma, abuse, and sexual assault. We hope this episode encourages you to intentionally prepare yourself for the hard work of caring for these hurting sheep.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Comparing Fieldnotes with Rural Scotland (w/ Tony Wilkinson)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:05:33 GMT

In this episode, Ben sits down with Tony Wilkinson to hear about how God has been moving through him in Orkney Scotland. We know you will be encouraged by Tony's heart and by hearing the story of how he's working half a world away.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To see more details regarding next steps and financial needs, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠view this PDF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Roundtable: Pastor's Kids (w/ Micah Lang, David Pinckney, & Ben Emberley)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summits podcast, Ben hosts a round table discussion with former pastor kids who are now pastoring and raising pastor kids of their own. Their insight and wisdom will be a blessing to anyone balancing these two urgent callings of being a father and a pastor.

For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

(Article) Our Extraordinary Christ by Tim Counts

Small Town Summits — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 16:49:33 GMT

This episode is a recording of Tom Counts' STS article "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Extraordinary Christ.⁠⁠" To register for the 2024 summit in your state, please visit www.smalltownsummits.com/summits. To read more STS Articles please ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com/articles⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Christian Witness in a Secular Age (w/ Justin Frank)

Small Town Summits — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:27:11 GMT

In this episode of the Small Town Summit podcast, Ben speaks with Justin Frank about how Christians can engage their small town cultures with the gospel. We hope you find this interview helpful as you take the message of Christ to your small town.

To learn more about Small Town Summits, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com
To register for a summit in your state, please visit: www.Smalltownsummits.com/summits