Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman dives into the question, "Am I a Good Person?" Drawing from personal experiences and various Bible passages, he explores the struggle of living up to God’s standards of goodness. TJ explains that while humans are inherently flawed, salvation and the power to do good come from God's grace. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating goodness in everyday life, especially in rural communities, and encourages listeners to let God's goodness shine through their actions. Finally, TJ introduces the new recording space at the Brainerd Institute for Rural Ministry and invites viewers to share the podcast to reach more rural Christians.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman interviews Rob and Amanda Miller, a couple who relocated to a rural part of Pennsylvania to farm. The Millers discuss their personal journeys, including the cultural shifts and personal growth they experienced moving from urban settings to a remote farm life. They share the challenges and rewards of rural living, emphasizing the importance of community, faith, and leveraging their resources for God’s glory. Amanda highlights the impact of agritourism on their farm and the unique ways they integrate faith into their business. The episode underscores the significance of relational ministry and community involvement in rural settings, encouraging listeners to use whatever means they have to make a difference for God's kingdom.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman explores the significance of kindness as a representation of God's character. He shares stories about the challenges of being consistently kind and emphasizes that Christians, especially in small towns, are called to reflect God's kindness in their daily interactions. TJ discusses biblical principles that advocate for kindness, such as overcoming evil with good and being tenderhearted. He also encourages listeners to seek support from their local Christian communities and consider establishing or strengthening church presence in their area to further display the gospel through kindness.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the importance of prioritizing responsibilities, especially when overwhelmed by every day challenges. He shares personal experiences and offers insights on how Christians in rural areas can find peace amidst chaos by trusting in God's sovereignty. Highlighting scripture, including Colossians 3:15 and Philippians 4, TJ explains how the peace of God helps believers reframe their circumstances and remain steadfast. He also encourages engagement with other Christians for mutual support and recommends Thomas Watson's book, 'The Art of Divine Contentment,' for deeper spiritual growth.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the societal misconception that happiness can be achieved through external circumstances. He argues that true joy, which transcends fleeting happiness, comes from a relationship with God and the transformation of the heart through Christ. TJ addresses the influence of social media, the degradation of rural social fabrics, and the true meaning of joy as a fruit of the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to find joy by walking closely with Christ, addressing sins and lies, and focusing on the eternal perspective provided in the Bible.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores the concept of Christian responsibility and how it can often be a source of spiritual guilt. He emphasizes that living out one's faith should be freeing, not crippling. TJ, a rural pastor, particularly addresses Christians in remote areas, discussing how their smaller communities mean they hold greater responsibility to demonstrate God's glory. The focus then shifts to the Fruit of the Spirit, urging listeners to see it as an integral part of their identity rather than a list of tasks. TJ zeroes in on love as a key aspect of the Fruit. He emphasizes that true transformation comes from meditating on Christ's love and aligning one's thoughts with biblical truths.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses glorifying God in daily life, particularly within the context of small-town living. He shares his personal journey of understanding what it means to glorify God in all actions, even the most mundane, such as cooking or paying taxes. Using 1 Corinthians 10:31, TJ emphasizes how every action, when done with a grateful heart, can bring glory to God. He offers practical examples and encourages listeners to actively think about how their daily tasks can serve God's purpose, especially in rural areas where Christian community may be sparse. The episode aims to help Christians understand their unique role in spreading God's glory and provides steps for implementing this mindset in everyday activities.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com

Host: TJ Freeman

Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor in Pennsylvania, discusses how to turn to faith during difficult times and help others who come to you with their struggles. TJ is joined by fellow rural pastor Anthony Caiola. The conversation covers the responsibilities of being a Christian in a small town, including the importance of authenticity, being in the Word, and participating in community activities. They emphasize the role of Christians as ambassadors for Christ, the need to support one another, and the importance of prayer and Scripture in guiding and helping those in need. The episode encourages rural Christians to embrace their unique positions to make Christ known in their communities.

Connect with Us:

• Website: backtorurality.com
• Social Media: Facebook
• Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com