Episodios

  • How do I Glorify God on Tuesday? [48]
    Aug 28 2025

    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
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    13 m
  • Do All Christians Have to Know how to Counsel? [47]
    Aug 13 2025

    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
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    24 m
  • Is it Better to Lead or Follow? [46]
    Aug 7 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman explores leading and following, with a humorous and insightful touch on rural life. Drawing from Ephesians chapter 2 and Psalm 23, he emphasizes that Christians are called to follow Jesus, leaving behind the destructive influences of the world, the devil, and the flesh. He highlights the ongoing role of followers of Jesus in their communities, encouraging listeners to point others to Christ through their actions and words. TJ also shares a personal anecdote about a recent family road trip, explaining a short hiatus from the podcast.


    Connect with Us:

    • Website: backtorurality.com
    • Social Media: Facebook
    • Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com
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    15 m
  • How to Love People You Don’t Like [45]
    May 30 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ, a rural pastor, addresses the challenges of living peacefully with others in small towns. He emphasizes the Christian responsibility to glorify God by maintaining harmonious relationships, even with difficult people. TJ shares personal anecdotes from his teaching days and references various Bible passages that advocate kindness, forgiveness, and love towards both fellow Christians and non-believers. He encourages the audience to reflect on their interactions and actively demonstrate Christ's love in their communities. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to represent Christ to neighbors.


    Connect with Us:

    • Website: backtorurality.com
    • Social Media: Facebook
    • Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com
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    10 m
  • Are you Sure you Have the Holy Spirit? [44]
    May 23 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman discusses how to confidently know if the Holy Spirit lives within you. TJ addresses common misconceptions about spiritual experiences, Bible knowledge, and Christian duties. He emphasizes that true saving faith is found in trusting Jesus Christ alone. TJ explains that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is evidenced by increasing qualities like love, joy, peace, and other fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5. Additionally, TJ talks about the importance of having a healthy local church and encourages listeners to pray for congregations in rural areas.


    Connect with Us:

    • Website: backtorurality.com
    • Social Media: Facebook
    • Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com
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    20 m
  • Why is Rural Life so Mundane? [43]
    May 15 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feelings of monotony and insignificance that can come with living in rural areas. Using personal anecdotes and biblical principles, TJ encourages listeners to recognize their unique purpose as representatives of God. He emphasizes the importance of living out the values of love, joy, and peace, and how to find joy in sharing God's word with others. TJ also discusses the significance of fostering a healthy church community and how you can be a part of that in your rural area. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that their lives, though they may feel mundane, are integral to God's broader plan to display His glory.


    Connect with Us:

    • Website: backtorurality.com
    • Social Media: Facebook
    • Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com
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    23 m
  • What Does God Want to Do with Your House? [42]
    May 7 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    TJ Freeman hosts Joshua MacClaren on today's episode of Back to Rurality, discussing how to use one's home and possessions to serve the Lord and bring Him glory. Josh shares his personal journey of transitioning from a camper to building a new home, all while striving to show hospitality and care for others. The conversation emphasizes that everything we own belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom. Whether you live in an apartment, trailer, or house, the episode encourages listeners to consider how they can use their living spaces to serve their communities and share the love of Christ.


    Connect with Us:

    • Website: backtorurality.com
    • Social Media: Facebook
    • Email: tj@brainerdinstitute.com
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    12 m
  • What To Do When Your Prayers Aren’t Answered [41]
    May 2 2025

    Host: TJ Freeman

    Summary:
    In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the common frustration of unanswered prayers. Drawing from Tom Ellif's book 'A Passion for Prayer,' TJ identifies seven barriers that may hinder prayers: neglecting personal holiness, praying with wrong motives, unresolved relational issues, relying on worldly sources, Satan's opposition, divine purposes, and a lack of faith. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination, genuine motives, and faith in God's wisdom and timing. TJ encourages listeners to trust in God through prayer for spiritual growth and alignment with His will.


    Connect with Us:

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