In this episode, I am joined by Ronnie Martin to talk about his new book with Donnie Griggs titled Pastoring Small Towns from B&H Publishing. Today, we talk about the unique opportunities and challenges of pastoring in rural areas as well as the role that technology plays in shaping the culture of small town churches.

Meet Ronnie:

Ronnie Martin is founder and lead pastor of Substance Church (EFCA) in Ashland, Ohio. He holds a masters of arts from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is currently finishing his doctorate of ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ronnie is also the Director of Leader Renewal for Harbor Network, where he works alongside church planters and pastors in areas related to pastoral care.

Resources:

• Pastoring Small Towns by Ronnie Martin and Donnie Griggs
• The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus by Zack Eswine
• The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction by Eugene Peterson

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The Digital Public Square is a production of the research institute at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and is produced and hosted by Jason Thacker.

Production assistance is provided by Kadin Christian. Technical production provided by Owens Productions. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens.