In this episode, we sit down with Pastor TJ Freeman to talk about the heart behind rural ministry, leadership development, and church planting in overlooked communities. TJ serves as the Executive Director of The Brainerd Institute and pastors Christ Church in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. His passion is helping rural churches thrive through healthy leadership, gospel-centered discipleship, and long-term pastoral faithfulness.

TJ shares his own ministry journey—from church planting and pastoral ministry to leading initiatives focused on equipping leaders in rural contexts. Together, we explore why rural communities matter deeply to the mission of God and how healthy churches can multiply even in places many overlook.

In This Episode

  • Why rural ministry matters more than ever
  • The unique opportunities and challenges of leading in small towns
  • Building leadership pipelines in rural churches
  • Church planting outside urban centers
  • Why long-term pastoral faithfulness matters
  • How isolation impacts pastors and leaders
  • Creating healthy cultures in smaller congregations
  • Practical encouragement for rural pastors and church planters
  • The vision behind The Brainerd Institute
  • What it looks like to make Christ known “in the middle of nowhere"


Resources & Links


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If this episode encouraged you, share it with a pastor, church planter, or ministry leader serving in a rural context. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, multiplication, and the future of the Church in the Northeast and beyond.

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