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What does it mean to dream big in a rural setting?
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Tim Brown and Allen Jesse share how small-town churches can make a big impact. From disaster relief efforts after severe flooding to building networks for struggling rural pastors, they explore the power of community-driven ministry.
Hear how Tim connects with first responders, how Allen’s church mobilized disaster relief teams, and how even a 90-year-old woman found purpose through simple acts of kindness. Discover how faith, perseverance, and collaboration can transform rural communities
Tim Brown became the Lead Pastor of Highlands Fellowship in 2024. Prior to joining the staff family at Highlands, Tim planted Gracewood Community Church in Lebanon, Virginia in 2015 and served as the Lead Pastor. Originally from Richlands, Virginia, Tim married his high school sweetheart Maegan in 2008 and they have four wonderful children Kellsie, Charlie, Andie, and Evie. Tim is passionate about the local and global church, building relationships with others, and living everyday life as a devoted follower of Jesus.
Allen Jessee is the Pastor of Regional & Global Networks. After serving as the Lead Pastor of Highlands for twelve years, God captured his heart for a new season of ministry leading and investing in our regional and global networks of churches and leaders. Prior to Highlands, Allen planted Community Heights Church in Claypool Hill, Virginia and pastored the church for 25 years. Allen and his wife, Brenda, have five children Martha, Joseph, Timmy, Bella and Chris and their first granddaughter, Macy.
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Interview Summary
“Sometimes I think we dream way too small.” -Tim Brown
Season 3 of the Rural Renewal Podcast is back with hosts Chris and Kathleen Blackey as they continue their exploration of the challenges and triumphs unique to rural church ministry.
This season kicks off with an inspiring conversation featuring guests Allen Jesse and Tim Brown from Highlands Fellowship in southwestern Virginia. The episode dives into how rural churches can dream big and make significant impacts despite often feeling geographically and resource-constrained. Allen and Tim share their experiences in transitioning roles within their church, engaging deeply with their community, and the ways their ministry has expanded to meet diverse needs both locally and globally.
Expansive Vision in Restricted Spaces
In the vast yet often overlooked landscapes of rural ministry, the call to dream big resonates deeply. Tim eloquently challenges listeners to look beyond the physical and communal boundaries that often confine their aspirations, urging a faith that trusts in a God whose capabilities far exceed our limitations. This perspective is crucial for rural leaders who might feel isolated or hindered by their geographical settings. Embracing a vision that reaches beyond the immediate surroundings allows rural ministries to tap into divine potential and catalyze significant change within their communities. Tim’s assertion underscores the importance of expansive thinking in fostering spiritual and communal growth.
“Sometimes I think we dream way too small.” -Tim Brown
Sustaining Rural Ministries
Allen Jesse speaks to the sustained effort required to nurture and grow a rural ministry over decades, sharing his transition from being a lead pastor to focusing on supporting regional and global networks. This narrative underlines the resilience and adaptability needed to maintain relevance and vibrancy in rural church settings. Allen’s perspective highlights the importance of evolving ministry roles to meet changing community and personal needs while ensuring the church continues to thrive and impact its surroundings. His experiences provide a roadmap for other rural leaders looking to sustain and expand their ministries effectively.
“I’m really excited about what we’re doing with the Mustard Seed Initiative. I think it’s definitely needed in our small and rural churches.” -Allen Jesse
Collaborative Community Impact
Allen and Tim both emphasize the significance of integrating rural churches into the fabric of their communities through partnerships and collaborative projects. Allen discusses how these collaborations can extend beyond typical ministry activities to involve critical community support roles, such as disaster relief and rebuilding efforts. This engagement not only strengthens community bonds but also positions the church as a central figure in rural resilience and recovery. Tim further illustrates this by detailing their church’s active involvement with local first responders, showcasing how such connections can deeply enrich both the church’s and the community’s capacity to face challenges together.
“It’s pretty neat to see how community takes a tragedy and how God in his sovereignty can actually make that community stronger and better, because of people coming together and letting go of their differences and just joining forces.” -Allen Jesse
This episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast has offered profound insights into how rural churches can transcend their limitations and foster expansive community impacts through the shared experiences of Allen Jesse and Tim Brown. Their stories highlight the transformative power of visionary thinking and collaborative engagement in rural settings. Let these discussions inspire you to dream bigger and encourage you to deepen your own community connections, demonstrating that no church is too small to make a significant difference.
Reflection Questions
- How can small churches dream big while maintaining their core mission?
- In what ways can your church better integrate into the local community?
- What innovative methods can be employed to engage with local authorities and institutions?
- What practical steps can your ministry take to broaden its impact both locally and globally?
- What are the challenges of balancing traditional ministry roles with innovative community engagement?
- How can rural churches use their unique positions to foster significant community development?
