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What if rural churches aren’t just surviving—but uniquely positioned to lead the church into its next great awakening?
In this episode we explore leadership and mission in rural ministry. First, John Upton reflects on his journey from missionary work in Taiwan to leading the Baptist General Association of Virginia, emphasizing the importance of presence, trust, and adaptability in leadership. Next, Brandon Shook of Fusion USA discusses connecting college students with local churches, highlighting relational approaches and long-term investment in young adults.
Together, these conversations offer insights into nurturing leadership and fostering intergenerational connections within rural communities.
John V. Upton, Jr. was the Executive Director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia from 2001 until 2022 when he retired. Before becoming the Executive Director of the BGAV, John had been group leader of the Mission Mobilization Group since 1995. John is currently the Project Lead for Church Engagement with the Ascent Movement.
Brandon Shook is the Manager of Partners and Networks for Fusion USA, which strengthens churches with the tools to love, reach and disciple college students. Brandon lives in Houston and has decades of youth and young adult ministry experience.
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Interview Summary
“Leadership is about being present, building trust, and adapting to the needs of your community. It’s not about the quick wins, but the long-term investment.” – John Upton
In this insightful episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we explore the challenges and rewards of leadership in rural ministry with two seasoned leaders: John Upton and Brandon Shook. John, former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, shares his thoughts on leadership through the lens of missionary work and building trust in underserved areas. Brandon, who works with Fusion USA to connect college students with local churches, emphasizes the importance of relational investment and fostering long-term connections with young adults. Together, they offer a powerful conversation about what it means to lead effectively in rural and underserved communities.
The Importance of Presence in Leadership: John Upton’s Perspective
John Upton begins the conversation by emphasizing the power of presence in ministry. As a former missionary and leader of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, John stresses that leadership in rural areas requires a long-term, hands-on approach. He explains,
“Ministry is about being where the people are. It’s not about rushing to fix problems, but showing up consistently.”
John highlights the need for leaders to be present in the lives of those they serve. Whether in urban or rural settings, effective leadership is about building relationships over time. His own journey in rural ministry has shown him that trust is built through consistent presence and genuine care for the community, rather than quick, programmatic fixes.
John stresses that when leadership focuses on building relationships, it provides a foundation of trust that allows for deeper ministry and lasting impact. Leaders who prioritize presence do not just show up in times of need, but remain with the community through both good and challenging times. This presence fosters a deeper level of engagement, encouraging others to open up and share their lives.
Building Trust and Adapting to Community Needs: John’s Insights on Leadership
John further discusses how leaders in rural areas must adapt to the unique challenges and dynamics of their communities. His missionary background helped him understand that rural ministry isn’t just about delivering services but being adaptable to the needs of those in the area. He reflects, “It’s important to listen first, understand the community’s needs, and then respond in a way that makes sense for them.”
Adaptability, according to John, involves more than changing strategies; it’s about cultivating genuine relationships and responding to needs in real time. He offers the example of his experience in Taiwan, where he had to adapt his leadership style based on the cultural and relational dynamics of the local community. By being flexible and willing to meet people where they are, John built lasting relationships that became the foundation of his ministry.
For John, flexibility in leadership also means being open to new ideas, adjusting to changing circumstances, and staying humble in the face of the needs around you. Leaders who can embrace this adaptive mindset are better equipped to address challenges and build lasting ministries in rural communities.
Connecting College Students with Local Churches: Brandon Shook’s Approach
As the conversation transitions to Brandon Shook, we dive into his perspective on connecting college students to local churches. Through his work with Fusion USA, Brandon is deeply invested in fostering long-term relationships between young adults and faith communities. He explains,
“Relational ministry is key. It’s not about attracting students to church events; it’s about helping them find a community where they can belong and grow in their faith.”
Brandon’s ministry approach centers around intentional relationships, emphasizing that young adults need more than just a Sunday service—they need a sense of belonging, mentorship, and spiritual growth. He adds, “Young adults are looking for authenticity and consistency. When we offer them that, they’re more likely to stay connected to the church for the long haul.”
Brandon points out that the key to effective ministry to young adults is creating spaces where they can form deep, meaningful relationships with others. It’s not enough to simply bring them in for events; the real work begins when leaders intentionally create environments that foster lasting connections and growth.
Adapting Leadership Strategies to Rural Communities: Key Lessons from Both Speakers
Throughout the discussion, both John Upton and Brandon Shook agree that leadership in rural and underserved areas requires an adaptive approach. They emphasize the importance of relationship-building over programmatic solutions. John and Brandon both see value in ministry strategies that focus on long-term engagement and organic growth of church communities.
They highlight the importance of leaders who are willing to meet people where they are, whether that’s through providing consistent presence, adapting to the community’s needs, or fostering relational environments. In both rural and urban settings, the ability to adjust leadership styles to create authentic connections is key to long-term ministry impact.
A Call for Presence and Relationship in Leadership
Both John Upton and Brandon Shook provide valuable insights into leadership in rural ministry and the challenges that come with it. Their experiences point to a shift in mindset from program-driven ministry to relationship-driven leadership. To succeed in rural or underserved areas, leaders must be present, adaptable, and relational—building trust over time and fostering authentic connections within their communities.
By focusing on long-term impact and cultivating relationships, church leaders can create environments where trust and faith grow naturally. As Brandon Shook wisely states,
“It’s not about attracting people to an event, it’s about helping them find a home where they can grow in faith.”
Reflection Questions:
- How does the role of presence shape leadership in your ministry?
- In what ways can you build deeper trust within your community or congregation?
- What are some practical steps to shift from a program-focused ministry to a relationship-driven approach?
- How can you better adapt your leadership style to meet the needs of your community?
- What challenges have you encountered in building long-term connections in ministry?
- How can you support young adults in their faith journey beyond just Sunday services?
