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Empower and Equip

Empower and Equip

Written by: empowerandequip
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Relevant conversations between ministers, church leaders, and scholars, are brought to you by the staff of the Empower and Equip Initiative. Join us to hear the experiences and perspectives of rural and small-town church leaders throughout America. The Empower and Equip Initiative seeks to provide resources to help churches in rural areas and small towns enhance the vitality of their ministries and strengthen the leadership of the ministers and leaders who guide them. This podcast is part of Pepperdine University's 'Empower and Equip' program, funded generously by Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of their 'Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative,' and is hosted by the Siburt Institute at ACU.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Andrew Gass: Keizer, OR
    Feb 3 2026

    Shelby Coble talks with Andrew Gass about his ministry context in Keizer, Oregon, and his church’s emphasis on community engagement. Andrew shares how they have used the resources they've been blessed with to serve not only the local community, but also other churches throughout the Willamette Valley. He reflects on his ongoing journey of learning what it means to truly live as the body of Christ and encourages leaders to center their identity in Christ.

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    46 mins
  • David Bearden: Stephenville, TX
    Jan 21 2026

    Shelby Coble talks with David Bearden about the needs of his community in Stephenville and explains how the community has come together to provide resources to those in need in Erath County, specifically through the Wholistic Investment Network. Whether it is a physical, spiritual, or emotional need, by working together with their network of providers, they aim to find solutions that address the root causes behind the need for external support.

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    49 mins
  • Bart Croasmun: Springville, TN
    Jan 6 2026

    Shelby Coble talks with Bart Croasmun about his life in ministry at Sulfur Wells Church of Christ. He shares his journey from bi-vocational service to full-time youth ministry. He also discusses the prompting and collaboration that led to the creation of ABLE Farms, a missional farm community where persons of all abilities and backgrounds experience belonging, love, and equality.

    Website: ablefarms.org Email: swymteam7@gmail.com
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    44 mins
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