Empower and Equip

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.

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

Shelby Coble talks with Wes Horn about his 24 years of ministry at the Orient Street Church of Christ in Stamford, TX. Wes reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his ministry context, highlighting the remarkable collaboration among local ministers and the spirit of unity among leaders and congregations across town. He also discusses the evolving focus of ministry and the growing opportunities to serve children and youth.

Shelby Coble interviews Josh Yaeger of the 4th and College Church of Christ in Cordell, Oklahoma. Josh reflects on his journey in ministry and his experiences serving in rural Oklahoma, particularly during the past few years since returning to help relaunch the church. He offers insight into both the opportunities and the complexities of relaunching a church within a small-town context.

Shelby Coble interviews Scott Laird about his years of life and ministry in Great Falls, Montana and beyond. Scott reflects on the sustaining priorities for ministry, emphasizing the value of deep relational connections and the call to faithfulness. He also shares how these experiences inform his current role at York University, where he serves as co-executive director of the Center for Ministry, which supports small-town and rural churches.
Email: slaird@york.edu or centerforministry@york.edu 

Shelby Coble talks with Trevon Buchanan about his life in ministry at Stolley Park Church of Christ in rural Nebraska. Trevon shares the importance of serving the community as a church body and discusses his work with the community, particularly through their clothing drive. He also reflects on how the community has become increasingly diverse in recent years, with people from other countries settling in the area, and how this has encouraged him to think creatively about hospitality and welcome within the congregation.
Email: worm4603@gmail.com
Phone: (940) 372-9664

Shelby Coble talks with Matt Mills, who has served as the preaching minister at Perkins Church of Christ in Oklahoma for the past seven years. During his time there, Matt has recognized the growing needs of children and youth in the community. In this conversation, he shares how his small-town church has stepped up to meet those needs—particularly through after-school programs that offer support, connection, and care to local students.

Shelby Coble talks with Suzie Macaluso about her role as Director of Research for the Empower and Equip Initiative. Suzie shares her passion for studying congregations and her desire to help them succeed. She also highlights some of the current and upcoming research projects to support ministers of small-town and rural churches. 
Email: suzie.macaluso@acu.edu

Shelby Coble talks with Justin Simmons about Glenmora Church of Christ in central Louisiana. Since the start of his ministry there in 2011, his congregation has been able to serve and support the under-resourced communities in his small town. Justin also talks about the joys and hardships that come with wearing multiple hats as a rural minister. 
Email: jlsimmons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Glenmora-Church-of-Christ/100064637021186/
 

Shelby Coble talks with Greg Neill about Marble Falls Church of Christ where Greg has been the preaching minister since 2006. Greg discusses the way his church has adapted to unique challenges that a church in a resort town faces as well as how he and the congegation have been able to invest in the community of Marble Falls, Texas.
Website: www.marblefallscofc.org
Call: 830-693-5575