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Level Paths

by Appalachian Ministry Institute

Education Christianity Society & Culture

Season 6

Opportunities in Ministry with Dr. Desmond Barrett

Dr. Matt welcomes Dr. Desmond back to the Level Paths podcast to discuss opportunities in ministry. How does one evaluate potential ministry opportunities? How does leaving or returning to Appalachia impact this decision? How is God shaping your calling as you traverse seasons of challenge and success?

Ministry Success and Longevity in Appalachia with Pastor John Gowdy

Dr. Matt spends time with Pastor John Gowdy to discuss ministry success and longevity in Appalachia. Pastor John recently completed forty-five years of pastoral ministry at Temple Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. While Pastor John saw social and economic decline take hold of his town, he also witnessed the glorious gospel of God transforming lives and confirming his call to pastoral ministry in Portsmouth for over four decades.

Preaching in Appalachia

Dr. Matt offers sage advice for preaching in an Appalachian context. In addition to guidance, he touches on some of the common errors Appalachian preachers commit in sermon preparation and delivery. Since a regular diet of the Scriptures is critical to spiritual maturity, principles of expository preaching, such as exegesis, interpretation, and homiletics, are essential ingredients to preparing the spiritual meal that your congregation needs. Correction: The date of the 2026 Appalachian Ministry Institute Conference is October 5–6.

Revitalization and Criticism in Appalachia

Dr. Matt explores the work of church revitalization and the criticisms the efforts encounter in Appalachia.

Current Issues in Appalachia

Dr. Matt interviews Tri-State Bible College’s Vice President of Academics, Dr. Mark Phillips to discuss the rise of the “Somethings” - a new group identified in religious research. The episode imagines what ministering to the “Somethings” in Appalachia may look like.

When Is It Time to Accept a New Calling

Dr. Matt Shamblin explores an important question that people in ministry face either in their own lives or as a colleague seeks advice and prayer. When is it time to accept a new calling?

Fellowship among Pastors in Appalachia

Dr. Matt serves as the Appalachian Research Fellow at the Appalachian Ministry Institute at Tri-State Bible College. In this episode, Matt expresses the biblical and contextual principle for pastors to commit to fellowship with one another as a source of encouragement and endurance in ministry. Regional pastors are invited to attend the Pastors' Networking Coffee at TSBC on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:00–10:00 AM.

NASCAR and Contextualizing Ministry in Appalachia

Dr. Matt illustrates the need for the contextualization of ministry in Appalachia through NASCAR's own Appalachian heritage and experience. Also, Dr. Matt gives an update about our 2026 Appalachian Ministry Conference!

The Incarnation in Appalachia

Did Christ come into existence at his birth? Did he give up his deity when he became a human? No and no! Dr. Matt welcomes back President Rex for a special Christmas edition of the Level Paths podcast to focus on a little bit of the theology of the incarnation. Praise to the Son Eternal! Merry Christmas!

How Ministry Has Changed in Appalachia Since COVID - Part 2

After examining evidence-based studies about societal changes following the pandemic, Dr. Matt shifts his focus to the workplace and work relationships, faith and practice, and to the way people view life. Some researchers have called this the time of "The Great Detachment." People's priorities have changed. How has a lack of connection and commitment impacted local churches? Can Christians practice Christianity without community? Clinging to past-pandemic society and life may hinder ministries from being effective and faithful in post-pandemic realities.

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