Level Paths

by Appalachian Ministry Institute

Education Christianity Society & Culture

Season 5

Cultivating an Evangelistic Church Culture in Appalachia

Dr. David Wheeler joins Dr. Matt and President Rex on this episode of Level Paths. Dr. David is a faculty member in the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University and is an Oak Ridge, TN native. He has over 40 years of ministry experience.

Changes in Appalachian Evangelism

Dr. Matt Shamblin welcomes Dr. Mark Phillips, the VP of Academics at Tri-State Bible College and a member of the Reasons to Believe Scholar Community. Mark also brings his experience as an assistant pastor at FBC Proctorville to address changes in Appalachian evangelism.

Ripples of Revival from Appalachia with Pastor Phil Neighbors

Pastor Emeritus of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, CA Phil Neighbors joins Dr. Matt and President Rex to tell the story of five generations of Christian ministry from Appalachia to California. The earliest revivals in America and Appalachia are reframed through their impact not only in the immediate historical moment but also in the generational and geographical spread they generated.

Missionary Mindset in Appalachia

Dr. Matt and President Rex discuss the missionary mindset that captured the early church, drove the Christian pioneers that entered north central Appalachia between 1750–1850, and steps to recovering today in and for Appalachia.

Christmas Eve in Appalachia

Dr. Jacob Marshall joins TSBC President Rex Howe for a light-hearted conversation about Appalachian Christmas Eve traditions. Jacob serves as the Assistant Pastor of Visitation & Outreach at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Ona, WV.

Decline of Christian Subculture in Appalachia

Dr. Matt Shamblin is joined by Tri-State Bible College Vice President of Academics Dr. Mark Phillips. They consider trends of a declining Christian subculture in Appalachia and what that means for the church today.

Community Among Pastors in Appalachia

What's the condition of Appalachian pastors' relationships? The Bible clearly tells us that there are specific relationships to which we are accountable. These relationships can be critical to a pastor's encouragement. Dr. Matt and Rex share challenges and takeaways for community among pastors in Appalachia.

The State of the Church in Appalachia - 2024

Dr. Matt and President Rex revisit a topic from Season 1 Episodes 11 and 12: What is the state of the church in Appalachia in 2024? Featured guests include Pastor Jacob Marshall of Antioch Baptist Church in Ona, WV and Pastor Kenny Estep of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. Listen and join the conversation about the trends and transformations happening in Appalachian churches today.

Season 4

From Planting to Pastoring in Appalachia

Pastor Keith Menshouse (Lifesong Church, Ashland, KY) and Pastor Bobby Thomas (Indian Creek Southern Baptist Church, Alma, WV) join Dr. Matt Shamblin and President Rex Howe to discuss the nuances of transitioning from effective church planter to faithful local church pastor. What does making the shift look like in an Appalachian context?

Planting Appalachian Churches

Pastor and church planter Jerry Williams of Red Stone Church in Elizabethton, TN joins Dr. Matt and Rex to discuss the missiology of church planting in Appalachia. Pastor Jerry also serves on the Board of Planting Appalachian Churches (PAC).

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