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Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

Rural Ministry, Methodist Connections


  • February 10, 2023

    On Rural Worship: Let People Talk

    I’ve been thinking about worship in the rural church lately(since I preach weekly, of course, but also because of a couple projects I’m working on). Worship is one the strangest zones to inhabit. The disagreements over music, sermons, the color of the bulletin, the order of worship, and everything else all flair from time to… Continue reading

    Rural Christian Education, Rural Life, Worship
    Christian, Church, Prayer, Rural, Rural Life, Rural Ministry, Worship
  • November 14, 2022

    My Picks #1 – Charles Wesley Godwin: Seneca

    Every five albums I plan to add in a bonus album. These will likely be albums that may never make it on a 100 Greatest Albums list (or at least this kind of list). Still, they are albums that mean something to me and my exploration of faith and music. First up is Charles Wesley… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections, Music, Rural Christian Education, Rural Community, Rural Life
    Appalachia, Appalachian, Charles Wesley, Charles Wesley Godwin, Christian, Country, Country Music, Ministry, Rural, Rural Church, Rural Ministry, West Virginia
  • November 8, 2022

    Thinking about Heaven

    Today (November 8th) is my birthday. And today, an article from Christian Century found me. It is an article about Heaven, and the need for heaven to be real. I’ll link it here. And Quote the last two paragraphs: “Sometimes I wonder if the church’s witness is failing because we don’t know how to translate… Continue reading

    Personal, Rural Life, Rural Thoughts
    Art, Birthday, Christian, Church, faith, Heaven, hope
  • November 7, 2022

    96 – Hank Thompson: A Six Pack To Go

    Well. It’s been a while, but I’m back with an album reflection. This time, let’s dive into Hank Thompson’s “A Six Pack To Go.” I don’t fully know why, but this album delights me. Maybe it’s the sort of innocence he brings to drinking, or that it’s an entire album dedicated to drinking, good times,… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections
    Church, Country, Country Music, Hank Thompson, Rural, Rural Ministry
  • October 17, 2022

    97 – The Flatlanders: More a Legend than a Band

    Now we’re getting into new music territory for me. The Flatlanders’ More an Legend than a Band is a weird and sort of mystical album for me. It is full of songs about life, loss, and a mix of hopelessness and hope that both teeter on the edge. I’d never heard of this group, but… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections, Rural Christian Education, Rural Community, Rural Life, Uncategorized
    Christian, Church, Country, Country Music, Flatlanders, Ministry, Rural, Rural Ministry
  • October 12, 2022

    Persimmon Pudding Recipe – Podcast Episode 4

    In Episode 4, Rev. Karen Kleuver talks about Persimmon Pudding, and here’s the recipe!Persimmon Pulp: https://simplejoyfulfood.com/want-to-learn-how-to-make-wild-persimmon-pulp/ Continue reading

    Uncategorized
  • October 3, 2022

    98 – Keith Urban: Golden Road

    I have to admit, I’m not a big Keith Urban fan. I’ll listen to his songs on the radio, but I don’t search out his music when given the chance. I enjoy him for what he is, pop country, somewhat innovative, and a non-US country singer. But, since he was on the list, I wanted… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections, Music, Rural Christian Education, Rural Community, Rural Life, Rural Thoughts
    Christian, Church, Country, Country Music, Golden Road, Keith Urban, Rural, Rural Ministry
  • September 19, 2022

    99 – Kitty Wells: Country Hit Parade

    To go from early 2000s beach country to an absolute legend with Kitty Wells’ legendary Country Hit Parade is, at first, a little jarring. The classic sounds of steel and twang are much more present in her iconic songs. Yet, the reality is, Chesney is in the same lineage, and you can see it in… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections, Rural Christian Education, Rural Community
    Christian, Church, Country, Country Music, faith, Ministry, Music, Rural
  • September 12, 2022

    100 – Kenny Chesney: No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problems

    For some reason, I didn’t expect Kenny Chesney to be on this list. I don’t know why. I enjoy his music, I think he has his finger on the pulse of a certain kind of country fan. He’s not bro country, nor is he beach country. He feels a lot like John Denver’s Windsong album.… Continue reading

    Country Music Reflections, Music, Rural Christian Education, Rural Community
    100 Album Challenge, Country Music, faith, Kenny Chesney, Music and Faith, No Shoes No Shirt No Problems, Rural, Rural Church, Rural Life, Spotify, theology
  • September 5, 2022

    100 Albums – 100 Reflections

    Rolling Stone released their The 100 Greatest Country Albums of All Time list a few days ago. And it inspired me. I’m going to write a reflection on each album. My goal is one reflection a week for the next 100 or so weeks (almost two years). I can guarantee you I will miss a… Continue reading

    Music, Rural Community, Rural Life
    100Albums, Church, Country Music, Devotion, faith, hope, Reflection, Rural
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About Me

I grew up in rural North Carolina and I live in rural North Carolina. I serve small rural churches, teach for schools, and consult where I am needed.

This site is a mix of rural, Methodist, and ministry insights.

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Recent Posts

  • Eight Minute Methodist | Grace Isn’t Floppy
  • Ash Wednesday -2026
  • Re: Pastors and Churches Endorsing Candidates
  • July 9th, 2025 – On Food Insecurity in Rural Places
  • July 8th, 2025 – Healthcare and Hope

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Recent Posts

  • Eight Minute Methodist | Grace Isn’t Floppy
  • Ash Wednesday -2026
  • Re: Pastors and Churches Endorsing Candidates

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