Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee talk with the Director of Church Planting for Converge Heartland, Steve Krier, to discuss the challenges of planting in rural areas and what life is like in the district.
0:23 Lee introduces podcast guest, Steve.
0:40 Steve discusses where he’s from and where he serves as a pastor.
1:01 Steve shares a “fun fact” about North Dakota.
1:12 Lee asks Steve his reason for planting a church in the Fargo area.
1:25 A lot of people in the Fargo area know about Jesus, but have no relationship with him, according to Steve. Drinking is also a big problem in the area, so Steve ministers to bring hope to people.
2:11 Danny asks if life in the city of Fargo is really what it’s like as depicted in the movie “Fargo.”
2:25 Steve quickly speaks about what the movie did and didn’t get correct about the Fargo area and how residents have embraced the press from the movie, even if it’s not accurate.
3:07 Steve informs Lee and Danny about the landscape and climate of North Dakota.
3:48 Lee asks Steve about starting Ignite Church in a movie theater and what it’s like starting a portable church.
4:10 Steve discusses how schools weren’t an option for use as a church plant, and how God answered his prayers by providing a movie theater to rent at a great price.
5:10 Steve talks about the challenges of using a movie theater for church services.
5:46 On the flip side, Steve talks about the benefits of having church in a movie theater.
6:08 Frigid winter temps are a challenge when planting a portable church in North Dakota.
7:11 Danny asks about Ignite Church’s storage situation for moving equipment back and forth.
7:20 Steve points out that every church planter has their own unique challenges, no matter the location.
7:59 Lee asks about Converge’s Heartland district.
8:14 Steve lays out how the Heartland district looks, geographically.
8:38 Lee wants to know what characteristics Steve is looking for in people who desire to plant a church in Converge Heartland.
8:57 Danny asks Steve to also talk about how someone from outside Converge Heartland can successfully plant within the district.
9:17 Steve speaks to the grit and resolve those who plant in Converge Heartland must have, due to slow growth, sparse population, and being viewed as an “outsider.”
11:34 Steve explains the independence residents in the Heartland district have and how it affects not only their views of outsiders, but also their approach to Jesus.
12:03 Lee is curious how Steve coaches church planters who want to come to the Heartland.
12:41 The importance of a church planter finding a local connection to a “person of peace,” in order to be successful.
14:04 Lee asks for the population of North Dakota and how it’s dispersed among Fargo.
14:18 Less than three quarters of a million people live in North Dakota.
15:03 One third of North Dakota’s population is in one city.
15:37 Lee asks what it’s like for church planters to plant in a very rural, unpopulated area. Should these church planters be bi-vocational?
15:58 Having a skill that is transferable to a trade is helpful for rural church planters.
16:23 Another fun fact about the size of Fargo!
16:58 Danny talks about how having a trade as a church planter can help with credibility and relationship building.
17:18 Becoming involved in a community is one of the best things a rural church planter can do.
18:16 Danny mentions the tension that can be felt with having a permanent church vs. a nontraditional meeting space.
18:47 Having a permanent place, now that Ignite Church has purchased the building they’ve been using for years, has brought credibility.
18:57 Steve talks about the importance of showing communities the church is going to stick around and has a stake in the community.
19:46 Lee asks Steve how listeners can pray for the Heartland area.
20:04 The people who live within Converge Heartland need hope because of long winters, drugs, and alcoholism.
21:00 Steve puts out the call to those who feel they might want to help with ministry in the Heartland, as resources and people are needed to reach people for Christ.
21:24 Steve shares his contact information.
21:48 Lee thanks Steve for being a podcast guest.
