Dirtroads Circuit Riders Podcast

Circuit Riders S4 Ep3: Transfer Portal

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:25:12 GMT

The Riders tackle the tough conversation that you need to have when members of your church leave. On the same note, what conversations should you have when receiving transfers from other churches in your community.

Circuit Riders S4 Ep2: Turf Wars

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:53:55 GMT

In this episode, the Riders take on the subject of turf wars. More so, the tough conversations and situations that happen when Churches and ministries no longer are about the Kingdom’s business.

Circuit Riders S4 Ep1: Season Of Hard Conversations

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:21:50 GMT

The Circuit Riders are back on the trail for another amazing season. This season the Riders are going to take you along different topics and the difficult conversations and situations. that come with them.

The Circuit Riders would like to thank their partners for their interest in assisting rural leaders…

Dirt Roads Network - www.dirtroadsnetwork.com

Rich Roast Coffee - www.richroastcoffee.com

Think Orange - thinkorange.com Contact leighann@crossroadsfarm.org

Vineyard Small Town USA - www.multiplyvineyard.org/smalltownusa

Crossroads Farm - www.crossroadsfarm.org

If you are interested in having one of the riders speak at your church or event, contact us at circuitriderspodcast@gmail.com

Circuit Riders S3 Ep9: How Do We Serve Our Community?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:26:06 GMT

In this Season 3 finally, the guys bring it full circle. We have moved our church from a “just need to survive” mentality, to a “just need to serve” mentality. We have looked at our community and their needs. Now, how do we do it.?

Circuit Riders S3 Ep8: Look To your Community

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:20:45 GMT

You have left Egypt, now what? The Circuit Riders discuss ways to engage and serve your community in new ways.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep7: Do You Really Want To Go Back To Egypt?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:13:02 GMT

In this episode, the Riders talk about the trap of remembering the romance of the past and trying to apply it to the present.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep6: Forward Thinking pt2

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:55:26 GMT

This is part 2 of the 2 part series., The Circuit Riders finish their talk about forward thinking and thoughts on what to expect in the next 5 years.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep5: Forward Thinking pt1

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 21 May 2022 03:15:18 GMT

This is part 1 of a 2 part series, where the Circuit Riders talk about forward thinking and thoughts on what to expect in the next 5 years.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep4: Ordination or Calling

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 13:22:31 GMT

In this episode, the Riders discuss the difference between an ordination and calling.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep3: Leading With Your Hands Up

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 00:34:11 GMT

Having a strong prayer life is essential to a healthy congregation and pastor. The Circuit Riders give some practical steps that you can take today while leading with your hands up.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep2: Relationship with God and the Holy Spirit

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 18:53:02 GMT

In this episode, the Riders talk about the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit.

Circuit Riders S3 Ep1: Assessing The Mess

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:10:25 GMT

Season 3 is finally here and the Circuit Riders start with “Assessing The Mess”. In this episode, the Riders discuss coming back from the pandemic whirlwind and assessing where your congregation is.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep13: Finding The Peacemaker In Your Community

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:43:15 GMT

In this season finale episode, the Riders talk about the importance of finding the ‘peacemaker’ in your community.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep12: How To Become Engaged In Your Community?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:00:13 GMT

This week the Circuit Riders talk about the importance of becoming engaged in your community and where to begin. Listen as they give reasons why it should be a top priority and examples to get you started.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep11: How To Become An Expert In Your Community?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:56:54 GMT

This week the Circuit Riders talk about the importance of becoming an expert in your community and where to begin. Listen as they give reasons why it should be a top priority and examples to get you started.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep10: What Is Discipleship?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:29:41 GMT

In this episode, the Circuit Riders talk about what is discipleship and what roll does the rural pastor play in it.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep9: The Comparison Trap

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 17:36:38 GMT

In this episode the Circuit Riders talk about comparison and how it can take your eyes off of what God truly has for you.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep8: Do You Have A Scorecard?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:26:07 GMT

In this episode the Circuit Riders discuss the importance of a scorecard!

Circuit Riders S2 Ep7: What Is Your Vision

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 22:07:26 GMT

This week the Circuit Riders discuss the importance of vision casting.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep6: Leading With A Biblical Voice

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:36:07 GMT

Join the Circuit Riders as they continue to redefine pastoral roles in a rural missions field. This week, listen as they discuss the weight and importance of speaking with a Biblical voice and leading your congregations with grace and conviction.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep5: What Needs To Shift?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 19:07:54 GMT

The Riders follow-up on their interview with Dr. Jeff Clark by defining the difference between a missionary and a pastor. Listen as they begin to discuss the shift in responsibility, role, and mindset of being a missionary to rural communities

Circuit Riders S2 Ep4: A River Or A Lake?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:14:55 GMT

The Riders continue their conversation with Dr. Jeff Clark and ask the question, "Is your church a river or a lake?” The focus of the discussion is to rethink the local congregation as a place which collects people as opposed to a place which sends. Listen to the final episode of the 3 part series.

Circuit Riders S2 E3: Minister vs Missionary

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 14:47:32 GMT

The Riders continue their conversation with Dr. Jeff Clark to discuss what it means to be a rural missionary. They will explore the struggles of being called to rural America and grasping the culture as an outsider. Listen to part 2 of this 3 part series.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep2: Rural Missionaries in a Rural Mission Field

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:44:33 GMT

The Circuit Riders discuss their takes on a past interview with Dr. Jeff Clark, a Pastor and rural research leader. Dr. Clark shares how rural pastors are missionaries in a rural missions field. Listen in as he examines how rural America has become more of a mission field in the past 40 years.

Circuit Riders S2 Ep1 : The Boys Are Back

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Fri, 21 May 2021 14:05:21 GMT

The boys are back together and excited to kick off the second season.

Circuit Riders Ep 19: Special Guest Katrina Wilson

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:30:27 GMT

In this episode, Doug interviews special guest, Katrina, about bringing families and churches together to influence students' faith with a special opportunity offered by Orange. Listen as they discuss influencing those who influence the next generation."

Circuit Riders Ep 18: When the Storm Passes

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 21:46:47 GMT

"...Treat them as if they never left." - Abraham Lincoln. Those timely words serve as a good reminder as we navigate a season of dissension and distraction. The Riders talk about the pastor's heart at a time of forgiveness.

Circuit Riders Ep 17: Merry Christmas from Rural America

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:42:50 GMT

The Circuit Riders would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Circuit Riders EP 16: Country Don’t Trend

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:03:06 GMT

When everyone is trying to tell you what is trending or what you should be doing in your town, but nothing relates. The Riders talk about what to do when nothing trends in your small town church.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 15: FROM WHERE TO WHERE??

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:24:43 GMT

In this episode the boys talk about the rural towns that they are called to and stories about what kept them there for all these years.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 14: I KNEW I LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WHEN...

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 21:41:07 GMT

This week the boys talk about when they first knew they landed in rural small town U.S.A. Listen to what they have learned since and how to win over the small town you have been called to as an outsider.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 13: Shared Vision

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:23:19 GMT

What does true cooperation and shared vision really look like? Listen to the Riders as they talk more about their vision and what it takes to come together in Rural America?

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 12: Why Rural?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 03:28:24 GMT

The boys take a pause to reflect on why they love to be out on the trail: the joys and loves of being a small town pastor in rural America.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 11: Storms Are Rolling In

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 18:06:58 GMT

Listen this week as the Riders talk about what to do when you are out on the trail with a storm rolling in and a snake spooks your horse. This is not your typical self-care talk.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 10: IT TAKES GRIT

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:45:32 GMT

When you feel like you just want to throw in the towel and walk away. Listen to the boys as they talk about grit and why you need it to build a long and successful homestead.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 9: EXPECTATIONS AND PATIENCE ON THE TRAIL

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 22:35:38 GMT

What do you do when your expectations don't line up with your vision? Building a ranch takes time and hard work. In this episode the boys will look discuss what it takes to build a homestead.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 8: BACK ON THE TRAIL

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:31:08 GMT

In this episode the riders talk about the mutually shared vision that brought them together in the first place. What if we acted more like the body and less like disjointed body parts. Join us as the boys talk about a hub focus, mutually shared ministry concept that might just win back the west.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 7: Continuing to Offroad With the Riders...

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:24:37 GMT

The riders take a deeper look at divisions pressing in on pastors. Today they specifically ride down the trail of a new reality in the church. Put on your boots. It’s pretty likely the boys will step in it. This may get deep.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 6: Offroading With the Riders...

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 18:17:51 GMT

The riders take an immediate look at divisions pressing in on pastors. Today they specifically ride down the trail of political dissension in the church. Put on your boots. It’s pretty likely the boys will step in it. This may get deep.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 5: What to do when you get saddle sore

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:48:06 GMT

As leaders who have been in the saddle for a while, it is easy to imagine the fatigue some rural pastors are facing. Today the riders tackle long roads, dangerous traps and burn out which accompanies these tough days. That call is what beckoned us to venture into the west. Perhaps you’d like to invite some of your church leaders to saddle up for the podcast?

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 4: Rounding Up Them Doggies…

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:34:18 GMT

In response to the social distance, isolation, and fear, rural leaders have a tough job in regathering the herd. Today the fellas engage in a few worthwhile considerations as your church moves toward whatever is supposed to come next. Get ready to be motivated and encouraged. God didn’t interrupt us in order to have us return to the “old normal.” The fellas wonder what God is directing towards.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 3: When The Herd Is Free Ranging...

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:52:34 GMT

The Riders entertain the reality of the herd being scattered over the last several months. There are a few concerns over this reality. What is your congregation’s mindset? How many have drifted too far away? Today’s conversation centers around our scattered people.

CIRCUIT RIDERS EP 2: Avoiding The Donner Pass…

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:51:01 GMT

Where do we put our feed down these days? With a politically divided country, a deadly virus that half don't believe, limited resources and a culture that may not love quick change, the riders want to discuss your next steps.

Circuit Riders Ep 1: Why Circuit Riders?

Steve McVey, Michael Houle, and Doug Routledge — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:42:13 GMT

The Circuit Riders Podcast is an honest rambling discussion between three leaders in the rural American church. Steve McVey heads Dirtroads Network, transforming rural America by planting and revitalizing life-giving churches in small towns and communities. Michael Houle leads Vineyard Small Town USA. Healthy Vineyard churches in every town and city. Doug Routledge founded Crossroads Farm in 1999 with his wife Dawn. Working alongside Rural Remote churches to provide an outsourced, Cooperative Youth Ministry that really works! CRF! Loving the Rural teen.