Our Urban Voices: Recent Episodes
Dr. Alfonse Javed
Deep conversations with diverse voices about urban ministry and Christian narratives. In "Our Urban Voices with Dr. Alfonse Javed," we will cover everything from churches and church planting efforts, missions and missions organization, evangelism and unreached people groups, emerging movements and initiatives, justice, current events related to faith and the persecuted church, to author interviews and reviews.
God invites you to love him with all of who you are. But what does that actually look like when following Jesus feels hard, and the questions you face are overwhelming?
Dr Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.
Dr Lina Abujamra's Website
Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress
Book: All Your Life
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Relevancy of Book, All Your Life*, for Gen Z * Dr Abujamra's Faith Journey * Managing Disappointment with God
ABOUT THE GUEST: Lina AbuJamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Lina Abujamra's Website * Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress * Book: All Your Life
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Lina Abujamra
06:30 - Book: All Your Life
07:04 - ...a resource for Gen Z
07:53 - ...encompass aspects of life in Gen Z age group
08:21 - ...deconstruction of Millennials
08:29 - ...compensation of Gen X's
08:55 - ...Gen Z's experiencing revival
09:13 - ...and when life doesn't turn out as expected
09:30 - ...everything that happens culturally should not be a surprise
10:13 - ...pour into the next generation to stand strong in faith
11:28 - Lina nearly loosing her faith
21:12 - Managing Disappointment with God
21:49 - ...in the trial
22:28 - ...community in the church
23:18 - ...non-negotiables
23:53 - ...warning and informing the next generation
25:02 - Life's disappointing moments are defining moments in our faith
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Dr Louis Markos' new book, My Apologetics Dinner Party, presents a method of talking about Christian faith that is not based primarily on propositional logic or the defense of truth claims (though these features do show up). Instead, he aims to clarify what Christians actually believe through a winsome and engrossing narrative in the tradition of Socratic dialogue.
Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue
Dr Markos' Bio
Dr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The Importance of a Meal * Interrogations or Conversation? * Common & Difficult Questions That People Have
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Markos Louis Markos is a professor of English and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University, where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. He has written many books on topics including the intersection of the classics and Christian faith and apologetics. His most recent book is My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue.
RELATED LINKS: Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue* * Dr Markos' Bio * Dr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Louis Markos
02:51 - Christian Apologetics in the Friendship Evangelism Model
04:29 - ...join my group first, see love and authenticity, accept Christ
04:53 - ...see lived out in community and want to be part of the community
05:21 - Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialog
06:13 - ...difference between apologetics and evangelism
07:00 - ...apologetics is pre-evangelism
07:56 - ...lays a foundation for the gospel
08:51 - What is the Socratic Method and Why is it Effective in Discussing Fatih?
09:30 - ...listen to the full question
10:01 - ...better definitions (what does it mean?)
11:15 - The Importance of a Meal
11:27 - ...open to sharing when eating
11:37 - ...little / separate dialogues
11:51 - ...hospitality
12:31 - What is the Goal of Inviting Someone to Dinner?
12:38 - ...get to know, respect, learn about the culture of a person
13:09 - ...prepare by reading John 3-4
14:05 - ...what struggles and desires does the person have?
15:30 - ...avoid "gotcha" moments
16:03 - ...you don't have to close the deal
17:25 - ...kronos vs chairos
18:11 - ...be the Chrisitan friend who can explain
19:23 - Interrogation or Conversation?
19:38 - ...let them come to the understanding themselves by encouraging
20:12 - ...draw them out and understand the references and contexts
22:07 - Common Questions that People Are Really Asking
24:46 - Difficult Questions on People's Minds
29:24 - Role-Play Exercise About the Virgin Birth
38:33 - Getting Started in Having an Apologetics Dinner Party
41:03 - Be Patient
43:34 - Finding Dr Louis Markos and His Work
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Many Christians experience vocational restlessness and anxiety, unsure or unaware how their faith can guide them in their workplaces. What would it look like for your church to affirm, equip, and commission your congregation to embrace a sense of calling and mission in their everyday labor?
In Dr Matt Rusten's new book, Pastoring for Monday, he helps you lead your church to form Christians who follow, represent, and commune with Christ amid their daily work. This book equips you to bridge the divide between the sacred and secular, transforming how your church disciples people for the workplace.
Dr Matt Rusten Bio
Book: Pastoring for Monday
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Sunday-to-Monday Gap * Work is Central to God's Mission * Being Effective at Work for God's Mission
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Matt Rusten is president of Made to Flourish and editor in chief of Common Good magazine. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in faith, work, economics, and vocation from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr Rusten regularly speaks and writes in the areas of faith, work, and economics. He has served in churches in North Dakota, the Chicago area, Kansas City, and Madison, Wisconsin.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Matt Rusten Bio * Made to Flourish * Book: Pastoring for Monday
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Matt Rusten
02:52 - Sunday-to-Monday Gap
03:46 - ...difficulty in integrating faith life and work life
04:34 - ...no affirmation from the church about work and profession
09:54 - Real-Life Experiences that Separate Spiritual Life and Work Life
10:41 - ...vocational restlessness
12:26 - ...vocational woundedness
13:49 - ...vocational disillusionment
17:11 - Work is Not Secondary, But Central to God's Mission
17:49 - ...pattern of work and rest
19:38 - ...work is a part of glorifying God in the world
20:12 - ...story of Joseph in Genesis
21:34 - Helping People Connect Sunday to Monday
22:05 - ...make disciples
22:27 - ...teaching disciples to obey what Jesus has commanded
22:36 - ...work will be where most people are following everything that Jesus commanded and the Gospel is applied
23:17 - ...in the Epistles, the topic of work comes up
24:51 - ...practice the presence of God in our work
28:51 - Discipleship & Mentorship to Be Effective at Work for God's Mission
29:10 - ...connect your story of work to God's story
34:54 - Ways to Bridge the Sunday-to-Monday Gap
38:13 - Contacting Dr Matt Rusten - madetoflourish.org
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Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? Dr Mark Teasdale shares insights and tools for sharing Jesus.
Dr Mark Teasdale's Website
Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* "I want to share Jesus, but I can't." * Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's World * Misconceptions about Evangelism
ABOUT THE GUEST: Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Mark Teasdale's Website * Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:14 - Encouragement and Advice for Those Who Say, "I want to share Jesus, but I can't."
02:47 - ..."I'm introverted and not gifted for evangelism."
03:57 - ......quiz: where are you personality-wise and how to engage in evangelism
07:29 - ..."My life isn't perfect."
11:43 - Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's World
12:54 - ...not hostility, but indifference
13:22 - ...Is God is not necessary for morality?
15:04 - ...faith is irrelevant
15:20 - ...social anxiety & cancel culture
18:04 - Misconceptions about Evangelism
19:00 - ...that evangelism has to be confrontational
19:52 - ......overcoming the hurt from confrontational experiences
26:44 - Why Isn't Information Enough?
27:08 - ...psychological barrier
27:44 - ...spiritual formation
30:27 - Steps and Tools
30:39 - ...ivpress.com/socially-awkward-evangelism
32:49 - Evangelism Starts with Our Claiming Jesus as Good
33:08 - We are Beloved and Valuable to Jesus
33:47 - Finding Dr Mark Teasdale and his Books
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Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? The biggest barrier to evangelism, Mark Teasdale argues, is not lack of training or information—it’s fear.
Dr Mark Teasdale's Website
Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World? * Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with Others * Responding to Anxiety
ABOUT THE GUEST: Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Mark Teasdale's Website * Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:32 - Introducing Dr Mark Teasdale
02:28 - How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World?
04:08 - ..."WE" is inconsistent across the global church
04:40 - ...recognize that the gospel is the supremely Good News
05:10 - ...inconsistent formation of Christians
05:23 - ...Book, Socially Awkward Evangelism, is focused on the western context
06:26 - ...struggling with formation and our claiming of just how good the gospel is
06:50 - ...follow-up question 1: evangelism outside of the western hemisphere
07:07 - ......much high priority and conviction
07:54 - ......even with freedom of religion in the west, it is socially uncomfortable
10:20 - ...follow-up question 2: what is the best global practice?
12:00 - ......there is not a single best practice because of distinct contexts
14:57 - ......relational engagements
17:10 - ...Organic Non-Western vs Planned Western Church Planting
18:01 - Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with Others
18:56 - ...seminarians are anxious in sharing their faith publicly
19:42 - ...wired to feel anxious
21:13 - ...allows us to act
22:21 - ...problem of anxiety
23:15 - ...cancel culture
23:56 - ...what is life about and what to believe
25:26 - Responding to Anxiety
28:13 - ...intellectual: understand the gospel better to articulate it
29:05 - ...emotional, social, physical: tools from behavioral psychology therapy
31:34 - ...build a new example of what evangelism looks like
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What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?
Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances—and even how you see yourself.
Stephanie Rousselle is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul's Longing for God, releasing with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.”
Book: Awaken Delight
Stephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Believers Struggle to Experience Joy in God * Delighting in God is Foundational to Spiritual Growth * Delighting in God During Painful Seasons
FEATURED BONUS: * Stephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice
ABOUT THE GUEST: Stephanie Rousselle is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of "Awaken Delight", a book that will release with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Having lived in four different countries on three continents, she currently resides with her family in Pennsylvania.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Psalm 37 : 4
RELATED LINKS:* Book: Awaken Delight * Stephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Stephanie Rousselle
03:24 - Believers Struggle to Experience Joy in God
03:57 - ...identity and longing
04:42 - ...why their faith is not working when they are trying so hard to please God
04:55 - ...need to cultivate delight in God
05:43 - Delight in God definition
06:52 - ...combine the experience and the intellect
09:14 - Reading through the lens of delight and deliciousness
10:30 - Knowing About God vs Truly Knowing God
11:45 - ...head knowledge
12:17 - ...heart knowledge
13:13 - ...OT: 95% "to know" is head knowledge
13:20 - ...NT: 95% "to know" is heart knowledge
13:54 - Delighting in God is Foundational to Spiritual Growth
14:02 - ...Psalm 37:4
15:20 - ...God is implanting in our hearts the desire to want more of Him
16:26 - Delighting in the Lord Transformed Stephanie's Life
19:26 - Delighting in God During Painful Seasons
20:47 - ...know God more through afflictions
21:43 - ...compassion for fellow sufferers
23:22 - ...thorns and pruning
27:22 - God's Delight in Us
28:17 - ...God's Favorite Hangout Spots
31:16 - Encouragement for the Spiritually Weary
35:53 - From Stephanie's Heart (and Website: gospelspice.com/awakendelight )
39:05 - gospelspice.com | Awaken Delight book | podcast
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Dr Chris Coppernoll, Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, has a heart for pastoral ministry and spiritual care. He invites pastors and ministry workers to the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their Pastors * Early Signs that a Respite Would Be Beneficial * Eligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Chris Coppernoll is the Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education and pastoral ministry to this role. His expertise lies in spiritual formation and pastoral care, honed through work with students at Princeton University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and as a pastor in upstate New York.
His emphasis is pastoral and clergy care. This is expressed through the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondacks of upstate New York where Spiritual Life Center staff welcome more than 1,000 pastors and their families each year.
RELATED LINKS:* Silver Bay YMCA Respite Program
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Chris Coppernoll
01:38 - How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their Pastors
02:22 - ...things to keep in mind
02:29 - ...one-two weeks for respite breaks per year (not vacation)
04:24 - ...encourage your pastor to set boundaries around their time
05:26 - ...encourage congregations to volunteer to serve in ministry
07:33 - Early Signs that a Respite Would Be Beneficial
07:47 - ...emotional indicators
09:11 - ...behavioral indicators
11:57 - ...differences in relationships and interactions
15:41 - ECFA and caring for pastors
18:00 - Idea and Vision for Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA
21:17 - Eligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program
23:03 - Value of a Respite Stay
25:33 - Favorite Ways to Enjoy Silver Bay
28:52 - Silver Bay Loves to Welcome Respite Guests
29:53 - ...silverbay.org
30:08 - Books on Amazon, ChristianBook
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Dr Chris Coppernoll, Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, has a heart for pastoral ministry and spiritual care. He invites pastors and ministry workers to the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Pastoral Ministry & Spiritual Care * Importance of Pastoral and Self Care * Unique Stresses that Pastors Encounter
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Chris Coppernoll is the Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education and pastoral ministry to this role. His expertise lies in spiritual formation and pastoral care, honed through work with students at Princeton University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and as a pastor in upstate New York.
His emphasis is pastoral and clergy care. This is expressed through the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondacks of upstate New York where Spiritual Life Center staff welcome more than 1,000 pastors and their families each year.
RELATED LINKS:* Silver Bay YMCA Respite Program
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Chris Coppernoll
03:49 - Starting in Pastoral Ministry & Spiritual Care and Current Role
04:07 - ...radio host
04:45 - ...care volunteer at a megachurch
05:43 - ...hosted weekly Bible study
06:24 - ...church plant
06:51 - ...training pastors in seminaries
07:33 - ...family tragedies
08:13 - ...Silver Bay YMCA
09:12 - ...God's hand
11:47 - Importance of Pastoral and Self Care
12:11 - ...research on ministry burnout
12:50 - ...demands on ministers have changed and increased
13:04 - ...Covid pandemic accelerated challenges
13:43 - ...corollaries
14:12 - ...cultural division and polarization spilling into churches
16:51 - ...ministers feel their ministry lives are less sustainable
17:49 - Unique Stresses that Pastors Encounter
19:20 - ...unique profession
19:29 - ...increased loneliness and isolation
20:03 - ...significant workload - 55-75 hours per week
21:18 - ...a sense of failure
21:45 - ...residual stress
23:14 - ...recommendation for regular respite break
24:42 - ...flight or flight mode - survival focus
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In What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God, veteran youth worker and Gen Z expert Tanita Tualla Maddox presents a thoughtful and powerful guide for ministry practitioners striving to connect with this generation.
Dr Maddox' Website
Dr Maddox' Bio
Book: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Gen Z Cares and Concerns * Major Questions Gen Z-ers Ask About God * Traditional Ministry Methods Not Working So Well with Gen Z
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Tanita Maddox is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region. With an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z, Tanita has been featured on The Holy Post podcast and has been published in The Great Commission Research Journal, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and more. She has served as Young Life leader with adolescents for over twenty-six years and serves as a volunteer Young Life leader in her local community.
RELATED LINKS: Dr Maddox' Website * Dr Maddox' Bio * Book: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God*
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Tanita Maddox
03:00 - Major Characteristics of Gen Z Different from Generations Before
03:24 - ...technological change created another culture
04:00 - Gen Z Cares and Concerns
04:11 - ...authenticity, justice, creation, stewardship of the earth
05:10 - ...high value for trust
05:37 - ...care about mental health
06:49 - Two Major Questions that Gen Z Ask About God
07:32 - ...Am I Safe with God?
10:28 - ......Where is the idea of safety coming from?
11:06 - ......Gen X is primarily raising Gen Z
12:28 - ......Protectiveness may have taken away confidence
15:20 - ......Teach how to be safe
16:29 - ......We raise children to prepare them to be in the world
18:24 - Traditional Ministry Methods Not Working So Well with Gen Z
18:31 - ...generations are also cultures
19:04 - ...answering questions that Gen Z were not asking and ignoring what they were asking
20:03 - ...the response to gentle correction is being contrary
22:19 - ...what can we do or change when it comes to God?
22:56 - ......uncover miscommunication places
23:42 - ......allow Gen Z ask questions and have doubts
24:11 - ......Gen Z do not see authority as hierarchy as valuable; it is flattened
25:14 - ......Gen Z-er want to see how God impacts every area of your life
26:15 - ......it's discipleship - open your life
28:46 - ......show how we rely on Jesus in all circumstances
29:55 - Example: How Generations See the Parable of the Prodigal Son
30:08 - ...why did the Prodigal Son starve?
31:12 - ...we focus on one point and missing other points that may hit hearts better
32:01 - ...what is most relevant to the listener?
32:08 - Leading Gen Z to God
32:47 - ...people view through a lens that make sense to them
33:11 - ...pray for the young people
33:20 - ...move slower
34:10 - ...humility - "Help me understand."
35:12 - ...the previous generation never experienced the things that Gen Z have gone through
35:56 - ...sovereignty of God
36:13 - Action Steps Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Parents Can Take
36:38 - ...ask: on a scale of 1-10, how is your mental health today?
38:45 - ...language differences
39:37 - Non-face-to-face Conversations
41:45 - Getting in Touch: tanitamaddox.com , Dr Tanita Maddox
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What does following Jesus looking like when you want to do great things for God but feel like you're falling short?
In The Quiet Ambition, pastor and theologian Ryan P. Tinetti unpacks the rich spiritual wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, showing how it can help you reimagine what following Jesus looks like: Live Quietly, Tend Your Own Business, Work with Your Hands, and Walk Gracefully.
Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website
Book: The Quiet Ambition
Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio
Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Four Sections Based on 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12 * Encouragement for the Discouraged or Burnt Out * Think Little
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan P. Tinetti is a pastor who now serves as an assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis. He is the author of the books “The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives” and “Preaching by Heart.” Prior to his call to Concordia Seminary, Ryan served for 14 years in parish ministry. Ryan lives with his wife, Anne, and their four children in St. Louis on the campus of the seminary.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12 * Ephesians 2 : 10
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website * Book: The Quiet Ambition * Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio * Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:43 - Introducing Dr Ryan Tinetti
01:13 - Four Sections Based on 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12
02:16 - ...Live Quietly
02:48 - ......gift of grace; posture of trusting faith in God's action for us
03:47 - ......we are surrounded by noise
04:24 - ......carve out space to rest in the Lord
06:14 - ......managing ministering to people vs full schedules
08:01 - ...Tend Your Own Business
08:29 - ......tend and attend to what God has given YOU to do; don't do God's work for Him
09:18 - ......it's not all up to you
10:19 - ......work from rest - "my calendar won't allow it"
18:12 - Work with Your Hands
18:21 - ...manual labor is not menial labor
19:18 - ......God can and will work through you for the benefit of others
20:26 - ......call to creativity
21:40 - ......Ephesians 2 : 10 - we are God's handiwork
24:01 - ......actively productive, not just passively consumptive
26:03 - Walk Gracefully
26:12 - ......so that-- you might walk gracefully toward outsiders -- witness
27:26 - ......look for the outsiders
29:26 - ...people are often a pain because they are in pain
30:20 - Encouragement for the Discouraged or Burnt Out
30:47 - ......not to be served, but to serve
31:18 - ......posture of receptivity
32:08 - ......serve with the strength that God provides
32:42 - Think Little
33:23 - Getting in Touch - ryantinetti.substack.com
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Do you desire to do great things for God but feel like you're falling short?
Does your life feel small, filled with endless demands, seemingly insignificant work, mundane responsibilities, or challenging relationships? If your desire to make an impact for God's kingdom collides with the limits and disappointments of everyday life, it's easy to feel restless, resigned, and discouraged.
Scripture offers a better way. In one of Paul's letters, there's an unexpected, paradoxical call: "Make it your ambition to live quietly . . ."
In The Quiet Ambition, pastor and theologian Ryan P. Tinetti unpacks the rich spiritual wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, showing how it can help you reimagine what following Jesus looks like.
Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website
Book: The Quiet Ambition
Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio
Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Quiet Desperation vs Quiet Ambition 2. The World's Perspective vs God's Perspective 3. Can Quiet Ambition Be Impactful?
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan P. Tinetti is a pastor who now serves as an assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis. He is the author of the books “The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives” and “Preaching by Heart.” Prior to his call to Concordia Seminary, Ryan served for 14 years in parish ministry. Ryan lives with his wife, Anne, and their four children in St. Louis on the campus of the seminary.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:1. 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12
RELATED LINKS:1. Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website 2. Book: The Quiet Ambition 3. Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio 4. Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Ryan Tinetti
02:44 - Book: The Quiet Ambition
03:14 - ...the paradox
03:26 - ...two kinds of ambition
04:27 - ...help Christian lead meaningful lives shaped by the Gospel
05:34 - Is Living in Quiet Desperation God's Vision for Us?
06:31 - ...a slow seeping of hope
07:59 - ...God's pulled us out of quiet desperation into quiet ambition
08:37 - The inspiration: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
08:54 - Quiet Ambition Contrasted with the World
09:09 - ...the World's Perspective
09:25 - ......restless & burnt out
09:31 - ......resignation
10:10 - ......the rotten fruit of trying to establish out identity on our own merits
10:22 - ...Profound AND Straightforward
10:38 - ......peace in resting in Christ
10:50 - ......restlessness
11:17 - ......tension in the struggle of activity
12:26 - ......reality of desire to do great things for God and not having things work out
13:24 - ...We Don't Have to Make a Name for Ourselves
13:42 - ......we have had God's name placed on us
14:07 - ......attend ourselves to quiet ambition (refill the hope tank)
14:36 - Can Quiet Ambition Be Impactful?
15:54 - ...Jesus walked out of the grave on the third day
16:35 - ...in the Lord, your labor is not in vain
17:12 - ...the Parable of the Talents
18:09 - ...what we think of as very little is very large in the sight of our Lord
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Christian hospitality is about people and relationships, not just spaces. It goes beyond opening our homes or extending invitations—it’s about cultivating a posture of welcome that reflects God’s presence and generosity wherever we go.
Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others.
Dr Laura Murray - Fuller Seminary
Dr Laura Murray - IVPress
Book: Becoming a Person of Welcome
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Extending the Welcome and Hospitality that We Have Receive from God 2. Embodying Hospitality and Being an Example 3. Hospitality in Different Context
ABOUT THE GUEST: Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others.
RELATED LINKS:1. Dr Laura Murray - Fuller Seminary 2. Dr Laura Murray - IVPress 3. Book: Becoming a Person of Welcome
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Laura Murray
04:35 - Book - Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality
05:11 - Definition of Hospitality
05:32 - ...welcome, internal and external
07:36 - ...external protected space
08:13 - ...internal protected space
08:26 - ...God calls Israel to remember her stranger status
10:56 - Growing Up in a Culture of Hospitality
11:47 - ...fluid in hospitality / expectation of visitors
12:58 - ...generosity / guests receives more
13:15 - ...as a child growing up, hospitality can be difficult
14:31 - Product of Two Cultures
17:34 - Extending the Welcome and Hospitality that We Have Receive from God
19:30 - Feeling Welcome and Belongingness in Church
20:38 - ...feeling seen and wanted
20:57 - ...feeling safety and security
21:18 - ...being connected to other people's stories and be themselves
24:56 - How Church Leadership Can Embody Hospitality and Be an Example
25:31 - ...leadership needs to be secure in their own welcome that God has for them
27:07 - ...remembering stranger status
27:20 - ...protections and holding values of the church
27:41 - ...difference between belonging and fitting in
29:31 - Hospitality in the Digital Space
33:36 - Hospitality in the Workplace, While Running Errands, or With Strangers
34:07 - ...slowing down
34:54 - ...noticing
35:43 - ...being curious about people's stories
36:20 - Doable Steps to Becoming More of a Person of Welcome
37:13 - What did the Holy Spirit tell you?
38:10 - Getting in touch with Dr Laura Murray and Finding her books
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Does the church still matter in our modern world?
After waves of disillusionment, #churchtoo movements, and political divides, it’s easy to question the value of investing in the church.
Dr Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Her new book is Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters.
Book: Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters
Dr Carmen Imes' Blog
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Ways People Have Been Hurt by the Church 2. Unity in a Multiethnic and Intergenerational Congregation 3. Church on the Couch is Not Church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Her new book is Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters.
RELATED LINKS:1. Dr Carmen Imes, Biola University 2. Book: Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters 3. Dr Carmen Imes' Blog
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:40 - Introducing Dr Carmen Imes
01:21 - Major Issues When People Experience Hurt in the Church
02:14 - ...not being heard
02:38 - ...gifts are not welcome nor recognized
04:30 - ...conflicts, boredom, needs not met...
04:45 - Ways to Minimize Hurting People
05:48 - ... the role of trust and context
07:26 - ...being vulnerable
08:02 - ...engaging and working through differences
08:31 - ...feeling well loved
11:34 - Biblical Example of Belonging
11:51 - ...metaphor of family
12:23 - ...solidarity
12:58 - ...individualism in our society
13:48 - Unity in a Multiethnic and Intergenerational Congregation
14:18 - ...learn to defer and love one another
14:24 - ...de-center the majority culture
16:30 - ...appreciate each other
17:31 - Church on the Couch is Not Church
17:47 - ...online church is a blessing if it is a necessity
18:34 - ...but it is a poor substitute for in-person church
19:01 - ...family needs to be together physically
19:49 - ...your presence is important and encouraging to others
20:07 - ...church is not just transmitting information; a community is bi-directional
21:42 - Cultivate curiosity to hear people's stories
24:45 - Finding Dr Carmen Imes and her books
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Does the church still matter in our modern world?
After waves of disillusionment, #churchtoo movements, and political divides, it’s easy to question the value of investing in the church.
Dr Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Her new book is Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters.
Book: Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters
Dr Carmen Imes' Blog
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Understanding Our Identity as Being Part of God's Family 2. Why Do People Think God and Church Are Not Relevant? 3. Helping People Who Have Been Hurt by the Church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends. Her new book is Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters.
RELATED LINKS:1. Dr Carmen Imes, Biola University 2. Book: Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters 3. Dr Carmen Imes' Blog
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Carmen Imes
02:40 - God's Heart for Family
02:56 - ...God creates a world and intends for everyone to flourish
03:07 - ...God's plan to save the world begins with a family
04:04 - ...Jesus is the new Adam and the pathway that we become God's family
04:27 - Understanding Our Identity as Being Part of God's Family
04:50 - ...every human being is the image of God
05:32 - ...we are estranged from God so we don't live as God's family
06:22 - ...seeing people as potential siblings
08:57 - ...western church needs to learn that God works through people who have no power
10:57 - ...Esther and Daniel model two different ways of navigating faith under oppressive empires
11:47 - Why Do People Think God and Church Are Not Relevant?
12:20 - ...individualism
13:01 - ...quest for happiness
14:05 - ...but encouragingly, religion is no longer a private matter, but people want to know what you believe
16:35 - ...to share in the sufferings of others is part of what it means to become part of God's family
18:03 - ...the most effective form of evangelism right now is coming alongside people who are in sorrow
19:16 - The Church Addressing the Need for Community and Connection
19:56 - ...the church is not for "making me a better me," but for becoming part of a family
20:24 - ...if we don't connect, we still feel lonely
21:20 - ...we are all equipped to serve each other
21:54 - Helping People Who Have Been Hurt by the Church
22:18 - ...don't rush past the hurt
22:29 - ...how do our communities become malformed?
23:11 - ...look honestly at the hurt and the harm
26:20 - ..."smaller" reasons that draw people away from church
27:46 - ...the goal is to find a healthy community to join
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When the burdens of life and ministry push you to your physical and mental breaking point, how can you lead yourself, let alone others? Dr Dudley's new book, Leading Through Storms: Successfully Navigating Ministry While Maintaining Your Mental Health, addresses that and more.
Dr Geoffrey V. Dudley Sr. (PhD, Regent) is the founding and senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church, one of the fastest growing churches in the Metro East area of St. Louis, Missouri (O’Fallon, Illinois). Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Dudley began ministry at the age of thirteen, was ordained by the United Holy Church of America in 1986, and is a retired Air Force chaplain and lieutenant colonel. He is also the CEO of iLead Enterprises, a leadership development platform for staff and workforce development. He and his wife, Glenda, have two adult children who are both ministry leaders.
Dr Dudley on IVPress
Leading Through Storms: Successfully Navigating Ministry While Maintaining Your Mental Health
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Putting Down the Shame of Mental Health 2. Recognizing the Breaking Point When in Storms 3. Practical Steps to Cultivating Self-Awareness, Emotional Resilience, and Self-Care
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Geoffrey Dudley, Sr, is the founding and senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church in O’Fallon, Illinois. Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Dr Dudley began ministry at the age of thirteen, is a retired Air Force chaplain and lieutenant colonel, and also the CEO of iLead Enterprises, a leadership development platform for staff and workforce development.
RELATED LINKS:1. Dr Dudley on IVPress 2. Leading Through Storms: Successfully Navigating Ministry While Maintaining Your Mental Health
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:07:01 - What is unique in Dr Dudley's approach to leadership?
09:35 - ...how I messed up but the mission went forward with the faithfulness of God
10:31 - Putting Down the Shame of Mental Health
12:17 - ...authentic leadership
12:58 - ...level of openness for teachers is different than that of pastors
16:42 - Recognizing the Breaking Point When in Storms
17:10 - ...Know thyself
17:38 - ...leaders tend not to be reflective
18:18 - Practical Steps to Cultivating Self-Awareness, Emotional Resilience, and Self-Care
19:19 - ...what are the rhythms and seasons of your life?
20:07 - ...taking time off and keeping it
21:33 - ...check out the younger generation
22:39 - ...emotionally dry
23:25 - ...visionaries always have to have something to go after
24:19 - How can Church Leadership and the Congregation Help?
24:39 - ...demand that the leaders take time, have a coach or therapist
29:10 - A Personal Look in Leading Through the Storm
29:38 - ...before the storm
30:01 - ...in the storm
31:13 - ...after the storm
32:32 - For the Next Generation of Pastors
32:52 - ...keep the energy but reality will come around
33:53 - ...God's timing
34:20 - ...patience & trust
35:19 - The book, Leading Through Storms, is Relevant because Life Has Storms
35:46 - @BishopDudleyPhD on all platforms
36:08 - Lead Better
36:25 - Get Dr Geoffrey Dudley's book on Amazon and IVP
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Jen Chen's book, Dim Sum and Faith, is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the joy and peace that comes from knowing you are lovingly crafted by God. It’s about seeing how our stories are a part of God’s continuous formation in our lives.
Jenn Chen's new book: Dim Sum and Faith
Jenn Chen's websites: Summit Clear and Personal Website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. Importance of food, family, and memories 2. Revisiting the painful parts of our stories 3. The truth of our stories
ABOUT THE GUEST: Jenn Suen Chen is a spiritual director, speaker, and leader in the area of spiritual formation and crosscultural ministry. She is co-director of Summit Clear (with her husband, John), an organization focused on providing spiritual direction, mentoring, and leadership coaching for those in crosscultural work. She serves with Pioneers and spent twenty-five years living in Asia raising her family. Jenn and John have four adult children and live in the Pacific Northwest.
RELATED LINKS:1. Jenn Chen's new book: Dim Sum and Faith 2. Jenn Chen's websites: Summit Clear and Personal Website
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Jenn Chen
02:46 - Dim Sum and Faith - importance of food, family, and memories
03:11 - ...reminders of home and memories
04:07 - ...where did we come from?
05:19 - Identity Shaped by Cross-Cultural Experiences
09:03 - How Our Stories Form Our Beliefs
09:20 - Dim Sum and Faith is about Spiritual Formation
09:28 - ...God is about our transformation and our growth
09:40 - ...relating to God in our context and understanding God through our lens
10:50 - ...invitational by nature
12:32 - ...it's still about relationship and identity
13:51 - Revisiting the painful parts of our stories
14:31 - ...story work with the Lord
14:47 - ...living in China made her face her discomfort in being an Asian woman
16:21 - ...her father transformed because of the gospel
17:24 - ...pray through generational things
17:40 - ...we carry values from past generations
17:53 - ...giving things to the Lord
18:56 - Getting an accurate picture of the effects of our stories
19:26 - ...need the Holy Spirit to reveal the places in our heart that need healing
19:33 - ...need others to mirror the truth to us
19:41 - ...feelings are real, but not always true
20:03 - ...some stories are good while other leave deep wounds
24:17 - ...healing in community
25:40 - Letting go of wrong beliefs
25:56 - ...ask God to reveal our wrong beliefs
26:29 - ...does God really love me?
28:27 - Realizing God's plan for us
28:50 - ...ask God to show us His heart
28:54 - ...ask God what our gifts are
29:14 - ...find others who want to do the same
29:51 - ...take one step and say, "Yes"
30:50 - ...sharing stories in safety and trust
33:16 - Sharing stories and walking together
33:43 - ...we are not alone; we all struggle
34:11 - ..."one another"
35:40 - ...my healing brings healing into someone else
37:38 - Jenn's hope for the reader of Dim Sum and Faith
37:55 - ...God meets us in our contexts
38:42 - ...give language for and encourage that God is healer...
39:04 - Closing thought
40:16 - Getting in touch with Jenn Chen: IVP website, Amazon, Audible, Spotify, Instagram
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Josh has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.
Book: Remissioning Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:1. How and why congregations might be dying 2. Remissioning vs Revitalizing 3. Inside-out transformation
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings throughIwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.
Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.
RELATED LINKS:1. Iwa Collaborative 2. First Baptist Ashland VA
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:22 - Introducing Pastor Josh Hayden
05:32 - How and why congregations might be dying
06:04 - ...churches in survival mode
06:21 - ...counting, not reflecting Jesus
06:42 - ...want people to lead, but rarely invite or train up leaders
07:16 - ...afraid of conflict, stuck in tradition
07:45 - How Josh's journey influenced the writing of the book
09:22 - Established church vs church plant
10:53 - Exploring the book title: Remissioning Church
11:42 - ...Remissioning vs Revitalizing
14:44 - ...Remissioning was not a word that people were using regularly
16:27 - ...Is it RE-missioning or re-MISSION-ing?
19:12 - How does church leadership assess if the church should be remissioned?
19:28 - ...awareness of where the church is in the life cycle
19:45 - ...spiritual health of the church
19:53 - ...counting vs measuring
20:02 - ...honest evaluation
21:55 - How does the church leadership manage feelings in assessing a church?
24:24 - ...helping people navigate loss and change
25:35 - ...embrace conflict
26:45 - What does a healthy church look like?
26:47 - ...clear sense of how to make disciples who are good for the community
27:30 - ...common life with the community
27:36 - ...see change as God inviting us into a life-death-resurrection journey
28:03 - ...disciple people inside the church so not to export the mission of God to others
30:35 - What is the goal of remissioning a church?
32:51 - What needs to happen for inside-out transformation to take place?
33:19 - ...people discipling someone
34:18 - ...learn to live on mission with God
34:50 - ...live with more purpose and intention
35:25 - How and why is discipleship the mission of the church?
35:57 - ...a lot of pastors haven't been discipled
36:25 - ...not clear on what a mature disciple looks like
37:34 - ...church-hopping is the result of not having a clear discipleship process
40:45 - If your church disappeared, would the community notice?
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Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.
Brandon's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors * Muslims might not have significant relationship with Christians * Heart for Muslims as a Resource
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered service
- Heart for Muslims
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:03:17 - Calling to minister to Muslims
04:33 - Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors
05:07 - ...seek out Heart for Muslims and tour a Muslim neighborhood
07:30 - ...Vision and Mission trip
07:55 - ...Muslims can be in the US for a long time and not have a significant relationship with a Christians
12:55 - A Story of a Meaningful Relationship Illustrates the Power of Faithful Presence in Muslim Community
20:05 - Engaging with Muslims during Ramadan
25:10 - Getting involved with Heart for Muslims
28:39 - HeartForMuslims.com
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Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.
Brandon's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim Communities * Most Effective Ways for Churches and Believers to Serve Muslims * Heart for Muslims as a Resource
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered service
- Heart for Muslims
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:21 - Introducing Brandon
03:25 - Calling to minister to Muslims
04:39 - Journey from the Middle East to NYC and Approach to Ministry
05:32 - ...interdenominational seminary
05:43 - ...international students
05:56 - ...studying abroad at Jerusalem University
06:52 - ...teaching ESL at Bethlehem Bible College
07:03 - ...connecting point on seeing all people as God's creation
07:57 - ...the only difference was knowing Jesus
08:39 - ...journey of repentance
09:13 - ...began feeling a calling to serve full-time in the Middle East
10:22 - ...heard of work with displaced Muslims in North America
11:19 - ...neighborhood in northern New Jersey and it's like Palestine
13:46 - ...very limited concerted effort to reach Muslims around NYC with the gospel
14:11 - ...freedom to share the gospel in NY/NJ that's not available in the Middle East
15:10 - ...protection for Muslims who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior
15:34 - Executive Director of Heart for Muslims
16:18 - ...vision for the future of the Heart for Muslims conference
18:07 - The gap between the Christian and Muslim communities
19:11 - Most effective ways for churches and believers to serve Muslims
19:44 - ...lack of knowledge
20:03 - ...focus on a particular local people group
20:40 - ...Step 1: Pray about whom to engage
22:10 - ...Step 2: Who is already doing work among these people?
22:40 - ...the Lord will reveal needs
23:59 - ...Step 3: connect your life to theirs
24:50 - ...Connect and Live with People
25:51 - ...Heart for Muslims as a resource
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Carl Jamal dedicated his life to serving underserved communities, equipping churches, and empowering individuals through faith-based outreach.
Our conversation today will center around effective urban ministry—how churches can serve inner-city communities with dignity, navigate challenges, and build lasting relationships. We’ll also explore Carl’s unique approach to ministry through hip-hop, prison rehabilitation, and youth outreach.
Carl Jamal's Website
Book Link: Urban Missionary Survival Guide
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* People, Not Projects * Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry * Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Carl Jamal is a dedicated community leader and music educator who has overcome significant personal challenges to empower others. Finding refuge in music during a difficult youth, Carl relocated to Atlanta over ten years ago and committed himself to community outreach and charitable work, earning recognition as a respected leader and volunteer. His passion for hip hop fuels his impactful work in prison rehabilitation and youth outreach programs, where he teaches music production and fosters self-expression. Through his resilience and dedication, Carl shares his wisdom and skills, empowering marginalized communities and inspiring positive change.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Carl Jamal faced many challenges in their youth as their mother struggled with addiction and father was absent. Despite these obstacles, Carl Jamal found hope and inspiration in music, channeling their faith and creativity into a pathway toward a brighter future.
After relocating to Atlanta over ten years ago, Carl Jamal dedicated his life to community outreach and charitable work, becoming a respected local leader and volunteer throughout the nation. His passion for hip hop music inspired his life's work in prison rehabilitation, and Youth outreach where he teaches prisoners and at-risk teens the art and technical know-how of music production, writing, and engineering.
Carl Jamal’s unique approach to hip hop education helped him pioneer a new way to reach and connect with local youths. His workshops and events encourage youth to unleash their creativity through hip hop as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
Despite the many setbacks and obstacles Carl Jamal encountered in their young life, they persevered with grace, skill, and ingenuity. Now Carl Jamal shares his wisdom, his love of hip hop, and life skills with others, continuing his journey of empowerment and positivity in the world.
RELATED LINKS:* Carl Jamal's Website * Book Link: Urban Missionary Survival Guide
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:21 - Introducing Carl Jamal Rumsey
03:21 - How has Carl Jamal's childhood experiences shaped him?
03:57 - ...visited Atlanta and saw church community and Christ
05:43 - ...full-time in urban ministry
06:27 - ...Maverick City Music Initiative
07:07 - ... dedicated life to be a voice for the voiceless
07:25 - Importance of Principle: People, Not Projects (Book)
07:42 - ...church may treat people as a project or a program
09:07 - Top 10 of Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry
12:14 - ...why are you serving in urban ministry?
12:36 - Importance of Serving with Dignity
12:54 - ...Where is your heart?
13:25 - Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
13:40 - ...use urban interests
14:13 - ...be a missionary anywhere
14:20 - ...be mission -minded
15:39 - ...examples of using urban interests
19:32 - ...staying away from labels that have stigma
20:34 - How Carl Jamal's ministry are the hands and feet of Jesus
22:42 - Care about the things that Jesus cares about
23:22 - Upcoming Events
23:39 - ...awareness of mass incarceration
23:51 - Contacting Carl Jamal Rumsey
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Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring.
Amy Williams' Website
Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes
Amy Williams on IVPress
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making * Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth * Learning More from These Youths than Any Other Group
ABOUT THE GUEST: Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring. As a certified gang intervention specialist, she heard God's call to move into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago's Humboldt Park community to be a "Hope Dealer" doing street outreach and walking life with young people on her block. Amy is project coordinator at New Life Centers, bringing in restorative justice programming to youth at juvenile prisons. Amy has been a youth pastor, a reentry coordinator, and a youth mentor and advocate. She is a graduate of both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and National Louis University. She resides in Chicago and loves salsa dancing and is a true beach baby.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:22 - Introducing Amy Williams
05:42 - Amy's inspiration to work with high-risk youth
06:42 - ...deepest pain can become greatest passion
07:25 - ...pull for the underdog
07:54 - Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making
08:07 - ...evaluate ability to see people through the lens of God
08:42 - ...seeing the value and worth of young people
09:09 - ...God created them for a purpose
09:48 - Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth
10:13 - ...moving from being watched to being seen
10:49 - ...inviting them into a space where they should already be invited to
11:12 - Justice and Mercy
11:37 - ...the call is to serve both the harmed and the harm-doer
12:05 - ...spirit of mercy
12:31 - ...not "What's wrong with you?" but "What happened to you?"
13:02 - ...compassion for both
14:54 - ...understanding but not agreeing
15:40 - ...opportunity to chnage the direction of kids' lives
16:57 - ...hope that her book would inform us about the issues and help turn compassion into action
17:25 - Learning More from These Youths than Any Other Group
19:55 - The Need to Belong
21:26 - Doing Better
22:07 - ...include people who are involved in the situation
22:57 - ...create spaces for the voices
25:08 - What keeps you going after decades of such intense work?
26:12 - ...God-given work
26:37 - ...community of support
27:06 - ...lost too many young people-- someone is praying for help
28:43 - Give our young people a chance
29:21 - Getting in touch with Amy Williams: ahopedealer.org
29:49 - Book on ivpress.com
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Dr Todd Korpi, author of AI Goes to Church, unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church.
Dr Todd Korpi's Website
Dr Todd Korpi on IVPress
Book: AI Goes to Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* AI and the Bible * Theological Ethics Principles * Church Leadership Starting the Conversation on AI
ABOUT THE GUEST: Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope whose mission is to affect destiny by providing God’s Word to all the children and youth of the world. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. Todd is the author of Your Daughters Shall Prophesy and The Life-Giving Spirit as well as his new book, AI Goes to Church.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Todd Korpi's Website * Dr Todd Korpi on IVPress * Book: AI Goes to Church
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Dr Todd Korpi
01:32 - AI in the Bible?
01:56 - ...AI and technology will challenge how Christians approach the Bible
04:49 - ...How vs Why
05:52 - ...Knowledge vs Wisdom
06:45 - ...Stewardship of Creation
08:07 - Human Relationship to AI Bots
08:38 - ...human feelings and dynamics
10:33 - ...look at our origin story - God created humans in His image
16:03 - Theological Ethics Principles
16:27 - ...already discussed: image of God, goodness of creation, mission of God
16:42 - ...inaugurated eschatological hope
18:29 - ...power and kingdom
19:17 - ...human connection and culture care
20:37 - ...citizenship and loyalty
21:24 - ...mysterium tremendum ("holy awe")
22:11 - ...shaping of the inner life
22:31 - ...the economy of the kingdom
22:40 - ...our prophetic responsibility
23:15 - Church Leadership Starting the Conversation on AI
23:26 - ...start small
24:00 - ...do what is appropriate for the congregation
24:27 - ...learn to prompt well on ChatGPT
24:51 - ...automate the boring bits and protect the good stuff
26:19 - ...prioritize the in-person things
27:03 - ...regularly assess what is lost, left behind, or missing
27:26 - ...operate in transparency and community
30:25 - Why write a book on AI?
30:47 - ...identity issues
32:12 - ...AI having more impact than social media
32:25 - ...take the mantle about how the AI and church can protect creation, culture, relationships
33:57 - Book: amazon.com | Dr Todd Korpi: toddkorpi.com or @toddkorpi
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Dr Todd Korpi, author of AI Goes to Church, unpacks one of the most significant technological advancements of our time—artificial intelligence—and what it means for the ministry. More than just another tech fad, AI presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church.
Dr Todd Korpi's Website
Dr Todd Korpi on IVPress
Book: AI Goes to Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What is AI? What can it do and cannot do at the present time? * Do churches hesitate in using AI and technology? * How is AI technology currently used in the church?
ABOUT THE GUEST: Todd Korpi (DMiss, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant. He is dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and works in several capacities at OneHope whose mission is to affect destiny by providing God’s Word to all the children and youth of the world. He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry. Todd is the author of Your Daughters Shall Prophesy and The Life-Giving Spirit as well as his new book, AI Goes to Church.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Todd Korpi's Website * Dr Todd Korpi on IVPress * Book: AI Goes to Church
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:40 - Introducing Dr Todd Korpi
03:29 - Science fiction shapes journey to technology
04:03 - ...science fiction conveys possibilities
06:27 - ...read our culture in the present moment by the popular culture
07:55 - Do churches hesitate in using AI and technology?
08:14 - ...global church & evangelism
10:20 - ...local church
11:04 - ...replacement by digital technology
15:48 - How is AI technology currently used in the church and other avenues for reaching people with the gospel?
17:36 - ...content curation and utilization
19:32 - ...translation
21:06 - ...automating the administrative, backend work
23:57 - What is AI? What can it do and cannot do at the present time?
25:15 - ...AI in the 1950's and the Turing test
25:48 - ...rapid development in the last 20 years
26:05 - ...Google, streaming service, social media, recommendations...
27:06 - ...generative AI
27:26 - ...theories on singularity event
28:24 - ...right now, AI is fundamentally a mirror
29:42 - ...cautious optimism
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Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund co-authored a book, Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. It addresses a world where workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse with a timely guide for Christians navigating the modern faith-at-work landscape.
Book: Working for Better (IVPress link)
Book: Working for Better (amazon.com link)
Wheaton College
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Key Tensions of Faith at Work * Inequalities Among Minorities * Respecting Other Faiths Without Compromise
ABOUT THE GUEST: Denise Daniels (PhD, Organizational Behavior, University of Washington) is Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College. Her scholarly interests include meaningful work, religion in the workplace, Sabbath, leadership, gender, and motivation. She has written over 50 academic articles and book chapters, and co-authored several books including, Working in the Presence of God (Hendrickson); Religion in a Changing Workplace (Oxford University Press); and Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work (InterVarsity Press). She is on the board of a fintech company and also serves on the board of the Theology of Work Project (theologyofwork.org).
RELATED LINKS:* Book: Working for Better (IVPress link) * Book: Working for Better (amazon.com link) * Wheaton College
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Denise Daniels
02:42 - Inspiration for researching faith tin the workplace
02:53 - ...exhausted from work and family - looked at Sabbath
04:20 - ...Book: Working for Better
06:17 - Understanding the Lack of Sabbath
07:52 - Summary of the Findings of the Research
08:11 - ...people want to be their whole self at work
09:51 - Surprising Conclusions from the Research
10:15 - ...how many people were interested in engaging their faith at work
10:36 - ...how few people viewed their work as a calling
11:48 - Key Tensions of Faith at Work
12:15 - ...Sacred / Secular Divide
12:46 - ...Individual / Systemic Approach
13:03 - ...Discrimination
13:46 - ...Gender
14:11 - Tensions Affecting Minority Groups
15:26 - ...have you been asked to act contrary to your religious beliefs at work?
17:32 - ...have you been discriminated against because of your sex?
19:33 - ...regional differences
20:48 - Other Inequalities Among Minorities
21:02 - ...overlap with minority religion and people of color
21:42 - ...Christians have a responsibility to create structure to be fair
22:26 - ...principled pluralism
22:54 - Christians being respectful of other faiths while living their own faith
23:11 - ...respect different perspectives
23:18 - ...listen to different perspectives
24:22 - ...know and understand what you believe
24:26 - ...engage respectfully
24:29 - ...seek to understand
26:24 - ...all people reflect the Imago Dei
27:17 - Work / Rest
28:06 - ...easy to work and ignore Sabbath
29:21 - ...hard to disengage from established rhythms
30:23 - ......desire to work: success leads to success
30:29 - ......desire to work: affirmation from other people
30:51 - ......intentionally rest
32:50 - ...there is a cost to not resting
33:31 - The hope is that the book, Working for Better, is useful to congregations and people
34:33 - Finding the book, Working for Better: amazon, IVPress
35:09 - Contact: wheaton.edu (Denise Daniels)
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Michael Huerter (PhD, Baylor University), a pastor at Holmeswood Church in Kansas City, Missouri, shares on addressing the online and in-person church in a hybrid church model.
Book: The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era
Pastor Michael Huerter’s Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Exploring the church's relationship with the internet * Engaging the in-person and online communities in the worship service * Benefitting from social platforms
ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Huerter (PhD, Baylor University) is a pastor at Holmeswood Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where he leads worship and works to build community and connection. As a lifelong church musician and digital native, he is interested in engaging with and contributing to scholarship that bridges the gap between research and practical ministry.
RELATED LINKS: Pastor Michael Huerter’s Church * The Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Worship for an Online Era*
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Pastor Michael Huerter
02:30 - Exploring the church's relationship with the internet
06:07 - Important considerations for live-streaming
07:59 - ..the church of the future may look different than what we are accustomed to
08:16 - ...the vast majority of churches do not have the resources to create a live broadcast every week
09:50 - ...the community is made of people in-person and online
13:58 - Engaging the in-person and online communities in the worship service
15:07 - ...involving people who join online in worship leadership
17:20 - ...creating interactive moments in the worship service to invite conversation or reflection
21:10 - Benefitting from Social Platforms
21:25 - ...Focus on people, remember the hybrid nature of our world
22:16 - ...How can we best minister to the people already connected with our community?
24:18 - How can we connect with and serve our surrounding community?
25:02 - Are there people who cannot or will not engage in your church building?
26:30 - Paying Attention as a spiritual discipline
30:41 - ...finding ways to deeper attention and connection
31:30 - ...be discerning in using technology; there's good and bad
32:36 - The internet: our greatest affliction and greatest hope
34:04 - Turning affliction to hope
36:19 - Placing our cultural moment in historical context
38:38 - Book on InterVarsity Press Academic and Amazon / Email Michael Huerter: michael.huerter@holmeswood.org
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Tracie Braylock, a holistic nurse educator and wellness consultant, shares about coping with stress and her new book, Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry. Stress is not just a fleeting feeling; it's a silent disruptor, quietly eroding your peace, your health, and your capacity to enjoy life as you know it. Radical Relaxation is your guide to reversing this toxic cycle.
Radical Relaxation on IVPress
Tracie Braylock's Website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What is stress and what does it do to the human body? * Biblical Truths to understand in facing stress * How Churches Can Help Promote Wellness and Reduce Stress
ABOUT THE GUEST: Tracie Braylock is a holistic nurse educator, wellness consultant, and the author of Radical Relaxation. As a former operating room nurse, she advocates for mind, body, spirit well-being, holistic wellness experiences, and liberating relaxation. Her work has been featured in the American Holistic Nurses Association New Beginnings magazine and Proverbs 31 Ministries.
RELATED LINKS:* Radical Relaxation on IVPress * Tracie Braylock's Website
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes
05:14 - What is stress and what does it do to the human body?
05:24 - ...stress is subjective
06:14 - ...stress needs to be addressed
07:11 - Common signs and symptoms of stress
07:21 - ..physical
07:38 - ...emotional
07:46 - ...spiritual
07:55 - ...behavioral
08:27 - Biblical Truths to understand in facing stress
08:55 - ...biblical instructions are designed to protect us
09:02 - ...reactions in the physical body
09:26 - ...we are not alone
09:56 - Holistic Healing: Mind, Body, Spirit
10:07 - ...understanding that we have mind, body, and spirit
10:49 - ...God care about every aspect
11:47 - Preventing burnout and maintaining work-life priorities
12:05 - ...no one is above sickness and stress
13:41 - ...do the basics
14:04 - ...be open to getting additional support
18:36 - How Churches Can Help Promote Wellness and Reduce Stress
19:04 - ...look for ways to come together outside of Sunday services
20:17 - ...remind people
21:00 - ...care for one another and ourselves
21:14 - Favorite Ways to Release Stress
23:12 - Relaxation is Like a Muscle...
24:51 - Contacting Tracie Braylock - traciebraylock.com
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Pastor Naeem Fazal shares about how fear sneaks into our lives as worry, uncertainty, or discouragement, clouding our vision for a brighter future. By following Jesus' example, Fazal paints a vivid picture of a life enriched by hope and perseverance amidst adversity.
Ex-Muslim on Amazon
Tomorrow Needs You on IVPress
Pastor Naeem's Church - Mosaic Church Website
Guest is a frequent contributor, founder, co-founder to/of blog post link
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Beauty in Healing and Transformation * Recognizing and Navigating Fear * The Need to Be Needed
ABOUT THE GUEST: Naeem Fazal is the founding and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in Kuwait. He came to the United States shortly after the Gulf War and had a supernatural experience with Christ that changed the course of his life. He was ordained at Seacoast Church in Charleston and is the author of Ex-Muslim and Tomorrow Needs You. Naeem and his wife, Ashley, have two children.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Welcome Back, Pastor Naeem Fazal
02:11 - God Takes Naeem from a Fearful Past to a Beautiful Future
03:07 - ...traumatic experiences
03:59 - ..."No one needs me..."
05:07 - ...a lie from the enemy
05:48 - Beauty in Healing and Transformation
06:16 - ...connection to what we feel is beautiful
06:48 - ...the essence of beauty is love
08:07 - ...we are created with love and are beautiful
08:28 - ...religion vs perfect love
11:07 - ...put a joy before you to endure your cross
11:49 - Recognizing Fear
12:07 - ... the symptoms of fear
14:18 - ...needing to feel that you are in control
15:24 - ...high or volatile emotions
15:32 - Navigating Fear
15:44 - Choosing Beauty Over Fear
16:05 - ...put a leash on fear
19:16 - Difficulty in Cultivating Joy When Gripped by Fear
19:44 - ...kindess and gratitude
23:15 - Surrounding Ourselves with Positive Influences
23:57 - ...set good boundaries
26:14 - Reframing Failure and Rejection as Steppingstones
28:53 - The Need to Be Needed
29:24 - ..people want to be significant
31:23 - Encouraging Someone Who Feel He Has "Missed" Tomorrow
33:38 - Contacting Pastor Naeem Fazal and Finding His Books
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Pastor Naeem Fazal shares his story about how Jesus revealed Himself to a young, brash, Pakistani Muslim. But He didn’t just reveal Himself; He turned Naeem’s world upside down.
Ex-Muslim on Amazon
Tomorrow Needs You on IVPress
Pastor Naeem's Church - Mosaic Church Website
Guest is a frequent contributor, founder, co-founder to/of blog post link
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Ex-Muslim - testimony of encounter with Christ * Three components to sharing the gospel with Muslims * Common mistakes that Christians make in witnessing to Muslims
ABOUT THE GUEST: Naeem Fazal is the founding and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in Kuwait. He came to the United States shortly after the Gulf War and had a supernatural experience with Christ that changed the course of his life. He was ordained at Seacoast Church in Charleston and is the author of Ex-Muslim and Tomorrow Needs You. Naeem and his wife, Ashley, have two children.
RELATED LINKS:* Heart for Muslims – link to specific page if mentioned in episode
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Naeem Fazal
04:24 - Book: Ex-Muslim - testimony of encounter with Christ
06:07 - ...treason
08:03 - ..."intoxicated" with peace
09:05 - ...God pursues humanity
09:33 - ...demonic presence
11:27 - ...brother tells him about spiritual warfare
12:05 - ...only Jesus has authority over demons
13:29 - ..."I am Jesus and your life is not your own"
14:47 - ...woke knowing that he was supposed to be in ministry
15:02 - ...led siblings and his father to Christ
15:41 - God has used "extraordinary means" to guide Naeem's life
16:16 - ...coming to Christ was so different from that of other Christians around him
16:46 - ...easy to walk away from a belief or faith, but harder to walk away from a person
17:54 - ...miracles in education
19:06 - ...seeing supernatural things in siblings' lives
22:06 - Specific expectations from Muslims or Christians
22:26 - ...didn't understand that he was considered a traitor by Muslims
24:25 - ...some people did not believe that he is a Christian
26:57 - Three components to sharing the gospel with Muslims
27:14 - ...knowledge
29:07 - ...emotional connection
30:51 - ...spiritual awareness
32:22 - Common mistakes that Christians make in witnessing to Muslims
32:56 - ...comparing religion to religion
36:06 - ...arguing Bible vs Koran
38:20 - ...Jesus doesn't tell us to defend Him; He said to share the gospel and live it out
39:02 - What can churches do to partner with organizations that reach out to Muslims?
41:51 - ...ask ourselves about the prejudice that we might carry
43:16 - ...find an organization or adopt a mosque
46:22 - Hope for the Effect of Book, Ex-Muslim
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Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring.
Amy Willliams' Website
Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes
Amy Williams on IVPress
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making * Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth * Learning More from These Youths than Any Other Group
ABOUT THE GUEST: Youth ministry veteran Amy Williams ministers to teens involved in gangs and those lost in the criminal justice system with a key strategy of life-on-life mentoring. As a certified gang intervention specialist, she heard God's call to move into a Latino gang neighborhood in Chicago's Humboldt Park community to be a "Hope Dealer" doing street outreach and walking life with young people on her block. Amy is project coordinator at New Life Centers, bringing in restorative justice programming to youth at juvenile prisons. Amy has been a youth pastor, a reentry coordinator, and a youth mentor and advocate. She is a graduate of both University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and National Louis University. She resides in Chicago and loves salsa dancing and is a true beach baby.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Amy Williams
04:58 - Amy's inspiration to work with high-risk youth
05:58 - ...deepest pain can become greatest passion
06:41 - ...pull for the underdog
07:10 - Seeing People “through the lens of God” in Daily Interactions and Decision-Making
07:23 - ...evaluate ability to see people through the lens of God
07:58 - ...seeing the value and worth of young people
08:25 - ...God created them for a purpose
09:04 - Meaningful Inclusion with At-Risk Youth
09:29 - ...moving from being watched to being seen
10:05 - ...inviting them into a space where they should already be invited to
10:28 - Justice and Mercy
10:54 - ...the call is to serve both the harmed and the harm-doer
11:21 - ...spirit of mercy
11:48 - ...not "What's wrong with you?" but "What happened to you?"
12:19 - ...compassion for both
14:10 - ...understanding but not agreeing
14:56 - ...opportunity to change the direction of kids' lives
16:13 - ...hope that her book would inform us about the issues and help turn compassion into action
16:41 - Learning More from These Youths than Any Other Group
19:11 - The Need to Belong
20:42 - Doing Better
21:23 - ...include people who are involved in the situation
22:13 - ...create spaces for the voices
24:24 - What keeps you going after decades of such intense work?
25:28 - ...God-given work
25:53 - ...community of support
26:22 - ...lost too many young people-- someone is praying for help
27:59 - Give our young people a chance
28:37 - Getting in touch with Amy Williams: ahopedealer.org
29:05 - Book on ivpress.com
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Pastor Joshua Hayden has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.
Book: Remissioning Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why the tried and true strategies for church growth not working so well anymore * Creative Destruction, Exegeting the Culture or Neighborhood, and Traditioned Innovation * Patterns and Stages that a Church Might Experience in Remissioning
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings throughIwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.
Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.
RELATED LINKS:* Iwa Collaborative * First Baptist Ashland VA
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:51 - Book: Remissioning Church
02:11 - Don't export your God-given mission to others
02:48 - Why the tried and true strategies for church growth not working so well anymore
02:54 - ...what most churches are doing have not produced healthy disciples that produce the fruit of the Spirit
03:28 - ...churches don't look much different from any other group
04:30 - ...we have lost the missional impulse to know our neighbors
06:40 - Major sections of the book: Creative Destruction, Exegeting the Culture or Neighborhood, and Traditioned Innovation
06:59 - ...Creative Destruction
08:36 - ...connected to Jesus (Matthew 16 : 24-25 - take up our cross and foloow Jesus)
10:49 - Exegeting the Church and Neighborhood
11:55 - ...creating a plan for how to live on mission creatively with God
14:20 - Traditioned Innovation
15:18 - ...we have to translate the past into what's next
18:55 - Patterns and Stages that a Church Might Experience in Remissioning
19:04 - Free download: www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/Excerpts-and-Samples/A1055-Graphic-Image-Download.pdf
19:14 - ...remissioning change cycle
19:34 - ...do we have a mission worth dying for?
19:48 - ...working through pain, disillusionment and being unnerved
20:40 - ...then comes a moment of repent or resist
22:24 - ...do we have a mission worth living for?
27:24 - ...take the necessary time in the wilderness
31:11 - Common Concerns in Remissioning a Church
32:04 - Leading Through Remissioning
36:21 - Favorite Tools
36:25 - ...exegeting the neighborhood
37:13 - ...the work of remembering
39:07 - Remissioning is worth it
39:54 - Getting in Touch with Pastor Joshua Hayden - iwacollaborative.com
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Josh has recently authored Remissioning Church, A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life, where he talks about transforming a church from the inside out to bring a new missional presence that brings life and flourishing to the neighborhood.
Book: Remissioning Church
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How and why congregations might be dying * Remissioning vs Revitalizing * Inside-out transformation
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josh Hayden is the co-founder and co-president of Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He runs remissioning trainings throughIwa Collaborative across various denominational, non-denominational, and global networks.
Josh Hayden is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years he has worked and led in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School and is the author of Remissioning Church and Sacred Hope. He serves on the boards of numerous nonprofits. He and his family live near Richmond, Virginia.
RELATED LINKS:* Iwa Collaborative * First Baptist Ashland VA
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Josh Hayden
04:49 - How and why congregations might be dying
05:21 - ...churches in survival mode
05:38 - ...counting, not reflecting Jesus
05:59 - ...want people to lead, but rarely invite or train up leaders
06:33 - ...afraid of conflict, stuck in tradition
07:02 - How Josh's journey influenced the writing of the book
08:39 - Established Church vs Church Plant
10:10 - Exploring the book title: Remissioning Church
10:59 - ...Remissioning vs Revitalizing
14:01 - ...Remissioning was not a word that people were using regularly
15:44 - ...Is it RE-missioning or re-MISSION-ing?
18:29 - How does church leadership assess if the church should be remissioned?
18:45 - ...awareness of where the church is in the life cycle
19:02 - ...spiritual health of the church
19:10 - ...counting vs measuring
19:19 - ...honest evaluation
21:12 - How does the church leadership manage feelings in assessing a church?
23:40 - ...helping people navigate loss and change
24:52 - ...embrace conflict
26:02 - What does a healthy church look like?
26:04 - ...clear sense of how to make disciples who are good for the community
26:47 - ...common life with the community
26:53 - ...see change as God inviting us into a life-death-resurrection journey
27:20 - ...disciple people inside the church so not to export the mission of God to others
29:51 - What is the goal of remissioning a church?
32:08 - What needs to happen for inside-out tranforamtion to take place?
32:36 - ...people disclipling someone
33:35 - ...learn to live on mission with God
34:07 - ...live with more purpose and intention
34:42 - How and why is discipleship the mission of the chuch?
35:14 - ...a lot of pastors haven't been discipled
35:42 - ...not clear on what a mature disciple looks like
36:51 - ...church-hopping is the result of not having a clear discipleship process
40:02 - If your church disappeared, would the community notice?
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Dr. Octavio Esqueda, full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, shares on how the gospel redefines masculinity.
Dr Esqueda's Website
Dr Esqueda's Website (Spanish)
Dr Esqueda's Books
Dr Esqueda on X.com
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Mother's Day vs Father's Day in Churches * Important Messages to Highlight * Character, not Competency
ABOUT THE GUEST: * Octavio Javier Esqueda is a full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He was born and raised in Guadalajara, México. He graduated with honors with a Licenciatura in Latin American Literature from the University of Guadalajara and two additional diplomas, one in Religion and Society and the second in Journalism. He graduated with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary and completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Angélica, have two children, Darío and Salma. Dr. Esqueda has several publications on theological education and Christian higher education, practical theology, and literature. Teaching is his passion, and he has had the opportunity to teach in several countries on different academic levels. He is an avid soccer fan.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr. Octavio Esqueda
03:19 - Differences in Mother's Day and Father's Day Observances in Churches
06:07 - How Churches Can Improve in This Area
06:42 - ...elevate Father's Day like Mother's Day
06:47 - ...two important messages that need to be highlighted
07:06 - ......the mothers' affirmation come from being - her love is unconditional
07:16 - ......when the fathers' affirmation comes from doing - it's never enough
07:49 - ......many fathers believe that their role is to provide, so they are never with their family
08:01 - ...but as Christians, our value is in who we are
08:47 - ...A key aspect of adult motivation is feeling competent
09:26 - ...but no one teaches us how to be a parent
10:00 - ...emphasizing the value of who we are gives us the desire to do without fearing failure
10:42 - Character, not Competency
11:30 - ...instead of pulling in the cultural norms, bring the gospel out
12:34 - A Common Problem in Evangelicalism
12:51 - ...we forget that the whole message is about grace
13:14 - ...God loves us unconditionally not only at salvation, but for our whole lives
14:19 - Unique Challenges Faced by Men of Color
14:48 - ...expression of love and affection are not affirmed
14:59 - ...or to imitate a model that was absent
15:07 - ...tell parents how to live a Christian life
16:43 - ...need to know how and be trained
17:10 - ..cultural expectations for men
19:48 - God's Love in the Story of the Prodigal Son
21:23 - Breaking the Cycle Starts with Us
23:19 - Contacting Dr Octavio Esqueda: amazon.com | x.com/OctavioEsqueda | LinkedIn
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Pastor Drew Hyun explains how the Christian faith provides a lens through which we can understand the beautiful and disappointing world we live in, while offering the kind of promising hope we long for.
Book: Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful
Hope Church NYC Website
Drew Hyun Website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Three Types of Books About Christianity * Tension that Many Believers Experience * Three Deep Practices
ABOUT THE GUEST: Drew Hyun is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC, a diverse church with three locations in New York City. Drew is also the Executive Director of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, an organization that aims to transform church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed pastors and leaders. He regularly speaks at churches, conferences and college campuses throughout the United States and abroad. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Fuller Theological Seminary (DMin). Drew loves cities, ESPN, and naps, and finds it a restful Sabbath when all three come together. He resides in New York City with his wife Christina and their son David and daughter Avery. Drew is the author of Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful: How Gratitude, Grief, and Grace Reflect the Christian Story, available at Amazon, Churchsource, or Barnes and Noble.
RELATED LINKS:* Hope Church NYC Website * Drew Hyun Website * Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Website
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Drew Hyun
03:10 - Drew's Journey to Urban Ministry in NYC
04:43 - Calling to NYC and Church Planting
05:38 - Motivation for Writing Book: Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful
06:03 - ...Three Types of Books About Christianity
07:16 - ...Explain the Christian Faith in Three Simple Memorable Words
08:12 - ...The Christian faith gives a compelling picture of why both beauty, disappointment, and hope exist
08:33 - ...Practices of gratitude, grief, and grace so Christians can live a resilient, flourishing life
08:53 - ...Written for various audiences
12:34 - Influence of Drew's Father's Call to Ministry
12:59 - ...Drew is a Christian despite growing up in church
13:30 - ...Finding Jesus to be true and compelling
14:05 - ...Reconciliation with his father
14:37 - Two kinds of grief
18:07 - Tension that Many Believers Experience
19:54 - ...the story of the Christian faith starts with a good God creating a beautiful world
22:24 - ...posture to take from a beautiful world is gratitude
22:36 - ...but we struggle with gratitude and being alert the goodness of God
23:25 - ...but the world is also incredibly disappointing
25:49 - Creation - Fall - Redemption - Restoration
26:48 - Three Deep Practices: Gratitude, Grief, Grace
27:19 - ...invitation to live into gratitude
29:09 - ...grief - two kinds of pain
31:13 - ...grace is God's posture towards us
32:01 - Meshing the Book's Concepts with Emotionally Healthy Discipleship
32:56 - Hope for the Readers of the Book
34:37 - Contact Drew Hyun at www.drewhyun.com
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Carl Jamal dedicated his life to serving underserved communities, equipping churches, and empowering individuals through faith-based outreach.
Our conversation today will center around effective urban ministry—how churches can serve inner-city communities with dignity, navigate challenges, and build lasting relationships. We’ll also explore Carl’s unique approach to ministry through hip-hop, prison rehabilitation, and youth outreach.
Carl Jamal's Website
Book Link: Urban Missionary Survival Guide
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* People, Not Projects * Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry * Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Carl Jamal is a dedicated community leader and music educator who has overcome significant personal challenges to empower others. Finding refuge in music during a difficult youth, Carl relocated to Atlanta over ten years ago and committed himself to community outreach and charitable work, earning recognition as a respected leader and volunteer. His passion for hip hop fuels his impactful work in prison rehabilitation and youth outreach programs, where he teaches music production and fosters self-expression. Through his resilience and dedication, Carl shares his wisdom and skills, empowering marginalized communities and inspiring positive change.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Carl Jamal faced many challenges in their youth as their mother struggled with addiction and father was absent. Despite these obstacles, Carl Jamal found hope and inspiration in music, channeling their faith and creativity into a pathway toward a brighter future.
After relocating to Atlanta over ten years ago, Carl Jamal dedicated his life to community outreach and charitable work, becoming a respected local leader and volunteer throughout the nation. His passion for hip hop music inspired his life's work in prison rehabilitation, and Youth outreach where he teaches prisoners and at-risk teens the art and technical know-how of music production, writing, and engineering.
Carl Jamal’s unique approach to hip hop education helped him pioneer a new way to reach and connect with local youths. His workshops and events encourage youth to unleash their creativity through hip hop as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
Despite the many setbacks and obstacles Carl Jamal encountered in their young life, they persevered with grace, skill, and ingenuity. Now Carl Jamal shares his wisdom, his love of hip hop, and life skills with others, continuing his journey of empowerment and positivity in the world.
RELATED LINKS:* Carl Jamal's Website * Book Link: Urban Missionary Survival Guide
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Carl Jamal Rumsey
02:38 - How has Carl Jamal's childhood experiences shaped him?
03:14 - ...visited Atlanta and saw church community and Christ
04:59 - ...full-time in urban ministry
05:44 - ...Maverick City Music Initiative
06:24 - ...dedicated life to be a voice for the voiceless
06:42 - Importance of Principle: People, Not Projects (Book)
06:59 - ...church may treat people as a project or a program
08:24 - Top 10 of Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry
11:31 - ...why are you serving in urban ministry?
11:53 - Importance of Serving with Dignity
12:11 - ...Where is your heart?
12:42 - Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
12:57 - ...use urban interests
13:30 - ...be a missionary anywhere
13:37 - ...be mission -minded
14:56 - ...examples of using urban interests
18:49 - ...staying away from labels that have stigma
19:51 - How Carl Jamal's ministry are the hands and feet of Jesus
21:58 - Care about the things that Jesus cares about
22:39 - Upcoming Events
22:56 - ...awareness of mass incarceration
23:08 - Contacting Carl Jamal Rumsey
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Dr. Mark Glanville shared thoughts from his new book, Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Neighborhoods and how preaching can adapt to the complexities of faith in our time—especially where traditional assumptions about faith and Scripture no longer hold and where people are seeking relational leadership.
Dr Mark Glanville's Website
Book Info: Preaching in a New Key
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Key Shifts in Preaching * Addressing Difficult Bible Verses * Drawing from Diverse Traditions and Listening to Diverse Voices
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Mark Glanville works as the Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at St. Andrews Hall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He is an Old Testament scholar and has written five books, including Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul and Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Neighborhoods.
Mark’s vocational goal is to research, teach, write, speak, and play music to nourish Christian leaders to creatively reimagine what the church can be and do in post-Christian societies, with the Bible in our hands.
Mark is also a professional jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene. Mark’s podcast is Blue Note Theology, which he hosts from the grand piano.
RELATED LINKS:* Regent College * Dr Mark Glanville's Podcast
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:06 - Mark's Background and Family
01:48 - Key Shifts in Preaching
02:21 - ...trauma-informed preaching
05:08 - ...holistic health
14:29 - Addressing DIfficult Biblical Passages
15:08 - ...people come with beautiful values about justice
16:17 - ...show the beauty of the Biblical text
17:11 - ...be patient with the Biblical text
24:33 - Drawing from Diverse Traditions and Listening to Diverse Voices
25:47 - ...requires an intercultural lens
26:17 - ...recontextualize Scripture to people
28:46 - ...diverse voices in the pulpit
28:56 - One Key Piece of Advice
30:18 - Nourish the Community
34:26 - Getting in Touch with Mark and Finding His Books
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Dr. Mark Glanville shared thoughts from his new book, Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Neighborhoods and how preaching can adapt to the complexities of faith in our time—especially where traditional assumptions about faith and Scripture no longer hold and where people are seeking relational leadership.
Dr Mark Glanville's Website
Book Info: Preaching in a New Key
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* People Relate to Scripture Differently Today than 50 Years Ago * Recontextualization in the Culture * Shifts in Faith and How People Relate to Scripture
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Mark Glanville works as the Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at St. Andrews Hall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He is an Old Testament scholar and has written five books, including Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul and Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Neighborhoods.
Mark’s vocational goal is to research, teach, write, speak, and play music to nourish Christian leaders to creatively reimagine what the church can be and do in post-Christian societies, with the Bible in our hands.
Mark is also a professional jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene. Mark’s podcast is Blue Note Theology, which he hosts from the grand piano.
RELATED LINKS:* Regent College * Dr Mark Glanville's Podcast
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Mark Glanville
03:19 - Mark's Background and Family
04:00 - Mark's New Book: Preaching in a New Key
04:57 - People Relate to Scripture Differently Today than 50 Years Ago
05:34 - Expository Preaching Has Never Been More Important
05:55 - The deeper into post-Christian context, people crave to know Christian teaching
06:48 - Questions for Context and Clarity
07:18 - ... 1. post-Christian culture
11:11 - ... 2. Recontextualization in the Culture
16:05 - An Illustration from Music
21:42 - Shifts in Faith and How People Relate to Scripture
21:57 - ...people used to come to church with Bibles under their arms,
22:04 - ...but now they come with questions on their minds
22:48 - ...the key might be reversing the direction of flow in preaching
23:40 - ...showing the beauty of Jesus in Scripture
23:42 - ...winning people to Jesus, AND to Scripture itself
28:11 - Contacting Mark and Finding His Books
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Aimee Huber is the Executive Director of First Choice Women's Resource Centers in New Jersey. She has dedicated over three decades to supporting women and men facing unplanned pregnancies, providing them with counseling, medical services, and practical support.
Aimee Huber's Website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Pregnancy Resource Centers support men & women * How church can support Pregnancy Resource Centers * How to talk to someone facing an unplanned pregnancy
ABOUT THE GUEST: A pastor's daughter, Aimee Huber serves as the Executive Director of First Choice Women's Resource Centers. First Choice's mission is to protect the unborn by empowering women. Since 1990, she has had the privilege of seeing God grow their ministry in New Jersey from one to five locations, all with medical services. She holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and lives in Central NJ with her husband and two teenage children.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Aimee Huber
03:48 - Inspiration for involvement at First Choice for 33 years
05:35 - The Mission of First Choice and Services Offered
05:44 - ...protect the unborn by empowering women
05:51 - ......prevention
06:04 - ......intervention
06:17 - ......restoration
06:40 - .........walking with the hurt
08:05 - .........trauma
09:37 - How Pregnancy Resources Centers Fit Into the Larger Picture of Urban Ministry
09:46 - ...extension of the local church
10:32 - Unique Challenges When Faced with an Unplanned Pregnancy in an Urban Setting
10:55 - ...SOS: S - scared, O - overwhelming pressures, S - strengths
12:01 - ...Overwhelming pressures are magnified
12:10 - ......single-parent homes
12:21 - ......younger siblings
12:33 - ......housing
12:42 - ......desire to break generational patterns
13:21 - Story of a Client Whose Life Was Transformed by First Choice's work
14:53 - How Can Churches and Urban Ministries Support Pregnancy Resource Centers
15:07 - ...identify and connect with a local pregnancy center
15:35 - ......share in church services
15:50 - ......contribute financially
16:04 - ......volunteer at a pregnancy center
16:12 - ......employment
17:24 - ...hesitancy to speak about pregnancy and abortion
17:48 - ......present in a caring and compassionate way
20:00 - What Would You Tell Someone Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy?
21:35 - ...Speaking Truth in Love and Honesty without Judgment
21:39 - ...The model is Jesus
22:12 - ...4.9 out of 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
22:22 - ...the most frequent comment is, "I didn't feel judged"
24:20 - Email Aimee at aimee@1stChoice.org
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Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.
Brandon's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors * Muslims might not have significant relationship with Christians * Heart for Muslims as a Resource
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered service
- Heart for Muslims
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:34 - Calling to minister to Muslims
03:50 - Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors
04:24 - ...seek out Heart for Muslims and tour a Muslim neighborhood
06:47 - ...Vision and Mission trip
07:11 - ...Muslims can be in the US for a long time and not have a significant relationship with Christians
12:12 - A Story of a Meaningful Relationship Illustrates the Power of Faithful Presence in Muslim Community
19:22 - Engaging with Muslims during Ramadan
24:27 - Getting involved with Heart for Muslims
27:56 - HeartForMuslims.com
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Brandon has extensive experience living and serving among least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. His time spent in the Middle East cultivated a deep passion for diaspora Muslims residing in gateway cities.
Brandon's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim Communities * Most Effective Ways for Churches and Believers to Serve Muslims * Heart for Muslims as a Resource
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon lives and serves least-reached peoples in the New York City metropolitan area. After spending significant time in the Middle East, he grew to have hearts for diaspora Muslims living in gateway cities. Brandon is the Executive Director of Heart For Muslims, a mission initiative with a passion to love Muslims, equip the Body of Christ, and connect people for gospel-centered service
- Heart for Muslims
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Brandon
02:42 - Calling to Minister to Muslims
03:56 - Journey from the Middle East to NYC and Approach to Ministry
04:48 - ...interdenominational seminary
05:00 - ...international students
05:13 - ...studying abroad at Jerusalem University
06:09 - ...teaching ESL at Bethlehem Bible College
06:20 - ...connecting point on seeing all people as God's creation
07:13 - ...the only difference was knowing Jesus
07:56 - ...journey of repentance
08:30 - ...began feeling a calling to serve full-time in the Middle East
09:39 - ...heard of work with displaced Muslims in North America
10:36 - ...neighborhood in northern New Jersey and it's like Palestine
13:03 - ...very limited concerted effort to reach Muslims around NYC with the gospel
13:27 - ...freedom to share the gospel in NY/NJ that's not available in the Middle East
14:27 - ...protection for Muslims who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior
14:50 - Executive Director of Heart for Muslims
15:35 - ...vision for the future of the Heart for Muslims conference
17:24 - The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim Communities
18:28 - Most Effective Ways for Churches and Believers to Serve Muslims
19:01 - ...gain knowledge
19:20 - ...focus on a particular local people group
19:56 - ...Step 1: Pray about whom to engage
21:27 - ...Step 2: Who is already doing work among these people?
21:57 - ...the Lord will reveal needs
23:15 - ...Step 3: Connect your life to theirs
24:07 - Connect and Live with People
25:08 - Heart for Muslims as a Resource
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Dr. Octavio Esqueda, full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, shares on higher education for Christian minorities.
Dr Esqueda's Website
Dr Esqueda's Website (Spanish)
Dr Esqueda's Books
Dr Esqueda on X.com
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Challenges of Hispanic faculty in Christian colleges * Why context is important (Bible translation) * Unity in the church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Octavio Javier Esqueda is a full Professor of Christian Higher Education and Director of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He was born and raised in Guadalajara, México. He graduated with honors with a Licenciatura in Latin American Literature from the University of Guadalajara and two additional diplomas, one in Religion and Society and the second in Journalism. He graduated with honors from Dallas Theological Seminary and completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Angélica, have two children, Darío and Salma. Dr. Esqueda has several publications on theological education and Christian higher education, practical theology, and literature. Teaching is his passion, and he has had the opportunity to teach in several countries on different academic levels. He is an avid soccer fan.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:19 - Introducing Dr Octavio Esqueda
03:11 - What caused Dr Esqueda to enter educational studies
03:33 - ...asked to teach a lesson in Sunday School at age 12
04:04 - ...teaching middle school at age 19
04:16 - ...teaching high school at age 22
04:22 - ...teaching college at age 24
04:30 - ...liked to teach and wanted to study more about his faith
05:29 - ...started teaching at Biola University 14 years ago
06:54 - Career path to being an educator is different for everyone
08:05 - Edited a new book: The Hispanic Faculty Experience
08:22 - ...relates to previous question about career paths
08:30 - ...Christian schools are more interested in reaching out to the Hispanic students
08:55 - ...conversation about Hispanic faculty members in Christian higher education
09:13 - ...need more Hispanic faculty if we want more Hispanic students
09:51 - Christian schools closing because lack of students
10:39 - Hispanics are not a current trend
10:48 - Institutions now need to reach out to minorities
11:34 - Challenges that Hispanic faculty face
12:12 - ...few mentors
12:18 - ...learning how to navigate the system
12:23 - ...mainstream culture dictates the way things are
13:18 - Theological example: translating to "righteousness" vs "justice"
16:37 - Bible teaching applies to everyone
17:11 - The Bible focuses on the community
18:21 - Collective approach to teaching the Bible
20:20 - Diversity is a gift, not a threat
22:24 - The church can change the world
23:46 - God intended to create unity in the church in Christ
25:08 - Contacting Dr Esqueda: amazon.com | x.com/OctavioEsqueda | LinkedIn
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Pouring back into the next generation of missionaries, Carol’s experience is shared in her non-fiction work on Islam and missions and four novels written under the pen name of Um Daoud which tell the stories of Muslims who come to faith in Christ.
Carol Ghattas' website
Carol Ghattas' Facebook page
Carol Ghattas' books
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Answering God's Call * Challenges of and Encouragement from Muslim-focused Ministry * Fruit is Not Always Immediate
ABOUT THE GUEST: Carol Ghattas has spent over forty years in cross-cultural service and has lived in six countries. Having served single, married, and now as a widow, Carol lives what she writes.
Pouring back into the next generation of missionaries, Carol’s experience is shared in her non-fiction work on Islam and missions. She also has four novels written under the pen name of Um Daoud which tell the stories of Muslims who come to faith in Christ.
A sought-after speaker on Islam, missions, and other topics, you can connect with her through her website: lifeinexile.net.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:32 - Introducing Carol Ghattas
03:42 - Carol's varied background and how she came to be where she is now
04:02 - ...call to missions at a very young age
04:16 - ...ministry to Laotian immigrants
04:32 - ...Ivory Coast
04:49 - ...call to work with Arabs
04:57 - ...seminary in Ft Worth, TX and Masters of Divinity degree
05:05 - met late husband, Raul in seminary
05:09 - ...20 years in North Africa
05:25 - ...came back to her hometown in TN and found out that a mosque was being built there
05:38 - ...natural fit to trach about reaching Muslims for Christ
05:51 - ...began an Arab-speaking church in town
06:01 - ...also worked as the manager at the public library
06:12 - ...stepped back from the church and retired from the library to focus on writing and waiting on the Lord
06:56 - Writing a devotional for missionaries
08:05 - Importance of member care
09:44 - Specific member care for Muslim-focused ministry
13:32 - Financial aspects of supporting missionaries
16:32 - Major takeaways from Muslim-focused ministry
20:04 - Writing fiction stories about Muslim women
21:37 - Encouragement in her writing and helping those on the frontlines
22:14 - Contact Carol Ghattas at lifeinexile.net
23:00 - Lightening the mood...
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Dr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on God's Grace on Christmas (Ephesians 2:8-10).
What is grace and why do we need to talk about God’s grace on Christmas? What if I told you that the Christmas story is the story of God’s grace and that most people celebrate Christmas without considering God’s grace, the first cause behind Christmas?
There is no greater good than telling people what grace is, what it does, and why people need God’s grace.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The Message of Grace * The Means of Grace * The Miracle of Grace
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Metuchen, has planted a church abroad, has been a missions pastor and has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan — the son of a pastor — Pastor Javed began serving in church at a young age. He has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He has also planted a church in Greece. In the 1990s, a providential relationship formed when Calvary Baptist Church started supporting his ministry efforts; he would later serve as the missions pastor of that congregation. Eventually, in 2009, he moved to New York with a new vision — mobilizing churches to engage Muslims in the NYC metro area.
Dr. Javed’s advanced theological training is from the Greek Bible College, Davis College and Liberty University. He has earned three undergraduate, three graduate, and three doctoral degrees. His dissertations have explored various subjects from religious influence on the American school system to evangelism and church planting, to Islamic madrases and the treatment that Muslims students have received in the post 9/11 New York City school system. He maintains a blog, www.alfonsejaved.com, and is the author of The Muslim Next Door: A Practical Guide for Evangelism and Discipleship. Dr. Javed and his wife, Sarah, have four children.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Alfonse Javed's Recent Book * Our Urban Voices Podcast * First Baptist Metuchen Website * Father's Love Letter * Email Dr Alfonse Javed
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:04 - What is grace and why talk about it at Christmas?
01:08 - Graceful Athiest
02:21 - Grace is impossible without God
03:35 - It's meaningless to celebrate Christmas without God's grace
04:53 - The Message of Grace
05:05 - ... What is God's grace?
14:38 - ... What does grace do?
17:54 - ... Why do we need it?
20:55 - ... Application
23:08 - The Means of Grace
28:17 - ... Application
29:05 - The Miracle of Grace
32:43 - ... Application
35:47 - Action Step
37:32 - Appeal
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Natisha Matthews, an ordained elder and attorney, shares about the importance of estate planning for Christians, particularly in the urban community.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Cost of not planning for your estate (even if you think you don't have anything) * What are wills, power of attorney, health care proxy? * Mindset for estate planning
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Matthews areas of practice are Trusts and Estates and Real Estate. She is passionate about teaching believers and the urban community about Estate Planning. Currently she is one of the ordained Elders of Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. where the Senior Pastor is Bishop Dr. Carlton T. Brown.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:35 - Passionate about estate planning dialog
02:57 - Raised in an urban immigrant community
03:43 - Journey to eldership and attorney
07:51 - Importance of estate planning
09:21 - Basics of Estate Planning: will, power of attorney, health care proxy
09:27 - Wills
09:35 - Power of Attorney
10:22 - Health care proxy
11:02 - People don't feel the need for estate planning
11:25 - Not planning creates chaos, uncertainty, confusion
12:10 - We do not prepare for estate planning
12:19 - Estate planning is not usually known about, especially in urban communities
12:40 - Mindset is important
12:50 - Urban communities tend to think more about survival from paycheck to paycheck
13:16 - Suburban communities more plan for the future
14:14 - Both cultural and racial norms come into play
17:24 - How should Christians approach estate planning?
17:31 - Get understanding and knowledge about estate planning
18:22 - Some culture shy away from talking about death and estate planning
20:06 - How should younger people approach estate planning?
20:49 - Plan for the unexpected
21:16 - Get something in place - it can always be changed, if needed
22:04 - Debunk the myths
22:17 - Not planning is selfish because it will negatively affect loved ones
23:32 - What cultural and ethnic considerations need to be considered?
24:25 - How do we change people's mindset?
26:23 - Opportunity to share Christ in estate planning conversations
27:42 - What are the financial barriers to estate planning?
28:33 - Estate planning establishes a legacy
28:52 - Not planning creates more expensive procedures
29:08 - Petitioning the court
29:49 - Incapacitated people can't sign a power of attorney or health care proxy
31:15 - Pay for a will on a payment plan
32:08 - Unexpectedly used by God and He opened doors
36:16 - Initial Steps to Estate Planning
37:14 - How can a pastor help his congregation in this matter?
38:26 - What is God saying to you using this podcast?
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Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Genre of Revelation and Its Importance * Old Testament and Revelation link * Host's & Guest's Interpretation Example
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.
He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.
He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).
RELATED LINKS:* Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's Website * Author Page
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller
02:55 - Preaching through the Book of Revelation
03:29 - Dr Javed takes a literal interpretation and dispensationalist view of Revelation
04:18 - What is the type of genre of literature is Revelation?
04:59 - ... Apocalyptic literature
05:22 - apocalyptic = unveiling - take away something that is covering something else
06:00 - Four methods : preterist, historicist, idealist, futurist
06:41 - Preparing messages : informational, instructional, and inspirational
07:33 - Epistle to the Seven Churches
07:47 - Why did the people of Israel develop this genre of literature?
08:46 - Speaking in code...
09:53 - So much of Revelation is taking ideas from the Old Testament and reformulating it
10:35 - Analogy with a theater production
11:18 - Going back behind the scenes in a world where we have limited vision of what is going on
11:41 - John is getting the behind the scenes tour and telling us in symbolic language what' s going on
13:31 - Importance of Old Testament and connection to Revelation
13:56 - The code is in the Old Testament
15:16 - Helping students understand Revelation
15:20 - Who is the audience for Revelation?
15:36 - Who is writing?
16:32 - America-centric interpretation of Revelation?
18:35 - For example, preaching on the number / mark of the beast
19:09 - Dr Javed on the mark of the beast
20:32 - A little dangerous to over-analyze
20:46 - Rev Dr Miller on the mark of the beast
20:56 - ...Revelation 13:16-17
21:55 - ...Deuteronomy 6:6-9
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Quilen Blackwell is the president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, whose mission is to train inner city youth in sustainable social enterprises to alleviate poverty. The Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why Southside Blooms is different * Building strong families * Be the industry and save the economy
ABOUT THE GUEST: Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, which creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago. The Eco House has won several awards for its work including the UL Innovation Education Award, Delta Institute BOOST Award, the Keep Chicago Beautiful Community Vision Award, and the African American Legacy Award. Quilen is originally from Madison, WI, and moved to Chicago to attend ministry school.
While in ministry school, he volunteered at a local high school in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's south side. This is where he first got acclimated to the realities that young people face every day in the inner city. He decided to commit his life to creating opportunities for the young people in the inner city by utilizing his skills in community organizing and renewable energy.
Quilen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability from the University of Denver. He worked in the biodiesel industry as a procurer of feedstock and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand prior to starting the Chicago Eco House. Quilen resides on the south side of Chicago with his wife Hannah (the other co-founder of Eco House) and their three children.
RELATED LINKS:* www.chicagoecohouse.org
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:27 - Introducing Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House
02:53 - His family is his #1 ministry
03:53 - Journey to Chicago & the founding the Eco House
04:14 - Called by the Lord to move to Chicago
04:29 - Started volunteering at a high school during ministry school
04:42 - Opportunity to have relationships with families and see their needs
05:03 - Choice to serve the urban black community
05:12 - Mission to rebuild the economic foundation of the inner city
06:09 - What is Southside Blooms and why does it work?
07:00 - Southside Blooms is different because...
07:05 - Startup business as a viable flower shop
07:09 - Creating bottom up careers in the neighborhood
07:21 - Be the industry and save the economy
08:17 - Urban ministry intersects with other areas of expertise
08:29 - Taking skills, expertise, and experiences and channeling them toward kingdom purpose
08:41 - Not only using God's blessings to solve earthly problems, but to show heaven on earth
09:08 - Combine the spiritual need with physical needs
10:21 - Importance of family-focused programs
10:33 - Culture of single mother families
10:46 - Building block of successful family units
10:58 - Flowers in weddings gives opportunities to talk about marriage
11:20 - Giving a different vision of what family looks like
11:29 - Quilen & Hannah's marriage is a witness to the youth
12:18 - The ministry is really all about families
12:45 - Initial community response to Southside Blooms
12:57 - Survey the community, talk to political leaders, assess the need
13:14 - The real need is homegrown industry
13:31 - Pushback: why flowers and not food?
13:53 - Look at the business picture
14:27 - Now the results can be seen
14:30 - God gave an unconventional idea
14:44 - Christlike leadership and coming alongside people
14:56 - Moses' example leading Israel out of Egypt
15:27 - Unconventional ideas might not be favorable initially
16:20 - Hardest challenges
16:40 - Dangerous neighborhood
16:54 - Unbelief
17:52 - Fixation on the idea that things don't change
18:16 - Work to change: Why can't things get better?
18:36 - God can do more than you think - work in God's will
19:03 - Assumption about “bad” neighborhoods you would like to debunk
19:11 - Debunk that people don't care about their neighborhood
19:28 - People are people and want the same things
19:49 - There are a lot of hidden assets because people do want a better community
19:58 - Facing calamities overshadows improvements for a better community
20:12 - Opportunities for Christians to be the salt and light
20:58 - A doctor is for the sick, not the healthy
21:44 - Trust the Lord
21:56 - Be the answer to the problems
22:39 - Seeing God's hand in ministry work
22:45 - God is working every day
23:04 - When Southside Blooms was trying to get into the neighborhood in the early days
23:31 - Getting vacant properties
24:51 - Construction
25:28 - Southside Blooms started in the basement and the backyard
25:35 - Youth program to teach gardening
25:49 - God has grown the ministry to 10 acres of farms and two flower shops
26:09 - How individuals and church can promote environmental sustainability in urban areas
26:18 - Counting the cost
27:06 - Give your life as a seed
27:40 - Start small with a community garden or a school
29:05 - It's worth it!
30:13 - Knowing that my life mattered
30:35 - Don't think about the short-term pain; think about the long-term gain
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David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Ramadan affects outreach * Sharing the gospel more effectively * Practical steps in cross-culture ministry
ABOUT THE GUEST: David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the Earth through global gateway cities. They have served in the West African community for 10 years globally.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Jeremiah 12 : 5 * Matthew 6 : 33-34 * Matthew 13 : 1-9
RELATED LINKS:* Global Gates
01:01 - Misconceptions to address when ministering among Muslims
01:07 - Not all Muslims are terrorists
01:27 - Christians can visit a mosque
02:06 - Many Muslims do want to know about Jesus
03:10 - What do you love and admire about the people you serve?
03:13 - Value relationship over schedule
03:21 - Hospitality
04:44 - Ramadan
05:27 - Fasting during daylight hours
05:52 - Help reflect on how it feels to be poor
06:02 - Focused prayer and asking for forgiveness
06:16 - Ask God to show the straight path
06:29 - Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca
07:28 - The Night of Power
08:17 - Christian pray that God would show Jesus to Muslims
08:29 - Hope that God would reveal something during Ramadan
08:46 - Christians can invite Muslims to break fast
08:51 - Bring water or dates to a Muslim might not have broken fast at sundown
09:25 - Opportunities during Ramadan and Outreach
09:51 - Focus on having gospel conversations
10:45 - God has shown that so many organizations are focused on reaching on all the nations
11:17 - Network of organizations working together
12:22 - You may not be the one who leads someone to Christ, but you may be one of the many leading up to it
14:52 - Personal story of faith and knowing that God has him
17:28 - Ask God and God revealed in a dream
19:45 - Family on Mission
20:41 - Each member of the family does something
22:56 - Go-to Bible verses for encouragement
23:05 - Jeremiah 12 : 5
24:36 - Matthew 6 : 33-34
25:02 - Matthew 13 : 1-9
26:31 - Sharing the gospel more effectively
26:50 - Joining existing work
27:14 - Find ministries addressing needs
27:33 - If there is no existing work, pray, search the needs, and then start it
28:20 - Practical things to do to reach out
28:34 - Go to restaurants and enjoy their food
29:10 - Go to places of worship and observe
29:43 - Invite into your home
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Join us as we countdown the top 5 episodes of 2024.
The fifth most popular episode was #94. The Journey from "Truth" to TRUTH.
Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How to Search for Answers * Big God Theology * Letting God Be True
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and ministry.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Matthew 18 : 18 * Matthew 28 : 19 * Acts 2 : 38
RELATED LINKS:* Highpoint Bible Church * Email Pastor Buckley
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Otis (OL) Buckley
03:44 - Early years in Chicago
04:01 - then the move to Texas
04:51 - and then to Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY
07:15 - Sabellianism / Modalistic
09:20 - Classic Oneness Pentecostalism
10:39 - Class on Overview of Hebrew Studies
11:18 - Matthew 18 : 18
11:34 - Learning a different interpretation
12:42 - Have I been wrong all these years?
12:57 - What else could I possibly have been wrong about?
13:17 - Another connected event
14:28 - Matthew 28 : 19
14:47 - vs Acts 2 : 38
15:33 - God opens OL's eyes to the Trinity
16:13 - Are people are going beyond the social issues to wrestling with theology?
18:21 - Denominations, Name, Theology, & Social Media
20:27 - The need for clear Biblical theology
22:47 - God's workings to move OL on the journey
23:04 - Every dilemma raises a question
23:12 - And every question creates an opportunity to pivot
23:49 - Do I really know God the way I think I do?
24:37 - Lord, let your Word imposed itself on me.
25:37 - Big God theology
25:54 - Not compartimentalizing God
28:59 - Was this a personal journey of discovery or where there others alongside you?
30:52 - Every question drives one to search for an answer
30:56 - ...three-fold answer
30:59 - ...1. pray
31:12 - ...2. search the Scriptures
31:25 - ...3. right teaching
31:42 - ... and stilling the voices with wrong interpretations of Scripture
34:06 - Abandoning the past
34:22 - Letting God be True
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Anita Rahma currently lives with her family in the slums of Jakarta, Indonesia. She discusses discipleship, incarnational urban ministry, and loving Muslim neighbors.
Book: Downward Discipleship
Book: Beyond Our Walls
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Definition of "slum" * What downward discipleship is * Building relationships in Jakarta
ABOUT THE GUEST: Anita’s high school years were spent as an American TCK in the Philippines. For the past decade, Anita and her husband and two children have lived and served in a slum in Indonesia. She enjoys learning piano, playing in the rain, and devouring good books. She is the author of Beyond Our Walls: Finding Jesus in the Slums of Jakarta and Downward Discipleship: How Amy Carmichael Gave Me Courage to Serve in a Slum.
RELATED LINKS:* Servants Asia Website * Email Anita Rahma
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Anita Rahma
03:22 - Anita's choice to live in the urban slums of Jakarta
03:33 - ...grew up in the US as a child of pastors in a modern Mennonite home
03:49 - ...loving God could not be separated from loving those struggling with poverty
03:56 - ...moved to the Philippines during high school
04:06 - ...God working on her heart - her middle-class life vs the homeless around her
04:27 - ... felt that Jesus was saying that He is with the homeless
04:36 - ...desire to return to encounter Jesus while serving the poor
04:51 - ...in college years, went to Urbana Missions Convention, Servants to Asia's Urban Poor
05:10 - ...God is with the poor; we want to be too
05:24 - ...over 1B people live in urban slums
05:59 - Definition of "slum" and why live there
07:06 - ...incarnation: live in the community in which you are serving
07:21 - ...really experience the community to know their needs
07:38 - ...follow Jesus to serve the poor
07:58 - ...great place to learn the language and culture
08:13 - What in Anita's background helped her connect with impoverished people?
09:12 - ...initially, did not want to leave the Philippines and return to America
09:36 - ...God taught a lot about poverty in America
10:09 - ...felt God calling her back overseas
12:19 - Explanation of "downward discipleship"
12:30 - ...bombardment of messages to seek success
12:47 - ...Jesus sets an example of downward mobility - left heaven for earth
13:21 - ...taking the position of a servant
13:37 - ...a disciple is someone who follows
13:55 - Anita's books
13:58 - ...First Book: Beyond Our Walls: Finding Jesus in the Slums of Jakarta
14:04 - ...Second book: Downward Discipleship: How Amy Carmichael Gave Me Courage to Serve in a Slum
14:09 - ......tying in stories of Amy Carmichael
14:44 - ......the struggle of downward discipleship in the American church context
14:57 - ......discipleship happen overseas in the process of learning
15:05 - How to communicate the concept of downward discipleship to the local church
15:27 - ...moving from the need to control to compassion
15:58 - ...compassion means to suffer with
17:23 - Some of the biggest challenges in impoverished urban ministry
17:31 - ...physical - adjusting from comfortable middle class to slums:
17:56 - ......sickness and illness
18:26 - ......fires
18:47 - ......floods
18:50 - ......eviction
19:04 - ...spiritual & emotional:
19:24 - ......Jesus is the Savior, not us
19:29 - Jeremiah 29 : 7
19:41 - ...tying our welfare to that of our neighbors
20:31 - How to build relationships in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world
20:45 - ...choose to live in the neighborhood
20:57 - ...come as learners
20:59 - ...as a single female, was "adopted" into many families
21:07 - ...run a free school for the kids
21:22 - ...through the school came knowing families, visiting, praying, doing Scripture studies
22:57 - ...sow seeds and trust God to bring the growth
24:57 - Experience as a woman and a mother helped minister to Muslim women
25:05 - ...as a single woman was "adopted" into families
25:45 - ...being married and becoming a mother opened doors
26:01 - ...passionate about prenatal care
27:02 - Advice for fellow laborers with small children
27:08 - ...things get easier as the children get older
27:11 - ...be gracious with yourself and your children
27:28 - ...be on mission as a family
27:43 - ...addressing family needs
28:05 - ...self-care is important and not selfish
30:00 - True poverty is a very foreign concept
30:17 - ...before going to another country, learn in your own context
30:25 - ...what are your walls that separate you from people?
30:45 - ...wherever you're going to minister, go as a learner and encounter Jesus
31:10 - ...recognize that service is a life-long and long-term
31:29 - ...live lives of compassion
31:56 - Join in praying for communities around the world
32:23 - Getting in touch with Anita or finding her books
32:33 - ...go to amazon.com or servantsasia.org or email rahma@servantsasia.org
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Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance caring for our missionaries well and how to engage the local church.
Book: Holding the Rope
Blog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions Awareness
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* When does missionary care start * Practical ways the local church can care for their missionaries * How pastors can help their congregation be aware of the missionaries' needs
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan serves as Director of Missions and Operations with Lightbearers Ministries. He graduated in 2022 with a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological seminary, where he also serves as a trustee. He has received a MDiv in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2008), and an undergraduate degree (2005) from Union University in Jackson, TN. Prior to joining Lightbearers, he served for thirteen years as a missions pastor in the local church. Ryan lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Rebekah, and three children: Hudson, Annie, and Hattie.
RELATED LINKS:* Website: Lightbearers.com * Twitter: Ryan Allen Martin * Email: Ryan Martin
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Introducing Dr Ryan Martin
02:58 - Motivation for writing a book on missionary care
04:07 - ...addressing needs of missionary families
04:34 - ...giving and not being poured back into and filled up
04:41 - ..almost reaching the point of burnout
05:16 - How do we care for them?
05:59 - ...the local church sensed that more tools were needed to care for missionaries well
09:06 - Book - Holding the Rope : How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones
09:10 - ...Metaphor for the title, "Holding the Rope"
09:21 - ...William Carey sermon
10:28 - Importance of caring for missionaries
11:12 - ...commissioning a missionary is the starting point, not the finish line
11:44 - When does missionary care start?
12:02 - ...getting to know the missionary as he is being trained and developed
12:26 - ...understand where the pressure points might be
12:55 - ...debrief points when the missionary returns
13:16 - ...areas of struggle will be exposed in the field
13:51 - What are practical ways that a church can care for their missionaries?
14:09 - ...evaluate missionaries' readiness
14:16 - ......The Upstream Collective has resources
14:39 - ...pre-field stage
15:07 - ...on the field care
16:04 - ...returning from the field
16:26 - How can pastors help their congregation be aware of their missionaries' needs?
16:32 - ...get to know the missionaries
17:12 - ...look for ways to bring the missionaries before the congregation
17:58 - ...visit missionaries in the field
19:13 - How do we care for missionaries' kids?
20:44 - ...show the children their role and how they can help
21:03 - ...dealing with different ages
21:37 - ...children and teen ministries to pray for missionary kids
21:46 - ...send families with children to visit them in the field
22:24 - ...dealing with abuse and crisis situations
23:33 - ...issues are worldwide, not just isolated to the West
24:50 - ...missionary kids have the added pressure of the local kids
27:58 - Look to strengthen care for missionaries
29:17 - More resources from Dr Ryan Martin...
29:18 - ...book (Amazon) : Holding the Rope
29:21 - ...theupstreamcollective.org
29:34 - ...The Center for Great Commission Studies
29:37 - ...Other podcasts
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Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance of missional awareness in the local church, particularly through local international ministry.
Book: Holding the Rope
Blog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions Awareness
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What missional awareness is * Three practical suggestions for engaging the local international community * What missional discipleship looks like
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan serves as Director of Missions and Operations with Lightbearers Ministries. He graduated in 2022 with a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological seminary, where he also serves as a trustee. He has received a MDiv in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2008), and an undergraduate degree (2005) from Union University in Jackson, TN. Prior to joining Lightbearers, he served for thirteen years as a missions pastor in the local church. Ryan lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Rebekah, and three children: Hudson, Annie, and Hattie.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 20 : 21 * Acts 17 : 26
RELATED LINKS:* Website: Lightbearers.com * Twitter: Ryan Allen Martin * Email: Ryan Martin
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:09 - Introducing Ryan Martin
03:26 - What is missional awareness?
03:40 - ...The unreached are now within arm's reach
04:14 - ...John 20 - 21 - sent by Jesus to be ambassadors into the world
04:32 - ...The nations are here within our reach
05:01 - ...The Great Commission is not just for the paid professionals
05:22 - ...Make disciples and be disciples who make disciples
05:29 - How does missional awareness tie into our growing international community?
05:59 - ...Acts 17 - 26 - God has determined our dwelling places
06:12 - ...God has brought the nations to us and to recognize that we need to live that theology
06:50 - ...Recognize the need to take the gospel to our local people groups
09:47 - Planting seven churches over the next ten years
10:22 - ...First, Hispanic church plant and Second, South Asian
10:27 - ...Next, Hmong and South East Asian population
10:47 - ...and global partners to train and sent out
11:15 - ...Resourced by local church budget
11:42 - Practical Suggestions for engaging with the local international community
12:15 - ...Local church being missionally aware
12:34 - ...Visit world religion sites and learn about other religions
14:08 - ......Look for avenues to gospel conversations
14:14 - ......Read up on basics before visiting
15:05 - ...Frequenting ethnic establishments
15:17 - .....Food is a great way to break down barriers
16:20 - ...International students
16:54 - ......80% of international students will never be invited to an American home
19:21 - How does Lightbearers minister to students?
20:15 - ...Discipleship and missions
20:58 - ...72-unit complex houses students
21:55 - ...Life on life discipleship among students
22:03 - ...Match student with a local church mentor
22:26 - ...Fund mission projects to international church plant project
22:48 - ...Short term missions trips
23:54 - ...Dreaming of an East Coast presence
25:56 - Why is discipleship important for preparing for missions?
26:05 - ...At the heart of the Great Commission is discipleship and gathering into the local church
26:50 - What does missional discipleship look like?
27:03 - ...Corporate worship gathering
27:19 - ...Meeting in homes
27:27 - ...One-on-one and small groups
27:45 - ...Missional expressions in our lives
28:03 - ...Count the cost and take the gospel to the ends of the earth
31:37 - How does a church send AND go?
31:49 - ...We are all sent ones
32:03 - ...Protect the word, "missionary"
32:39 - ...We are all called to be on mission
32:50 - ...Opportunities to the cast the vision for missions
32:57 - ...Keep missions and missionaries in the minds of the church
33:41 - ...Each one of us are missionaries and are sent as well
34:31 - Ask ourselves how to build in missional awareness
34:48 - ...Pray for unreached people groups
35:19 - ...Read missionary biographies
35:41 - ..Look for opportunities to serve together on mission
36:03 - ...Take family on missions trip
37:01 - Contacting Ryan Martin...
37:07 - ...email ryanmartin@lightbearers.com
37:13 - ...twitter and instagram RyanAllenMartin
37:18 - ...blog theupstreamcollective.org
37:39 - ...book (Amazon): Holding the Rope
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Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can love the stranger because Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger.
- Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul
- Book: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger * Challenging the fear-based ethic approaches to refugees * Banal, Sterile Life vs A Rich Feast
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Mark Glanville trains pastors at Regent College, Vancouver, and is an Old Testament scholar.
Prior to coming to Regent, Mark pastored for 14 years in both Vancouver and Australia in urban, justice seeking churches.
Mark has been bi-vocational– combining reflective pastoring with biblical scholarship and is a trained jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Deuteronomy 10 : 18-19 - Love the stranger
RELATED LINKS:* Dr. Mark Glanville's website
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics
02:46 - Christians need to be different
03:12 - Book looks deeply into the questions and pushback of welcoming refugees
04:15 - Deuteronomy 10 : 18-19 Biblical scholarship on love the stranger
04:40 - Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger
05:17 - Welcoming a stranger is very common in Old Testament ethics
06:10 - Mirroring the love and character of God
06:16 - Hebrew word for love = steadfast covenant loyalty
07:53 - Challenging the fear-based ethic approaches to refugees
08:16 - ...Preaching the scriptures very clearly
08:35 - ......not prooftexting, but displaying the gospel in our local neighborhood
09:07 - ......recovering every aspect of what it means to flourish
09:33 - ......the whole biblical story and playing our part faithfully
09:45 - ......choosing love & tenderness
09:58 - ...Proximity
10:02 - ......having real life experience with people who have a refugee story
10:20 - ......dispelling false fears
10:45 - ......not just the resilience, but the brilliance, of regufees
11:28 - .....live life in diversity and sharing lives
11:50 - ......partner with Christian refugee-welcoming organization
13:20 - Engaging the community in New York over food
14:25 - Banal, Sterile Life vs A Rich Feast
16:02 - ...as contrasted in a musical example of "Jesus Loves Me"
18:30 - the body of Christ exercising all their gifts
19:36 - Amazing Grace
21:46 - To get in touch with Dr. Glanville: glanville.org
22:33 - This is the Day the Lord Has Made
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Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can adapt to and impact their own neighborhoods in a post-Christian world.
- Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul
- Book: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Christian vs Post-Christian Culture * Four Key Questions of Scripture * Beauty is a Glimpse of God
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Mark Glanville trains pastors at Regent College, Vancouver, and is an Old Testament scholar.
Prior to coming to Regent, Mark pastored for 14 years in both Vancouver and Australia in urban, justice seeking churches.
Mark has been bi-vocational-- combining reflective pastoring with biblical scholarship and is a trained jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene.
RELATED LINKS:* Dr. Mark Glanville at Regent College
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr. Mark Glanville
03:19 - Mark's background and his approach to doing church
03:30 - 4-note chord: pastoring, scholarship, teaching, jazz music
04:13 - Exited seminary to a government housing area in western Sydney, Australia
04:33 - High crime, high poverty, high community
05:12 - Then to Vancouver, very post-Christian city
06:31 - Impoverished cities
06:50 - Impoverished, underprivileged areas are higher in community
07:31 - See Christ in the faces of those who are marginalized
07:45 - Deuteronomy 24 - God hears the prayers of the marginalized people
09:12 - Definition of a Christian culture
09:52 - Definition of post-Christian culture
10:30 - Should the church fight post-Christian culture or go deep into our identity as Christians and mirror Christ?
11:02 - We are authorized to embody Christ's tenderness and love
11:37 - Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul
12:15 - Be aware of the things we do as a church that are culturally Christian and discerning what is the Spirit forming us to do
12:57 - How can we be a church that is genuinely local?
13:31 - Beauty is a part of witnessing Christ
14:29 - Phrase: Incarnational communities
14:55 - Church: a people that is receiving and extending the healing of Jesus
15:23 - Incarnational Communities as a Sentence: An incarnational community is full of the Spirit, shaped by Scripture, and seeking to embody the love of Jesus and receive and display it in a particular neighborhood.
15:47 - Incarnational Communities as an Image: Incarnational church seen as blues musicians
18:17 - Unpacking four key questions of Scripture...
18:55 - ...Biblical story
19:14 - ...gospel
19:53 - ...witness
20:21 - ...Biblical ethics
20:57 - The need for churches to truly belong to their neighborhoods
21:14 - Scripture is related to place
22:02 - Reconceive "witness" as loving a place in the name of Jesus
22:50 - ...photos of loved places in the neighborhood
24:49 - ...prayer for revival
30:11 - Churches should give their attention to beauty, aesthetics, and the arts
31:01 - Beauty is a glimpse of God
31:57 - Give attention to the artists in the church
32:46 - We need to be artists and be creative in all we do
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Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the local church developing a heart for mercy ministries.
Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Right
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The balance between social gospel and evangelism * Ministering to the community in which you are placed * Broadening the impact of the church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Darren Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Rights. Prior to serving in higher education, he had 18 years of international cross-cultural experience living in 10 countries. While overseas, the service spanned from child evangelism to responding to emergencies to long-term development programs. Through all these countries and experiences, a priority was placed on partnering with the local church.
RELATED LINKS:* Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Law and Policy * Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian and Human Rights – Disaster Relief * Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Woman and Child Advocacy * Email Dr. Hercyk
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes
01:53 - Majority World Church's view on humanitarian training
01:59 - Realms of society: private sector, civil society, public sector
02:26 - Majority World Church tends to be the largest provider of education, healthcare...
02:47 - ...out of the absence of these services
03:07 - ...not a lot of assets, but involved in people's daily lives
03:39 - ...church leaders have enormous moral authority
03:58 - As a developed society, we don't have that role-- we just evangelize
04:20 - ...sometimes we miss the balance between social gospel and evangelism
04:51 - ...5 times where Jesus took care of a physical need but didn't share a truth
05:00 - ...58 times where Jesus shared a truth but didn't take care of a physical need
05:05 - ...99 times when Jesus did both
05:26 - Generation Z is one of the most cause-oriented generations...
05:35 - ... be mindful to engage them
06:56 - Ministering to the community in which you are placed
07:40 - ...understanding their "Jerusalem"
07:49 - ...know my neighbor before I love my neighbor
08:02 - Broadening the impact of the church
08:09 - Faith Integration - connect heart and hands
08:34 - ...be involved - help, know people, bring the gospel
08:59 - ...look for ways to bring the youth
09:10 - ...build a bridge to people to whom you wouldn't normal engage
09:27 - A frightening question --
09:29 - ...Would anybody even know if your church ceased to exist?
09:56 - Mercy ministries in your own community
11:06 - ...getting it to the church level about being New Testament believers
11:43 - Preparing for missions trips through prior local engagement
12:22 - ...learn skills, but we should be connecting with people anyway
13:15 - ..this is not just about missions, but about loving people where God has placed you
13:33 - ...developed training as a masters program at Liberty University
14:29 - Dr. Hercyk's upcoming book
15:39 - Getting in touch with Dr. Hercyk by email: dehercyk@liberty.edu
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Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the importance of humanitarian training for missionaries and the heart for mercy ministries.
Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Right
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What is humanitarian work? * Evangelism includes some type of humanitarian work * Developing the heart attitude for those in need
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Darren Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Rights. Prior to serving in higher education, he had 18 years of international cross-cultural experience living in 10 countries. While overseas, the service spanned from child evangelism to responding to emergencies to long-term development programs. Through all these countries and experiences, a priority was placed on partnering with the local church.
RELATED LINKS:* Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Law and Policy * Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian and Human Rights – Disaster Relief * Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Woman and Child Advocacy * Email Dr. Hercyk
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Darren Hercyk
03:06 - Work in Pakistan
03:31 - 1998: overseas as an engineer
03:45 - ...began working with a local church
03:55 - ...transition to humanitarian work
03:58 - ...to nine more countries
04:43 - Program Director for Online Masters in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights at Liberty University
04:56 - ...started in 2022
05:08 - ...increase in emergencies
05:16 - Leaders needed around the world with Biblical foundations and skills
05:56 - ...work with the global church
06:13 - ...Cross-cutting program - in School of Divinity, but with courses from government, law, behavior sciences
06:41 - Evangelism includes some type of humanitarian work
06:53 - ...take care of people's physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs
07:19 - What is humanitarian work?
07:41 - ...mercy ministries
07:59 - ...emergency response
08:23 - ...refugee crisis
08:31 - ...human rights & trafficking
08:59 - ...food aid
09:05 - living on the streets
09:28 - Prepare the heart for mercy ministries, for the needs around you
09:52 - How do you get from the book to the heart?
10:04 - ...develop the skills in your local community
11:02 - ...connecting the head, heart, and hands
11:30 - ...learn the skills to engage someone, hear their story, learn why God loves them so much
11:53 - ...sometimes, God works from the hands, to the heart, to the head
12:06 - ...realize your commonality with that person
12:18 - ...everyone is created in God's image
12:21 - ...read Scripture in an entirely new way
12:40 - ...start where you are
14:11 - Humanitarian training is crucial for missionaries
14:15 - ...show the overseas country that you have these skills to get a visa
14:25 - ...understand the breadth of the opportunities in humanitarian work
14:34 - Old Testament: God's provision and protection: one is charity, but the rest is doing life with people in need
15:32 - ...there's more opportunities to serve than just charity
15:48 - ...our lives intersect with people in need
16:47 - Our job is not to become more efficient at delivering goods, but to have our heart and lives intersect with people in need
17:11 - Mercy ministries often involve going to places you do not normally go and engaging people you do not normally engage
17:51 - What's our heart attitude to those in need and those around us?
18:14 - The one thing common to all stories was the need for relationship (social isolation)
18:55 - Foundation of God's work
19:04 - ...How did Paul build a bridge to people?
19:27 - ...we are created in God's image
19:39 - ...affirm people's God-given dignity
19:44 - ...ask open-ended questions
19:46 - ...use people's names
19:53 - ...are you there to fix them or are you there because you are interested in their lives?
20:37 - ...listen to people's stories
20:59 - ...bridge to gospel conversations
24:41 - ...when we hear people's stories, it's a gift exchange
25:24 - Trauma counseling
25:38 - ...first responder training
25:45 - Proposal development
26:02 - Funding, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and progress
26:22 - Calculating physical needs in trauma situations
27:11 - Capstone course
27:21 - How to network
29:00 - Dr Hercyk's upcoming book
30:04 - Dr Hercyk's Email Address: dehercyk@liberty.edu
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Pastor Drew Hyun, HOPE Church NYC, shares the unique challenges of leading and pastoring in urban settings as well as the importance of emotionally healthy leaders.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What is Emotionally Healthy Discipleship? * New City Network (of Churches) Five Values * Unique needs and challenges faced by urban ministers
ABOUT THE GUEST: Drew Hyun is the Founder and Pastor of Hope Church NYC, a family of diverse churches in and around NYC. Drew is also the Co-Founder of the New City Network, a network of urban churches that value multi-ethnicity, Spirit-filled ministry, emotional health, and mission. Drew is also part of the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship team, a movement that is dedicated to transforming church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed leaders and disciples. Drew loves cities, ESPN, and naps, and finds it a restful Sabbath when all three come together. He resides in New York City with his wife Christina and their son David and daughter Avery.
RELATED LINKS:* HOPE Church Website * New City Network Website * Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Website * The Hub Website * Drew Hyun on Twitter
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:24 - Introducing Pastor Drew Hyun
04:01 - Founder of Hope Church NYC and Co-Founder of New City Network
04:41 - Psalm 33:18
05:18 - defined as a people who deeply hoped in God's unfailing love
05:42 - 2012 - dream to start a movement of churches in NYC - Hope Church NYC
06:39 - 2016 - New City Network
06:54 - Recovery House of Worship (Next Step Community Church)
07:11 - New Life Fellowship
07:14 - New City Network of Churches around five values...
07:26 - ...urban ministry
07:32 - ...emotional health
07:34 - ...Spirit-filled ministry
07:42 - ...multi-ethnic ministry
07:48 - ...mission
08:04 - Church-planting - support for ~40 churches with $2M
08:51 - What is Pastor Hyun's journey to urban ministry?
09:24 - Grew up in Los Angeles, but very unlike New York
09:31 - College at University of California at Berkeley
09:40 - 2000: Three options following university
11:02 - NYC has a different vibe
11:48 - 2001: Internship at New Life Fellowship
13:23 - Love the people and the diversity of people
14:41 - What are the unique needs and challenges faced by urban ministers?
14:59 - Very practical challenges...
15:14 - ...exorbitant cost
15:27 - ...extra time that things take to do
15:34 - ...leads to feeling weightier and a heaviness
15:43 - ...the soil does not seem quit as open
15:50 - ...tons of people, but they are harder to reach because they have such little time in margin
16:05 - ...staying emotionally and spiritually vibrant is exceptionally difficult
16:26 - ...practical needs end up putting on more stress, fear, loneliness, anxiety
16:43 - Unless one is super-intentional about remaining emotionally and spiritually whole
17:14 - Deeply passionate about emotionally healthy discipleship
17:41 - Approach with a missionary mindset - it's cross-cultural experience
17:59 - What is emotional health and why is it important?
18:32 - The goal is not just planting churches...
18:42 - ...vibrant and full of health
18:45 - ...integrity that mimic Sermon on the Mount
18:55 - Emotionally healthy discipleship culture
19:41 - What are we multiplying?
20:19 - Role of New City Network
20:38 - Emotionally Healthy Discipleship is in process of building a network
21:41 - Involvement in Emotionally Healthy Discipleship
22:29 - Seeing unhealthy churches in the past
23:09 - Seeing Christianity in the church vs what Jesus taught
23:29 - Seeing the same thing happening in his own life
24:22 - How does the gospel speak into our lives and experiences?
24:51 - What it means to follow Jesus?
25:46 - We are unaware of our blind spots and our power
25:55 - Grow continually
26:02 - Make amends with our sinfulness
26:08 - Desire to live with as much integrity as possible
26:31 - Ask God for transformation
26:49 - Deep father wounds transcend cultures
30:34 - Discipleship Model: what's caught and what's taught...
30:57 - ...taught...
31:10 - ...Emotionally Healthy Discipleship...
31:20 - ... Course 1. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
31:24 - ... Course 2. Emotionally Healthy Relationships
31:36 - Introduce people on what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind
31:41 - and to love others as your love yourself
31:46 - ...caught...
31:49 - Modeling incarnational listening while working through a conflict
31:58 - Building a culture
32:20 - Who can participate in the program?
32:57 - How would a ministry leader start this discipleship program?
33:05 - EmotionallyHealthy.org - for assessments, tools, introduction to courses
33:19 - Hope Church begins The Hub in Midtown NYC
33:59 - Communal space for use by church plants, missions agencies, and non-profits at an affordable cost
34:50 - Last year, 78 organizations used this space
36:51 - Getting in touch with Pastor Drew Hyun - @drewhyun on Instagram and Twitter
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Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Purpose of the book Revelation * Discussing Revelation with Muslim background people * Focus on "Who is Jesus?"
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.
He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.
He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).
RELATED LINKS:* Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's Website * Author Page
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes
01:43 - How did John's audience relate to the book of Revelation?
01:53 - Apocalyptic literature - multiple fulfillment: immediate and later
02:32 - Bible : implication in every generation and church age
03:24 - Revelation is not only for that final generation
03:41 - Multiple fulfillment examples: ...unto us a child is given, onto us, a child is born
04:04 - ...from Egypt, I have called my son
04:36 - ...woman in Revelation 12
04:58 - Responsibility of each person to ask: why am I given this text in this day and age?
05:28 - When we miss the big picture, we miss what God has given us in Revelation
05:39 - Knowing the end of the book should take away our anxiety
05:50 - Struggle: how to help people know Revelation but also act on it to reach the lost
06:37 - How do Muslim background believers (MBBs) approach Revelation?
06:44 - ...one Muslim Background believers' experience
07:12 - Even the devil is God's devil
07:23 - fascinated by Revelation
07:27 - Muslims have a very detailed eschatology
07:53 - which includes the return of Jesus
08:09 - Have not personally found that MBBs are that concerned with the end times and the return of Christ
08:33 - The main issue of MBBs is identity and relating to family and others
08:42 - Every tribe and language and people and nation...
10:59 - Revelation shows us the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant
11:13 - The text from Revelation to discuss with a MBB
11:39 - Who is this guy that John is describing?
12:00 - Visions of Jesus
13:11 - Revelation 19-21 - City of God coming down - the division between heaven and earth is erased
14:23 - And no division in Eden, either
14:38 - Our vision is corrupted by sin
15:04 - Revelation will be clear when Jesus returns
15:43 - Grand Finale - restoration
16:28 - Acts 3 : 21 apokatastasis
18:42 - Focus on gospel kingdom and evangelism
18:58 - Israel in the end times
19:59 - Israel is the people of God
20:16 - Main symbols of Israel in the Old Testament
21:01 - Let everyone who thirsts come
21:12 - Don't miss the boat
22:47 - Contacting Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller
22:53 - blog : duanemiller.wordpress.com
23:04 - Amazon : Duane Alexander Miller
23:16 - Youtube : @drduanemiller
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Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Genre of Revelation and Its Importance * Old Testament and Revelation link * Host's & Guest's Interpretation Example
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.
He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.
He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).
RELATED LINKS:* Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's Website * Author Page
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller
02:55 - Preaching through the Book of Revelation
03:29 - Dr Javed takes a literal interpretation and dispensationalist view of Revelation
04:18 - What is the type of genre of literature is Revelation?
04:59 - ... Apocalyptic literature
05:22 - apocalyptic = unveiling - take away something that is covering something else
06:00 - Four methods : preterist, historicist, idealist, futurist
06:41 - Preparing messages : informational, instructional, and inspirational
07:33 - Epistle to the Seven Churches
07:47 - Why did the people of Israel develop this genre of literature?
08:46 - Speaking in code...
09:53 - So much of Revelation is taking ideas from the Old Testament and reformulating it
10:35 - Analogy with a theater production
11:18 - Going back behind the scenes in a world where we have limited vision of what is going on
11:41 - John is getting the behind the scenes tour and telling us in symbolic language what' s going on
13:31 - Importance of Old Testament and connection to Revelation
13:56 - The code is in the Old Testament
15:16 - Helping students understand Revelation
15:20 - Who is the audience for Revelation?
15:36 - Who is writing?
16:32 - America-centric interpretation of Revelation?
18:35 - For example, preaching on the number / mark of the beast
19:09 - Dr Javed on the mark of the beast
20:32 - A little dangerous to over-analyze
20:46 - Rev Dr Miller on the mark of the beast
20:56 - ...Revelation 13:16-17
21:55 - ...Deuteronomy 6:6-9
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Temeko Richardson, a seasoned Executive Producer, Director, and Writer, is known for her inspirational films that combine business acumen with artistic vision, earning her eight awards. Her latest film is "At the Cross."
About film: At the Cross
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Embracing different types of people in the church * Keeping the focus on Biblical teaching and the kingdom * Call to ministry vs pleasing the culture
ABOUT THE GUEST: Temeko Richardson, a seasoned Executive Producer, Director, and Writer, is known for her inspirational films that combine business acumen with artistic vision, earning her eight awards. Her latest film, "At the Cross," explores thought-provoking topics often overlooked in traditional Church settings, and resonates with youth and contemporary culture. This film skillfully captures the essence of youth and contemporary culture while fearlessly exploring issues that many pastors and religious leaders avoid.
RELATED LINKS:* About Temeko Richardson
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:39 - Introducing Temeko Richardson
03:23 - At the Cross - story based on uncomfortable conversations that church people have to have with the unchurched & seeking
03:43 - feeling resistance in telling these stories
03:56 - feature film that focuses the audience through the lens of a pastor in dilemmas with his congregation and community
04:22 - like youth who astray, people who don't know what church is about, feeling judged, marginalized
04:48 - focus on not being so relevant that God's kingdom is not kept in mind
04:58 - lessons on the times like women in leadership, succession planning, and calling
05:39 - Movie short - male mental health wellness - challenges of upholding "I'm OK" called "I am Him"
07:20 - Inspiration of characters of "At the Cross"
07:26 - The characters and stories are real
08:58 - Traditional vs Modern Day Church
09:16 - Pandemic heightened the sense of loss of popularity and will to attend church
09:38 - Church was very important to get through adversity
09:54 - Traditional church: Fellowship and gathering
10:24 - Modern day church : less about relating to people in their Christian walk and more about relating to people where they are in the secular world
10:58 - leaders tend to want to focus on popularity over purpose-filled walk
11:44 - a changing of the guard in leadership
11:53 - Focus of 60-80 year-olds
12:24 - Focus of 30-60 year-olds
13:02 - The focus still has to be on the kingdom
14:15 - Don't let culture take over
15:45 - Embracing different types of people in the church
15:54 - Bring the church outside to the community
16:46 - What do people in the church think
16:59 - More and more groups feel marginalized by the traditional church
17:38 - Do we really mean, "come as you are?"
17:50 - Leaders have to recognize that everyone, including themselves, are or have been broken
18:20 - We need to show God's love and forgiveness for all sins
18:45 - Be less judgmental
18:51 - Today's youth are different and influenced by the culture
19:41 - What should the church do? Don't judge people who are not part of the traditional model.
19:56 - The role of entertainment in the church
20:26 - Social media has killed people's focus
20:53 - People want to be entertained
21:03 - Praise and worship team
21:11 - Liturgy dance team
21:19 - People have different responses
22:29 - Is it worship or a gig?
23:32 - Leaders should understand that the entertainment has the focus of the kingdom and not the world
24:22 - Call to ministry vs pleasing the culture
24:41 - Not everything is right for every church
26:15 - Setting boundaries against watering down God for the sake of popularity
26:29 - Challenges in producing and writing the script for the film
26:34 - Scheduling
27:12 - Shooting during the end of the pandemic
27:55 - Seeing God working through the film
28:06 - Unnecessary use of the Bible in national politics
29:00 - Relevance for the youth of today
29:26 - Alternate lifestyle communities seeing the walk that God wants for them
30:11 - Athletes saw their walk with God and walking closer and forgiveness
30:52 - Hope for the impact of the film, "At the Cross"
32:41 - Answer questions for the unchurched
32:54 - Reach those who need to be re-churched
33:05 - Making sure that people have that walk with God
33:19 - Understanding that God is not here to grant your wants
33:30 - God protects us from things seen and unseen
34:03 - Keeping all generations in church
34:33 - Churches should be a stronghold in the community and help
34:42 - Succession planning
36:36 - Diversity in the church
37:11 - Churches need to be intergenerational and reach everybody
37:52 - Get out of what is seen as marketing and greed and focus is on Biblical teaching and the kingdom
38:23 - Humility and make a difference to reach the unchurched and re-churched
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Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series.
Henry O Arnold III's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Identifying with people and their needs * Art and literature as a call to action * How to start ministering to the unhoused population
ABOUT THE GUEST: Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is "The Hiding Place." He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled "The Song of Prophets and Kings."
Mr. Arnold received his B.A. from Pepperdine University and his Master of Fine Arts degree at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.
When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world.
He and his lovely wife, Kay, have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Matthew 25 : 35-40
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:23 - What is the role of the church in urban America?
02:38 - Matthew 25:35-40 - whatever you did for one of the least of these of mine, you did for me
03:41 - Identify with people - see and hear the need
04:25 - Open eyes and ears open to God and hearts and action for those around us
04:31 - Not just see and pass by
05:27 - What righteous people do is make the sacrifice
05:33 - Out of the joy of our relationship with Jesus, we get to sacrifice for others
06:33 - If the church does what she is supposed to do...
08:07 - How is God working in the homeless ministry?
08:28 - The Room in the Inn
08:38 - National Rescue Mission
08:40 - Stand - a play about a friendship between a homeless man and a middle class business person
09:09 - based on a true story
09:23 - the play toured the country with the founder of Room in the Inn
09:30 - a story of homelessness, poverty, and addiction
09:43 - raising money and awareness
09:46 - Las Vegas has the 3rd highest homeless population in the country
10:00 - juxtaposition between what Vegas is known for and the homelessness
10:30 - Closer to home, the local church...
10:36 - Second Saturdays of City Service
11:07 - The Village Chapel has a missional sense of getting out into the world to care for people
11:29 - to be of such service that if the church no longer existed, it would be sorely missed because of their care and generosity
12:14 - each church should look at their existence
13:44 - churches change societies
14:07 - beautiful symbiosis between government and church to meet a need in the community
14:34 - The hope for the impact of "The Mercy Seat" and sequels
14:48 - for the reader to be entertained
15:16 - but more so, to identify with the characters and situations
15:30 - and to see a place for himself in a similar situation
16:03 - Example of the first century church
16:57 - How to start ministering to the unhoused population
19:28 - Pray and walk at the same time
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Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series.
Henry O Arnold III's website
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Importance of talking about conflict & dichotomy * Jesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the world * Willingness to sacrifice
ABOUT THE GUEST: Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is "The Hiding Place." He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled "The Song of Prophets and Kings."
Mr. Arnold received his B.A. from Pepperdine University and his Master of Fine Arts degree at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.
When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world.
He and his lovely wife, Kay, have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Introducing Henry O Arnold III
02:35 - raised in Christian home
02:41 - parent are professional actors
02:58 - people of all walks of life welcomed into their home
03:53 - appeared in a play with his father
04:24 - met wife, Kay
05:01 - influence of a father on his son
05:17 - What led Henry to write The Mercy Seat
05:41 - Kay suggested writing something contemporary as opposed to historical fiction
06:04 - read article about a pastor who worked with urban societies, specifically the homeless
06:48 - Henry had been working with organizations minstering to the homeless
07:49 - Brief description and narrative arc of The Mercy Seat
09:32 - Inspiration for the characters
10:51 - Matching characters with the action in the story
11:15 - Making characters authentic and believable
11:59 - Imagine the characters playing out the scenes
12:46 - Imagination & daydreaming
13:08 - Importance of talking about major themes of the book - conflict & dichotomy
13:28 - People to see themselves in the characters and environments
14:39 - Empathize with the character because of his truthfulness
15:13 - Expands the heart muscle of how we see people
15:26 - Art helps us see that we have a common bond
15:38 - Art gives Christians a sense of God's heart towards all people
15:52 - Jesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the world
16:10 - Hebrew idea of being God-centric is to be a blessing on this earth
16:41 - Christian idea of being God-centric is eternal life
16:49 - Jesus came and changed us and we see these elements in our society
17:29 - When we are kind to the others, we lend to the Lord - we show God's kindness to one another
18:17 - God desires justice, not sacrifice
18:50 - Our righteousness comes from God and we should be able to reflect that in acts of justice
19:51 - Researching for The Mercy Seat deepened relationships with God, Kay, immediate family, and other people
20:23 - Willingness to sacrifice
22:03 - Jesus used stories to bring people back to God
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Quilen Blackwell is the president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, whose mission is to train inner city youth in sustainable social enterprises to alleviate poverty. The Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why Southside Blooms is different * Building strong families * Be the industry and save the economy
ABOUT THE GUEST: Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, which creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago. The Eco House has won several awards for its work including the UL Innovation Education Award, Delta Institute BOOST Award, the Keep Chicago Beautiful Community Vision Award, and the African American Legacy Award. Quilen is originally from Madison, WI, and moved to Chicago to attend ministry school.
While in ministry school, he volunteered at a local high school in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's south side. This is where he first got acclimated to the realities that young people face every day in the inner city. He decided to commit his life to creating opportunities for the young people in the inner city by utilizing his skills in community organizing and renewable energy.
Quilen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability from the University of Denver. He worked in the biodiesel industry as a procurer of feedstock and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand prior to starting the Chicago Eco House. Quilen resides on the south side of Chicago with his wife Hannah (the other co-founder of Eco House) and their three children.
RELATED LINKS:* www.chicagoecohouse.org
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:27 - Introducing Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House
02:53 - His family is his #1 ministry
03:53 - Journey to Chicago & the founding the Eco House
04:14 - Called by the Lord to move to Chicago
04:29 - Started volunteering at a high school during ministry school
04:42 - Opportunity to have relationships with families and see their needs
05:03 - Choice to serve the urban black community
05:12 - Mission to rebuild the economic foundation of the inner city
06:09 - What is Southside Blooms and why does it work?
07:00 - Southside Blooms is different because...
07:05 - Startup business as a viable flower shop
07:09 - Creating bottom up careers in the neighborhood
07:21 - Be the industry and save the economy
08:17 - Urban ministry intersects with other areas of expertise
08:29 - Taking skills, expertise, and experiences and channeling them toward kingdom purpose
08:41 - Not only using God's blessings to solve earthly problems, but to show heaven on earth
09:08 - Combine the spiritual need with physical needs
10:21 - Importance of family-focused programs
10:33 - Culture of single mother families
10:46 - Building block of successful family units
10:58 - Flowers in weddings gives opportunities to talk about marriage
11:20 - Giving a different vision of what family looks like
11:29 - Quilen & Hannah's marriage is a witness to the youth
12:18 - The ministry is really all about families
12:45 - Initial community response to Southside Blooms
12:57 - Survey the community, talk to politcal leaders, assess the need
13:14 - The real need is homegrown industry
13:31 - Pushback: why flowers and not food?
13:53 - Look at the business picture
14:27 - Now the results can be seen
14:30 - God gave an unconventional idea
14:44 - Christlike leadership and coming alongside people
14:56 - Moses' example leading Israel out of Egypt
15:27 - Unconventional ideas might not be favorable initially
16:20 - Hardest challenges
16:40 - Dangerous neighborhood
16:54 - Unbelief
17:52 - Fixation on the idea that things don't change
18:16 - Work to change: Why can't things get better?
18:36 - God can do more than you think - work in God's will
19:03 - Assumption about “bad” neighborhoods you would like to debunk
19:11 - Debunk that people don't care about their neighborhood
19:28 - People are people and want the same things
19:49 - There are a lot of hidden assets because people do want a better community
19:58 - Facing calamities overshadows improvements for a better community
20:12 - Opportunities for Christians to be the salt and light
20:58 - A doctor is for the sick, not the healthy
21:44 - Trust the Lord
21:56 - Be the answer to the problems
22:39 - Seeing God's hand in ministry work
22:45 - God is working every day
23:04 - When Southside Blooms was trying to get into the neighborhood in the early days
23:31 - Getting vacant properties
24:51 - Construction
25:28 - Southside Blooms started in the basement and the backyard
25:35 - Youth program to teach gardening
25:49 - God has grown the ministry to 10 acres of farms and two flower shops
26:09 - How individuals and church can promote environmental sustainability in urban areas
26:18 - Counting the cost
27:06 - Give your life as a seed
27:40 - Start small with a community garden or a school
29:05 - It's worth it!
30:13 - Knowing that my life mattered
30:35 - Don't think about the short-term pain; think about the long-term gain
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Natisha Matthews, an ordained elder and attorney, shares about the importance of estate planning for Christians, particularly in the urban community.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Cost of not planning for your estate (even if you think you don't have anything) * What are wills, power of attorney, health care proxy? * Mindset for estate planning
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Matthews areas of practice are Trusts and Estates and Real Estate. She is passionate about teaching believers and the urban community about Estate Planning. Currently she is one of the ordained Elders of Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. where the Senior Pastor is Bishop Dr. Carlton T. Brown.
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:35 - Passionate about estate planning dialog
02:57 - Raised in an urban immigrant community
03:43 - Journey to eldership and attorney
07:51 - Importance of estate planning
09:21 - Basics of Estate Planning: will, power of attorney, health care proxy
09:27 - Wills
09:35 - Power of Attorney
10:22 - Health care proxy
11:02 - People don't feel the need for estate planning
11:25 - Not planning creates chaos, uncertainty, confusion
12:10 - We do not prepare for estate planning
12:19 - Estate planning is not usually known about, especially in urban communities
12:40 - Mindset is important
12:50 - Urban communities tend to think more about survival from paycheck to paycheck
13:16 - Suburban communities more plan for the future
14:14 - Both cultural and racial norms come into play
17:24 - How should Christians approach estate planning?
17:31 - Get understanding and knowledge about estate planning
18:22 - Some culture shy away from talking about death and estate planning
20:06 - How should younger people approach estate planning?
20:49 - Plan for the unexpected
21:16 - Get something in place - it can always be changed, if needed
22:04 - Debunk the myths
22:17 - Not planning is selfish because it will negatively affect loved ones
23:32 - What cultural and ethnic considerations need to be considered?
24:25 - How do we change people's mindset?
26:23 - Opportunity to share Christ in estate planning conversations
27:42 - What are the financial barriers to estate planning?
28:33 - Estate planning establishes a legacy
28:52 - Not planning creates more expensive procedures
29:08 - Petitioning the court
29:49 - Incapacitated people can't sign a power of attorney or health care proxy
31:15 - Pay for a will on a payment plan
32:08 - Unexpectedly used by God and He opened doors
36:16 - Initial Steps to Estate Planning
37:14 - How can a pastor help his congregation in this matter?
38:26 - What is God saying to you using this podcast?
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David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Ramadan affects outreach * Sharing the gospel more effectively * Practical steps in cross-culture ministry
ABOUT THE GUEST: David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the Earth through global gateway cities. They have served in the West African community for 10 years globally.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Jeremiah 12 : 5 * Matthew 6 : 33-34 * Matthew 13 : 1-9
RELATED LINKS:* Global Gates
01:01 - Misconceptions to address when ministering among Muslims
01:07 - Not all Muslims are terrorists
01:27 - Christians can visit a mosque
02:06 - Many Muslims do want to know about Jesus
03:10 - What do you love and admire about the people you serve?
03:13 - Value relationship over schedule
03:21 - Hospitality
04:44 - Ramadan
05:27 - Fasting during daylight hours
05:52 - Help reflect on how it feels to be poor
06:02 - Focused prayer and asking for forgiveness
06:16 - Ask God to show the straight path
06:29 - Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca
07:28 - The Night of Power
08:17 - Christian pray that God would show Jesus to Muslims
08:29 - Hope that God would reveal something during Ramadan
08:46 - Christians can invite Muslims to break fast
08:51 - Bring water or dates to a Muslim might not have broken fast at sundown
09:25 - Opportunities during Ramadan and Outreach
09:51 - Focus on having gospel conversations
10:45 - God has shown that so many organizations are focused on reaching on all the nations
11:17 - Network of organizations working together
12:22 - You may not be the one who leads someone to Christ, but you may be one of the many leading up to it
14:52 - Personal story of faith and knowing that God has him
17:28 - Ask God and God revealed in a dream
19:45 - Family on Mission
20:41 - Each member of the family does something
22:56 - Go-to Bible verses for encouragement
23:05 - Jeremiah 12 : 5
24:36 - Matthew 6 : 33-34
25:02 - Matthew 13 : 1-9
26:31 - Sharing the gospel more effectively
26:50 - Joining existing work
27:14 - Find ministries addressing needs
27:33 - If there is no existing work, pray, search the needs, and then start it
28:20 - Practical things to do to reach out
28:34 - Go to restaurants and enjoy their food
29:10 - Go to places of worship and observe
29:43 - Invite into your home
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David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Being a missionary in your own backyard * Connecting with immigrant people groups * Common barriers in cross-culture contact
ABOUT THE GUEST: David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the Earth through global gateway cities. They have served in the West African community for 10 years globally.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Acts 17 : 26-27 * Matthew 28 : 19-20
RELATED LINKS:* Global Gates
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:13 - Family is the first ministry
01:31 - Partnership at home
03:08 - Being a missionary in your own backyard
04:00 - Acts 17 : 26-27
04:36 - God moves nations and people groups to us
05:09 - The need to connect with these immigrant people groups
05:26 - We are supposed to GO
05:43 - Matthew 28 : 19-20
06:11 - What if I'm not comfortable sharing?
06:23 - Model, assist, watch, and leave
06:51 - Disciples that make disciples
07:05 - Training might be needed before going
07:22 - Cultural makeup and demographics of mission field
07:46 - Diverse, but mainly West African
08:36 - Different groups gravitate to different opportunities
09:18 - Cities are fruitful mission fields
09:59 - People tend to stay in their own cultural community
11:14 - Follow-up opportunities
11:30 - 1st conversation: I am a follower of Jesus
12:07 - Identifying people groups to serve
12:24 - 5000+ people in a community
12:55 - Reach out to community leaders
13:06 - Ask the leaders what the community needs
13:52 - Take care of the physical need to meet the spiritual need
14:50 - Often starts as a family unit working with a people group
15:07 - Advocating for the people group and asking for help
15:31 - Training in simple and reproduceable methods
15:50 - Favorite ways to connect with people
15:58 - 1. Start conversations on the subway
16:18 - Able in pinpoint someone from West Africa 95% of the time
16:28 - Greet someone in their language and have a conversation
16:46 - Step by step, back and forth - interested in talking about God?
16:59 - 2. Networking
17:10 - people who are not interesting in talking about God may know people who are
17:26 - Common barriers in cross-cultural contact
17:40 - Language
17:45 - Learning greetings in the language shows interest in the people
18:43 - Bring your family to meet their family
19:20 - Smile
19:26 - Barriers are based on their comfort level with you
20:04 - To reach people's hearts, learn greetings in their specific language
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Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in shepherding a church through leadership and theological changes.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Preach the Word * Patience and Grace * Apologetics and Care
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and ministry.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Important NOTE: there needs to be a space, ' ' between ':' and the verse number, otherwise the scripture verse will be automatically converted to a timestamp link. Link
- 2 Timothy 4 : 2
- Romans 8 : 28-29
RELATED LINKS:* Highpoint Bible Church * Email Pastor Buckley
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:31 - late 1980s/mid 1990s pentacostalism
01:42 - Word of Faith influence - metaphysical approach to scripture
02:04 - The Bronx, NY syncretism and witchcraft
02:41 - Resistance to the New Testament
03:11 - Show there is no disunity between the Old and New Testaments
03:27 - Praying with the community
03:43 - Coming from modalism to trinitarianism has help
03:51 - The metaphysics approach created the mind science
04:35 - OL had to raise his understanding of God and Jesus
05:16 - Justification by faith is only possible with God still working in me
06:51 - No new revelation, but the Spirit gives illumination
07:36 - How has OL's journey uniquely prepared him to pastor Highpoint Bible Church
07:49 - In a word... Sensitivity
07:52 - 2 Timothy 4 : 2 - preach the word - reliance on the word of God
08:20 - Be ready in season and out of season
08:41 - Be persistent in the first thing that you are instructed
09:06 - To reprove - heling people understand what is proper - correctness
09:17 - To rebuke - challenging people to come out of any wrongness to restoration
09:37 - To exhort - encourage
09:52 - With complete patience
10:36 - Making major changes at Highpoint
11:31 - Wisdom in the content and wisdom in the action
11:49 - Patience goes both ways
12:03 - Wait for the Holy Spirit to work
12:28 - Two way street of grace
12:34 - Church name change
12:45 - Which change was the bigger challenge: leadership or theology?
13:34 - Understanding what people want from what they treasure
13:39 - For example, ex nihilo uniqueness of God - Romans 4:17
13:53 - What makes something attractive? and then expose it to the human heart
14:38 - Preaching Big God theology
14:58 - John 9 : 1-7 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
15:42 - John 11 : 1-16 The Death of Lazarus
16:08 - God uses trials to show His goodness and be glorified
16:20 - View trials differently
16:42 - Why not trust God's omniscience and omnipotence?
16:54 - Romans 8 : 28-30 - God is going to work it out for my good
17:09 - Balance between apologetics and care
17:18 - NYC demands preaching with an apologetic
17:30 - Do the work of the evangelist in preaching
18:11 - Give answer for the hope within us
18:20 - Walking in Christlikeness when faced with opposition
18:54 - Joy inexpressible in glory creates conversation
19:01 - Caring for souls
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Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How to Search for Answers * Big God Theology * Letting God be True
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and ministry.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Matthew 18: 18 * Matthew 28: 19 * Acts 2: 38
RELATED LINKS:* Highpoint Bible Church * Email Pastor Buckley
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Otis (OL) Buckley
03:44 - Early years in Chicago
04:01 - then the move to Texas
04:51 - and then to Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY
07:15 - Sabellianism / Modalistic
09:20 - Classic Oneness Pentecostalism
10:39 - Class on Overview of Hebrew Studies
11:18 - Matthew 18 : 18
11:34 - Learning a different interpretation
12:42 - Have I been wrong all these years?
12:57 - What else could I possibly have been wrong about?
13:17 - Another connected event
14:28 - Matthew 28 : 19
14:47 - vs Acts 2 : 38
15:33 - God opens OL's eyes to the Trinity
16:13 - Are people are going beyond the social issues to wrestling with theology?
18:21 - Denominations, Name, Theology, & Social Media
20:27 - The need for clear Biblical theology
22:47 - God's workings to move OL on the journey
23:04 - Every dilemma raises a question
23:12 - And every question creates an opportunity to pivot
23:49 - Do I really know God the way I think I do?
24:37 - Lord, let your Word imposed itself on me.
25:37 - Big God theology
25:54 - Not compartimentalizing God
28:59 - Was this a personal journey of discovery or where there others alongside you?
30:52 - Every question drives one to search for an answer
30:56 - ...three-fold answer
30:59 - ...1. pray
31:12 - ...2. search the Scriptures
31:25 - ...3. right teaching
31:42 - ... and stilling the voices with wrong interpretations of Scripture
34:06 - Abandoning the past
34:22 - Letting God be True
44:31 - End of Part 1
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Pastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife.
Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church.
Isaac Adams offers practical steps and jumpstarts the conversation about race within the local congregation.
What You’ll Learn:* Why talk about race in a local congregation? * Practical tips for pastors to talk about race with congregants * A way to distinguish between local needs and the national conversation about race
About the Guest: Isaac Adams serves as lead pastor at Iron City Church in Birmingham, Alabama where he lives with his wife and children.
He is devoted to racial reconciliation and in 2017, prior to joining Iron City Church, he started United? We Pray. It is a podcast and ministry devoted to “taking racial struggles to the throne of grace”.
He is a speaker and author. His most recent book is Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. While examining what's at stake, the book provides practical steps and offers the reader a novel way to begin this hard conversation.
Isaac Adams is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).
Scripture Related to Episode:Ephesians 4: 16; Building Up the Church
Micha 6: 8; Do Justice, Love Mercy
Proverbs 4: 5; Answer Not a Fool According to Your Folly
Links Related to Episode: United? We Pray
Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations
Iron City Church
Show Notes:[01:37] Moving Family to Birmingham, AL
[05:14] Motivation for United? We Pray
[06:24] God and Prayer as Factors in the Struggle -- Francis Grimke
[07:03] United? We Pray in Action
[09:19] Why Is It So Hard for Christians to Talk about Race in America?
[10:30] Not Prophets—Pastors Talking about Racial Conflict
[12:59] What about the National Conversation
[14:50] Criticism from the Left and from the Right
[15:25] Spiritual Warfare
[18:12] How is the Church Doing?
[20:15] Is the House Still on Fire?
[23:35] So, How Do We Have This Conversation?
[26:18] More Practical Tips for Pastors to Start Talking about Race
[27:43] Idolatry, Diversity and Unity
[29:56] When to Be Silent
[30:30] Lunch with a Former Bomb Making White Supremacist
Dr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on Jesus, God's Message of Love.
Only by celebrating Christmas with an Easter perspective do we experience how Jesus, God’s message of love is what angels said on the first Christmas, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV).
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The link between Christmas and Easter * Jesus is God, King, and Lord * Jesus is God’s message of love
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senior Pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Metuchen, has planted a church abroad, has been a missions pastor and has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan — the son of a pastor — Pastor Javed began serving in church at a young age. He has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He has also planted a church in Greece. In the 1990s, a providential relationship formed when Calvary Baptist Church started supporting his ministry efforts; he would later serve as the missions pastor of that congregation. Eventually, in 2009, he moved to New York with a new vision — mobilizing churches to engage Muslims in the NYC metro area.
Dr. Javed’s advanced theological training is from the Greek Bible College, Davis College and Liberty University. He has earned three undergraduate, three graduate, and three doctoral degrees. His dissertations have explored various subjects from religious influence on the American school system to evangelism and church planting, to Islamic madrases and the treatment that Muslims students have received in the post 9/11 New York City school system. He maintains a blog, www.alfonsejaved.com, and is the author of The Muslim Next Door: A Practical Guide for Evangelism and Discipleship. Dr. Javed and his wife, Sarah, have four children.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Revelation 5: 1-7
RELATED LINKS:* Dr Alfonse Javed's Recent Book * Our Urban Voices Podcast * First Baptist Metuchen Website * Father's Love Letter * Email Dr Alfonse Javed
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:33 - Should we celebrate Christmas and Easter?
00:59 - Christmas and Easter tells the complete story
02:06 - Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Slaughtered Lamb
02:46 - We experience Jesus, God's message of love when we celebrate Christmas with an Easter perspective
03:35 - worshiping the Creator God the Father and the Redeemer God the Son
04:51 - The Magi brought the message of Easter on Christmas
07:22 - Jesus is the Redeemer God
09:30 - Jesus is the Royal King
11:31 - Jesus is the Rightful Lord
13:43 - Are you looking for peace, love, healing, and restoration?
14:48 - Jesus is God, King, and Lord
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Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.
Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?
Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Characteristics and Tenants of Biblical Leadership * Paul's Model for Church Leaders * Identifying and Implementing Change to Reverse Decline in Church Attendance
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is a Graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Mark is married to Minah and they have three adult children– a daughter and two sons.
RELATED LINKS:* Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church * Email Pastor Mark Lee
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:49 - The group reflects the leader
02:01 - Characteristics of Biblical leadership
02:18 - Humility, Selflessness, Shepherd's Heart,
02:32 - Key in today's church: Willingness to Collaboration
04:05 - Willing to listen
04:14 - Tenants of biblical leadership
04:22 - Paul as an example of leadership
04:39 - Humility is a huge part of Christian leadership
04:48 - Servant to all people
04:55 - A pastor is not going to be liked by everyone in the church
05:12 - Maintain spiritual discipline
05:36 - Daily habits
05:45 - Open to the Holy Spirit
05:54 - Willingness and desire to submit to God
06:05 - Live among the people
06:22 - Rely on and be obedient to the Holy Spirit
06:30 - Selflessness and never about personal gain
06:58 - Do all church leaders follow the model that Paul has set?
07:25 - Greed
08:11 - Paul on growing churches in ethnically-diverse communities
08:30 - Certain churches have grown in the last 30 years
08:43 - Big churches have problems also
09:11 - Perseverance for the sake of God's glory
09:52 - Opposition and failure is part of ministry
10:57 - Expanding our experiences and understanding of other cultures
11:02 - Willing and open heart and mind
11:32 - Efforts to reach the community
13:04 - Online church vs In-Person Church
15:04 - Intentionally trying to engage the congregation to join in person
18:16 - Steps needed to identify and implement change to reverse decline in church attendance
19:01 - We've allowed politics to be an issue
19:25 - Make God the priority
20:08 - Churches have gone away from Scripture, preaching God, Jesus, the Good News
23:33 - Practical things a church can do to incorporate multicultural understanding
23:43 - Training within the church
24:07 - Cultural intelligence training
26:43 - Training brings confidence to talk to people
27:08 - Welcome new visitors
28:33 - Pastor Mark Lee's email address: mark@cscpc.org
29:12 - Importance of understanding the culture
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Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.
Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?
Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Contributing factors to the decline of traditional American churches * Making diversity a focal point * Challenges for churches in embracing diversity
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is a Graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Mark is married to Minah and they have three adult children– a daughter and two sons.
RELATED LINKS:* Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church * Email Pastor Mark Lee
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:53 - Pastor Mark Lee introduction
03:55 - Doctoral dissertation is the background of this conversation
04:24 - Disturbing trend in traditional American churches
04:37 - Biggest trend: membership and attendance below 50%
04:56 - Membership and attendance declining for the past 30 years
06:07 - Churches can't afford full-time pastors
06:43 - These trends are on a national level
07:12 - Major contributing factors to these trends
08:14 - Refusal to change
08:23 - Change to attracting younger families
08:42 - Move from a heavily liturgical worship service
09:06 - to a more blended worship service
09:22 - One of the main reasons is that churches are not willing to change
09:35 - Change and adapt
10:18 - Change needs to take place
10:33 - Homogeneous Unit Principle: helping or hurting church growth?
11:45 - Transformation of community demographics
12:22 - but, the church did not change with the community changes
12:35 - Need to embrace the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community
13:09 - Making diversity a focal point
13:41 - Tried and True no longer effective
13:58 - Churches not just declining, but closing
14:47 - Build it and they will come - church was the center of community fellowship
15:10 - Families changing time commitments and priorities
16:03 - Life is more difficult and faster
18:07 - Commitment levels changed
19:45 - Today's busy lifestyle
20:27 - Challenges for churches in embracing diversity
20:41 - Historical perceptions
21:20 - Younger families
21:52 - Slow process
22:28 - Start new church vs Rebuild old church
24:37 - Physical church appearance
27:58 - Short-term and long-term implications of a church embracing diversity
28:07 - Short-term
30:16 - Long-term
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry.
The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming.
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship.
Bonus Content: Come and See, Ariel Library Resources
What You’ll Learn:* What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the Bible * How to apply Jesus' example of discipleship * What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Jesus’ return
About the Guest: In 1943, Arnold was born in Russia into a Jewish family that had fled Poland. After being allowed to go back to Poland in 1945, the family escaped the Iron Curtain with the assistance of the Israeli underground. They spent several years in a British Displaced Persons camp in Germany. While there, Arnold received Orthodox Jewish training from his father. And, the family was befriended by a Lutheran minister.
While Arnold was still a boy, the family migrated to New York City. The contact with the Lutheran minister, led Arnold and his mother to the American Board of Missions to the Jews (which would eventually become Chosen People Ministries). Through this ministry, several years later, Arnold came to a saving knowledge of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was 13 years old.
Despite his father’s disapproval and harsh treatment, Arnold’s faith endured. After high school, he enrolled in a Christian college. He would go on to transfer and graduate from Cedarville College and later from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his PhD from New York University.
He is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. The ministry offers intensive Bible teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective with both in-person and online instruction. Tyndale Seminary students may be able to apply some Ariel coursework toward their degree. The ministry’s online library has resources available in English, Afrikaans, French, Hebrew, Hungarian and Russian.
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum wrote the groundbreaking book, Israelology: the Missing Link in Systematic Theology. He is a prolific author. He has written several Bible commentaries including a recently published commentary on the book of Isaiah. He has authored or co-authored many books including The Feasts and Fasts of Israel: Their Historical and Prophetic Significance and Footsteps of the Messiah.
Scripture Related to Episode:Matthew 12-13; Jesus Shifts Ministry Focus to His Disciples
Zechariah 13-14; Persecution of the Jewish People, the Abomination of Desolation and the National Salvation of Jewish People
Ezekiel 38-39; Prophecy about Gog and Magog
Links Related to Episode:Ariel Ministries - Phone: 210-344-7707
Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Author
Israelology: The Missing Link In Systematic Theology
Timestamped Show Notes:01:19-Topic: Israelology in Understanding Jesus' Earthly Ministry and His Return
02:20-About Arnold's Family
02:54-What is the Systematic Theological Study of Israel?
04:45-The Context of Jesus' Earthly Ministry
05:12-The Greek and Roman Culture in the New Testament
05:31-1st Century Israel and the Life of Jesus
05:50-Christian Schools that Have a Jewish Studies Major
06:18-Messianic Jewish Studies at Ariel Ministries
07:30-Two Fold Purpose of Ariel Ministries
07:49-Jesus' Example of Discipleship
08:55-How Does Jesus' Example for Discipleship Apply to Churches Today
09:37-2 Things for a Pastor to Do
11:01-Are Small Groups Actually Bible Studies?
12:59-Training Biblical Elders
14:20-Balancing Interpretation and Application
16:34-Israel, the Past, Present and Future
17:15-Israel in the New Testament
17:56-Israel, the Church, the Rapture and the Second Coming
19:16-The Abomination of Desolation and the Mark of 666
19:47-Persecution of the Jewish People in End Times
20:16-Christ's Second Coming
21:28-Salvation of All Israel and the Battle of Armageddon (Har Megiddo)
22:52-Newspaper Exegesis
23:15-Gog, Magog and Ukraine — Ezekiel 38-39
24:58-Interpreting Prophecy — Does Prophecy Have a Bad Name
25:54-Contact Information
28:07-Joke: Arnold's Favorite Rabbi Story
Pastor Peter Pendell re-thinks women and their calling and role in complementarian Christian ministry.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Has the evangelical Christian community reflected Jesus' attitude about women? * Complementarian vs Egalitarian (definitions, limitations, strengths, and weaknesses) * Women in Ministry (ordination, leadership, teaching, authority and headship)
ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Peter Pendell has served in pastoral ministry for almost 50 years. His passion is to help people connect with God and with each other. He has given much prayer, thought, and discussion about the call and role of women in complementarian Christian ministry.
RELATED LINKS:Email Pastor Peter Pendell
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:49 - Has the Evangelical Christian community reflected how Jesus gave women a voice?
03:04 - Women lead in missions out of necessity
03:08 - vs churches in the US
03:23 - Why churches are slower about women in ministry leadership?
03:27 - Resistance to women in ministry leadership
04:04 - Egalitarian defined
04:12 - Complementarian defined
04:46 - Understanding "in value and dignity"
05:02 - Men given leadership
05:08 - Women are those who help
05:17 - What is the definition of "helper"?
05:26 - Thoughts on complementarian theology and male leadership
05:48 - God-given role for male leadership applied poorly
06:01 - No consistent line for women in ministry
06:36 - Belief that godly women should be permitted to do anything under the authority of the elders
07:30 - Confusion and tension come from differing definitions of terms
08:29 - Ordination and pastoring
10:07 - Leadership
11:18 - Teaching
11:46 - Authority & Headship
12:15 - Are titles just semantics?
13:05 - Recent changes in defining roles for women in ministry
14:16 - C&MA had a process of ordination and consecration
14:38 - C&MA new position
14:58 - SBC decision leads to two losses
15:33 - Consecrated vs Ordained
16:39 - Women in the mission field
17:30 - I don't have a man so I'm going to let a woman do it...
17:50 - Marge Shelley
18:52 - Equipping women to lead while adhering to biblical leadership
19:28 - Starting talking together, listening well, as flexible as possible
20:23 - Draw boundaries
20:32 - Formulate training for men and women
21:00 - Practical things that church can do
22:17 - Open the door as widely as possible
22:32 - Peter Pendell's contact information - plpendell@gmail.com
23:15 - Humor: Simple solutions
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MALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.
Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The church has veered off from Jesus' model of manhood * Authority vs Responsibility * The Christian life is bigger than Sunday morning
ABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs and issues confronting both women and men as they endeavor to extend God’s kingdom together in a messy and complicated world.
RELATED LINKS:* Website: Carolyn Custis James * Email: Carolyn Custis James
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:35 - Beginning of MALESTROM Part 2 : Jesus' Model for Men is Countercultural
01:48 - Our society embraces patriarchy
02:04 - Power is intended to used for God's good purposes
02:10 - Biblical examples of power used for God's good purposes
03:46 - Where and how the church veered off from Jesus' model of manhood
04:01 - Authority vs Responsibility
04:31 - We don't think like Jesus
04:58 - The gospel is about becoming radically different
05:46 - Every human being is important in making a difference
07:18 - Culture and Power
07:32 - Better decisions are made with collaboration
13:07 - Jesus' example of masculinity benefits the church
13:44 - Not competing, but teamwork
14:54 - Everywhere you are is a kingdom frontline
15:15 - Power of a life given to God
16:19 - Power of the gospel in a human life
16:48 - Our work matters
17:43 - Become part of something much bigger than Sunday morning
18:31 - Carolyn's contact information - carolyncustisjames.com
19:39 - A message of hope
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MALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.
Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Patriarchy as seen in the Bible * Jesus as the model for manhood * Examples of Transformation
ABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs and issues confronting both women and men as they endeavor to extend God’s kingdom together in a messy and complicated world.
RELATED LINKS:* Website: Carolyn Custis James * Email: Carolyn Custis James
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Beginning of MALESTROM Part 1: Jesus' Model for Men is Countercultural
03:08 - Did I miss God's calling for me?
03:40 - What is God's vision for HIs children?
04:20 - Bible teaching is for men and women
05:56 - God's vision for His children in Genesis 1-2
06:23 - Cultural Rites of Manhood
06:42 - Cultural differences in evaluating manhood
07:19 - Men in the Bible stories embody manhood that reflect Jesus
09:25 - Patriarchal system has impacted every culture
09:57 - Patriarchy crowns the firstborn son with double inheritance
10:34 - Patriarchy tears apart brothers' relationships
11:01 - Patriarchy exists today
11:36 - Patriarchy played out in Scripture
11:46 - Women begin to move to the margins after Genesis 3
12:03 - Patriarchal system lead to all kinds of violence
12:26 - Hierarchical system with little room at the top and is not secure
13:21 - The calling of every human being is to image God
14:17 - Male and female is a blessed alliance
14:40 - The enemy breaks up this alliance
14:51 - Divine revelation on how to treat each other
15:04 - Humanity empowered to care for the world
15:54 - The language for the woman is "ezer kenegdo"
15:59 - ezer - God as the helper of His people
17:16 - ezer examples that are not husband and wife
17:30 - Ruth as an "ezer"
19:04 - Jesus taught a countercultural calling for men
19:46 - Jesus taught about justice, truth, emulating God's character
20:16 - Emulating models other than Jesus
21:08 - Paul and the Philippian women
22:31 - Jesus and Mary of Bethany
23:57 - the call for our Christian brothers
25:28 - Judah as a model for manhood
30:39 - End of MALESTROM Part 1: Jesus' Model for Men is Countercultural
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Alex Willis is the Intake Coordinator for Brooklyn Teen Challenge. His main objective is to introduce broken people to Jesus, get them enrolled into the Brooklyn Teen Challenge program, and help them cultivate a life free from addiction.
Brooklyn Teen Challenge
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* A typical day in the program * 3 phase approach to recovery * Transition back to society
ABOUT THE GUEST: Alex Willis was born and raised in a small town called Shell Lake, WI and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2011. He is a full-time student at Regent University, attaining his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and Pastoral Care. He serves on staff at Brooklyn Adult and Teen Challenge, the flagship program that began in 1958 by Pastor David Wilkerson, and is also a graduate of the program.
RELATED LINKS:* Brooklyn Teen Challenge
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:03:23 - Mission and Vision of Teen Challenge
03:57 - Healthy Spiritually leads to Healthy Physically
04:02 - Pastor David Wikerson convicted to speak to boys on trial in NYC for murder
04:21 - Wilkerson stayed in NYC meets gang leader, Mickey Cruz
04:51 - Mickey Cruz convicted and gave his heart to the Lord
04:58 - 250 Teen Challenges centers in the US
05:00 - 1400 Teen Challenge centers worldwide
05:15 - Pastor Wilkerson also the founding pastor of Times Square Church
05:47 - Process of the Teen Challenge Program
05:54 - Duration: 1 year live-in program
06:17 - Phase 1 of 3 (6 months): Basic introduction to scripture and Christianity
06:43 - Brooklyn Teen Challenge caters to adults
06:59 - Phase 2 of 3 (3 months): Learning hermeneutics and how to read scripture
07:07 - Teen Challenge is a Discipleship program
07:13 - Learn skills in the workplace & Work therapy at the center
08:08 - Phase 3 of 3 (3 months): Develop next steps to transition back into society
08:44 - Some may have a calling to serve at Teen Challenge
08:53 - Internship program
09:17 - Criteria for the internship program
09:34 - Plan for success at the 12-month mark
09:47 - Pastor Winston Trumpet helps formulate exit plan
10:06 - A typical day in the program
14:22 - Steps to take after completion of the program
16:18 - Alex's personal testimony of Teen Challenge
19:28 - Sent to the Brooklyn school of ministry
25:44 - Teen Challenge outreach opportunities
28:09 - How can my church come alongside Teen Challenge?
30:55 - Success rate of Teen Challenge upon completion
32:23 - Alex Willis' contact information (917-982-8448, alex@brooklynteenchallenge.org)
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Establishing Legitimacy for Missionaries
Legality vs Legitimacy of Missionaries in Foreign Countries
Steve Schirmer is the President of Silk Road Catalyst, a ministry family committed to ending gospel deprivation, ensuring all peoples in all places have gospel access.
Legitimacy in Missions Matters Book Link
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Equipping local population and foreign missionaries * Balancing Truth vs Safety * 8 Steps to establishing legitimacy
ABOUT THE GUEST: Steve Schirmer is the President of Silk Road Catalyst, a ministry family committed to ending gospel deprivation, ensuring all peoples in all places have gospel access. Steve has served as a missionary in various capacities for 23 years, beginning in China. Since 2013, Steve has been leading Silk Road Catalyst where they invest in multiple countries from Eastern Asia to the Middle East.
RELATED LINKS: Steve Schirmer's Twitter Page
Silk Road Catalyst website
Silk Road Catalyst YouTube channel
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:56 - Vision of Silk Road Catalyst
03:06 - Primary focus is disciple-making and church planting
03:17 - Secondary focus is compassion ministries
03:46 - DNA of Silk Road Catalyst
03:57 - National Population Participation
04:00 - Foreign Missionary Participation
04:10 - National Participants as Part of Leadership Team
05:41 - Issues with the term "Unreached People Groups"
06:23 - Definition of "Gospel Deprived"
07:49 - The Gospel will go everywhere
08:02 - Mobilizing the whole church for the whole world
08:06 - A lot of work done in Latin countries, Africa, Asia
08:35 - Challenges in funding
08:40 - Greater effort needed in empowering the church
08:49 - New challenges
09:16 - Need for Church in the west to partner with church in the global south
09:35 - Mobilize in both partnership and team members
10:21 - The need to empower local Christians to share the gospel
10:41 - Empowering local Christians to lead
10:58 - Equipping the local Christians to lead
12:04 - Commonly known challenges
12:36 - The biggest hurdle is the church itself
12:42 - What is my role if I am not called to go?
14:10 - Fear slows down gospel advancement
14:34 - Not letting security issues dictate the entire ministry
14:54 - Every Christian to be following Jesus to the end
15:03 - The "Navy Seals" of Missionaries
15:25 - Book: Legitimacy in Missions Matters
15:42 - Audience for the book
16:08 - Legitimacy in the public context of missionaries
16:23 - Purpose of the book is to address "deception"
16:35 - Is lying okay for the sake of the gospel?
18:41 - Presenting to the local community
19:02 - Legality vs Legitimacy
19:30 - Forming business that benefitted the culture
19:57 - The Rehab Approach
20:37 - Who does the Rahab Approach protect?
22:24 - Balancing safety and the truth
22:52 - Fight or Flight?
23:10 - Safety cannot be our priority
23:16 - The gospel is the priority
25:32 - Two of the Five Marks of Legitimacy...
25:34 - ...Beneficial to the Community
27:18 - ...Reasonable Lifestyle
29:33 - Two of Four things legitimate presence does not do
30:28 - The breaking point in proclaming...
David Thomae, the Director of Mission to the World's Member Care Department shares about caring for our missionaries well.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Proactive ways to support missionaries * Varying missionary needs in urban or rural contexts * How to build relationships of care
ABOUT THE GUEST: David and Jan Thomae work with Mission to the World’s Member Care Department, supporting and encouraging MTW’s efforts to care well for every missionary.
David and Jan joined Mission to the World in 1988 and have experience ranging from rural Africa to urban Europe, including more than 10 years of leading member care for MTW’s Muslim-focused ministries. David’s appointment as director fulfills MTW’s longtime goal of having a missionary leading its care efforts.
RELATED LINKS:* Mission to the World Website
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:59 - member care for missionaries
03:22 - working with unreached people group
03:27 - reaching people in health centers
03:31 - working at the community level
04:56 - working with Pakistani and Iranian Muslims in London
05:30 - Muslims are interested in talking about religion
06:55 - member care helps people grow ministry
08:15 - multi-faceted care
08:32 - understanding the necessity of care
08:47 - equip and train missionaries for self-care
08:55 - encourage sending church to care well
09:21 - offer conferences, counseling
09:46 - network of care
10:09 - care in different contexts
11:31 - building relationships of care
12:04 - missionary agencies without a care initiative
12:13 - proactive care
12:52 - local congregations to provide care
13:28 - sending church to provide care
14:48 - easier to talk to a Muslim than a secular person in England
15:58 - specific care for missionaries in Muslim-focused ministry
17:36 - Presbyterian (PCA) missions organization viewpoint
19:26 - how can sending churches care for missionaries
19:38 - pastoral visit to missionary
20:10 - generous financial support
20:17 - extra assistance that missionaries need during during life transitions
21:10 - take interest in missionary visits to the church
22:14 - challenges that missionaries face
23:42 - no guilt in prioritizing self-care
24:56 - sources for care
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Pastor Matt Burden on rediscovering the early church's vision for global missions and what what today's church can learn from that.
His new book is Missionary Motivations: Challenges from the Early Church
IN THIS PODCAST,
- How did the New Testament churches do missions?
- New Testament Missiology and Impact on the 21st Century Church
- Practical Evangelism
Matthew Burden is an author, pastor, and scholar, currently serving a church in eastern Maine. His research focuses on the intersection of church history and missiology, with a focus on understanding the missional ideas that motivated previous generations of Christians. He is the author of several books, including "Missionary Motivations: Challenges from the Early Church."
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 3: 16 * Luke 10 * Matthew 28
RELATED LINKS:* Calais Baptist Church * Pastor Burden's Blog
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:46 - The early church's vision for global mission
01:20 - Introducing Pastor Matthew Burden
02:20 - More on Pastor Matthew Burden
03:59 - Why the Book, Missionary Motivations
08:12 - What and when was the "Early Church?"
11:43 - New Testament doesn't give much on how to do missions
17:13 - Commanded to share the gospel
18:40 - How did the early church share the gospel?
24:22 - The most famous Bible verse
28:04 - How should we do global missions today?
34:36 - Missions and evangelism on a practical level
43:03 - Pastor Matthew Burden's contact information
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Tim Welch — a veteran missionary — has researched some of the inventive ways missions is funded in the Majority World.
For decades, he served with SIM in Cote d'Ivoire. But, he makes a case for missionaries relying on more than once source of funding. He outlines several ways churches around the world fund missions from his recently released book, New Funding Models for Global Mission.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* 5 reasons the Western models of funding missions don't work in the Majority World * 5 innovative models that make missionary support accessible in the Majority World * How raising missions support impacts funding for the local church
ABOUT THE GUEST: Tim Welch (DMin, Université de l'Alliance Chrétienne d'Abidjan) served as a missionary in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire for 31 years with SIM, including 22 years as national director. Currently he serves as the SIM Ministry Point Person for Literature. Tim has written five books in French and two books in English, with a third book - this one for African children - due out later this year. Tim and his wife Janet live in Colorado. They have two children and four grandchildren.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* 3 John 6-8; Support Missionaries * Acts 18: 3; Paul a Tentmaker * Malachi 3:10; Bring the Entire Tithe
RELATED LINKS:* New Funding Models for Global Mission by Tim Welch, DMin * SIM USA * Email Tim Welch * New Funding Models for Global Mission - On Facebook
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Topic: Tim Welch, Multiple Models for Missions Funding in the Majority World
02:16 - Family on the Mission Field
03:42 - 3 Reasons Why Missions Funding Matters
04:21 - Funding for Missionaries in Closed Countries
05:24 - Missions in NYC with Non-Traditional Funding
08:15 - Unique Funding Challenges of Majority World Missionaries
08:37 - Majority World, Terminology in Perspective
09:07 - 5 Reasons the Western Models of Funding Missions Don't Work in the Majority World
10:11 - Cultural Appropriateness
10:25 - Reliance on Individualism
11:02 - Some of the 18 Predominant Funding Models for Missions
11:30 - 5 Alternatives for Missions Funding, Pros and Cons
11:47 - Individually Sourced Funding
12:54 - Employment Sourced Funding, Tentmaking
14:12 - Missions Agency Funding
15:29 - Congregational Funding
16:30 - Multiple Funding Sources
17:01 - Missions Funding Models from Around the World
17:17 - From Peru and Bolivia, 12 Church Model
18:34 - From India, Handful of Rice Model Supported Over 1,800 Missionaries in 2010
20:17 - From Papua New Guinea, the Designation Model
21:40 -...
Bud Houston, a Hub Leader for Global Gates, shares his passion to reach unreached people who are living in cities in Canada and the USA. He offers four action steps, a starting point for urban churches and organizations to get involved. He is also the Director of Research for UPG North America and host of the Let’s Talk Diaspora Podcast.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About the two basic types of people who migrate to the USA and Canada * About the resources available at UPG North America for churches and organizations * Four tips for urban churches to start engaging unreached people groups locally
ABOUT THE GUEST: Bud is the husband of Jessica and father of 5. He serves in Dallas - Fort Worth, engaging the unreached diaspora as Global Gates Hub Leader.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Acts 17: 26; God's sovereignty in peoples' times and geographies
RELATED LINKS:* UPG North America * Let’s Talk Diaspora Podcast * Email Bud Houston
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Topic: Unreached People Groups and Diaspora Populations
01:21 - Bud Houston Family and Testimony
02:46 - Bud's Call to Close Culture and Same Culture Missions
04:36 - What is an Unreached People Group - UPG?
05:41 - People Groups Self-Defined
06:57 - Defining Unreached
07:46 - What Does Diaspora Mean?
09:06 - Challenges of Two Different Types of Diaspora Populations
09:29 - 1. People Pushed from Home
10:34 - 2. People Drawn to a New Home
11:06 - International Students
11:25 - Professionals
12:01 - Answering the Prayers of Lost People
12:40 - UPG North America Supporting Churches and Organizations
14:00 - Really Seeing UPGs in North American
14:23 - Mobilizing Prayer with Virtual Prayer Walks
15:12 - Prayer Walking In Person
16:08 - Multi-Lingual, Multi Media Resources
17:24 - Let's Talk Diaspora Podcast -- Vision and Strategy
19:38 - Tips for Urban Churches to Reach out to Local UPG's
20:09 - God Acting On Purpose and for Purpose
22:19 - Finding God at Work in Your City
22:37 - 1. Who's in Your City?
22:47 - 2. Pray
23:05 - 3. Mobilizing Prayer
23:26 - 4. Finding Places and Points of Engagement
25:48 - Contacting Bud Houston
26:22 - Joke: Baseball in the Kitchen
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Mark Atkinson serves as the Area Director for Care Portal in NYC which helps churches serve vulnerable children and families in their own communities. Young people who've been in foster care are at high risk of being trafficked, incarcerated, homeless and having their own children go into foster care. Plus, only 8% are likely to graduate from high school in four years.
Hear how you can use CarePortal to disrupt the broken foster care cycle and support healthy loving families.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How the foster care system feeds cycles of incarceration, homelessness and generational foster care * How keeping children out of the foster care system is an attainable goal for churches * How CarePortal works with churches, individuals, businesses and social service agencies
ABOUT THE GUEST: Mark simply describes himself as a man who, “Loves God and Loves People”. After struggling, with suicidal thoughts, depression, and a lack of purpose in life, Mark came to know God at the age of 15. Since that day he has been on a journey to get to know God in a genuine way, and point other people to the only one who can give true purpose and fulfillment to our lives.
Mark was called to preaching shortly after beginning his walk with God when he preached his first message during a youth-led service at his home church, the Church of God of East New York, in Brooklyn, New York under the leadership of Rev. Clifton McDowell, Sr. Shortly after his message he knew this was what God had called him to do.
Mark pursued his bachelor’s in Rhetorical Studies and Sociology at Hofstra University. During his time there, Mark had the privilege of holding various leadership positions, including, President of Hofstra’s chapter of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Discovery Leader, Hofstra University’s Stand-Out Student, Student Government Senator, Chair of the Student Government Appropriations Committee, and Hofstra University Student Government President.
Afterward, he soon accepted a position as a Teacher in Residence at Achievement First Brownsville Middle School and worked to be promoted to Lead 8th Grade History Teacher within half a year. During his time at AFBRMS, he has served as Grade Level Chair, Resident Advisor, Mentor Teacher, and Dean of History Curriculum and Instruction. During his tenure as a teacher, Mark’s students showed both the highest growth and absolute achievement results of all students across the Achievement First Network in 8th Grade U.S. History. During his last year, he received the title of Distinguished and Exemplary Teacher and Leader from the Achievement First Network.
After transitioning out of the education sector, Mark served as the Neighborhoods Director for LEAD.NYC where he managed the 10 Zip Codes Project which seeks to make systemic change in the 10 most struggling communities in the New York Metro Area.
Mark currently serves as Area Director for CarePortal which is a connecting platform that drives action for kids and families in crisis which seeks to mitigate the foster care crisis nationally. He also loves serving as an Associate Minister at the Church of God of East New York under the leadership of our Presiding Elder. Mark also serves on the Advisory Board for the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators (NFBLME) as their Executive-In-Residence and he also sits on the Board of Directors for the nonprofits “New Life of NYC” and “We Rise 365.”
His three goals in life are to preach, teach, and influence government legislation to see individuals, families, and cities be completely whole and filled with Kingdom Justice. “I just want to be known as a small man with a Huge God.”
Tiffany Owens Reed unpacks how suburbs, towns and cities can impact their inhabitants. She talks about how understanding the way a city works can impact ministry, allowing churches to better serve their congregants and steward their neighborhoods. She also reveals how churches can better reflect the incarnational gospel where life happens in the daily interactions among residents.
Check out her free resource City Discoveries Toolkit.
Part 2 of 2
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The historical backdrop of redlining in American cities * The importance of knowing the local story and what can be changed now * How pastors are uniquely positioned to advocate in poor communities
FEATURED BONUS: * Five Steps Toward Meaningful Action * More Free Resources for Understanding Your City
ABOUT THE GUEST: A graduate of The King's College and former journalist, Tiffany Owens Reed is a New Yorker at heart, currently living in Texas. She curates content for Cities Decoded, an educational platform designed to help ordinary people understand cities.
Follow her on Instagram @citiesdecoded.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21; Ministry of Reconciliation * Proverbs 31: 8-9; Advocating for People
RELATED LINKS:* CitiesDecoded@gmail.com * Cities Decoded * Tiffany Owens Reed on Instagram
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:33 - Intro, Design Decisions Impacting Human Interaction, Values and Gospel
06:25 - American Cities Shaped by Redlining
07:51 - Consumerism, Cultivating Suburbia and the Backdrop for Redlining in America
10:59 - Different Cities, Same Story for Cities in Global History
13:29 - The Literal History of Redlining in America
15:12 - Urban Renewal, Urban Destruction and Curated Suburbs
19:22 - Frameworks to Help Churches Serving Urban Communities
20:13 - Localism
22:21 - Working Strategically
23:38 - Understanding the Local Story
25:50 - Mind the Gap
27:12 - Advocating and Knowing What You Can Change Now
28:16 - How Pastors Can Make a Difference in Communities
30:02 - Churches Advocating for Urban Communities in the Local Public Sector
31:12 - Patterns of Living in Brooklyn, NY and Waco, TX
35:01 - The Power of Proximity in Forming Relationships
39:07 - The Absence of Public Space
42:12 - Contacting Tiffany Owens Reed
43:15 - Joke: Melon and Marriage
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Tiffany Owens Reed unpacks how suburbs, towns and cities can impact their inhabitants. She talks about how understanding the way a city works can impact ministry, allowing churches to better serve their congregants and steward their neighborhoods. She also reveals how churches can better reflect the incarnational gospel where life happens in the daily interactions among residents.
Check out her City Discoveries Toolkit.
Part 1 of 2
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Four dynamics that are unique to metro areas * How understanding the design of a community can empower ministry * How a ministry of proximity can be impactful in the city and the suburbs
FEATURED BONUS: * City Discoveries Toolkit * More Free Resources for Understanding Your City
ABOUT THE GUEST: A graduate of The King's College and former journalist, Tiffany Owens Reed is a New Yorker at heart, currently living in Texas. She curates content for Cities Decoded, an educational platform designed to help ordinary people understand cities.
Follow her on Instagram @citiesdecoded.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Matthew 25: 34-41; Whatever You Do for the Least of These * Ephesians 2: 8-10; Grace through Faith, No One Can Boast
RELATED LINKS:* CitiesDecoded@gmail.com * Cities Decoded * Tiffany Owens Reed on Instagram
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:27 - Intro: Tiffany Owens Reed, Understanding Our Cities Better
01:52 - Family in Different Cities
02:44 - Inspiration for Studying Cities
04:35 - Connecting in Urban Communities
06:00 - Sharing Life in Close Community
06:41 - 1. Interdependence in Urban Centers
07:13 - 2. Idea, Exchange and Innovation
07:51 - 3. Sin and Virtue, a Theological Component
08:23 - 4. Participating in Society
09:52 - Design and Infrastructure Impacting Urban Dwellers
11:01 - Some Unique Things about NYC
13:20 - Decoding the Systems that Govern Change
13:20 - Infrastructures Impact on an Urban Church
15:03 - Understanding Cities for Better Stewardship
15:03 - The Incarnational Gospel where Life Happens
17:08 - Growing Faith in Context - Suburban and Urban Settings Compared
21:03 - Billionaires Row along side Homelessness in NYC
24:07 - Proximity, Relationships and Charity
27:11 - Theologically: When Christians No Longer See Poverty
28:38 - Intentionality and Meaningful Ministry when the Church is Scattered
34:04 - What Does a Ministry of Proximity Look Like?
36:15 - Part 2 of Interview, Next Time
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Josh Collins serves with Global Gates. Having completed social media training just before pandemic-related lockdowns, he was prepared to communicate the gospel online. He shares some of the big differences between social media outreach and being in person.
Plus, he offers ways you or your church can meaningfully communicate the gospel on line.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Three things Christ-followers can do and one thing not to do when sharing the gospel online * Two of the biggest challenges of ministry in cities like NYC * About the difference in disciplining a new believer from an online connection
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josh and his family moved to New York City in 2012 to work with Global Gates among the 100,000+ immigrants from Bangladesh. He has experience living and working in India among South Asian Muslims and Hindus, as well as short-term work in Central America, Africa, and Thailand. Josh loves training people to connect and reach out to the nations! Recently, he has also done a lot of work with social media outreach.
LINKS:* Global Gates * Email Josh Collins
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Josh Collins
00:45 - Topic: Social Media as a Way to Communicate the Gospel
01:33 - A Family in the City
03:07 - Social Media Outreach Training before the Pandemic
05:00 - Social Media Outreach During Lockdown
06:26 - Where is Social Media Most Fruitful?
07:46 - Two Major Challenges of Ministry in NYC
08:34 - Answering Questions for Women
09:18 - Where Does Social Media Fit into an Outreach Strategy?
10:46 - The Role of Age in Social Media Outreach?
13:12 - The Mechanics of Social Media Outreach
14:51 - Gauging Interest, Follow-up and Cost Effectiveness
17:16 - Reactions Online
18:54 - Responding to Hostile Comments
20:41 - Engaging One on One
23:34 - Helping New Believers Get Connected
25:07 - Helping New Believers Overcome Challenges
26:38 - Biggest Difference in Discipling a New Believer from an Online Connection
28:50 - What Christians Shouldn't Do with Online Ministry?
31:25 - Three Things You Can Do to Share the Gospel Online
31:39 - 1. Sharing as a Church
32:21 - 2. Sharing a Bible Verse from Your Daily Reading
32:43 - 3. Offering Prayer
36:45 - Contacting Josh Collins
37:58 - Joke: A Train of Thought
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Dr. Yousaf Sadiq shares the uniqueness of the Punjabi Psalms -- a successful example of contextualizing scripture for a culture with strong oral traditions. Collectively known as Zabur, these songs are an interdenominational source of strength. They unify Punjabi Christians who are often persecuted as a religious minority in Pakistan.
Dr. Sadiq has a new book, The Contextualized Psalms (Punjabi Zabur): A Precious Heritage of the Global Punjabi Christian Community.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why the Punjabi Psalter was well received after the Urdu Psalter was not * A South Asian perspective on Jesus meeting the woman at the well * What the global church can learn about worship from the Punjabi Psalter
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Yousaf Sadiq earned his doctorate from the London School of Theology, UK. He is the author of a pioneer work that comprehensively encompasses the cultural, socio-historical, missional, and sociolinguistic aspects of the Punjabi Psalter. Dr. Sadiq teaches at Wheaton College in Illinois, and enjoys watching cricket.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE: Psalm 34: 8; Taste and see that the LORD is good
RELATED LINKS:* Email Dr. Sadiq * The Contextualized Psalms (Punjabi Zabur) * Special Psalms Help Pakistani Christians with Persecution, Pandemic, and Disunity * FB Page - Dr. Rev. Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Introducing Dr. Yousaf Sadiq
02:44 - Extended Family across Nations
04:58 - Inspiration for Studying the Psalms in Punjabi
06:49 - What Does 'Zabur' Have to Do with the Psalms?
07:56 - Connecting the Psalms to Punjabi Culture -- Oral Traditions and Embracing the Psalms
11:22 - The Uniqueness of the Punjabi Psalter
14:31 - Indigenous Melodies and Local Worship
19:53 - All Punjabi Christians are United in Song
21:19 - Psalms in Church Liturgy and Community Gathering
26:16 - The Imprecatory Psalms amid Persecution of Christians in Pakistan
30:58 - Do the Imprecatory Psalms Have a Place in Christ's Church?
35:22 - The Psalms as a Bridge to the Muslim Community
41:00 - Contextualizing the Psalms or the Epistles in Poetic Form?
43:38 - Recognizing the Gospel and Connecting with People
47:40 - The Significance of the Original Languages of Scripture
55:50 - Jesus and the Woman at the Well -- a South Asian Perspective
62:26 - Processing Grief and Suffering with the Psalms
64:47 - The Psalms as Encouragement for the Global Church
70:27 - Contacting Dr. Yousaf Sadiq
71:38 - The Train Joke
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Dr. Bill Merrifield worked cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 17 years while his family grew. Considering how faithful Christians can think critically and engage the culture without compromise, he breaks down different ways that honor the gospel. He currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement for IDEAS. Dr. Merrifield maintains a blog where he recently shared a vision for transformation in the midst of brokenness.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* The importance of unearthing your own cultural assumptions * How Christians can think critically and be faithful in multireligious settings * A vision for transformation, standing firm in the cultural currents
FEATURED BONUS: * Eddies of Transformation in Rivers of Brokenness
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Bill Merrifield worked cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 17 years. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, an MA in Middle Eastern Studies, an MA in Religion, and a BA in Theology. Dr. Merrifield works as the Vice President of Engagement for IDEAS. His focus areas include culturally-situated critical thinking & special education in the Arabic-speaking world.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Revelation 7:9-11; Every nation, tribe and tongue worshipping God in heaven * 1 Peter 3: 15; Be prepared to give a reason for the hope within
RELATED LINKS:* IDEAS.org * Dr. Bill Merrifield’s Blog * Email Dr. Bill Merrifield
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Introducing Dr. Bill Merrifield
01:42 - Family USA and Lebanon
03:21 - God's Love for Diversity in Worship, Seen in the Book of Revelation
04:56 - Unearthing Cultural Assumptions
06:08 - What is the organization, IDEAS?
07:54 - What are 5 aspects of missional engagement described in SODAP Model?
09:07 - S - Sameness, Maintaining the Status Quo
09:52 - O - Overlapping Values
11:43 - D - Discussion, Understanding and Mutual Respect
12:28 - A - Argument or Apologetics
12:55 - Polemic - Destroying Another Perspective
13:17 - Redemptive versus non-Redemptive Engagement
14:47 - There Is More than One Way
16:55 - Humility, Engagement and Getting Unstuck
18:09 - Application - Redemptive Acts in the World
19:48 - Shared Values and Building Bridges
20:42 - Letting the Message of Jesus Be Attractive
21:48 - What Can Transformation Look Like?
24:33 - Contacting Dr. Bill Merrifield
25:39 - Joke: Things in Common
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Elizabeth Black is the co-founder of Kaleidoscope, a ministry dedicated to “Providing LGBTQ+ people opportunities to engage with tangible expressions of Christ” and joining the Spirit of God where He is already at work among LGBTQ+ folks in NYC. She shares some surprises and challenges in reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community, contextualizing the gospel message and the vital role of the local church.
21% of Gen Z adults (aged 18-26) self-identify as not being heterosexual; and NYC has the largest population of LGBTQ+ folks in the country, many of whom move to metropolitan areas as a sanctuary.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Five things that may surprise many Christians about the gospel and the LGBTQ+ community * About the four major theological approaches to LGBTQ+ folks * Differences between theological debates and actually engaging people with Christ's love
FEATURED BONUS: * Training for Pastors
ABOUT THE GUEST: Elizabeth Black has served as an evangelist and minister in New York City for almost 10 years. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she attended Washington Bible College for undergraduate studies. Elizabeth has a heart for New York City, and she loves sharing Jesus with those in the LGBTQ, Jewish, and African-American populations – and beyond. She is currently working on her Master of Theology in contextual theology at All Nations, a missions college in the UK. Elizabeth loves to cook, entertain, watch documentaries, and read about culture. Last but not least, she is a proud wife and the mother of two young boys.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 3: 14-18; God So Loved the World * Matthew 9: 35-38; The Harvest is Plentiful, the Workers are Few * Hebrews 4: 12-13; The Power of the Word of God * John 4: 7-38; Jesus Meets the Woman at the Well
RELATED LINKS:* Kaleidoscope Ministries * Email Elizabeth Black * Elizabeth Black on Instagram * Percentage of LGBTQ Adults in U.S. has Doubled over past Decade, Gallup Finds
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:40 - Topic: Bringing Jesus to the LGBTQ+ Community
02:03 - Who Is Elizabeth Black?
03:19 - Elizabeth Black's Multiethnic Family
05:20 - What is the Kaleidoscope Ministry?
05:47 - From Jewish Missions and Evangelism
06:32 - People Kept Asking Questions about Sexuality and Sexual Identity
07:37 - Gospel Contextualization and the LGBTQ+ Community
08:47 - Academic Theology vs Everyday Engagement with the Gospel
09:15 - Same Theology Different Context
11:12 - Five Things that Might Surprise the Average Christian about Ministry in the LGBTQ Community
11:23 - 1. LGBTQ Community as a People Group
11:40 - 2. Not Just the Individual but a Culture
11:47 - 3. Not Just about Sexual Behavior
12:20 - 4. Breaking Stereotypes about People in LGBTQ+ Community
13:30 - 5. Openness to the Gospel within LGBTQ+ Community
14:53 - Four Major Theological Ideologies regarding the LGBTQ Community
15:17 - Side A
16:37 - Side B and Kaleidoscope
18:42 - Side Y
19:32 - Side X
20:19 - Leading with the Gospel
21:22 - Engaging beyond the Church Walls
23:26 - Working from a Deficit, Ministry and LGBTQ Folks
27:14 - Responses from within the LGBTQ Community
28:29 - Jesus Loves You Too
30:25 - What Happens in Kaleidoscope Bible Studies?
32:54 - Missions, Speaking the Language and Preferred Pronouns
34:51 - Meeting People where They Are & Pride Events
39:08 - The Vital Role of a Local Churches
41:09 - Churches Being a Good Light for the Gospel
42:26 - Where to Start in Ministry in the LGBTQ+ Community?
43:08 - Sharing Stories and Building Relationships
44:04 - Who Did Jesus Come to Save?
45:29 - Contacting Elizabeth Black
46:10 - Who's the Jokester in the Family?
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Rebeca Castillo felt at home the first time she traveled to the Middle-East. Considering the differences in social customs, she looks at the importance of Christ-followers offering and receiving hospitality, building deep relationships, sharing their lives in the Lord and how to start.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How to share hospitality inside and outside of your home * What Jesus said to His disciples about being a good guest * Four common mistakes to avoid when hosting Muslims
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rebeca serves domestically and abroad; she regularly ministers through hospitality.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Genesis 1: 2 – 2: 6, God creating the earth and humanity * Luke 10: 1-12, Jesus gives instructions to the seventy-two and sends the disciples out two by two
LINKS:* Email Rebeca Castillo * Global Gates Network
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:44 - Topic: Hospitality and Showing the Love of Jesus to Muslims
01:05 - Big Families, Extended Family and Close Cousins
03:03 - God, Our First Example of Hospitality
04:35 - Hospitality in Any Setting: Space to Be Present with Others
05:31 - Sharing Your Home and Sharing Your Life
06:13 - Adjusting to the American Version of Hospitality
08:56 - American Hospitality and How Immigrants Perceive the Gospel
11:05 - Feeling at Home in the Middle East
14:54 - Providing an Example and Making People Feel Comfortable
17:56 - Being a Good Guest in a Home Where the Host is From a Traditional Cultures
19:29 - Jesus' Instructions on Being a Guest - Luke 10
20:47 - As a Guest, Receiving Hospitality and Sharing Stories
22:17 - Being a Guest at a Ramadan Dinner
22:51 - People Want to Talk about Spiritual Things
24:18 - Time to Learn about Ramadan
24:33 - Being a Good Hostess - Accommodating Dietary Restrictions
27:25 - Common Mistakes to Avoid when Hosting Muslims
27:48 - 1 No shoes
28:09 - 2 Follow the Lead with New Customs
28:38 - 3 Dinner is a better invitation than lunch or breakfast
29:11 - 4 Time Is Love
30:24 - Holidays -- Easy and Natural Ways to Experience Culture
33:36 - Taking the First Step
34:30 - Contacting Rebecca Castillo
34:50 - Joke: Walking in the Jungle
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Brad Vaughn (formerly Jackson Wu) breaks down how the interpretation of Jesus’ atonement impacts an individual, the church and perceptions of God’s character. Understanding the atonement can be heavily influenced by culture, worldview and holding metaphors more closely than scripture itself.
Brad shares from his recently published a book, The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Where to look for greater understanding about Christ's atonement * About the influence the Western church has in some traditional cultures * About the impact of culture and worldview on understanding atonement
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brad Vaughn (Ph.D., SEBTS) is the marketing manager for William Carey Publishing after serving for 15 years as a church planter and seminary professor in East Asia. His books include Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, and The Cross in Context which. He posts resources at savinggodsface.com.
At the time of recording, "Jackson Wu" was a pseudonym Brad had adopted while working overseas in sensitive areas. Brad now goes by his real name, Brad Vaughn.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 17: 19-23; Jesus Sanctifies Himself * Galatians 3: 13-14, Deuteronomy 21: 23; Christ Became a Curse
RELATED LINKS:* Brad Vaughn’s Website * Brad Vaughn on Twitter * The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Topic: Considering the Cross, Why Atonement Matters
01:54 - Family Fun
05:25 - Atonement vs Reconciliation
07:07 - Atonement Is Like What?
08:53 - Conflicting Interpretations and Simplified Metaphors
09:58 - Looking at the Cross First to Understand Atonement
11:59 - Three Interrelated Fundamentals of Atonement: Purification, Bearing and Payment
12:51 - Cultural Factors that Affect the Understanding of Atonement
15:40 - Culture Wars, Cultural Preferences and Atonement Theory
16:38 - Uncontextualized Tradition from the West
17:59 - Honor, Shame, Atonement and the Sacrifices
19:00 - Sacrificial Offerings and the Holiness of God
21:32 - Making Things Holy
22:01 - Challenging the Status Quo and Bringing Nuance
23:28 - Penal Substitution and It's Logic
24:11 - Bearing Sin, Jesus' Death and the Curse
26:42 - Beyond Assumptions about Atonement
28:04 - Out of this World Joke
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Most recent years, about 1 million international students come to the United States to study. Elizabeth Wolf discovered a heart for Muslims while serving abroad. Today, she serves among international students on an urban campus in the United States.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About some differences in reaching out to Muslim students in Gen Z * What it means to give students opportunities to experience Christ’s presence * Where and how to take the first step in international student ministry
ABOUT THE GUEST: Elizabeth is a small-town girl doing ministry in a big city as campus minister to international students. She’s been passionate about unreached people groups (UPGs) since college when she went overseas for a year in pursuit of Bible translation. It was there that God got a hold of her heart toward Muslims, which is the last thing she expected. She’s still on a learning curve with incarnational ministry to students, but is excited for what God has in store.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Galatians Ch 4: 12-20 – Sharing Community
RELATED LINKS:* Contacting Elizabeth Wolf * Bridges International * IFI – International Friendships * International Students Inc * Intervarsity * Year by Year, International Student Enrollment in the USA * Foreign Student Enrollment Down in 2020-2021
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:33 - Topic: International Student Ministry
01:48 - Growing Up with Missionaries
02:44 - From Youth Group to Missions
05:44 - Challenges for Students
07:26 - Reaching Out to Gen Z
08:26 - Authenticity and Worldview
09:13 - Being Vulnerable
09:30 - Ways to Experience Presence of Christ Together
10:21 - Importance of Community and Relationships
12:07 - Loneliness and International Students
13:44 - Extending Hospitality to International Students
14:14 - Celebrating Last Christmas
14:43 - Mary in the Quran
14:51 - Cultural Exchange and Celebrating Ramadan Abroad
15:58 - How Are International Students Welcomed by Christ-followers in America?
18:29 - Students' Mental Health
20:48 - Meeting People Where They Are Now
21:25 - Being a Friend
23:41 - Stereotypes About International Students
24:27 - First Step to Befriending an International Student
24:56 - Where to Meet an International Students
26:14 - Encouragement for Ministry and Building Community
28:29 - Contacting Elizabeth
29:01 - Peppery Dad Joke
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Seven years on the mission field gave Dr. Matthew Bennett the opportunity to see the American church with fresh perspective. As a missionary and professor at Cedarville University, he invites American evangelicals to look at the American church like someone on the outside looking in. Without the sentiments or idealizations that can come with familiarity, he shares a Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why it’s important to survey the broken places in American churches * The gospel and the implications of not understanding the worldview of your neighbors * Spiritual lessons from Christians in places that are usually hostile to the gospel message
ABOUT THE GUEST: Matt and his wife Emily spent several years living in North Africa and the Middle East prior to returning to the US where Matt teaches Missions and Theology at Cedarville University. Matt is the author of 40 Questions about Islam, The Qur'an and the Christian and his most recent book, Hope for American Evangelicals.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 3: 16; God so Loved the World * Ephesians 2: 13-15; Dividing Walls Abolished in Christ * Matthew 16: 18; Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail * Luke 10: 25-28; Christians Called to Love Neighbors * Matthew 10: 16; Wise as a Serpent and Innocent as a Dove * Matthew 5: 10; The Promise of Persecution & The Promise of Blessing * Philippians 3: 20; A Christian’s Citizenship in Heaven * Luke 9: 23; Following Jesus Each Day
RELATED LINKS:Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House
Matt Bennett Books
Matt Bennett on Twitter
Dad Jokes on Twitter
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:40 - Topic: Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House
01:45 - Family on the Mission Field
03:36 - What is American Evangelicalism?
06:54 - Looking at the House with Fresh Eyes
09:39 - Looking at Today's American Church from a Missionary Perspective
11:33 - What is a Missionary Perspective?
13:45 - Sexuality in the Church
14:20 - What's the Church's Vision of Sex?
17:11 - Surveying the Broken Places
18:18 - The Neighborhood: Understanding Our Neighbors' Worldview
19:58 - Racial Reconciliation and the Dividing Walls Abolished in Christ
23:45 - Contextualizing the Gospel and Telling the Entire Story of the Bible
28:16 - Global Christians Contributing to the American Church
30:21 - Government and Practicing Faith
33:44 - The Gospel In the Middle of a Revolution
35:50 - Comforts, Persecution and the Global Church
40:17 - Citizenship in Heaven
41:50 - How Shall We Live?
43:44 - Contacting Matt Bennett
44:32 - Dad Jokes Abounding
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Zamary Texeira found a path to financial freedom. She shares insights and offers advice for anyone who wants to get out of debt and stop the cycle from continuing in the next generation. She is now a Ramsey preferred coach, encouraging others on their own path to financial freedom.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* What needs to happen before you call a financial coach * Why financial freedom is not about the math * How fear and shame work against financial freedom
ABOUT THE GUEST: I love teaching, encouraging, and leading people to improve their lives, so they can thrive. On mission trips, I have had the opportunity to coach individuals about budgeting and developing healthy decisions making skills around their finances. Then a few years ago, I began my own debt-free journey.
My 'Get out of debt' moment was realizing I wanted to change my family's legacy. One day as I was paying my student loans, I noticed that my oldest son was a freshman in high school and I had only four years before he started college. I had nothing saved for his college, and still paying off my college debt. At that moment, my kids became my 'WHY.' This impacted and motivated me to change my money habits. I wanted to be debt free!
As I started my journey, I felt free from the control of money and debt. I started to make wise decisions and seized the opportunity to be debt free!
I wanted others to experience this goodness, I started helping family and friends. I found joy in seeing people accomplish their goals and living life to the fullest. I helped them navigate through unhealthy financial decisions that were controlling them and holding them back from being debt-free. As a single parent of two boys, I know the financial difficulties of raising and supporting your children. Today, I am blessed to have a husband and three stepchildren, but also know firsthand the financial struggles a blended family faces.
I enjoy the opportunity of teaching and guiding our five children about money, college, and staying out of debt.
My background includes working as a Maritime Purchasing & Claims Agent, which includes monitoring operating costs and tracking budgets for vessels. I have a B.S. in Accounting from Monroe College and M.S. in International Transportation Management from SUNY Maritime College.
I have completed and certified in the Ramsey Solutions Financial Coach Master Training. Completion of Ramsey Solutions Financial Coach Master Training does not create an employment or agency relationship with Ramsey Solutions or its affiliates; it does not constitute a license or credentials to engage in legal, tax, accounting, investment, or other professional services; nor does it constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Coach by Dave Ramsey.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* John 3: 16; Christ Paid Debt to God * Proverbs 22: 7; Freedom from Debt, Freedom to Give Generously
RELATED LINKS:* Zamary Texeira Financial Coach * Contact Zamary Texeira
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:07 - Topic: Building a Healthy Financial Future for You and Your Family
02:14 - Inspiration from Her Blended Family
03:18 - The Challenge of Paying for a College Education
04:39 - Do You Really Need to Cut Your Credit Cards?
07:01 - Getting the Entire Family Out of Debt and Becoming a Financial Coach
08:46 - Taking the First Step to Financial Freedom
10:52 - It's Not about the Math
12:40 - Feeling Overwhelmed Each Christmas
14:22 - The Obstacle of Fear
15:59 - Unique Financial Challenges in NYC
17:59 - Free Options for Getting Out of Debt
20:53 - Freedom from Debt and Freedom in Christ
23:22 - The Best Advice for Getting Out of Debt
26:08 - Contacting Zamary
26:34 - Joke: Honk Honk
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Pastor Ramny Perez prioritizes the gospel, discipling congregants and loving the local community well. He shares how following Jesus' example and upholding the integrity of the gospel lead to loving the community and building interfaith relationships in NYC. Ramny Perez is the Lead Pastor of Fordham Community Church in the Bronx, New York.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How to build interfaith relationships and not water down the gospel * How service and a traditional Christian witness lead to loving the local community * About taking the first step in community building
ABOUT THE GUEST: God has given Ramny Perez a passion to help as many as possible see the beauty of the Lord Jesus. He is married to his best friend and dear wife Dayami Perez. They have a son, Navi Perez and a daughter Scarlin Perez.
Currently, he is the lead pastor of Fordham Community Church in the Bronx. He previously served as a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church and Led the Youth Ministry of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana in Washington Heights. He has a BA in Literature from The City College of New York and Masters of Divinity from SBTS. He loves to read, play and watch sports and spend time with his family.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Revelation 7: 9-12; Every Nation Tribe and Tongue
Matthew 5: 13-16; Jesus Calls the Church Salt and Light
Matthew 14: 22-33; Jesus Invites Peter to Walk on Water
LINKS RELATED TO EPISODE:Fordham Community Church
Devastating Fire in the Bronx, Jan 2022
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:46 - Topic: Interfaith Bridge Building in a Diverse Community
01:26 - Family, Full Hands and Full Hearts
05:04 - Diversity, Friendships, Food and Life in NYC
07:17 - Why Does It Matter If All Ethnicities Are Involved in Missions?
10:14 - Getting the Entire Church Involved with Missions
13:49 - Why Is It Important to Have Good Interfaith Relationships in Your Community?
14:43 - Interfaith Relationships and Serving Well
16:56 - Never Watering Down the Gospel
17:45 - Partnering for the Community to Flourish
18:50 - Serving the Needs in Larger Community and Neighborhood
21:07 - Connecting for the Common Good
23:25 - Surprises in Community Building
25:31 - Three Recommendations for Pastors in Any Context
25:50 - 1. Being Clear, Gracious and Kind
26:24 - 2. Looking for Community-Minded People
27:20 - 3. Taking One Step
28:25 - Encouragement for Discouraged Pastors
30:09 - Contacting Pastor Ramny Perez
31:03 - A Dad Joke with Spice
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As the Director of City Relief and overseeing eight outreaches a week in NYC, Josiah Haken shares his informed perspective about people made in the image of God and who happen to be homeless. Noting that eleven is the average age of a homeless person in America, he pushes back on four common lies and offers practical ways that congregations can help.
He is the author of Neighbors without Doors.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About four common lies about homeless people and homelessness in America * One simple step that churches can do to help * The mistake that many people make when serving homeless people
ABOUT THE GUEST: Josiah Haken is CEO of City Relief, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness to the resources they need to improve their lives.
Growing up as the son of missionaries in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as well as leading hundreds of outreaches in the streets of New York City, Newark, and Paterson, New Jersey, have given Josiah a unique perspective on the complexities of poverty and homelessness.
Josiah is widely recognized as a “go-to person” in New York City when it comes to teaching others how to engage with the unhoused community.
Josiah has his Masters of Arts in Ministry, Leadership and Culture through Fresno Pacific University. In 2022 he published his first book, Neighbors With No Doors, the Truth About Homelessness, and How You Can Make a Difference.
He believes and teaches anyone who cares to listen that the poor and homeless deserve the best that we can offer and not just our leftovers.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Genesis 1: 27; Humanity Made in God's Image
Matthew 25: 37-46; Doing For the Least of These
LINKS:* City Relief * Josiah Haken - Twitter * Neighbors without Doors by Josiah Haken
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:32 - Who is Josiah Haken?
02:35 - The Journey to NYC City Relief to City Relief
04:14 - Impacting the Lives of 100's of People Each Week
05:14 - Made in the Image of God
06:12 - Encouragement to Not Give Up
07:43 - Four Lies about Homelessness in America
08:38 - 1. Homeless People Are Lazy
09:14 - 2. Homeless People Are Dangerous
09:53 - 3. Homeless People are Mentally Ill
10:23 - 4. Homeless People are Addicts
11:31 - The Average Age of a Homeless Person is 11 Years Old
12:00 - The Impact of the Covid Pandemic
13:32 - The Eviction Crisis in America
13:59 - Disporportionate Impact of Marginalized Communities
15:19 - Three Practical Tips, Advice for Urban Churches and Communities of Faith
15:40 - 1. Lessons for Leaders
16:11 - 2. Connecting Congregants to Serve
16:52 - 3. Mobilization of Resources
17:59 - Starting with One Thing
18:19 - The Most Common Mistake Christians Make
19:47 - Being a Debtor to Who?
22:27 - Connecting with Josiah Haken
24:31 - Geographical Joke
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Jonathan Bornman talks about modern day peacemaking in the real world. Who would ask for a cup of coffee when they are greeted with the words "your blood is permissible to me"?
Founder of Dove Tail Productions, Jonathan Bornman is a producer and and makes documentaries about non-violent conflict resolution, like the soon to be released film, Unexpected Peace: In Search of the Common Good.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About Pacifist Islamic Communities in NYC and West Africa * About the Fruit of Peacemaking in Indonesia, 20 Years after Seeds were Sown * How Forgiveness and Peacemaking are Related
FEATURED BONUS: Multilingual Christian Resources
ABOUT THE GUEST: Jonathan grew up in a Mennonite family in Indiana working on local farms and in his father’s masonry business. When he graduated from high school his eyes were opened to the world through a one-year cross-cultural service and learning opportunity in Brazil where he discovered a love of language and culture. Jonathan and his wife, Carol, served in Burkina Faso (1991-94) developing water resources. There, Jonathan learned French as well as a smattering of local language greetings and gained an understanding of African Traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity in Africa by living in a mixed community.
After earning a master’s degree in intercultural studies with a focus on Islam, Jonathan served with his family in Senegal from 1999-2009 as a Bible teacher. In 2013, Jonathan joined Eastern Mennonite Missions’ newly formed Christian-Muslim Relations Team and was privileged to be mentored by Dr. David W. Shenk (author, speaker and innovative thinker on interfaith relations). This work expanded his international experience to 37 countries and four continents.
His expertise includes nonviolence in Islam, Sufi Islam, missiology, immigration, and Christian-Muslim encounters. Jonathan is a connector who works to build bridges and equip people to participate in Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation, peacemaking and seeking the common good. He has a PhD from Middlesex University (Social Anthropology).
Inspired to harness the power of cinema to create a better world for people of all backgrounds, Jonathan founded Dove Tale Productions in 2021.
Filmography:
- Producer - The Allies for Peace video series
- Producer and Host - A search for peace, a Palestinian perspective on nonviolent conflict resolution
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Matthew 5: 9; Blessed are the Peacemakers * Hebrews 11: 32-40; Christian Martyrs * Genesis 1: 27; Humanity Made in God's Image
LINKS:* Unexpected Peace: Search for the Common Good * Eastern Mennonite Missions | Christian-Muslim Relations Team * Peacemakers Confessing Christ
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES: 01:52 - Young Parents Raising Third Culture Kids
03:34 - Mission of EMM's Christian Muslim Relations Team
06:03 - Mennonite Traditions in Peacemaking
08:47 - Jesus Would not Kill a Muslim
09:26 - Unexpected Peace, Telling Three Stories
10:26 - 1. Amish Children Victimized by Violence
11:33 - 2. Pacifists Muslim Community in Little Senegal, NYC
12:55 - 3. How Interfaith Relations Have Transformed Indonesia
13:32 - Your Blood is Permissible to Me
14:56 - Discovering Forgiveness in Non-Violence
15:56 - Discovering Muslim Pacifists that Operate in the Modern World
19:53 - But...How Would You Respond to a Violent Attack?
21:47 - But...They are Tricking You
24:20 - Starting with God's Image in Your Neighbor
25:39 - Jesus Spoke to a Person's Need
26:47 - Peacemaking in NYC
27:18 - Mennonites Engaging the Community in Harlem
28:35 - Christians Dealing with Violence
29:31 - Who Does Jesus Love?
31:32 - The Costly Way of Jesus
32:16 - 3 Basics of Discipleship
33:31 - Connecting with Jonathan Bornman and EMM
35:56 - The Joke's on Who?
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Seth Bouchelle highlights how the command to love our neighbor and the great commission fuse in modern urban settings.
He challenges assumptions about cross cultural ministry and the examples modeled by Jesus.
Seth is the co-author of Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World and the author of Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How studying Islam could be a stumbling block in building relationships with Muslim people * About the impact of honor-shame dynamics * The importance of not curbing your assumptions
ABOUT THE GUEST: Seth Bouchelle has been planting churches among diaspora populations in NYC since 2014. Currently, he serves as director of Equipping for the Exponent Group. The focus of the Exponent Group is to “help organizations build healthy disciples that multiply the gospel.”
Through this role Seth works to train evangelists and advance disciple making skills within urban churches and nonprofits.
Seth is the co-author of Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World and the author of Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Leviticus 19: 34; Love the Foreigner * Matthew 22: 38-40; Love Your Neighbors * Matthew 28: 16-20; The Great Commission * 1 Corinthians 3: 9; Coworkers with Jesus * 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21; Ministry of Reconciliation
RELATED LINKS:* Contact Seth Bouchelle at The Exponent Group * Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World, Seth Bouchelle co-author * Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry by Seth Bouchelle
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:03 - Topic: Why Muslim Evangelism Requires Its Own Skills and Ethnography
03:06 - Ministry through the Generations
04:42 - Why Should More Christians Reach out to Muslims in Their Cities?
06:21 - Where to Start in Outreach and Evangelism
06:55 - Studying Islam for Ministry
07:14 - Curbing Assumptions
08:09 - Honor and Shame, Knowledge and Kindness
10:36 - Common Mistakes of Short-Term Missions Teams
11:23 - Honor Shame Dynamics in Relationships
13:02 - Some Problems with Being a Teacher
13:30 - Engaging as a Learner and Honoring Your Neighbor
14:32 - Teaching versus Discipleship
17:08 - Respect, Politeness, Silence and Cross-Cultural Dynamics
19:56 - Repeating Mistakes in Missions
20:26 - Unraveling Missions from Colonialism
21:29 - Sharing the Gospel across Generations
22:36 - Biggest Hurdles for Muslims to Become Christian
23:00 - Is Multicultural Really Multicultural?
25:57 - What Does It Mean to be Godly?
26:59 - Incarnational Missions
28:30 - Contact Seth Bouchelle
30:40 - A Stand-up Comedy Routine from a Missionary
32:36 - Joke: Huh, Huh, Haha, Haha
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James Rayment unpacks what how Muslims and Christians can have conversation without compromise and build relationships despite fundamental disagreements. These dialogues stand in stark contrast to perennial accusations of cancel culture in America.
James Rayment pushes back on some common misconceptions that Protestants have about Muslims, outlining four steps that churches can take to get to know Muslim people in their neighborhoods.
The Al-Ma’idah Initiative hosts events and trains churches to do the same; it is an unapologetically Christian organization.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Food Can Be a Catalyst for Relationship Building * 4 Practical Tips for Churches to Host Dinners during Ramadan * About a Common Error that Protestant Christians Make When Talking to Muslims
FEATURED BONUS: How Can Christians Reach Out to Muslims During Ramadan?
ABOUT THE GUEST: James Rayment has been building relationships with Muslims in Seattle and around the world since 2012. As a result of this ministry he founded the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, a Christian nonprofit.
The organization educates and equips local Christians to engage with individuals in the city’s Muslim community. Members of the local church are better able to understand and communicate with Muslims on a range of issues. His goal is to facilitate genuine friendships without shying away from the exclusivity of Jesus’ message. The Al-Ma’idah Initiative is an unapologetically Christian organization.
God is the one who changes hearts and minds. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, there's no coercion or reason to cancel someone despite sharp disagreement — genuine friendships can and do start at the table. Christians simply represent what they believe to be true and show hospitality.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Matthew 26-28; Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Psalm 72; God’s Vision for the Muslim World
RELATED LINKS:The Al-Ma'idah Initiative
Podcast, The Al-Ma'idah Initiative
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:21 - From England to Having a Family in Seattle
04:18 - Catalyst for Al-Ma'idah Initiative
07:52 - Who Wants to Visit Church with Us?
08:40 - Muslims’ Openness to Spiritual Conversations
09:56 - Taking People and Ideas Seriously
11:48 - So as a Christian, What Do You Believe?
11:57 - How did Jesus Escape from the Cross?
12:57 - Literally Putting the Cards on the Table
13:44 - 4 Practical Tips for Churches to Get Started
15:55 - Leading By Example
16:34 - How Hearts and Minds Change
17:00 - Before Hosting a Meal
17:17 - God Has Work to Do in the Muslims World
19:33 - A Free and Fair Arena for Ideas
20:27 - Main Error that Protestant Christians Make in Interacting with Muslim People
25:31 - A Joke for Ramadan
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Ruth Ripken shares why its so important for Christian women to be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality plus 4 ways to overcome fear and love their neighbors well.
With 35 years of experience in missions, she has lived in several countries in Africa, learned about different cultures, ministered to believers in persecution and participated in relief efforts with her husband Nik Ripen.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About the importance of hospitality in relationships with Muslim women * Four ways to get over the ‘fear factor’ and not be afraid to say or do the wrong thing * About surfing the ‘international food aisle’
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ruth Ripken and her husband, Nik are mission veterans of 35 years. Along with her husband, they have done extensive research among believers living in the midst of persecution in over 70 countries. This research has been shared in numerous articles and three books. Nowadays, they spend their time sharing the truths they have learned from these believers in persecution with churches, schools, and mission organizations.
One of Ruth’s greatest joys is spending time with Muslim women, listening to their stories and seeing how God can break into their lives. Another blessing is helping Christian women in America to connect and fall in love with the nations in their midst.
Nik and Ruth are the parents of three sons, two wonderful daughter-in-loves and an amazing grandson.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Genesis 1: 27; Humanity Created in God’s Image
RELATED LINKS:* Nik Ripken Ministries * ruth@nikripken.com
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:59 - The Importance of Family
04:32 - A Vision for Missions Started in Childhood
06:03 - From Home to Malawi
06:45 - Relief Work in Kenya
07:34 - Ministering to Believers in Persecution
07:48 - Why a Special Focus on Muslim Women
10:35 - What Does this Outreach Look Like?
12:03 - Making Yourself Available
13:15 - Why Do We Love?
14:07 - Getting over the Fear Factor
14:37 - Fear: What if I Say the Wrong Thing?
15:35 - Breaking Bread and Hospitality
16:13 - Fear: What if I Cook the Wrong Thing?
16:55 - Making Friends in the International Food Aisle
19:00 - Women in Leadership in the Iranian Church
20:26 - Muslim Background Believers Persecuted in the USA
21:17 - Christian Response to Hijabs and Niqabs
21:48 - Where's the Fear Factor?
23:59 - Persecuted Christians Loving their Persecutors
24:21 - Being Welcomed in Muslim-Majority Countries
25:18 - Fear, Persecution and Honor Killings
27:01 - Honor Killings in the West
28:01 - Yes, Muslims Can Become Christian
28:57 - Developing Deep Friendship
29:44 - Being Welcoming and Practicalities of Hospitality
31:39 - When Language Seems Like a Barrier
32:25 - Sharing Stories
34:35 - Ruth Ripken's Contact Info
35:46 - Joke: What about Dinosaurs?
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Dr. Matthew Kaemingk separates the Christian response from the political rhetoric that can dominate the conversation about Muslim immigration in America.
Looking at Jesus’ example and with practical examples from around the globe, he looks at failures and successes of Christians loving their Muslim neighbors well despite fundamental religious differences.
Dr. Kaemingk is the author of the book: Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How Politics Fail to Support a Christian Response to Muslim Immigration * About Christians Being a Good Host and a Good Guest * Why Christians Should Care about Bans on Hijabs
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Matthew Kaemingk is a public theologian who explores questions facing Christians serving in politics, culture, and the marketplace. He teaches ethics and public theology at Fuller Theological Seminary where he holds the Richard John Mouw Chair of Faith and Public Life.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Luke 10: 25-29; Love Your Neighbor * Luke 22: 47-53; Christ's Generosity in the Garden of Gethsemane * Luke 22:
RELATED LINKS:* Dr. Matthew Kaemingk * Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear * Matthew Kaemingk
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:51 - Topic: Christians Responding to Muslim Immigration from a Biblical Perspective
02:30 - A Family and Household
04:11 - Where Did Work of Muslim Immigration Start?
04:57 - Working with Refugees in Europe
06:01 - Political Responses on the Left or Right
07:49 - Security and Accountability vs Justice and Mercy
09:39 - At Home with Deep Differences
11:40 - Hospitality, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Cross
12:59 - Exodus, Liberation and Extending Hospitality
14:23 - Being a Good Host and a Good Guest
17:00 - Love, Hospitality and Church Renewal
17:47 - Why Should Christians Care about Bans on Hijabs?
19:59 - Pastors Defending Mosques and Confusing Grace
23:37 - Resolving Conflict within a Congregation
24:04 - Going to the Cross
25:21 - Making Mistakes
26:03 - Learning to Be a Guest
26:39 - Looking for Opportunity
27:08 - Contacting Matthew Kaemingk
28:57 - Joke: Knock Knock
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Pastor Mike Rubino, Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Bible Church, saw the congregation grow from 40 people to 400 people. The fruit of revitalization was plain to see, soon after the church started down that road. Pastor Mike now works with many other congregations — offering a bird’s eye view of local congregations and a simple roadmap to a thriving body of Christians.
Pastor Mike Rubino shares that journey and practical steps that any congregation can follow in his soon to be released book, The Revitalize Roadmap.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* 4 Simple Steps to Begin Revitalization in a Congregation in 4 Months * The Reasons Why Many Congregations are Shrinking * The Difference between Revitalization and Repackaging a Church
ABOUT THE GUEST: As the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Church, Pastor Mike helps shape the overall vision and provides administrative direction and leadership for the church. Pastor Mike’s passion is communicating timeless Bible truths through culturally relevant programming. As a member of “Generation X” his desire is to help build a multi-cultural and multi-generational church that continues to grow both wide and deep.
His educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology, M.B.A. in Management, Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Leadership, and Technology, and he received his M.A. in Theology from Liberty University.
Pastor Mike Rubino is a leader who loves the local church. Over the course of 20 years, he has helped plant, re-plant, and revitalize multiple churches in the Northeast.
RELATED LINKS:* Cornerstone Bible Church * The Revitalize Network * Pastor Mike Rubino * Text 'Thrive' to 631 201 5520 for Information about the Thrive Program
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES: 01:02 - Topic: How Your Church Can Thrive in the New Year
02:01 - Family, the Unsung Heroes of Ministry
04:02 - What is the 'Thrive' Program and How Does it Work?
04:34 - Thriving and Teaching Others to Thrive
05:00 - Surviving with 40 People to Thriving with 400 People
06:10 - Helping Other Churches to Revitalize and Thrive
06:50 - 85-95% of Churches were not Thriving to now 25% Endanger of Closing Soon
08:09 - Where Does Revitalization Begin: Theological, Practical and Manageable Steps
09:57 - THRIVE: One Step From Surviving to Thriving
10:18 - 1. Pastoral Health -- Spiritual, Emotional, Relational and Intellectual Assessment
11:08 - Pastor's Get Tired Too
12:59 - 2. Assessing Church Health
13:39 - The Changed Post-Pandemic Church
14:15 - 3. Getting to Know the Community Again
15:14 - 4. Planning for Revitalization, One Step at a Time
15:45 - Different Churches, Different Plans — Same Purpose
16:26 - Common Attitudes that Contribute to a Church's Decline?
17:26 - Patching Problems and Leaky Roofs
18:18 - Shooting Captives or Setting them Free
19:05 - Why is the Congregation Shrinking?
19:47 - Is Evangelism still Important?
21:11 - Thriving Churches: Unity versus Uniformity
22:46 - When to Churches Finally Get Help?
24:22 - A Message for Grandparents
25:30 - How Does Methodology Follow Successful Ministry?
26:02 - Revitalizing Ministry vs Repackaging Practices
26:33 - What Does Your Church Need to Thrive?
29:43 - Disciples that Make Disciples
32:56 - Working with Churches across Many Languages
36:04 - First Place to Look for Church Assistance
37:18 - Be Discerning!
39:34 - From Death to Resurrection
40:15 - Jonah Joke Onboard
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Brant Hansen compares toxic masculinity to what it actually means to follow Jesus. Moving from generational trauma to generational hope, he shares his discoveries about mentoring, adulting, and fatherhood as a man in today’s culture. How can a man defend his family against harmful intruders and cultivate a life where the people around him can thrive?
Brant Hansen's most recent book is The Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* How fake things, like pornography, can disrupt adulthood * How to start impactful one-month-mentorships with young men * About distinguishing an emotional spiritual response and God’s call to loyalty
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brant Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio host, bestselling author and podcaster. With his co-host, he’s regularly heard on the podcast: The Brant and Sherri Oddcast. It has been downloaded over 10 million times.
The Men We Need is his most recent book. His other books include: Unoffendable, Blessed Are the Misfits and The Truth About Us.
Since 2014, he’s served as CURE International’s Advocate/Radio Presenter. Long before joining the organization in an official capacity, he was a supporter for the its work. "CURE International operates a global network of eight children’s hospitals that provide life-changing surgical care and intentional spiritual care for children living with disabilities.”
Brant lives in South Florida with his wife, Carolyn. They have been married for over 30 years, have two adult children and have just welcomed their first grandchild
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Proverbs 29:18; Lack of Vision * Genesis 2: 15; Tending the Garden * Genesis 1: 26-27; God Made Them Male and Female
LINKS: The Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up by Brant Hansen * Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle,* Recommended Book * Brant Hansen, Author * Brant & Sherri Oddcast * BrantHansen.com * Email: Brant Hansen
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:26 - Topic: Reimagining BIblical Manhood
02:12 - The Joys of Fatherhood and Family
03:51 - Advice for a Season with Small Children
05:49 - What's a Man's Job?
06:52 - Men Getting Unstuck
07:44 - God Made Them Male and Female
08:51 - For Any Man Willing to Show Up
10:26 - Hope for Ending Dysfunctional Generational Cycles
12:27 - For Men Struggling with Pornography
12:46 - Recomended Reading: Surfing for God
13:20 - Pornograhpy and the Lure of Fake Things
14:09 - Encouragement for Men Who Give Up Pornography
15:28 - Making a Difference Where You Are
17:26 - How to Get Started Hosting a One-Month-Mentorship
20:11 - The Keeper of the Garden
21:55 - Protecting Your Family from a Harmful Intruder
23:22 - Contacting Brant Hansen
24:54 - Brant's Joke Telling Masterclass
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Listen to Our Urban Voices
Divya Maiya gives us a peek into the world of South Asian dance. She is the co-founder of the South Asian Arts and Theater House — SAATH — based in Minneapolis, MN.
More than Bollywood and Bhangra, she looks at how dance can be a fun way to build community across and beyond the South Asian diaspora. And, she talks about breaking stereotypes, appreciating cultural traditions and the motivation for her own #SareeAdventures.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* About the Roots of Various of South Asian Dances * How Dance Can Tell the History and Culture of a People * How Dance Can Build a Diverse Community among and beyond the South Asian Diaspora
ABOUT THE GUEST: Divya Maiya is a saree adventurer and co-founder of SAATH, the South Asian Arts and Theater House in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
New to town, she originally sought dance as a way to meet people. Today, SAATH is home to a diverse arts community. It includes, Asian and non-Asian dancers who come together for performances and informal classes. Most of all, it offers a fun way to connect to the cultural roots of South Asian arts and the people who share a passion for it.
SAATH is a 501c3 non-profit organization that celebrates “cultural diversity and social harmony in our communities through the joyful medium of dance, performing arts, and related South Asian cultural traditions.”
Divya Maiya also serves as the President, Executive Director and Artistic Director of SAATH (formerly named Bollywood Dance Scene). She is a techie and social media influencer who has a passion for travel and photography.
LINKS:* South Asian Arts and Theatre House * YouTube - South Asian Arts and Theatre House * Instagram - South Asian Arts and Theatre House * Twitter - South Asian Arts and Theatre House * Instagram - @divyamaiya
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES: 01:17 - Topic: South Asian Dance
02:36 - Defining South Asian Dance
05:47 - Influence of African Culture on South Asian Dance
06:45 - Dance and Cultural Exchange among South Asian Diaspora
09:19 - What is South Asian Dance in American?
14:41 - Challenging Stereotypes
15:58 - #SarreeAdventures
18:50 - What about the Second Generation?
19:43 - Art and Social Commentary
20:38 - Despite the Haters
20:53 - Forming Community and Starting with a Small Group
22:36 - Not Just Bollywood Dance Scene
23:30 - Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?
25:13 - Creating Community Where You Are
29:48 - How to Get in Touch with SAATH
30:43 - Family and Joke Ahead
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Listen to Our Urban Voices
Jami Staples discovered a unique approach to reveal lies and trauma that often ensnare Christian and Muslim women—same lies, different contexts.
Through the Truth Collective, Christian women are empowered to see themselves through God’s eyes—with inherent value—and be empowered to heal from trauma. Then, Christian women can be free to humbly and boldly engage Muslim women who share similar experiences.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Why it’s important for Christian women to have access their own transformation testimony * How a “both – and” ministry can minister to both Christian women and to Muslim women * How unhealed trauma can impact identity, shame and relationships
BONUS CONTENT: What is Trauma?
ABOUT THE GUEST: Jami Staples is the Founder and CEO of The Truth Collective — TTC. The ministry invites women to know, believe and share the truth of who God is and how God sees women.
Over a period of time, the Lord broke Jami's heart and called her to this ministry. While in East Africa with her husband, she was immersed in a local Somali community and studied Islam. Upon returning to America, Jami worked with Crescent Project and realized that a significant portion of the Western Church resisted reaching out to Muslims with the gospel. But, why?
The answer to that question shapes TTC's ministry to Christian women and then to Muslim women. Different context, the same lies and both have a need for Truth.
Jami graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a degree in Communications and a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Revelation 22: 1-5; Tree of Life with Leaves to Heal the Nations * Mark 5: 21-43, Luke 8: 40-53; Woman with the Issue of Blood Healed by Jesus * The Book of Ruth; The Story of Ruth and Boaz
LINKS:* The Truth Collective
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:53 - Living in East Africa – the Lord’s Call in the midst Jami’s Heartbreak
04:08 - Restoration of Women’s Hearts through the Power of Jesus Christ
04:43 - Encountering Resistance in a Biblical Response to the Muslim World
08:34 - Arts Ministry and The Truth Collective’s unGallery
08:51 - Different Context Same Lies
10:10 - What Does Neuroscience Have to Say?
13:23 - Healing Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
17:26 - What Does the Bible Call Trauma?
19:39 - How Can People Respond Differently to the Same Trauma?
20:54 - Daughter You Are Healed
22:00 - Honor, Shame and Self Worth
22:39 - Virtual Tea Parties
24:34 - Helping Friends and Refugees Deal with Trauma
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Listen to Our Urban Voices
Dr. Matt Bennett unpacks sin, forgiveness and atonement – comparing the Biblical and Quranic views.
In a conversation between Muslims and Christians, the same word can communicate very different ideas.
Those unexplored differences can become obvious in how the afterlife is described. How is the Quran’s Paradise understood in comparison to the Bible’s description of Heaven?
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* 6 key questions for Christians to understand a Quranic view compared to the Biblical view, including the meanings of sin and forgiveness * How Quranic concepts may have impacted Arabic-speakers whether or not the community is Muslim * How Christians can offer better explanations and increase understanding when talking about sin and forgiveness with Muslim friends
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Matthew Bennett is an Assistant Professor at Cedarville University in Missions and Theology.
Prior to joining Cedarville, he and his family lived in North Africa for 7 years. Along with ministry experience in a Muslim context, Matthew has over 17 years of experience in intercultural ministry.
Matthew is the author of three books and is anticipating the release of a new book, Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House (2023).
His book, The Qur'an and the Christian (2022), offers clear, practical applications for people who have a heart to share the gospel with friends. His academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Missiology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- M.Div. in International Church Planting, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
- M.A. in Intercultural Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* The Book of Hebrews * Genesis 1:27 - All Humanity Created in God’s Image * Genesis 3:7-9; God walks in Garden of Eden * Isaiah 7:14; God with Us * Isaiah 9:6; A Child Is Born * Isaiah 53:4-6; Substitutionary Death of Messiah * Leviticus 16:1-22; Day of Atonement Rituals * Revelation 21:1-8; God Dwells with People
RELATED LINKS:* Narratives in Conflict: Atonement in Hebrews and the Qur'an * The Qur'an and the Christian: An In-Depth Look into the Book of * Islam for Followers of Jesus * Connect with Matthew Bennett on Twitter
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:08 - Topic: The Quran and the Christian
03:21 - International Ministry as a Family with Young Children
06:32 - American Comforts versus the Global Mission Field
07:48 - Intercultural Studies and Church Planting
08:16 - The Road to Academia
09:45 - North Africa and Academic Research of Atonement in the Quran Compared to the Book of Hebrews
10:35 - Conversations that Inspired - The Qur'an and the Christian: An In-Depth Look into the Book of Islam for Followers of Jesus
11:53 - Concept of Language: The Same Words in the Quran that Have a Different Meaning than in the Arabic Bible
12:47 - Quranic Influence on Non-Muslim Communities
13:46 - The Concepts of Sin
14:17 - Sin and God’s Original Relationship with Humanity
15:58 - Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
16:22 - How Jesus’ Life and Crucifixion Relates
16:33 - Sin and Forgiveness When God is Near and Not Remote
17:29 - Purity and Presence of God in Day of Atonement Rituals: Cleansing and Substitutionary Sacrifices
18:22 - The Concepts of Forgiveness
21:50 - Practical Questions to Deepen Conversation
22:23 - 1. Describing Paradise?
23:17 - 2. Where is God in Paradise?
23:54 - 3. Why Did God Make Us?
24:55 - 4. What Would Need to Happen for God's Creatures to Dwell with God?
26:34 - 5. Should a Christian Read the Quran and if so, Why and How?
27:27 - Christians, Checking Assumptions about the Quran
28:53 - 6. What is Implied if a Christian Tells a Muslim “I believe in Jesus too”?
30:47 - Contacting Matt Bennett
31:33 - Joke Time: Ha Ha Neigh Neigh
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Rachel Pieh Jones discusses four common questions about Christmas from Muslims in her community and she offers ways American Christian families can grow closer to Jesus by learning from the global Christian community.
Rachel offers tips for families about how to make new Christmas traditions, all while she sheds light on her family's experiences celebrating Christmas where Christians make up less than 1% of the country, Djibouti.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:* Four Questions that Muslims and Other Non-Christians May Have about Christmas * About Finding Commonality in What the Quran Says concerning the Birth of Jesus * Tips for Families Celebrating Christmas on the Move, Abroad or at Home
BONUS CONTENT: Episode: #13 Are God and Allah the Same? A Christian Midwesterner’s Reflections on Her Journey in East Africa, in Muslim Majority Countries
ABOUT THE GUEST: Rachel Pieh Jones writes about life at the crossroads of faith and culture. Her work is influenced by living as a foreigner in the Horn of Africa, raising three Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. She has written for the New York Times, Runners World, Deadspin, the Big Roundtable, and more. They moved to the Horn of Africa for her husband to work at local universities and help to develop courses and programs. Currently they direct an international school.
Rachel is the author of Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus.
SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:* Isaiah 7: 14 and Matthew 1: 23; God is with Us, Immanuel * John 3: 9-14, God’s Word Dwell among Humans * Hebrews 1: 1-3; Jesus Is the Exact Representation of God's Being
LINKS:* Rachel Pieh Jones On Twitter * Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:02 - Topic: Christians and Muslims Together at Christmastime
02:07 - Family, Faith and Culture
03:13 - Christmastime Trends in Djibouti
04:35 - Church on Christmas Eve
04:58 - Armed Soldiers outside Church Services
06:25 - Personal Christmas Traditions
07:20 - How Do Some Muslims See Christmas and Cultural Symbols
08:47 - Questions that Muslims May Have about Christmas
09:26 - 1. Worshiping Trees?
09:33 - 2. Jesus Dressed Up as a Jolly Man with a White Beard?
10:01 - 3. Jesus' Birth Celebrated Like Other Prophets in the Quran
11:11 - Why Does Jesus' Birth Matter?
13:34 - Jesus' Birth in the Quran and the Bible
14:50 - Asking Questions and Being Curious about Similarities
15:30 - 4. How Was the Son of God Conceived?
16:31 - For Christian Families in America: Lessons from Abroad
16:50 - The Importance of Humility,...
The Power of Proximity Series: Steve Moses shares examples, how to spot symptoms of trauma, how to help Muslim refugees who may be affected by trauma and the critical roles of joy and listening well. He outlines seven keys to begin the process of healing from trauma.
What You’ll Learn:* When suffering becomes trauma and who is affected by it? * What are the symptoms of trauma? * About seven effective steps that are part of the process to heal from trauma
About the Guest: Steve Moses has worked with and lived among Muslims primarily from Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia for 26 years. Over the past 14 years, his focus has been among refugees and immigrants within the United States including being the Director of a refugee resettlement agency. He is a Master Facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute, Strategic Consultant with Vision 5:9 - Medina Focus, and the Director of Shalom Medics with Blazing Trees.
Links Related to Episode:* steve.moses@vision59.com * Trauma Healing Institute * Blazing Trees without Boundaries
Timestamped Show Notes:01:45 - Topic: Helping Muslim Refugees Work through Trauma
02:57 - Families and Relationships
04:17 - Specializing in Trauma
05:16 - Possible Symptoms of Trauma, Up Close and Personal
06:36 - Processing Trauma in the United States
09:51 - Defining Trauma
10:34 - When Suffering Turns to Trauma
10:51 - Relational Trauma and Relational Healing
12:38 - Types of Loss and Trauma that Can Affect Refugees
13:03 - Prevalence of Trauma and PTSD among Refugees
15:26 - Complex Trauma
19:25 - Starting the Process to Heal from Trauma
20:00 - 1. Quieting Oneself
20:53 - 2. Not Discounting Your Pain
21:29 - 3. Listening Well
22:15 - 4. Raising Levels of Joy
22:52 - 5. Sharing Stories
23:19 - 6. Incorporating Mind, Emotions and Body
23:30 - 7. Not a Bait and Switch
24:22 - Role of Islam in Trauma Healing
29:22 - Do No Harm
30:36 - Discovering the Root of Trauma
30:54 - Two Good Questions to Start
32:19 - As Christians, How to Treat People
33:48 - Role of Hospitality
34:16 - Removing the Fear Factor
34:41 - Contacting Steve Moses
35:31 - Knock, Knock
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The Power of Proximity Series: Pastor Daouda Zongo discusses the roles of prayer, healing and deliverance in evangelism to communities in metro NYC. He highlights ministry to French-speaking West African immigrants and recommends two initial steps for a church to begin an outreach ministry.
What You’ll Learn:* About the role of healing and deliverance in evangelism * About the role of prayer in Jesus’ Name * The two, initial steps to begin evangelism outreach in church
About the Guest: Pastor Daouda serves as the Senior Pastor of Centre Chretien Eau Vive (Living Water Christian Center), a church that is affiliated with Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, NYC.
This year, the church will celebrate its 13 anniversary. It is a French-speaking congregation primarily composed of African immigrants. The church sits in the heart of “Little Senegal” and is very active evangelizing throughout the NYC metro area.
Pastor Daouda has been walking with the Lord for over 25 years. He is originally from Burkina Faso and was raised in a Muslim home.
Scripture Related to Episode:Matthew 28: 16-20; The Great Commission
John 11: 1-44; Lazarus Commanded to Rise from Grave
Links Related to Episode:* Centre Chretien Eau Vive, Harlem, NYC * heartformuslims.com
Timestamped Show Notes:02:34 - Growing Up in a Muslim Family
04:37 - Following Jesus, Personal Testimony
05:32 - Vision of Christ
06:25 - How Do the Evangelism Teams Work?
07:38 - Reaching out to West Africans and All People
08:36 - Ministering in French
09:59 - Openness in NYC versus in Africa
10:39 - Senegal, Cote Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Niger and Mali
13:05 - Encouraging Brothers and Sisters from West Africa to Get Involved in Evangelism
13:22 - Praying in the Name of Jesus as a Bridge
15:31 - Role of Healing and Deliverance in Evangelism
16:38 - Main Goal of Evangelism
17:53 - Focusing on God or Focusing on God's Blessing
20:09 - Evangelism as a Lifestyle
21:54 - Cultivating the Mind to Reachout with the Gospel as Commanded
23:26 - Two Steps to Start an Evangelism Outreach at Your Church
24:52 - Connecting with the Church
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The Power of Proximity Series: Laura, a mobilizer in South America unpacks five cultural similarities between Latinos and Muslims that can be crucial in near-culture missions.
She discusses the difference between understanding a language and understanding a culture and the responses she gets when she talks to churches about bringing the gospel to Muslims.
What You’ll Learn:* Five meaningful cultural similarities between Latinos and Middle-Easterners * About missions trends in Latin America * About the difference between understanding culture versus understanding language
About the Guest: Laura is originally from Latin America. She went to seminary in NYC where she did her research on Latinos in the Middle East. When traveling to the Middle East she was surprised by how much she felt at home. It’s the cultural similarities between Latinos and Middle Easterners that inspired her research.
Today, she serves as a mobilizer for Latin America, sharing about God’s heart for Asia and the Middle East with local churches. Laura hopes to see more Latinos engaging Middle Easterners most of whom are Muslim.
Scripture Related to Episode:John 3: 16; God's Love for the World
Luke 10: 2; Workers for the Harvest
Matthew 28: 16-20; The Great Commission
Links Related to Episode:* heartformuslims.com
Timestamped Show Notes:02:41 - Familiy's Heart for Service
04:41 - Feeling at Home in the Middle-East
05:30 - Five Cultural Similarities between Latinos and Middle-Easterners
05:45 - 1. Hospitality
06:16 - 2. Extended Family
06:48 - 3. Role of Men
07:07 - 4. Religiosity
08:19 - Getting Involved in Ministry to Middle-Easterners
08:51 - God's Heart for the Nations
09:32 - From South America to the Middle-East to NYC
11:15 - Similarities that Middle Easterners Have Noticed with Latinos
12:06 - 5. Similar Orientation to Time - Event Oriented
13:54 - Understanding Culture vs Language
16:43 - Trend: Latinos From Being a Mission Field to Becoming a Missions Force
19:42 - Response from the Pews
21:10 - Where to Start?
23:55 - How to Pray for this Ministry?
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Adam Muhtaseb shares his unique perspective having been raised Muslim, becoming a Christian in his teens and being a pastor and church planter in partnership with his wife. The family moved to Baltimore because they saw the brokenness of this often violent, transient, post-Christian city in America. What You’ll Learn:How the family of a Muslim background believer may react to a new found faith in Christ How practicing Islam compares to consumer driven Christianity The challenges and opportunities of ministry among a transient population
About the Guest: Adam grew up in a Muslim family, and was a follower of Islam until he was radically converted to faith in Christ as a teenager. Since believing the gospel, he has had a consistent vision for church planting. After Adam and Sherrie were married in 2013, Adam pursued his Masters of Divinity (M.DIV) degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated first in his class with a 4.0 GPA and was a recipient of the Joe B. Brown Preaching Award. They have three boys, Aiden, Judah, and Micah. Adam and Sherrie dream of playing a part in a city-wide movement of church plants within the neighborhoods of Baltimore. In his free time, Adam loves playing basketball and spending time with Sherrie and friends on their rooftop deck. He is also an avid reader, especially of Tim Keller books. Links Related to Episode:Connect with Adam Muhtaseb on Twitter https://www.rccbaltimore.org/ (Redemption City Church) https://www.acts29.com/ (Acts 29) Timestamped Show Notes:01:47 - Topic: Church Planting in an Urban Context 02:46 - Family - In the Thick of It 03:39 - Growing Up in the Mosque 05:01 - Hearing the Gospel for the First Time 05:36 - Family Rift and Reconciliation 07:38 - Please pray for Dad 07:47 - Church Support after Conversion 08:58 - Book of Acts as a Model for Church Planting 08:58 - Church Planting and the Road to Baltimore 10:02 - Ministry and Partenership at Home 11:18 - Mosques versus Consumer Driven Churches 12:48 - Baltimore, a Post-Christian City 13:09 - The Gospel Works 14:59 - What is the Acts 29 Movement? 16:11 - Challanges and Opportunities in Baltimore 17:14 - Ministering among a Transient Community 19:50 - Experiencing Brokeness 20:26 - Vision for Global Church Planting 21:28 - The Gospel is Still Enough 22:25 - Connecting with Adam Muhtaseb 22:49 - Joke: It's Cold Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Our Urban Voices)
Matthew Kaemingk separates the Christian response from the political rhetoric, fearfulness and romanticism that can dominate the conversation about Muslim immigration in America. With examples from around the globe, he looks at failures and successes of Christians loving their Muslim neighbors despite fundamental religious differences. Matthew Kaemingk is the author of the book: Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear. What You’ll Learn:How Politics Fail to Support a Christian Response to Muslim Immigration About Being a Guest instead of a Host Why Christians Should Care about Bans on Hijabs
About the Guest: Dr. Matthew Kaemingk is a public theologian who explores questions facing Christians serving in politics, culture, and the marketplace. He teaches ethics and public theology at Fuller Theological Seminary where he holds the Richard John Mouw Chair of Faith and Public Life. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-29&version=NIV (Luke 10: 25-29; Love Your Neighbor) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A47-53&version=NASB (Luke 22: 47-53; Christ's Generosity in the Garden of Gethsemane ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A39-43&version=NIV (Luke 23: 39-43; Christ's Generosity on the Cross) Links Related to Episode:https://www.matthewkaemingk.com/ (Matthew Kaemingk ) https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Hospitality-Muslim-Immigration-Fear/dp/0802874584 (Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear) https://twitter.com/matthewkaemingk (Connect with Matthew Kaemingk on Twitter) Timestamped Show Notes:01:42 - Topic: Chrisitans Responding to Muslim Immigration from a Biblical Perspective 02:22 - A Family and Household 04:03 - Where Did Work of Muslim Immigration Start? 04:51 - Working with Refugees in Europe 06:01 - Political Responses on the Left and Right 07:51 - Higher Walls or Wider Doors 09:53 - Deep Differences at the Table 11:59 - Hospitality in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross 13:28 - Exodus, Liberation and Extendeding Hospitality 13:58 - Making Space for Strangers 14:59 - Failures and Sucesses in the Netherlands 15:52 - Being a Guest or Being a Host 17:49 - Rememboring God's Love, Loving Others and Church Renewal 18:38 - Bans on Muslim Women Wearing Hijabs 20:00 - Defending Religious Freedoms 21:00 - Pastors Protecting Mosques and Confusing Grace 24:42 - God's Generous and Costly Hospitality 26:27 - You Will Make Mistakes 27:10 - Learning to Be a Guest 28:16 - Contacting Matthew Kaemingk 30:05 - Joke: Knock Knock Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Our Urban Voices)
Jayson Casper takes us into the world of journalism as a Middle Eastern correspondent for Christianity Today. Currently based in Lebanon, he shares insights about the region’s traditional Christian churches and how Christians in the Middle East are personally affected by what are foreign politics in America. What You’ll Learn:Some ways Muslims and Christians relate to one another in the Middle East About the Orthodox and Coptic Christian communities An inexpensive way to ‘travel’ to the Middle East
About the Guest: Jayson Casper reports at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture as an international corresponded for Christianity Today, in the Middle East. He currently lives with his family in Beirut, Lebanon. Prior to that, he reported from Cairo, Egypt, and has also lived in Jordan, Tunisia, and Mauritania. Additionally, Jason works with IDEAS, an organization that connects skilled Christian professionals to development and educational opportunities throughout the world. He is competent in Arabic and has a degree in Islamic Studies. Jayson is thankful for his role to faithfully represent misunderstood peoples. Links Related to Episode:https://jaysoncasper.com/ (Jayson Casper — Sympathetic Reporting on the Middle East ) https://twitter.com/jnjcasper (Connect with Jayson Casper on Twitter) Timestamped Show Notes:01:41 - Topic: The Importance of Representing all Views in Journalism 01:50 - Family, from America to Lebanon 03:39 - A Day in the Life of a Journalist 06:59 - Reporting Complexities Fairly 08:56 - Representing 2% of Population 10:04 - What is Sympathetic Reporting? 10:28 - Hope, Reflection and Prayer 13:28 - Handling a Accusation of Bias 16:22 - Religion Impacting News in the Middle East 18:05 - Religion a Factor in Community Relations 18:23 - Religion a Factors in Politics 20:37 - Christians in the Middle East and Diaspora 21:37 - Relations Between Christian and Muslim Communities in the Middle East 23:17 - Religious Identity and Neighborliness 24:02 - Suprised by Christians in the Middle East 25:26 - Christians in Egypt 27:10 - Learning about the Middle Eastern Culture 27:46 - Cheaper Way to 'Travel' to the Middle East 28:04 - Middle Eastern Hospitality 28:22 - Connecting Middle Eastern Christians to Americans 29:17 - Contacting Jayson Casper 30:45 - Joke: A Sheikh and Albert Einstein Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Our Urban Voices)
Duane Alexander Miller shares frequent obstacles and lessons learned to better disciple new believers from a Muslim background. In Madrid, Spain — as an Anglican pastor, he co-founded an Arabic fellowship for new believers from a Muslim background. He shares insights from that fellowship, typical western churches and years of international ministry experience in countries like Turkey, Jordan and Kenya. What You’ll Learn:How Western churches can adapt to better disciple new believers from Muslim backgrounds The benefits of 'stop light' discipleship How God is fulfilling the promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed
About the Guest: Duane Alexander Miller has had the pleasure of teaching in many places including Costa Rica, Turkey, Kenya and Tunisia. Presently, he and his family live in Spain where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and an Associate Professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE). He was born in Montana (USA) and grew up in Colorado and Mexico. In San Antonio, Texas—he completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio then an MA in theology at St Mary's University. Later, he and his wife studied Arabic in Jordan. He helped found a seminary in Israel and then they moved to Scotland for his doctoral work. He’s very interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. Religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates were his main areas of research for his PhD in divinity. He’s also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of the Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire. Duane Alexander Miller is the co-author or author of several books including, I Will Give Them an Everlasting Name and Two Stories. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genisis+12%3A1-3%2C+matthew+28%3A18-20&version=NIV (Genesis 12: 1-3; Blessing through Abraham's Seed) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genisis+12%3A1-3%2C+matthew+28%3A18-20&version=NIV (Matthew 28: 18-20; The Great Commission) Links Related to Episode:https://duanemiller.wordpress.com/ (Duane Alexander Miller Blog) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8h8ju4XCEIHnVH9IKCIupg (Duane Alexander Miller, YouTube) https://www.amazon.com/Duane-Alexander-Miller/e/B01IYFQGYQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1664597385&sr=1-6 (Duane Alexander Miller, Author) https://www.amazon.com/Will-Give-Them-Everlasting-Name/dp/1913363767; (I Will Give Them and Everlasting Name) https://www.amazon.com/Two-Stories-Everything-Metanarratives-Christianity-ebook/dp/B078KD6PHT; (Two Stories)
Timestamped Show Notes:02:04 - Topic: How Can Churches Better Care for New Believers from a Muslim Background 03:43 - I Will Give Them an Everlasting Name 04:32 - Two Stories of Everything - Muslims and Christians Understanding Each Other 04:48 - What Actually Works -- Addressing Needs of New Believes from a Muslim Background 05:43 - Specific Areas to Support MBB's 06:04 - 1. Looking at Finances and Patronage 07:20 - Prayer and the Uniqueness of the Anglican Tradition 08:28 - 2. Praying and the New MBB 09:29 - Difference in Perspective about Prayer, Example 10:51 - 3. Welcoming New MBB's - Obstacles in Church Care for New MBB's 11:11 - Church Goers Suspicions of New MBB 11:51 - What is Christian Community? 12:48 - 4. Being A New Family for MBB's Who May Need One 13:00 - Lessons from Pastoring an Arabic Speaking Church 13:28 - 5. implementing 'Stop Light' Discipleship 14:36 - Why Muslim Ministry After Care? 15:35 - God is Doing a New Thing among Muslims 15:50 - What If No Muslims Live in My Area? 17:50 - Who's Actually Doing the Great Commission? 19:20 - Contact Info and Buy Books on Amazon 20:30 - Dad Joke Ahead: Eating Snails Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note...
Duane Alexander Miller shares five common motivations that draw Muslims to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church’s role during this unprecedented time for Muslim ministry. He is an Anglican pastor serving in Spain. He provides insight about shari'a law and calls from within the Muslim community for its own theological reformation. What You’ll Learn:Five Reasons that Often Lead Muslims to Consider the Gospel of Jesus Christ The Role of the Church in Welcoming Muslim Immigrants How an Non-Western Worldview of Community Impacts New Believers from a Muslim Background
About the Guest: Duane Alexander Miller has had the pleasure of teaching in many places including Costa Rica, Turkey, Kenya and Tunisia. Presently, he and his family live in Spain where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and an Associate Professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE). He was born in Montana (USA) and grew up in Colorado and Mexico. In San Antonio, Texas—he completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio then an MA in theology at St Mary's University. Later, he and his wife studied Arabic in Jordan. He helped found a seminary in Israel and then they moved to Scotland for his doctoral work. He’s very interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. Religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates were his main areas of research for his PhD in divinity. He’s also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of the Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire. Duane Alexander Miller is the co-author or author of several books including, I Will Give Them an Everlasting Name and Two Stories. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A29&version=NASB ( John 1: 29; Behold the Lamb of God that Takes away Sin of the World) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9&version=NASB (Acts 9; Paul on the Road to Damascus) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A7&version=NASB (2 Timothy 1: 7; Spirit of Love Power and Sound Mind) Links Related to Episode:https://duanemiller.wordpress.com (Duane Alexander Miller Blog) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8h8ju4XCEIHnVH9IKCIupg (Duane Miller, YouTube) https://www.amazon.com/Duane-Alexander-Miller/e/B01IYFQGYQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1664597385&sr=1-6 (Duane Alexander Miller, Author) https://www.amazon.com/Will-Give-Them-Everlasting-Name/dp/1913363767; (I Will Give Them and Everlasting Name) https://www.amazon.com/Two-Stories-Everything-Metanarratives-Christianity-ebook/dp/B078KD6PHT; (Two Stories)
Timestamped Show Notes:03:16 - Family and Ministry Abroad 04:33 - 1st Century Churches and Islam 06:47 - Some Reasons Muslims Consider Christ 07:06 - Assurance of Salvation 07:53 - Dreams and Visions 08:02 - Miraculous Answers to Prayer 08:21 - The Promise Sharia Law in ~40 Countries 10:17 - What if Christians Were More Welcoming to Muslims? 11:37 - Witness of the Church 13:35 - Why Should Churches and Pastors Care about Muslim Ministry? 14:35 - A Good Place to Start 15:29 - Change, Immigration and Fear 16:00 - Choosing Missions Vs Supporting Moderate Muslim Leaders 17:02 - Calling to Reform Islam from Within 18:43 - The Lord is at Work! 19:24 - Contact Info 20:44 - Joke: Pilgrimage and Prayer Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Our Urban Voices)
Ruth Ripken shares insights from over 35 years in missions, 4 ways for Christians to get over fear, why Christian women must be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality and what it means to love our neighbor well. She is a veteran missionary who has lived in several countries in Africa, learned about different cultures, ministered to believers in persecution and participated in relief efforts with her husband Nik Ripen. What You’ll Learn:About the importance of hospitality in relationships with Muslim women Four ways to get over the ‘fear factor’ and not be afraid to say or do the wrong thing About surfing the ‘international food aisle’
About the Guest: Ruth Ripken and her husband, Nik are mission veterans of 35 years. Along with her husband, they have done extensive research among believers living in the midst of persecution in over 70 countries. This research has been shared in numerous articles and three books. Nowadays, they spend their time sharing the truths they have learned from these believers in persecution with churches, schools, and mission organizations. One of Ruth’s greatest joys is spending time with Muslim women, listening to their stories and seeing how God can break into their lives. Another blessing is helping Christian women in America to connect and fall in love with the nations in their midst. Nik and Ruth are the parents of three sons, two wonderful daughter-in-loves and an amazing grandson. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NASB (Genesis 1: 27; Humanity Created in God’s Image) Links Related to Episode:https://www.nikripken.com/ (Nik Ripken Ministries) ruth@nikripken.com Timestamped Show Notes:02:59 - The Importance of Family 04:32 - A Vision for Missions Started in Childhood 06:03 - From Home to Malawi 06:45 - Relief Work in Kenya 07:34 - Ministering to Believers in Persecution 07:48 - Why a Special Focus on Muslim Women 10:35 - What Does this Outreach Look Like? 12:03 - Making Yourself Available 13:15 - Why Do We Love? 14:07 - Getting over the Fear Factor 14:37 - Fear: What if I Say the Wrong Thing? 15:35 - Breaking Bread and Hospitality 16:17 - Fear: What if I Cook the Wrong Thing? 17:00 - Making Friends in the International Food Aisle 19:04 - Women in Leadership in the Iranian Church 20:30 - Muslim Background Believers Persecuted in the USA 21:22 - Christian Response to Hijabs and Niqabs 21:53 - Fear: Where is It? 24:03 - Persecuted Christians Loving their Persecutors 24:25 - Being Welcomed in Muslim-Majority Countries 25:22 - Fear: Persecution and Honor Killings 27:06 - Honor Killings in the West 28:06 - Yes, Muslims Can Become Christian 29:02 - Developing Deep Friendship 29:49 - Being Welcoming and Practicalities of Hospitality 31:43 - When Language Seems Like a Barrier 32:30 - Sharing Stories 34:39 - Ruth Ripken's Contact Info 35:51 - Joke: What about Dinosaurs? Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm (Our Urban Voices website) https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Our Urban Voices)
Should a church move when many of its congregants no longer live nearby? What should a church do if it's neighborhood experiences drastic change? While economic and demographic changes are clearly visible in a gentrifying neighborhood, the unseen effects of trauma on those originally in the community are often overlooked. Dr. Mark Strong shares how pastors can help their churches process, grieve, and move forward despite the significant impact gentrification has left on their community. Dr. Strong also reveals how to decide where a church building should be located and how to have a healthy approach to the physical building of your church. He tells the miraculous story of raising $100,000 in one day for an additional church location. What You’ll Learn:How to lead a congregation through drastic neighborhood changes How to choose the location of your church or church plant What causes gentrification
About the Guest: Mark E. Strong (DMin, Portland Seminary) is senior pastor of Life Change Church, a diverse congregation located in the heart of inner-city Portland, Oregon. His book, Who Moved My Neighborhood? Leading Congregations through Gentrification and Economic Change, responds to the drastic demographic shifts in Life Change Church's neighborhood. Dr. Strong serves on the Board of Regents at George Fox Seminary, and his books include Church for the Fatherless and Divine Merger. He is also the founder of Father-Shift, a ministry that addresses the needs of the fatherless epidemic affecting our world. He and his wife, Marla, have four children. Links Related to Episode:https://www.lifechangechurch.org/ (Life Change Church) https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-Neighborhood-Congregations-Gentrification/dp/1514002388/ (Who Moved My Neighborhood? Leading Congregations through Gentrification and Economic Change) https://www.amazon.com/Mark-E-Strong/e/B001K8CY6O?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4&qid=1663248121&sr=1-4 (Dr. Mark Strong's Author Page) https://www.fathershift.org/ (Father-Shift), addressing the fatherless epidemic https://twitter.com/drmarkestrong (Connect with Dr. Mark Strong on Twitter) https://www.heartformuslims.com/2022-hfm-conference-registration/ (Heart for Muslims Conference, November 5 in NYC) https://www.thetruthcollective.org/events/2022/11/4/the-ungallery-2022 (The Truth Collective's unGallery, November 4-6 in NYC)
Timestamped Show Notes:03:10 - From the M Strongs 04:46 - Family Alliterations 06:26 - Why "Who Moved My Neighborhood" 10:12 - Causes of Gentrification: Economic Disparity in Cities 12:47 - NYC Gentrification 17:15 - What Should A Church Do When Its Neighborhood Changes? 22:05 - 7 Phase Process for Working Through Gentrification 22:11 - Remember 23:13 - Recognition 24:17 - Realization 25:15 - Reconstruction 25:53 - Rage 29:43 - Reconciliation 31:46 - Revamp 33:14 - Should a church move if no one lives nearby? 35:20 - How is God leading your church? 37:33 - Israel's Identity in the Land 38:38 - Ministry Calling Can Change 39:58 - Mapping the Future: What's Our Vision? 40:59 - Church Buildings Should Serve, Not Limit, Your Mission 41:41 - Vision = Money? 45:47 - This is GOD 46:13 - One Day to Raise $100,000 49:14 - Encouragement to Pastors 50:29 - How to Contact Dr. Strong 51:23 - Joke: Too Much Almond Milk?
Pastor Alfonse Javed looks beyond his personal experiences to Jesus’ heart for Muslims and His heart for the nations living in our communities. Christ’s command is straight forward, “love your neighbor”. But fear, presumption or cultural differences may get in the way. Then what? Special Guest Host: Chris Clayman, co-founder of Global Gates Network and Heart for Muslims What You’ll Learn:Where to start if your congregation isn’t interested in reaching out to Muslims What to do about fear, presumption or indifference when they are stumbling blocks to reaching out to Muslims in your community? About the most effective missionaries among the immigrant diaspora communities
Bonus Content: https://www.alfonsejaved.com/ (Existence – Get a Free Copy of this Book with a Subscription) About the Guest: Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senior Pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Metuchen, has planted a church abroad, has been a missions pastor and has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Born in Lahore, Pakistan — the son of a pastor — Pastor Javed began serving in church at a young age. He has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He has also planted a church in Greece. In the 1990s, a providential relationship formed when Calvary Baptist Church started supporting his ministry efforts; he would later serve as the missions pastor of that congregation. Eventually, in 2009, he moved to New York with a new vision — mobilizing churches to engage Muslims in the NYC metro area. Dr. Javed’s advanced theological training is from the Greek Bible College, Davis College and Liberty University. He has earned three undergraduate, three graduate, and three doctoral degrees. His dissertations have explored various subjects from religious influence on the American school system to evangelism and church planting, to Islamic madrases and the treatment that Muslims students have received in the post 9/11 New York City school system. He maintains a blog, www.alfonsejaved.com, and is the author of The Muslim Next Door: A Practical Guide for Evangelism and Discipleship. Dr. Javed and his wife, Sarah, have four children. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20%2CLuke+24%3A44-53&version=NASB (Matthew 28: 16-20,Luke 24: 44-53; Jesus Great Commission) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A39%2C+John+13%3A34&version=NASB (Matthew 22: 39, John 13: 34; Loving Your Neighbor – Great Commandment) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8-10&version=NASB (Ephesians 2: 8-10; Good Works Are Result of Salvation) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A44-45&version=NASB (John 6:44-45; Father Draws People to the Son) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+22%3A21%3B+Leviticus+19%3A33-34&version=NASB (Exodus 22: 21; Leviticus 19: 33-34; Be Kind to the Stranger in Your Midst) Links Related to Episode:https://twitter.com/dralfonsejaved (Alfonse Javed - Twitter) Chris Clayman, Cofounder of Global Gates Network http://www.baafc.org/ (Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center) https://upgnorthamerica.com/virtual-prayerwalks/ (Virtual Prayer Walking in Unreached People Group Communities) Our Urban Voices Podcast https://www.heartformuslims.com/ (Heart for Muslims Conference) Timestamped Show Notes:02:00 - Introducing the Guest Host - Chris Clayman 02:47 - Family and Fun 03:43 - Why Start the Heart for Muslims Conference? 04:08 - The Talibanization of Pakistan 04:33 - Non-Muslims Dismissed in Pakistan 05:22 - A Christian Being Perceived as a Muslim in America 05:57 - Hatred toward Muslims, Post 9-11 06:29 - Jesus Has a Heart for Muslims 07:57 - The Diaspora Connection with Christian Immigrants 09:10 - Trends in Ministry among Muslims 11:29 - Network and Resources for Ministries 12:50 - A Call to Ministries and Churches Who Want to Figure Out How to Reach Out to...
Pastor Alfonse Javed shares experiences that reveal the need to love our enemies, support religious freedom, find common ground and love our neighbors well. He grew up in a Christian family in a Muslim-majority country, Pakistan. Then in America, he was shunned as though he were Muslim. Special Guest Host: Chris Clayman, co-founder of Global Gates Network and Heart for Muslims What You’ll Learn:What It Was Like as a Christian Growing Up in Pakistan — a Muslim Majority Country How Urban Missions is Impacting Global Missions About the Importance of Finding Common Ground to Relate to Image Bearers of God
Bonus Content: https://www.alfonsejaved.com/ (Existence – Get a Free Copy with a Subscription) About the Guest:Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senior Pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Metuchen, has planted a church abroad, has been a missions pastor and has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Born in Lahore, Pakistan — the son of a pastor — Pastor Javed began serving in church at a young age. He has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He has also planted a church in Greece. In the 1990s, a providential relationship formed when Calvary Baptist Church started supporting his ministry efforts; he would later serve as the missions pastor of that congregation. Eventually, in 2009, he moved to New York with a new vision — mobilizing churches to engage Muslims in the NYC metro area. Dr. Javed’s advanced theological training is from the Greek Bible College, Davis College and Liberty University. He has earned three undergraduate, three graduate, and three doctoral degrees. His dissertations have explored various subjects from religious influence on the American school system to evangelism and church planting, to Islamic madrases and the treatment that Muslims students have received in the post 9/11 New York City school system. He maintains a blog, www.alfonsejaved.com, and is the author of The Muslim Next Door: A Practical Guide for Evangelism and Discipleship. Dr. Javed and his wife, Sarah, have four children. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A44&version=NASB (Matthew 5: 44; Loving and Blessing Your Enemy) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A39%2C+John+13%3A34&version=NASB (Matthew 22: 39, John 13: 34; Loving Your Neighbor) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+22%3A21%3B+Leviticus+19%3A3&version=NASB (Exodus 22: 21; Leviticus 19: 3; Do Not Mistreat Foreigners) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-28&version=NASB (Genesis 1:26-28; All People Are Made in the Image of God) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16-17&version=NASB (John 3: 16-17; Jesus Died to Bring Salvation) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A13-16&version=NASB (Matthew 5:13-16; A City Proclaiming Christ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+9%3A19-23&version=NASB (1 Corinthians 9: 19-23; Finding Common Ground) Links Related to Episode:https://www.alfonsejaved.com/ (alfonsejaved.com) https://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Alfonse-Javed/e/B00O988O0W%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (Alfonse Javed, Author) https://twitter.com/dralfonsejaved (Alfonse Javed - Twitter) https://www.heartformuslims.com/ (Heart for Muslims) https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Clayman/e/B0069YII96?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1662190742&sr=1-1 (Chris Clayman, Author) Timestamped Show Notes:01:34 - Turning the Tables with Chris Clayman 01:57 - Topic: From Hatred to Love for Muslims 02:26 - Chris Clayman and Global Gates 03:07 - Married with 4 under 5 03:47 - Growing Up in a Muslim-Majority Country 04:24 - 1980's Pakistani Policies toward Non-Muslims 06:46 - Persecution in Pakistan 07:19 - Non-Muslims' Lives Seen as Insignificant 08:06 - Anger toward God 08:31 - Love for Muslims 09:41 - Violent Attack on...
Preity Upala calls all sports fans and geopolitical observers to consider cricket’s importance in India and the world. Though a holdover of British colonialism, Indian cricket is now a dominating force in the world's second most watched sport. Preity, a sports analyst, former investment banker, former Miss India International and geopolitical expert, examines cricket as a source of domestic economic empowerment, global prestige, and international soft power. What You’ll Learn:How India’s cricket teams impact cricket globally How cricket plays into India’s soft power in international politics About the domestic economic impact of cricket
Bonus Contenthttps://youtu.be/wHEIT32ZEVs (Video: Understanding Cricket in 2 Minutes) About the Guest: Preity Üpala is a Former investment Banker turned Thought leader and Media Entrepreneur based in Hollywood, California. Advisor to many private technology companies as well as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization in various Travel, Technology & Innovation Council. She works as a Geo-political Expert, award-winning International Columnist and is a member of the FORBES Councils as the director of The Omnia Institute. She hosts a popular show called ‘The Preity Experience’ and is a much sought-after Radio and TV expert around the world appearing in CNN, Republic TV among others. The former Miss India International has worked in Four continents including Bollywood and Hollywood as an Actor and Producer and is currently developing a show for Hollywood studios. As an Dharma Ambassador, she brings Indian Spirituality to Hollywood and the world at large through a new platform, ‘A Preity Life’. ‘The Preity Experience’ showcases global thought leaders and legends in the area of Business, Politics and Sport. Preity is a Cricket enthusiast and an ardent supporter of Indian Cricket. As a Cricket Analyst appearing on several news and sports shows, she is renowned for taking a Global perspective of the game and fusing it with a Geo-political bent. She has interviewed legends of the Game as well and her book on the Global Game will be published later this year. She is one of the only Female analysts on the Men’s game of the English language in the world and has often spoken about Leadership lessons from Cricket and it’s Soft power impact globally. Her book on The Global game is in the works which explores Power, Politics & Culture in Cricket. Along with being a Political analyst, her Political research has appeared in more than 200 publications, including FORBES, The Observer, The National Telegraph, Business Standard, Foreign Policy, Times of Israel and the Times of India. Her expertise is on Foreign Policy, International Relations, Diplomacy and Conflict resolution. She has spoken at various Think Tanks and has been a keynote speaker at global summits such as WEF, HORASIS, BRICS and the Centre for Human Prosperity among others. Ms.Üpala has received the “Young leader of the Decade” award at the Women’s Economic Forum and as a Certified “Dharma Ambassador”, has given lectures to thousands of students and corporate clients on the topics of Motivation, Feminism, Soft Power and Purpose. Her latest venture is being a content creator for at the wellness app, Relaxx. Preity Üpala is an accomplished executive with fifteen years of experience building, advising, and investing in businesses in Australia, Asia and the United States. She currently serves as Board of Advisor of Corporate Development and Head of Corporate Strategy at SkyZeg Inc. In 2021, she has been appointed the Head of Public Relations and Communications for EUICCI- Europe India Chamber of Commerce and Industry. No stranger to adventure, Preity has visited over 100 countries and imbues her literary and journalistic work with international sensibilities. She speaks 5 languages and her literary work has been translated into several languages. She holds a B.Tech (Hons) and B. Marketing from Australia and...
Seth Bouchelle highlights how the command to love our neighbor and the great commission fuse in modern urban missions. He challenges assumptions about cross cultural ministry, the examples modeled by Jesus and effectively reaching out to Muslims. Plus as a peek in to the world of missions, he explains why being a missionary is a lot like being a standup comic. What You’ll Learn:How studying Islam could be counterproductive in building relationships with Muslims About the importance of honor-shame dynamics in outreach to Muslims How being a missionary is similar being a stand-up comedian
About the Guest: Seth Bouchelle has been planting churches among diaspora populations in NYC since 2014. Currently, he serves as director of Equipping for the Exponent Group. The focus of the Exponent Group is to “help organizations build healthy disciples that multiply the gospel.” Through this role Seth works to train evangelists and advance disciple making skills within urban churches and nonprofits. Seth is the co-author of Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World and the author of Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2019%3A34&version=NIV (Leviticus 19: 34; Love the Foreigner) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3A38%2D40&version=NIV (Matthew 22: 38-40; Love Your Neighbors) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A16-20&version=NIV (Matthew 28: 16-20; The Great Commission) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A9&version=NIV (1 Corinthians 3: 9; Coworkers with Jesus) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205%3A11-21&version=NIV (2 Corinthians 5: 11-21; Ministry of Reconciliation) Links Related to Episode:Contact Seth Bouchelle at The Exponent Group https://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-Ministry-Handbook-Globalizing-Century/dp/0997371757/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World, Seth Bouchelle co-author) https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Faith-Practical-Theology-Post-Christendom/dp/1949625516/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry by Seth Bouchelle) Timestamped Show Notes:01:18 - Topic: Why Muslim Evangelism Requires Its Own Skills and Ethnography 02:21 - Ministry through the Generations 03:57 - Loving Your Neighbor and the Great Commission in Cities 03:57 - Why Should More Christians Reach out to Muslims in Their Cities? 05:38 - Where to Start in Outreach and Evangelism 06:13 - Studying Islam for Ministry 06:31 - Curbing Assumptions 07:26 - Honor, Shame, Knowledge and Kindness 09:53 - Common Mistakes of Short-Term Missions Teams 11:03 - Common Islamic Ideas about Teachers 12:20 - Problems with Being a Teacher 12:47 - Engaging as a Learner and Honoring Your Neighbor 13:50 - Teaching versus Discipleship 16:25 - Respect, Politeness and Cross-Cultural Dynamics 18:15 - Re-interpreting Silence in Cross-Cultural Context 19:13 - Repeating Mistakes in Missions 19:43 - Unwrapping Missions from Colonialism 20:47 - Sharing the Gospel across Generations 21:53 - Biggest Hurdles for Muslims to Become Christian 22:17 - Is Multicultural Really Multicultural? 22:42 - More Like Jesus or More Like Us 25:14 - What Does It Mean to be Godly? 26:16 - Incarnational Missions 27:47 - Contact Seth Bouchelle 29:57 - A Stand-up Comedy Routine from a Missionary 31:54 - Joke: Huh, Huh, Haha, Haha Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com)
Seth Bouchelle breaks down the obstacles that often intimidate Christians — preventing them from sharing their faith effectively, as a missionary or in a personal setting. As a church planter, missionary, and trainer who works with urban and diasporic churches, he also looks at the unique aspects of this ministry and how missionaries can better prepare for it. What You’ll Learn:A main reason Christians don’t share their faith in their personal circles Some key distinctives of urban cross-cultural ministry What missionaries need to understand in order to be effective in diasporic ministry
About the Guest: Seth Bouchelle has been planting churches among diaspora populations in NYC since 2014. Currently, he serves as director of Equipping for the Exponent Group. The focus of the Exponent Group is to “help organizations build healthy disciples that multiply the gospel.” Through this role Seth works to train evangelists and advance disciple making skills within urban churches and nonprofits. Links Related to Episode:The Exponent Group Timestamped Show Notes:01:11 - Topic: Unique Challenges and Advantages of Diaspora and Urban Churches 01:12 - Next Week: Discussion about Muslim Outreach 02:13 - Learning about Ministry through the Generations 03:14 - Day to Day in the Life of Urban Missions 03:15 - Starting in Diasporic Missions 04:16 - Evolving Role in Diasporic Missions 04:17 - Two Fold Ministry 05:18 - Covid's Impact on Starting House Churches 05:19 - Challenges Facing Churches 05:20 - Usual Response to: Why Haven't You Done Evangelism in Your Relationships? 06:21 - Challenges Facing Diasporic Churches 07:22 - Challenging Missionaries' Assumptions 08:23 - Relational Norms in a Diasporic Setting 09:24 - Logistics in a Diasporic Setting 09:25 - 24 Hour Ministry and Measuring Growth 11:27 - 3 Advantages of Diaspora Ministry Compared to in Country Missions 14:28 - International Similarities of Diasporic Missions 15:29 - How Can Sending Agencies Better Prepare Diasporic Missionaries 15:30 - Failures and Resilience in Missions Work 16:31 - America's Unique Position in Diasporic Missions 18:33 - How Can Christians and Churches Support Diasporic Missions? 20:34 - Connect with Seth Bouchelle 21:35 - A Joke Joke in Cultural Context Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com)
Dr. Dru Johnson explores the inescapable impact of ordinary and extraordinary routines. With examples ranging from tooth brushing to baptism, he encourages everyone to "examine our ritual lives." Those examinations can deepen our understanding about the traditions that define life and religion — the ways in which individuals and communities are different and similar. What You’ll Learn:Where to find rituals in everyday life The importance of identifying why rituals are taught How Christians can learn from the traditions in other denominations and other religions
About the Guest: Dr. Dru Johnson is an Associate Professor of biblical and theological studies and the Director of the Center for Hebraic Thought at the King’s College in New York City. He is the author of several books including Human Rites: The Power of Rituals, Habits, and Sacraments. Before that, he was a high-school dropout, skinhead, punk rock drummer, combat veteran, IT supervisor, and pastor — all things that he hopes none of his children ever become. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A15-16&version=NASB1995 (Ephesians 5: 15-16; Making the Most of Time) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A21&version=NASB1995 (1 Thessalonians 5: 21; Examine Everything) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+15%3A18%2C+Deuteronomy+23%3A10-11%2C+2+Kings+5%3A12-15&version=NASB (Examples of Baptism in the Hebrew Scriptures) Links Related to Episode:Dru Johnson’s Website Center for Hebraic Thought https://thebiblicalmind.org/ (The Biblical Mind) https://twitter.com/Dru_Johnson (Dru Johnson - Twitter) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802876005/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4 (Human Rites: The Power of Rituals, Habits, and Sacraments) Timestamped Show Notes :01:11 - Topic: How Our Religious Rituals and Habits Shape Us and Our Beliefs 02:20 - The Blessing of a Adoptive Family 03:54 - Habits, Rituals and Rites that Shape Everyday Life 04:28 - What Makes and Activity a Ritual 08:24 - iPhones, Rituals and Stewardship 09:27 - Do I Really Perform Rituals? 10:16 - Rituals in the Human Experience 10:38 - TikTok and the Way Rituals Effect Everyone 12:01 - What Gives You the Right to Tell Me What to Do? 13:09 - Taking Stock and Making Changes, Examples from Finance and Fitness 15:25 - Improvising, Fitness and Rituals 17:38 - Surprising Rituals in the Church 18:18 - Prayer across Different Denominations 19:54 - Improvising Weddings 21:34 - The Meaning of Graduations 21:58 - Which Denominations Got Communion Right? 22:49 - Communion in the Time of Covid 24:01 - Modern Day Interpretations of Rituals 24:32 - Where Does Baptism Come From? 27:02 - How All Religious Communities Benefit from Examining Rituals 28:57 - Reframing Animal Sacrifice in Scripture 30:06 - Purpose of Rituals in Scripture 31:13 - Individualism and the Body of Christ 33:46 - Similarities in Islam and Judaism 35:37 - Learning from Muslim and Jewish People 38:01 - A Dad Joke that Makes You Go Hmmm 39:04 - Contacting Dru Johnson Did you appreciate this podcast? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the vision here: http://oururbanvoices.com/ (oururbanvoices.com)
Elli Oswald reconsiders the ways American churches serve vulnerable children and honor them as image bearers of God. Through the Faith to Action Initiative, she advocates for systemic changes that would make orphanages obsolete around the world. What You’ll Learn :The Research about Orphanages, Family-Based Care and Child Development The Risks Involved with Mission Trips to Orphanages How Conflicts — Like the War in Ukraine —Affect Children and Orphans
About the Guest: Elli Oswald is the Executive Director of the Faith to Action Initiative. The organization advocates for family-based care for children and functions to “mobilize and educate churches, faith-based organizations and individuals to engage in care that upholds the vital importance of family in a child’s life.” Prior to this role, she served as Director of Mission and Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, Washington. There she guided Bethany Community Church in various ministries to the poor and vulnerable in Seattle and around the world. Elli has also served as the Children in Crisis Research and Communications Coordinator for World Vision International’s Child Development and Rights Technical Team which specializes in community-based care for children deprived of parental care. Elli has a B.A. from Pepperdine University and a M.A. in Cross Cultural Studies and International Development from Fuller Theological Seminary. She has worked with a wide variety of non-profit organizations, including Union Station Homeless Services in Los Angeles. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NASB (Genesis 1: 27, All Humanity Created in God’s Image) Links Related to Episode:https://www.faithtoaction.org/ (Faith to Action Initiative) https://www.facebook.com/faithtoactioninitiative/ (Faith to Action Initiative - FB) https://twitter.com/FaithToAction (Faith to Action Initiative - Twitter) https://www.faithtoaction.org/resources/ (Resources to Learn about Child Advocacy) Timestamped Show Notes:01:07 - Topic: The Importance of Family-Based Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children 01:56 - The Blessing of Extended Family 03:31 - The Faith to Action Initiative 04:22 - What the Research Says about Orphanages vs. Family-Based Living 05:00 - Where Is the Orphan's Family? 05:34 - When a Child Might be Better-Off in an Orphanage 06:48 - Mission Trips to Orphanages — the Risks, the Money and the Children 08:24 - Child Advocacy and Supporting Vulnerable Families 09:09 - Discrimination and Children with Disabilities 09:44 - Follow the Money 10:29 - The Impact of War on Children and Orphans 11:49 - Adopting Children and Orphans 12:53 - COVID's Global Impact on Children 13:37 - When a Child Loses a Care Giver 13:54 - Holistic Care for Children 14:47 - It Can Happen! 15:09 - History of the Church Protecting the Vulnerable 16:20 - Find Resources and Connect with the Faith to Action Initiative 17:29 - Knock, Knock. Who's There?
Through sports and chess, Robert Katende takes Christ to communities of young people from all religions living in IDP camps and local slums in Uganda. He shares his wisdom on mentoring young people, pastoral calling, effective sports ministry, and the absolute importance of ministry contextualization. Since the true story of one of his students was portrayed in the 2016 feature film, Queen of Katwe, Robert Katende continues to serve in sports ministry, coaching young people in Kampala, Uganda. What You’ll Learn:How sports ministry differs from sports activity programs The ingredients for an effective sports ministry Why understanding the community is so important when starting a sports outreach ministry
About the Guest: Robert Katende is best known as mentor and coach to Phiona Mutesi, their true story was portrayed in the 2016, family-friendly film, Queen of Katwe. As a young person Mutesi became a chess phenom and Robert Katende was her coach. Robert became a Christian when he was a teenager. He began working with Sports Outreach Ministry full time a few years after volunteering as a university student in Kampala, Uganda. The ministry included young people from the slums of Kampala and living in IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps. Before going to university, he overcame many struggles in his childhood like being separated from his young mother, growing up during a time of war and civil unrest, being raised in different households and growing up in the slums of Nakulabye in Kampala. With hard work, he was able to go to Kyambogo University. That’s where he began to volunteer with Sports Outreach Ministry participating in soccer. He completed a degree in Computer Engineering at Kampala University. Today, Robert and his wife, Sarah, have three girls. He has attained a master’s degree in International Community Development from Northwest University Seattle, USA. He continues to serve in Sports Outreach Ministry (SOM) where he is the Director for Southern Uganda and founder of the SOM Chess Academy. He is also the founder of the Robert Katende Initiative, in Uganda. Scripture Related to Episode :https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A23-26&version=NIV (Matthew 19: 23-26; With God All Things Are Possible) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A1-3&version=NASB (Ephesians 4: 1-3; What’s Your Calling?) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34-35&version=NASB (John 13: 34-35; Unconditional Love) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A21-25&version=NASB (Romans 7: 21-25; Speaking to the Inner Man) Links Related to Episode:https://www.sportsoutreach.net/southern-uganda (Sports Outreach Ministry (SOM), Southern Uganda) https://www.robertkatende.org/ (Robert Katende Initiative) Contact Robert Katende, Robert Katende Initiative Contact SOM Chess Academy Contact SOM Kampala Timestamped Show Notes:01:12 - Topic: The Importance of Understanding the Unique Needs of Communities in Ministry 03:12 - The Blessing of Being a Family Man 04:16 - Growing Up in Several Homes 05:53 - Sports, Mentorship, Character Development, Evangelism and Discipleship 07:12 - Why Chess for a Sports Program? 08:08 - Relational Evangelism and Connecting with Kids One on One 08:50 - Understanding the Local Community 09:01 - Diving in When Young People Have Given up on Life 09:12 - Addressing Generational Bondage 10:11 - Restoring Hope and Transforming Lives 10:39 - Sports Outreach for the American Congregation 11:13 - Role of a Sports Minister 12:18 - Losing, Winning and Christ 13:32 - Advice for Starting a Sports Outreach Ministry 14:02 - Taking the Church to the Community 14:55 - Sports Ministry vs Sports Activity Program 15:11 - Ministry On Field and Off the Field 16:15 - Unconditional Love in Action 17:04 - Contacting Robert Katende 17:53 - Joke Time for Breakfast
Will Lenzen Jr. is the founder of Echo. Beginning in Western Uganda, holistic education is making a difference one child and one family at a time through Echo. Echo’s model is sustainable and community building. It is a simple, replicable system, based on research, local children’s needs and measured growth. What You’ll Learn:Some of the practicalities of starting an international not-for-profit About the impact of holistic education and removing barriers to schooling The importance of understanding children’s needs in different communities
About the Guest: Will Lenzen Jr. is the Founder of ECHO, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to helping children in developing communities get access to holistic education. After years of research and exploration informing the development of Echo, Will and his team started in Western Uganda. They are passionate about helping children around the world be echoes of hope in their communities. Will graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a degree in Advertising and a minor in Japanese. He has been a product designer and writer for the last 15 years and resides in NYC. Links Related to Episode:http://createecho.org/ (About Echo ) Contact Will https://twitter.com/CreateEcho (Connect with Echo on Twitter) https://www.instagram.com/createecho/ (Connect with Echo on Instagram) Timestamped Show Notes:01:09 - Topic: The Importance of Education and Equipping Students with Resources to Help Them Succeed 01:49 - How Does Echo Work? 02:58 - Replicable Empowerment through Holistic Education 03:50 - Echo's Vision 04:03 - Starting in Uganda 04:18 - Poverty! 04:44 - Meeting Ugandan Leaders and a Beta Run 05:47 - Starvation Poverty and Perspective 07:25 - Building Life Experiences that Perspective 08:15 - Holistic Educational Empowerment and Differentiating Needs of Children 09:02 - The Significance of a Toothbrush 10:28 - Barriers to Kids Finishing School 10:46 - Echo, Impacting Multiple Levels 12:39 - Intentionality 13:37 - Helping Girls Finish School in Uganda 15:30 - One Big Barrier to Education 16:04 - How Crucial Is Education 16:54 - Storytelling, Curiosity, Learning and Raising the Bar 18:20 - Makings of a Village Scribe 19:29 - Holistic Education vs State Madated Teachings 22:15 - Boxes for Kids in Different Communities 24:59 - Connect with Echo Especially if You Know a Community that Echo Can Help 26:13 - Anyone Can Be the Echo of Hope in Their Life and Community 27:07 - Google and a Dad Joke
Jackson Wu exposes how the plain text of scripture may be misunderstood, dismissed or amplified depending on one’s cultural lens. He looks at the pitfalls of presumption and filtering ancient text with modern eyes. Providing specific examples, he considers ways that Christians can revisit scripture bring it into better focus and not overlook how radical Christ’s cross really is. What You’ll Learn:About the characteristics of honor-shame cultures How culture filters someone’s understanding of scripture How missions and outreach may be adapted for an honor-shame cultural context
About the Guest: Jackson Wu (a pseudonym), at the time of this recording was the theologian-in-residence at Mission ONE. He lived in East Asia for 15 years where he served as a professor to Chinese pastors. He has penned several books: Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, One Gospel for All Nations, Saving God’s Face, and his new book about the atonement The Cross in Context. Jackson Wu received his PhD in Applied Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He maintains a blog and he regularly publishes at jacksonwu.org where there are numerous tools and resources available in English and Chinese. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A9%2D11&version=NIV (Romans 12: 9-11; Honor One Another) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A31&version=NIV (1 Corinthians 10: 31; Do It to the Glory of God) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2%3A7-2%3A10&version=NIV (Romans 2: 7-2: 10; Seek Honor from God) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A22&version=NIV (John 17: 22; Jesus Give Glory) Links Related to Episode:Jackson Wu’s Blog https://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Wu/e/B00CHG2DKK%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (Jackson Wu, Books) https://form.123formbuilder.com/2070138 (Contact Jackson Wu) Timestamped Show Notes : 01:11 - Topic: Whether It Is Important for Christians to Understand the Concepts of Honor-Share and Saving Face 02:05 - How Culture Impacts How We Read the Bible? 02:21 - Examples of How Culture Influences Interpretation of Scripture 04:36 - Honor-Shame Dynamics in All Cultures 05:45 - Defining Shame and Defining Honor 06:29 - The Moral Part of Honor-Shame Culture 07:32 - What is Praiseworthy? 09:39 - NT Greco-Roman Culture as an Honor-Shame Culture 09:58 - Similarities and Differences in Honor-Shame Cultures 10:57 - Personal Identity in East vs. West 11:25 - Condemning Honor Killings as an Outsider 12:09 - Social Revolution and Shifting Honor Standards 12:55 - The Subversive Message of Cross 14:34 - Honoring Your Parents 14:34 - The Bible verses Culture 15:25 - Social Aspect of Honor and Shame Dynamics 15:36 - Living Inside of a New Story with a New Identity 16:37 - Can Scripture Be Accurately Understood without Understanding These Cultural Implications 17:18 - When Culture Overlooks Scripture -- Baptizing One's Own Cultural Theology 19:31 - Does Seeking Honor Conflict with Humility? 20:52 - Honor-Shame, Missions and Outreach 21:08 - Recognizing the Dynamics of Honor-Shame in Western Culture 21:31 - Status Symbols, Social Media, Sports and Western Versions of Group Identity 23:28 - Advice for Pastors 25:24 - Available Resources 25:30 - Seeking God's Face - Practical Reflections 26:02 - The Cross in Context - Context Matters for Interpretation 26:30 - Divisions over the Doctrine of Atonement -- Divisiveness over the doctrine of atonement 27:17 - More Resources: 'One Gospel for All Nations' and 'Saving God's Face' by Jackson Wu 27:32 - Contact Jackson Wu 28:13 - Family and Readjusting to Culture 'Back Home' 29:13 - Two Dad Jokes and Two Dads
Naga Palepu thought he was the only Christian that had been born Hindu. Amid persecution from his family, he expressed his pain by recording a TikTok video and it went viral. The response to the video was the catalyst for an international, virtual community known as Hidden Christians. Here, young believers can still grow in faith and build friendships despite the threat of persecution. What You’ll Learn:Why some believers from a Hindu or Muslim background may not have access to brick-and-mortar churches How social media is introducing young people to Christ all over the world How churches can better support new believers who have not grown up in church
About the Guest: Naga Palepu was born Hindu but then he found Jesus. When his family learned that he had become a Christian, they persecuted him. But through that painful experience, he was able to minister to other young believers like himself and Hidden Christians was formed. Online, young believers are able to come together though they may live in families of a different faith – like Hindu, Muslim or atheist. Naga’s goal is that Hidden Christians would become Courageous Christians who spread the gospel to untouched parts of the world. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30%3A11&version=NIV (Psalm 30: 11; God Turns Mourning into Joy) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A1-3&version=NASB (Ephesians 6: 1-3; Honor Your Parents) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+17%3A37&version=NASB (1 Samuel 17: 37; The Lord Delivered David from a Lion ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+50%3A20&version=NASB (Genesis 50: 20; God Turned It for Good) Links Related to Episode:https://www.instagram.com/naga.desh/?hl=en (Connect with Naga on Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/HiddenChristians/ (Hidden Christians on Instagram) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOMvMKE0XBuZHncKUWg-N2w (Hidden Christians on YouTube) https://discord.com/invite/9E82aBENeW (Hidden Christians on Discord) Timestamped Show Notes:01:12 - Topic: The Unique Needs of Muslim and Hindu Background Believers 01:49 - Naga's Personal Testimony 02:46 - Praying to the Light 07:07 - How Hidden Christians Began 08:35 - Parents' Reaction to Naga Becoming a Christian 10:14 - God's Promises in the Pain 13:58 - From Viral Video to International Fellowship 15:08 - Forming the Online Community, Hidden Christians 16:10 - God Turned It for Good 16:51 - Meeting the Needs of Young Believers Online 18:22 - What About Trolls? 18:44 - What Happens After You Get Baptized? 21:33 - Why Should Christians Care about Social Media? 22:18 - Needs of New Believers 23:51 - Contact Info and Hidden Christians 24:46 - Joke: Does God Love Everyone?
Dr. Fred Farrokh breaks down the when, what, and why of Hajj, the pilgrimage of Muslims traveling to Mecca. He looks at the significance of pilgrimages in the Hebrew scriptures and in light of the New Testament. Dr. Fred Farrokh has served as a missionary for decades and currently trains other missionaries internationally. He is a Christian from a Muslim background. Bonus Content: https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/_files/ugd/36c06b_7ee56296744c4e4783e7770a8dc3a152.pdf (Journey with Jesus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent - Free Download) What You’ll Learn:The significance of Hajj in Muslim religion How pilgrimage differs for Christians compared to the commands in the Hebrew scriptures Unique congregational needs of Christians brothers and sisters who come from a Muslim background
About the Guest: Dr. Fred Farrokh is an ordained missionary with Elim Fellowship. He is an International Trainer with Global Initiative: Reaching Muslim Peoples. Before he became a believer in college, he was raised in a Muslim family. He has served as the Executive Director of Jesus for Muslims in the metro NYC area, its mission is to network individuals, churches and ministries that are engaged in outreach to Muslims for prayer, outreach and strengthening believers from a Muslim background. Additionally, he has served as the Special Projects Officer with SAT-7 in Cyprus. It is a ministry that broadcasts throughout the Middle East and North Africa to “encourage and strengthen often-isolated Christians in their faith and provide a fresh perspective of faith for those asking questions about Jesus.” In 2014, Fred received his PhD in Intercultural Studies through Assemblies of God Theological Seminary with his dissertation on Muslim Identity. He is the author of Journey with Jesus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent and Prepare for Persecution: Lessons from Acts. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+120-134&version=NASB (Psalm 120-134; Psalms of Ascent) Links Related to Episode:https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/ (Global Initiative: Reaching Muslim Peoples) https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/journey-books (Journey with Jesus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent – Physical Copies) https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/prayer-en-francais (Resources in French) https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/recursos-en-espanol-1 (Resources in Spanish) https://www.reachingmuslimpeoples.com/arabic-prayer-requests (Resources in Arabic) Timestamped Show Notes:01:07 - Topic: the Spiritual Pilgrimage from Islam to Christ 03:08 - Family Background and Kids in Ministry 05:18 - Fred's Spiritual Journey to Christ and Becoming Missionary 06:11 - God Talks Personally to People 06:25 - Jesus Is Not Like the Other Prophets 08:10 - What is Hajj? 09:03 - Salvation by Works 09:51 - Explaining the Arabic Calendar 11:57 - Pilgrimage to Jerusalem 12:48 - What's so Special about the Psalms of Ascent? 13:36 - Today's Spiritual Pilgrimage 15:47 - Living in the Tents of War as a Person of Peace 16:56 - Inspiration from the Psalms 17:20 - Unique Needs of Muslim Background Believers 19:53 - Encouraging MBBs 21:29 - Global Trends and Encouragement from International Missions 21:50 - Church Growth in Muslim Majority Countries 22:12 - Iran and Church Growth 22:35 - Theocracy, Disillusionment, Former Terrorist and Faith in Christ 23:20 - Outreach, Preaching, Friendship Evangelism and Hospitality 24:20 - Prayer for the Muslim World and for Believers from a Muslim Background 26:11 - Free PDF Download of Book in English, Arabic, Spanish and French 26:42 - Fred's Contact Info 26:58 - Cross Cultural Ministry and a Joke That Makes You Go Hmmm
Lori Rogers pushes back on the idea that ‘missions’ is something that is only done overseas. With the Momentum Yes free, online, video series — Christians take a fresh look at God’s plan for the nations — discovering their place in God's story. Lori considers the dynamic and practical implications for the church when the nations are regarded in the light of God's love. Bonus Content: https://momentumyes.com/sneak-peek/ (Momentum Yes - Session 1 - Sneak Peek ) What You’ll Learn:About God’s love for the world revealed throughout scripture About the benefits of group study How Momentum Yes impacts missions in America and abroad
About the Guest: Lori Rogers is the interim Executive Director of Momentum Yes. For thirty years, she served in missions leadership at Crossroads Christian Church in Newburgh, IN. She volunteered for several years and then joined the staff as Global Outreach Director for 21 years. In 2021, she transitioned to serve as the Interim Executive Director of Momentum Yes — a free online video series to inspire and unleash everyday people to engage with the nations, especially the least-reached. She and her high school sweetheart have been married for 30 years. They have two strong and courageous kids, the eldest is married. She loves to travel and take pictures of beautiful flowers and sunsets. Lori also loves to network and learn from leaders around the world. Prayer, mobilization and missionary care are Lori's favorite areas of ministry. Lori believes that every follower of Jesus has global DNA waiting to be activated. She also believes that God puts His love for the nations into each of us, but sometimes we haven’t discovered it yet. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+42%3A6%3B+Isaiah+49%3A6%3B+Isaiah+52%3A10%3B+Isaiah+60%3A3%3B+John+8%3A12%3B+Acts+13%3A47%3B+Acts+26%3A23&version=NASB (God’s Heart for the Nations) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NASB (John 3: 16; Jesus Came to Save the World) Links Related to Episode:https://momentumyes.com/ (Momentum Yes) Email: Lori Rogers https://twitter.com/momentumyes (Twitter - Momentum Yes) Timestamped Show Notes:01:07 - Topic: Why and How to Inspire Christians to Engage with Global Missions 01:57 - What is Momentum Yes? 04:04 - Momentum Yes Content in Six Session 04:23 - The Nations, Before the Great Commition 04:40 - The Importance of Prayer 06:09 - Perspectives are Changed 06:42 - From Global Perspective to Personal Responsibility 07:12 - ReThinking Assumptions 08:10 - Did Jesus Die for the World? 09:11 - Applying a Global Perspective Everyday 09:22 - Is the Church Dying? 09:55 - Working Together 11:21 - The Benefit of Group Study 11:58 - Lives are transformed 14:09 - Getting World Changers out of the Pews 15:11 - Free Resource -- MomentumYes.com 16:49 - Resource Translation Project 18:14 - 25 Countries and Counting 18:58 - God's Call Heard thru Momentum Yes 20:17 - Crossing the Street with Good News 21:05 - Tool for Everyday People in the Church 21:59 - Resources and Contact Info 23:16 - Family: Getting Personal 23:41 - Jokes: Fruit and Fruit Pies
Brant Hansen compares toxic masculinity to what it actually means to follow Jesus. Moving from generational trauma to generational hope, he shares his discoveries about mentoring, fatherhood, and adulting as a man in today’s culture. How can a man defend his family against harmful intruders and cultivate a life where the people around him can thrive? What You’ll Learn:The value of a man having a vision for his life What it means to tend God’s Garden in today’s world About the impact of one-month-mentorships
About the Guest: Brant Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio host, bestselling author and podcaster. With his co-host, he’s regularly heard on the podcast: The Brant and Sherri Oddcast. It has been downloaded over 10 million times. The Men We Need is his most recent book. His other books include: Unoffendable, Blessed Are the Misfits and The Truth About Us. Since 2014, he’s served as CURE International’s Advocate/Radio Presenter. Long before joining the organization in an official capacity, he was a supporter for the its work. "CURE International operates a global network of eight children’s hospitals that provide life-changing surgical care and intentional spiritual care for children living with disabilities.” Brant lives in South Florida with his wife, Carolyn. They have been married for over 30 years, have two adult children and have just welcomed their first grandchild. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A15&version=NIV (Genesis 2: 15; Tending the Garden) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NIV (Genesis 1: 26-27; God Made Them Male and Female) Links Related to Episode:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RKQZ8NL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1 (The Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up by Brant Hansen) https://www.amazon.com/Surfing-God-Discovering-Beneath-Struggle/dp/0849947235 (Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle, Recommended Book) https://www.amazon.com/Brant-Hansen/e/B00P49MTEW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (Brant Hansen, Author) https://branthansen.com/podcast-2/ (Brant & Sherri Oddcast) https://branthansen.com/ (BrantHansen.com) Email: Brant Hansen Timestamped Show Notes:01:08 - Topic: Reimagining Biblical Manhood 01:54 - The Joys of Fatherhood and Family 03:35 - The Season with Small Children 04:47 - The Conversation about Manhood in the Culture and in the Church 05:33 - What's a Man's Job? 06:36 - Men Getting Unstuck 07:28 - God Made Them Male and Female 07:53 - Taking Responsibility for One's Spiritual Life 08:35 - For Any Man Willing to Show Up 10:10 - Hope for Ending Dysfunctional Generational Cycles 12:10 - For Men Struggling with Pornography 12:30 - Recommended Reading: Surfing for God 13:04 - Pornography and the Appeal of Fake Relationships 13:53 - Encouragement for Men Who Give Up Pornography 15:12 - Making a Difference Where You Are 17:10 - Getting Started with the One-Month-Mentorship 19:54 - Being a Keeper of the Garden 21:40 - Protecting Your Family from a Harmful Intruder 23:07 - Brant Hansen, Contact Info 24:39 - Brant's Joke Telling Masterclass
Pastor Justin Adour looks at opportunities and potential blind spots when church planting in a neighborhood that is being gentrified. He also considers the church’s hesitancy to confront issues relating to justice and how that reluctance could overshadow a church’s testimony of Jesus. Almost three years ago—he and his wife, Angela, co-founded Redeemer East Harlem which is part of the family of Redeemer Presbyterian Churches in New York City. Located in the heart of what is traditionally known as Spanish Harlem, the community around the church is experiencing rapid gentrification. What You’ll Learn:Three of the Church's Biggest Challenges to Engage in Issues that Relate to Justice About Gentrification as a Context for Church Planting How Justice Relates to Evangelism
About the Guest : Pastor Justin Adour together with his wife Angela co-founded Redeemer East Harlem. For almost three years he has served as the Lead Pastor of the church located in the heart of what has been traditionally known as Spanish Harlem in New York City. Prior to that, he has been pastoring in NYC since 2008—serving as a youth pastor and staff pastor in the Bronx, a chaplain at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a campus minister at NYU and a pastor at Redeemer East Side. He is an editor and contributor for a blog, Until Zion. He earned both a bachelor's and master's degrees in Intercultural Studies with his master's focus in urban missiology, as well as a master's from Reformed Theological Seminary NYC. He has also completed his doctorate (D.Min) from North Park Theological Seminary. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021&version=NIV (Revelation 21; New Heaven and New Earth) Links Related to Episode:https://www.reh.nyc/ (Redeemer East Harlem) https://www.reh.nyc/youth (East Harlem Youth Center) https://www.untilzion.com/ (Justin Adour, Contributor - Until Zion Blog) Timestamped Show Notes:01:08 - Topic: Church Planting and Social Justice from a Biblical Perspective 02:07 - Biblical Justice versus Social Justice 04:24 - Youth Ministry in the Bronx 06:36 - Competing Definitions of Racism 07:41 - The Social Construct of Race 08:16 - What Is Anti-Racism? 09:45 - The Church as a Just People (On Purpose) 10:54 - Learning from the Church's History about Justice 13:08 - The Importance of History in Understanding a Community —Missiology in America 14:25 - Context for the Church Plant's Core Team 15:01 - Looking at the Gospel Holistically 15:42 - Great Commission Christianity and the Restoration of All Things 16:48 - Making the Invisible Kingdom Visible Now 17:30 - Reconciliation and Restoration in Communities 18:16 - Three Obstacles to a Justice Orientation in Churches 22:01 - NYC in 2020 during the #BLM Movement 22:39 - Solidarity, Prayer and Unity 27:08 - Privileged Mobility and Loving Your Neighbor 33:45 - Justice Matters 36:03 - Biblical Witness, Justice, Advocacy and Evangelism 37:27 - Contact Info and Until Zion Blog 38:10 - Dads Joking
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry. The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship. Bonus Content: https://www.ariel.org/resources/come-and-see/studies (Come and See, Ariel Library Resources) What You’ll Learn:What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the Bible How to apply Jesus' example of discipleship What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Jesus’ return
About the Guest: In 1943, Arnold was born in Russia into a Jewish family that had fled Poland. After being allowed to go back to Poland in 1945, the family escaped the Iron Curtain with the assistance of the Israeli underground. They spent several years in a British Displaced Persons camp in Germany. While there, Arnold received Orthodox Jewish training from his father. And, the family was befriended by a Lutheran minister. While Arnold was still a boy, the family migrated to New York City. The contact with the Lutheran minister, led Arnold and his mother to the American Board of Missions to the Jews (which would eventually become Chosen People Ministries). Through this ministry, several years later, Arnold came to a saving knowledge of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was 13 years old. Despite his father’s disapproval and harsh treatment, Arnold’s faith endured. After high school, he enrolled in a Christian college. He would go on to transfer and graduate from Cedarville College and later from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his PhD from New York University. He is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. The ministry offers intensive Bible teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective with both in-person and online instruction. Tyndale Seminary students may be able to apply some Ariel coursework toward their degree. The ministry’s online library has resources available in English, Afrikaans, French, Hebrew, Hungarian and Russian. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum wrote the groundbreaking book, Israelology: the Missing Link in Systematic Theology. He is a prolific author. He has written several Bible commentaries including a recently published commentary on the book of Isaiah. He has authored or co-authored many books including The Feasts and Fasts of Israel: Their Historical and Prophetic Significance and Footsteps of the Messiah. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12-13&version=NASB (Matthew 12-13; Jesus Shifts Ministry Focus to His Disciples) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zech+13-14&version=NASB (Zechariah 13-14; Persecution of the Jewish People, the Abomination of Desolation and the National Salvation of Jewish People) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+38-39&version=NASB (Ezekiel 38-39; Prophecy about Gog and Magog) Links Related to Episode:https://www.ariel.org (Ariel Ministries) - Phone: 210-344-7707 https://www.ariel.org/store/books/dr-fruchtenbaum (Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Author) https://www.ariel.org/store/product/israelology-the-missing-link-in-systematic-theology (Israelology: The Missing Link In Systematic Theology) Timestamped Show Notes:01:19-Topic: Israelology in Understanding Jesus' Earthly Ministry and His Return 02:20-About Arnold's Family 02:54-What is the Systematic Theological Study of Israel? 04:45-The Context of Jesus' Earthly Ministry 05:12-The Greek and Roman Culture in the New Testament 05:31-1st Century Israel and the Life of Jesus 05:50-Christian Schools that Have a Jewish Studies Major 06:18-Messianic Jewish Studies at Ariel Ministries 07:30-Two Fold Purpose of Ariel Ministries 07:49-Jesus' Example of Discipleship 08:55-How Does Jesus' Example for Discipleship Apply to Churches Today 09:37-2 Things for a...
Divya Maiya gives us a peek into the world of South Asian dance. She is the co-founder of the South Asian Arts and Theater House — SAATH — based in Minneapolis, MN. More than Bollywood and Bhangra, she looks at the communities touched by South Asian dance. And, she talks about breaking stereotypes, appreciating cultural traditions and the motivation for her own #SareeAdventures. Divya Maiya looks at how dance can be a fun way to build community across and beyond the South Asian diaspora. What You’ll Learn:About the Roots of Various of South Asian Dances How Dance Can Tell the History and Culture of a People How Dance Can Build a Diverse Community among the South Asian Diaspora
About the Guest: Divya Maiya is a saree adventurer and co-founder of SAATH, the South Asian Arts and Theater House in Minneapolis, Minnesota. New to town, she originally sought dance as a way to meet people. Today, SAATH is home to a diverse arts community. It includes, Asian and non-Asian dancers who come together for performances and informal classes. Most of all, it offers a fun way to connect to the cultural roots of South Asian arts and the people who share a passion for it. SAATH is a 501c3 non-profit organization that celebrates “cultural diversity and social harmony in our communities through the joyful medium of dance, performing arts, and related South Asian cultural traditions.” Divya Maiya also serves as the President, Executive Director and Artistic Director of SAATH (formerly named Bollywood Dance Scene). She is a techie and social media influencer who has a passion for travel and photography. Links Related to Episode:https://www.saathmn.org/about (South Asian Arts and Theatre House) https://www.youtube.com/saathmn (YouTube - South Asian Arts and Theatre House) https://www.instagram.com/saathmn/ (Instagram - South Asian Arts and Theatre House) https://twitter.com/saathmn (Twitter - South Asian Arts and Theatre House) https://www.instagram.com/divyamaiya/?hl=en (Instagram - @divyamaiya) Timestamped Show Notes:02:15 - Defining South Asian Dance 04:43 - Building Bridges with the Arts 05:26 - Influence of African Culture on South Asian Dance 06:24 - Dance and Cultural Exchange among South Asian Diaspora 08:07 - Listening to the Stories People Groups Tell 09:03 - What is South Asian Dance in American? 10:26 - Community, Culture and History 14:31 - Challenging Stereotypes 15:49 - #SareeAdventures 18:41 - What about the Second Generation? 19:34 - Art and Social Issues 20:29 - Despite the Haters 20:44 - Forming Community from a Small Group 22:27 - Not Just a Bollywood Dance Scene 23:21 - What about Cultural Appropriation? 25:04 - Creating Community Where You Are 29:39 - Getting in Touch with SAATH 30:34 - Family and Joke Ahead
Dr. Fadia Farag unearths some of the reasons Christians are hesitant to reach out to Muslims and Muslims are hesitant to follow Christ. Reflecting on more than ten years of experience with the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center in NYC, she considers why it’s important for the church not to ignore Muslims in our communities or to be fearful of ministering to them. Dr. Fadia looks at some of the practicalities of ministry and provides tips on how to start an outreach where you are. What You’ll Learn :About overcoming obstacles that Christians have to engage Muslims Some of the obstacles for Muslims to follow Christ 7 Tips on how to start a teaching ministry to Muslims
About the Guest: Dr. Fadia Farag presently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center (BAAFC), an outreach ministry to Muslims in New York City. She is also a co-founder of the ministry. Prior to this role, she served as the organization’s executive director for more than a decade. Raised in a Coptic family in Egypt, she became a medical doctor before migrating to the United States. She worked successfully as a pediatrician, got married and had two children. In 1990, she moved to the United States. In 2003, Dr. Fadia was led to co-found a teaching center for Muslim immigrants. The BAAFC opened a year later in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Free ESL, citizenship and computer classes are offered at the center. It is also a source of physical, emotional and spiritual support for the Muslim community--especially Muslim women. During her tenure as executive director at BAAFC, Dr. Fadia has witnessed the power of prayer, healings, revelations and lives redeemed. Her theme is “love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). Dr. Fadia is a sought after speaker. She primarily focuses on teaching Christians how to reach out to Muslims. Dr. Fadia has spoken at area churches and many times at the annual Heart for Muslims Conference. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Cor.+13%3A8&version=NASB (1 Corinthians 13: 8; Love Never Fails) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A+16&version=NASB (John 3: 16; Christ’s Love for the World) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A5-7&version=NASB (1 Corinthians 3: 5-7; Only God Converts People) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah+1-4&version=NASB (The Book of Jonah; Not to Be Like Jonah) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A15-19&version=NASB (1 John 4: 15-19; Perfect Love Casts Out Fear) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A12-17&version=NASB (John 15: 12-17; Jesus Chooses) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1%3A17&version=NASB (Jeremiah 1: 17; Faithfulness Despite Fear) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+17%3A11-13&version=NASB (Exodus 17: 11-13; Aaron and Hur Hold up Moses’ Arms) Links Related to Episode:http://www.baafc.org/ (Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center) Send a Message to Dr. Fadia Show Notes:01:03 - The Importance of Friendship in Sharing Christ with Muslims 02:04 - Welcoming Muslim Immigrants after September 11, 2001 02:40 - What about Street Evangelism? 04:06 - Where Is the Need? 06:29 - Why Should Christians Care? 07:53 - Community Impact after September 11, 2001 in NYC 08:34 - The Importance of Patience in Witnessing to Muslims 10:44 - 4 Major Obstacles for Muslims as they Learn about Jesus 13:14 - Combating a Worldview about Conversions 14:18 - Common Fears of American Christians 15:56 - Fear and Absence of Love 18:00 - 7 Keys to Consider When You Start a Teaching Center in Your Area 20:25 - Pray, Pray, Pray! 21:40 - Loving Jesus through the Generations
Tony Morgan, Founder of the Unstuck Group breaks down some fundamentals of a thriving church for this season of ministry. Evangelism, making disciples, growing deeper in faith — the mission of the church remains the same. But, do more activities really mean more disciples? And, what about virtual services after the pandemic? Tony Morgan challenges listeners to consider whether their congregation is declining and what to do about it. What You’ll Learn:What thriving churches look like during this season About the lingering impacts of the covid pandemic on local congregations What an effective discipleship strategy looks like
About the Guest: Tony Morgan is Founder of the Unstuck Group which has served more than 500 churches since 2009. As the Lead Strategist, Tony works with church leaders, helping them to refocus on discipleship and impact their community in their unique context. It is a role that grew from his time as a pastor. After sharing his experiences, he was eventually asked to come along side leaders of other congregations. There are numerous resources available on the Unstuck Group website: articles, whitepapers and The Unstuck Church Podcast which has thousands of listeners each month. Tony has authored several books, including The Unstuck Church. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20%2CLuke+24%3A44-48&version=ESV (Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 24:44-48; Mission of the Church) Links Related to Episode:https://theunstuckgroup.com/ (The Unstuck Group) https://theunstuckgroup.com/landing-page/unstuck-church-book/ (Book, The Unstuck Church) https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Morgan/e/B002BMDB6A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 (Tony Morgan, Author) https://theunstuckgroup.com/content-types/podcast/ (The Unstuck Church Podcast) Show Notes:01:22 - Tony Morgan, Family and Ministry 03:11 - Free Resources for Churches 06:05 - Need for Translators 07:22 - How the Unstuck Group Started 08:22 - Is There a Right Way to Do a Healthy Church? 09:45 - 4 Steps to Help a Church's Mission 11:25 - Right Sized Strategies 13:57 - What Churches Need to Change Post Covid 14:55 - 4 Differences between Growing and Declining Churches 17:44 - Giving Ministry Away 20:37 - Post Covid Pastor Burn Out 23:08 - Same Mission, Different Methodologies 24:11 - Virtual, Hybrid or Corporate Worship 25:41 - Managing Digital Ministry 28:32 - Are More Church Programs Really Better? 29:33 - Recipe for Discipleship 30:52 - How Many are Too Many Church Programs 31:51 - What Really Works for Discipleship and Spiritual Formation 33:20 - Multisite Churches – a Double Edged Sword
Chris Coppernoll shares about leadership development and leaning into the needs of others. He gleans from personal experience, life on campus, in church, the marketplace and ministry abroad. He breaks down the role of mentorship in effective leadership development. Chris talks about ministry in Pakistan, working in the Christian music industry and a scriptural response to America’s racial conflicts. Bonus Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrUJ_sRdxjQ&list=PL6xL_ADi8ElchBrrMVvilYl6Q0Vt3Wr07&index=4 (HOW TO FORGIVE RACIAL VIOLENCE | Going Forward When You Can't Go Back) What You’ll Learn:Ways to support leadership growth within a church About modern-day peonage, debt bondage in Pakistan One Christian Response to America’s Lingering of Racial Strife
About the Guest: Dr. Chris Coppernoll has explored leadership development in varied contexts. At the time of this recording, he serves as the Associate Director of Community Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has planted a multi-ethnic church near Albany, New York. And, he has encouraged students in India and on campuses in America. Chris has preached or taught in several countries in Asia and across Africa. Prior to planting a church, he cofounded a company, working in Nashville’s Christian music industry—the Soul2Soul Radio Network. For twenty-five years, the interviews with Gospel and Christian music luminaries aired weekly. The company recently closed; during its tenure it included 600 radio markets, 40 countries and 1500 interviews. Chris has authored or co-authored six books and his seventh book is pending, Belonging: God's Call to Unity in a Diverse Church. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Truett Seminary at Baylor University and is married to celebrated novelist, Christa Parrish. Together, they have four children. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A21-26&version=NIV (1 Corinthians 12 :26; If One Part of the Body Suffers, We All Suffer) Links Related to Episode:https://www.chriscoppernoll.com/ (Dr. Chris Coppernoll) https://www.chriscoppernoll.com/belonging (The Belonging Project) https://www.chriscoppernoll.com/lead (Learning to Lead) https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-L.-Coppernoll/e/B001JS2KQ4?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000 (Chris Coppernoll, Books) https://www.facebook.com/chriscoppernollauthor/ (Chris Coppernoll Author, Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/chris.coppernoll (Chris Coppernoll, Facebook) Show Notes:01:14 - Adventures in Ministry, Mentorship, Church Planting and the Music Industry 05:20 - Belonging, Healing and a Book about Racial Reconciliation 07:17 - Who Do We Let into Our Lives? 07:49 - A Path for Racial Reconciliation in the Church 08:55 - What about Oneness in Christ? 09:18 - Pastors and Conversations about Racial Reconciliation 10:21 - Abolitionist Movement and the Western Church 12:01 - A Forgotten National Ideal in America 13:16 - Exegesis and Civil Rights 14:02 - When One Part of the Body Suffers 15:53 - Grace Unites 17:02 - Starting the Learn to Lead Project 20:40 - Research on Leadership and Mentoring 25: 04 - Proof for Effective Leadership Development 27:27 - Immediate Impact of Leadership Class 28:19 - Jesus' Mentorship of His Disciples 28:48 - Paul's Mentorship of Timothy 29:27 - Working in the Music Industry 32:12 - Brick Kiln, Debted Workers in Pakistan 33:24 - Subpar Wages and Increasing Debt 34:50 - Freedom from Kiln Debt 36:39 - Kid Friendly Joke
James Rayment unpacks what it means to have conversation without compromise and build relationships despite fundamental disagreements. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, Muslims and Christians are able to engage, cultivate mutual respect, and build genuine friendships. The organization is unapologetically Christian. These opportunities to dialogue stand in stark contrast to perennial accusations of cancel culture in America. James Rayment pushes back on some common misconceptions that Protestants have about Muslims and outlines how churches can take the first steps in getting to know Muslim people in their neighborhoods. Bonus Content: https://our-urban-voices.captivate.fm/episode/24-how-can-christians-reach-out-to-muslims-during-ramadan (How Can Christians Reach Out to Muslims During Ramadan?) What You’ll Learn:About the Differences and Importance of How the Bible and the Quran Describe Jesus’ Death 4+ Practical Tips for Churches Exercising Hospitality toward Muslims About a Common Error that Protestant Christians Make When Talking to Muslims
About the Guest: James Rayment has been building relationships with Muslims in Seattle and around the world since 2012. As a result of this ministry he founded the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, a Christian nonprofit. The organization educates and equips local Christians to engage with individuals in the city’s Muslim community. Members of the local church are better able to understand and communicate with Muslims on a range of issues. His goal is to facilitate genuine friendships without shying away from the exclusivity of Jesus’ message. The Al-Ma’idah Initiative is an unapologetically Christian organization. God is the one who changes hearts and minds. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, there's no coercion or reason to cancel someone despite sharp disagreement — genuine friendships can and do start at the table. Christians simply represent what they believe to be true and show hospitality. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+26-28&version=NIV (Matthew 26-28; Jesus’ Death and Resurrection) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+72&version=NIV (Psalm 72; God’s Vision for the Muslim World) Links Related to Episode:https://www.al-maidah.org/ (The Al-Ma'idah Initiative) https://www.al-maidah.org/podcast (Podcast, The Al-Ma'idah Initiative) Show Notes:01:38 - From England to Having a Family in Seattle 03:35 - Catalyst for Al-Ma'idah Initiative 07:09 - Who Wants to Visit Church with Us? 07:57 - Muslims’ Openness to Spiritual Conversations 09:13 - Taking People and Ideas Seriously 11:05 - So as a Christian, What Do You Believe? 11:14 - How did Jesus Escape from the Cross? 12:13 - Literally Putting the Cards on the Table 13:01 - 4 Practical Tips for Churches to Get Started 15:12 - Leading By Example 15:51 - How Hearts and Minds Change 16:17 - Before Hosting a Meal 16:34 - God Has Work to Do in the Muslims World 18:50 - A Free and Fair Arena for Ideas 19:44 - Main Error that Protestant Christians Make in Interacting with Muslim People 24:48 - A Joke for Ramadan
James Rayment reveals how Ramadan is one of the best times for Christians to reach out to Muslims in their community. But, where can you or your church begin? As an unapologetically Christian organization, the Al-Ma'idah Initiative starts with lots of prayer and a table of food. And, it’s not too soon to plan for 2023 when Easter, Passover, and Ramadan will overlap for the second year in a row. James Rayment discusses the significance and the connections between prayer, hospitality, Ramadan, and revelations of Jesus. This is a special Ramadan episode, from a webinar that was made available earlier this month. What You’ll Learn:One of the Most Important Questions to Ask During Ramadan Some Ways to Get To Know Muslims in Your Community 4 Specific Prayer Points
About the Guest: James Rayment has been building relationships with Muslims in Seattle and around the world since 2012. As a result of this ministry he founded the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, a Christian nonprofit. The organization educates and equips local Christians to engage with individuals in the city’s Muslim community. Members of the local church are better able to understand and communicate with Muslims on a range of issues. His goal is to facilitate genuine friendships without shying away from the exclusivity of Jesus’ message. The Al-Ma’idah Initiative is an unapologetically Christian organization. God is the one who changes hearts and minds. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, there's no coercion or reason to cancel someone despite sharp disagreement — genuine friendships can and do start at the table. Christians simply represent what they believe to be true and show hospitality. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201%3A18-21&version=NIV (Romans 1: 18-21; Knowing the Truth) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+25%3A2&version=NIV (Proverbs 25: 2; Searching Knowledge) Links Related to Episode:https://www.al-maidah.org/about (The Al-Ma'idah Initiative) https://www.al-maidah.org/podcast (Podcast, The Al-Ma'idah Initiative) https://www.cbcnyc.org/events/hour-of-prayer-praying-for-your-muslim-friends-neighbors/2022-04-28+19%3A00%3A00 (RSVP to NYC Prayer Gathering) Show Notes:03:29 - What Is the Al-Ma’idah Initiative? 03:47 - Food, Friendly Conversations and Iftar Dinners 05:02 - Making Sense of Ramadan for Christians 05:28 - Original Sin vs Original Innocence 07:22 - One of the Most Important Things to Talk About 09:15 - Christians Connecting with Muslims During Ramadan 11:46 - Good Timing to Host an Iftar Dinner 12:24 - Listening and Praying 14:45 - Churches in Seattle, WA 15:34 - One Woman's Vision of Jesus 18:47 - Removing Obstacles and Opening Doors to the Gospel 22:02 - How Can Christians Pray for Muslims During Ramadan 23:51 - Prayer About the Hard Questions 25:56 - More Prayer Points 28:18 - Contact the Al-Ma’idah Initiative 28:50 - What's the First Step? 30:49 - Invitation to Gather and Pray
Dr. Mitch Glaser looks at the challenges, opportunities, and surprising areas of fruitfulness for present-day outreach to Jewish people around the world. He reflects on decades in ministry, experiencing antisemitism, unity, prophecy, politics, virtual evangelism, and virtual discipleship. Dr. Mitch Glaser serves as the President of Chosen People Ministries. Before the most recent wave of Covid-19 subsided in New York City, the pandemic’s lasting impact on the ministry had already become apparent. What You’ll Learn:About present-day areas of fruitfulness for Jewish outreach About innovative outreach programs How Isaiah 53 is a significant Messianic prophecy in the Hebrew Scriptures
About the Guest: Dr. Mitch Glaser has served as the President of Chosen People Ministry since 1997. He is a native New Yorker and grew up in a nominally Orthodox Jewish home. At 19, he came to faith in the promised Jewish Messiah and got involved in ministry shortly thereafter. Dr. Glaser is an alumnus of Northeastern Bible College and holds a Master of Divinity degree in Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology as well as a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies. He has taught at leading evangelical schools and written articles for a number of Christian publications. He is the author of several books including: The Fall Feasts of Israel which he co-authored with his wife, Zheva; and Isaiah 53 Explained which is available in eleven languages and has over 100,000 copies in print. Formerly known as the American Board of Missions to the Jews, Chosen People Ministry is one of the largest and oldest Messianic missions in the United States. It was founded in 1894 and today the organization has missionaries in 16 countries around the world. Bonus Content:https://ifoundshalom.com/mitch-glaser/ (Dr. Mitch Glaser's Personal Testimony ) Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+52%3A13-53%3A12&version=NIV (Isaiah 53; Prophecy 700 Years Before the Birth of the Messiah) Links Related to Episode:https://www.chosenpeople.com/ (Chosen People Ministries) https://www.amazon.com/Mitch-Glaser/e/B00J6HRBV4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1650352807&sr=1-1 (Dr. Mitch Glaser, Author) https://drmitchglaser.com/ (Dr. Mitch Glaser’s Blog) Show Notes:01:32 - Dr. Glaser's Testimony and Family 04:26 - Answering the Number One Objections Jews Have to Jesus 06:14 - The American Board of Missions to the Jews 08:18 - The Personal Part in Personal Evangelism 12:35 - Abram and God's Promises to the Jewish People 13:55 - The Mission of the Jewish People 14:40 - What Happens When the Jewish People Turn to Jesus? 17:29 - Disciples Training Initiative 21:54 - Being a Role Model in the Faith 23:06 - Can You Love Others at a Distance? 25:00 - Messianic Congregations around the World 26:12 - How Did Covid Impact Ministry 29:40 - Lasting Impact of Pandemic 30:13 - Online Outreach and Local Follow-up 31:02 - Evangelism Differences between Secular Israelis vs Orthodox Jews 33:47 - Outreach through Youth Hostels 37:17 - What about Politics? 38:20 - Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem 40:49 - Palestinians and Israelis Coming to Faith 42:40 - Isaiah 53 Explained 46:19 - Messianic Prophecy 700 Years before the Birth of the Christ 46:49 - A Joke Please
Pastor Peter Lwin grew up in Myanmar and migrated to America after grade school. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been plagued by civil wars and religious persecution for decades. Then, in 2020 there was a military coup that upended the country’s democratic elections. Many of the young people at Calvary Burmese Church had a loose connection to their family’s culture and homeland. Both literally and figuratively, the generations didn't speak the same language. Pastor Peter is a Youth Pastor. He shares about the challenges in bridging that gap, the grace needed to do so and how the young people have stepped up to advocate for Myanmar. Bonus Content: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/myanmar/ (World Watch List: Myanmar Ranked #12 among the Most Difficult Countries to Follow Jesus ) What You’ll Learn:About some of Myanmar’s culture and history How one ethnic church is able to reach 3rd generation youth How some young people are advocating for Myanmar
About the Guest: Pastor Peter Lwin came to America with his mother and brother when he was eleven years old. But, he grew up in Myanmar going to church with his grandparents and cousins. Most of his teenage years, he was in and out of church. But in his 20’s, he fully committed his life to Christ and answered God’s call to the ministry. He is joined in ministry by his wife and two sons. For the past 10 years, he has served as the Youth Pastor at Calvary Burmese Church in Washington D.C. Recently, he has also been tapped to serve as an Associate Pastor. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A3-6&version=NIV (John 3: 3-6; Must Be Born Again ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2058%3A5%2D7&version=NIV (Isaiah 58: 5-7; Helping Those In Need ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A+13-16&version=NIV (First Will Be Last, the Last Will Be First; Matthew 20: 13-16) Links Related to Episode:https://calvaryburmese.church/ (Calvary Burmese Church) https://www.gm4md.org/us (Check Status the Burma Bill, 2021) https://www.gm4md.org/ (GM4MD-Global Movement for Myanmar Democracy) https://mobile.twitter.com/usacm3 (U.S. Advocacy Coalition for Myanmar) Pastor Peter Lwin – Facebook Show Notes:2:13 - About Myanmar 3:55 - What's Happening in Myanmar? 8:13 - The Coup's Impact on the Congregation 10:23 - What Can We Do during a Global Pandemic? 11:28 - Why Are We Safe, While Others Are in Danger? 12:26 - Partnering with the Myanmar Community in America 16:00 - Challenges of a Youth Pastor in an Ethnic Congregation 17:03 - Literally and Figuratively, Not Speaking the Same Language 19:21 - What Does the Immigrant Church Offer Young People? 19:48 - Role of Sunday School Teachers in an Ethnic Congregation 21:32 - Bridging the Generational Gap 27:01 - Three Myths about Youth Pastors 29:31 - Misconceptions about Ethnic Churches 30:50 - Ministering to Refugees in the Local Church 34:49 - What Christians Need to Know about Myanmar 37:45 - Ministry Challenges in Myanmar 39:54- Learning More About Helping Myanmar 40:56- The Burma Bill, 2021 and the US Legislature
Pastor Bobby Jamieson sketches a map for the pastorate: character, competencies, qualifications, heart, and hiring process. For a church’s search committee, he pushes back on some common ideas about ministerial qualifications that are not found in the Bible. For someone hoping to be a pastor or an elder, he discusses ways to nurture a desire to serve. In practice, Pastor Bobby offers insight into the ministry of a large, urban congregation in the nation’s capitol where there are lots of opportunities to ‘love across lines of difference'. What You’ll Learn:What a church's search committee needs to look for when hiring a new pastor Character and qualifications of a pastor or an elder Where to begin if you desire to be a pastor or elder
About the Guest: Bobby Jamieson serves as an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in the nation’s capital, an economically and ethnically diverse congregation that is a short distance from the U.S. Capitol Building. His pastoral responsibilities include overseeing the church's pastoral internship program, as well as preaching and teaching. Bobby is a husband and father. He has an M.Div. and Th.M. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a PhD. in New Testament from the University of Cambridge, where he also taught Greek. He is the author of several books including his latest, The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring, where he draws upon his experiences working with numerous pastoral interns. He encourages men to ask the question ‘am I qualified for ministry?’ Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A1-6&version=NIV (Ephesians 4: 1-6; Walk Worthy of Calling ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+timothy+3%3A1&version=NIV (1 Timothy 3: 1; Aspiring to be an Overseer) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A+6&version=NIV (Galatians 6: 6; Sharing with Teacher) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A+17&version=NIV (1 Timothy 5: 17; Honor Those Preaching and Teaching) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34-35&version=NIV (John 13; New Command Love One Another) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A27-29&version=NIV (Galatians 3: 27-29; Neither Jew or Greek, Slave or Free) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+3%3A+1-7%2C+Titus+1%3A+5-9&version=NIV (1 Timothy 3: 1-7, Titus 1: 5-9; Pray through Scriptures) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204%3A8&version=NIV (1 Timothy 4: 8; Value of Godliness) Links Related to Episode:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-path-to-being-a-pastor-bobby-jamieson/1138714080?ean=9781433576652 (The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/biblical-reasoning-r-b-jamieson/1140355563 (Biblical Reasoning: Christological and Trinitarian Rules for Exegesis) https://www.amazon.com/Bobby-Jamieson/e/B009D76TEW/ref=aufs_dp_mata_dsk (Bobby Jamieson, Author) https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/pastoral-internship/ (Capitol Hill Baptist Church - Pastoral Intern Program) Timestamped Show Notes 01:25 - Family, Music and Classical Greek Geeking 03:18 - Path to Being a Pastor: Aspiration vs Calling 04:44 - What’s the Difference between a Pastor, Elder and Overseer? 06:23 - What Does It Mean to Be Called to Ministry? 08:51 - The Qualifications of Character 12:46 - Being a Pastor and an Immigrant 13:46 - To Seminary or Not to Seminary, Is It Really a Biblical Question? 14:22 - Looking for a New Pastor 17:07 - Catalyst for Writing Book 19:44 - Challenges and Benefits of an Urban Church 22:10 - The Cost of Diversity 23:17 - Growing Spiritually Despite Relocating Often 24:37 - Practical Tips for Aspiring Ministers, Pastors and Elder 27:17 - Scripture, Interpretation, Systematic Theology and Biblical Exegesis 29:43 - Ambition and Character
Taas Saada was born in Gaza to a Muslim family. While working in America, a simple ‘thank you’ from a customer touched the heart of this man who was trained as a Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) sniper. The customer would become a friend and eventually share the gospel with Tass, years later. Pressed on all sides, he had been an enemy of Christians and Jews. Then as a follower of Jesus Christ, he was no longer welcomed in Mosques and his family tried to kill him. But, the Prince of Peace had other plans for Tass Saada. What You’ll Learn:How a common courtesy opened the door for a long-lasting friendship What is the hope for Ishmael? Where the Church should look, as Islam grows in America and throughout the world?
About the Guest: Tass Saada was born in Gaza after his family had fled Joppa during the 1948 war. Shortly after his birth, his family moved; he was reared in Saudi Arabia and Quatar. In the late 1960’s, at 17, he left home, joined Fatah and became a PLO sniper under Yasser Arafat. While still a young man he moved to America to become a student. In Missouri, he met and married his wife Karen, an American girl. In 1993, Tass had a powerful conversion experience and became a Christian. Soon after, his wife also began to follow Christ. With his wife Karen, he founded Seeds of Hope and Hope for Ishmael. Seeds of Hope is a humanitarian organization in Jericho and Jerusalem. Hope for Ishmael disciples believers from a Muslim background and trains the Western church to reach out to Muslims. Tass Saada is the author of two books, he is a sought after speaker and his story has been featured in numerous media outlets around the world. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-5&version=NIV (John 1: 1; Jesus is the Word of God) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A9&version=NIV (Matthew 5: 9; Blessed Are the Peacemakers) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-48&version=NIV (Matthew 5: 43; Love Your Enemy) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2014%3A6&version=NIV (John 14: 6; I Am the Way the Truth and the Light) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+16%2C+17%2C+21&version=NIV (Genesis 16, 17, 21; Root of Conflict between Muslims and Jews) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV (Isaiah 9: 6-7; Promise of the Messiah, Prince of Peace) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A7&version=NIV (Philippians 4: 7; The Peace that Surpasses Understanding) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A17-21&version=NIV (Romans 12: 20; Love Your Enemy) Links Related to Episode:https://www.hopeforishmael.org/hopeleadlove (Lead with Love) https://www.seedsofhope.org/ (Seeds of Hope) https://www.hopeforishmael.org/ (Hope for Ishmael) https://www.facebook.com/hopeforishmael/ (FB - Hope for Ishmael) https://www.amazon.com/Tass-Saada/e/B001JRVS2W/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 (Tass Saada, Author) Show Notes:00:54 - Family Life 03:55 - A 'Thank You' Touched His Heart 05:39 - Becoming a Peacemaker 06:25 - Loving Jesus and Hating Christians and Jews 08:45 – Who Does Jesus Love? 09:38 - What Is the Hope for Ishmael? 14:06 - Wake Up Call for the Church 18:21 - Lead with Love in the USA and Europe 21:14 - What Should the Church Do Today? 24:40 - Political Islam v. Religious Islam v. Muslim People 29:11 - Visions of Jesus Preparing the Way 30:08 - Waiting on the Lord and Training Leaders 32:02 - Loving an Enemy with Unexpected Results
Pastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife. Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church. Isaac Adams offers practical steps and jumpstarts the conversation about race within the local congregation. What You’ll Learn:Why talk about race in a local congregation? Practical tips for pastors to talk about race with congregants A way to distinguish between local needs and the national conversation about race
About the Guest: Isaac Adams serves as lead pastor at Iron City Church in Birmingham, Alabama where he lives with his wife and children. He is devoted to racial reconciliation and in 2017, prior to joining Iron City Church, he started United? We Pray. It is a podcast and ministry devoted to “taking racial struggles to the throne of grace”. He is a speaker and author. His most recent book is Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. While examining what's at stake, the book provides practical steps and offers the reader a novel way to begin this hard conversation. Isaac Adams is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv). Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A16&version=NIV (Ephesians 4: 16; Building Up the Church ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micha+6%3A8&version=NIV (Micha 6: 8; Do Justice, Love Mercy) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2026%3A4-5&version=NIV (Proverbs 4: 5; Answer Not a Fool According to Your Folly ) Links Related to Episode: https://uwepray.com/ (United? We Pray) https://www.zondervan.com/p/talking-about-race/ (Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations) https://ironcitychurch.org/ (Iron City Church) Show Notes:[01:37] Moving Family to Birmingham, AL [05:14] Motivation for United? We Pray [06:24] God and Prayer as Factors in the Struggle -- Francis Grimke [07:03] United? We Pray in Action [09:19] Why Is It So Hard for Christians to Talk about Race in America? [10:30] Not Prophets—Pastors Talking about Racial Conflict [12:59] What about the National Conversation [14:50] Criticism from the Left and from the Right [15:25] Spiritual Warfare [18:12] How is the Church Doing? [20:15] Is the House Still on Fire? [23:35] So, How Do We Have This Conversation? [26:18] More Practical Tips for Pastors to Start Talking about Race [27:43] Idolatry, Diversity and Unity [29:56] When to Be Silent [30:30] Lunch with a Former Bomb Making White Supremacist
Jami Staples discovered a unique approach to reveal lies and trauma that often ensnare Christian and Muslim women – same lies, different contexts. Through the Truth Collective, Christian women are empowered to see themselves through God’s eyes—with inherent value—and be empowered to heal from trauma. Then, Christian women can be free to humbly and boldly engage Muslim women who share similar experiences. Jami looks at how arts ministry, virtual tea parties and relationships are vital parts of this ministry. Bonus Content: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c4b21cc5cfd79ec7a1694be/t/5cdee035ca33ff000106da13/1558110262037/Identity+Scripture+List.pdf (Your Identity in Christ - According to the Bible) https://www.thetruthcollective.org/trauma (What is Trauma?) What You’ll Learn: Why it’s important for Christian women to have access their own transformation testimony How a “both – and” ministry can minister to both Christian women and then to Muslim women How unhealed trauma can impact identity, shame and relationships
About the Guest: Jami Staples is the Founder and CEO of The Truth Collective — TTC. The ministry invites women to know, believe and share the truth of who God is and how God sees women. Over a period of time, the Lord broke Jami's heart and called her to this ministry. While in East Africa with her husband, she was immersed in a local Somali community and studied Islam. Upon returning to America, Jami worked with Crescent Project and realized that a significant portion of the Western Church resisted reaching out to Muslims with the gospel. But, why? The answer to that question shapes TTC's ministry to Christian women and then to Muslim women. Different context, the same lies and both have a need for Truth. Jami graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a degree in Communications and a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. Scripture Related to Episode https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A1-5&version=NIV (Revelation 22: 1-5; Tree of Life with Leaves to Heal the Nations) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8%3A40-53%2C+Mark+5%3A21-43&version=NIV (Mark 5: 21-43, Luke 8: 40-53; Woman with the Issue of Blood Healed by Jesus) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1-4&version=NIV (The Book of Ruth; The Story of Ruth and Boaz) Links Related to Episode: https://www.thetruthcollective.org/ (The Truth Collective) https://www.thetruthcollective.org/events (Virtual Tea Parties and the unGallery) Timestamped Show Notes: 01:30 - Living in East Africa – the Lord’s Call in the midst Jami’s Heartbreak 03:45 - Restoration of Women’s Hearts through the Power of Jesus Christ 04:20 - Encountering Resistance in a Biblical Response to the Muslim World 08:11 - Arts Ministry and The Truth Collective’s unGallery 08:28 - Different Context Same Lies 09:47 - What Does Neuroscience Have to Say? 13:00 - Healing Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ 17:03 - What Does the Bible Call Trauma? 19:16 - How Can People Respond Differently to the Same Trauma? 20:31 - Daughter You Are Healed 21:37 - Honor, Shame and Self Worth 22:16 - Virtual Tea Parties 24:11 - Helping Friends and Refugees Deal with Trauma
Kate McCord lived in Afghanistan for 9 years after the fall of the Taliban in the early 2000’s. Today, the Taliban rules Afghanistan again. In this Best of Heart for Muslims Edition, her story provides a glimpse of Afghans who endured Taliban rule. Kate's story gives voice to their stories—a powerful reminder to look beyond the statistics and consider people who bear God's image. During Kate's time there, Afghanistan was a danger zone for women and foreigners. But this American woman shared Jesus’ story with Afghan women, women who became friends. This episode is the second installment of a two part series. She spoke at the 2016 Heart for Muslims Conference. Bonus Content: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=OpenDoors (2022 World Watch List: Afghanistan ranked #1 as the most dangerous place on earth for Christians) What You'll Learn: A way to share Jesus's story in a personal way How praying with someone or for someone can draw that person to Jesus How sharing your story with someone else can change you both
About the Guest: Kate McCord is a story teller, mentor and former aid worker who is so in love with Jesus that she still thought “going to Afghanistan with him was a really good idea”. She worked and lived in Afghanistan for a total of nine years. Under her protective pseudonym, she has published three books: In the Land of Blue Burqas, Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places, and Farewell, Four Waters. Scripture Related to This Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015%3A11-32&version=NIV (The Prodigal Son / The Parable of the Lost Son; Luke 15:11-32) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NIV (Abundant Life in Christ; John 10:10) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NIV (All Mankind Made in God’s Image; Genesis 1:26-27) Links Related to This Episode: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-McCord/e/B006JUUP00%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (Kate McCord, Author ) https://www.heartformuslims.com/resources/#afghans (Ways to Help Afghan Refugees) Show Notes: Fear Filled Stories in America What to Serve Your Muslim Friend for Dinner? Sharing Life on Purpose International Women’s Day Celebration in Afghanistan, #IWD Asking the Second Question Praying with Muslim Friends Sharing the Four Spiritual Laws Sharing the Parable of the Prodigal Son How Kate’s Story Changed Because of Her Time in Afghanistan How Her Friend’s Story Changed Because of Jesus Life in God’s Story
Kate McCord lived in Afghanistan for 9 years after the fall of the Taliban in the early 2000’s. Today, the Taliban rules Afghanistan again. In this Best of Heart for Muslims Edition, her story provides a glimpse of Afghans who endured Taliban rule. Kate's story gives voice to their stories—a powerful reminder to look beyond the statistics and consider people who bear God's image. During Kate's time there, Afghanistan was a danger zone for women and foreigners. But this American woman shared Jesus’ story with Afghan women, women who became friends. This episode is the first part of a two part series, the presentation is originally from 2016 Heart for Muslims Conference. Bonus Content: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=OpenDoors (2022 World Watch List: Afghanistan ranked #1 as the most dangerous place on earth for Christians) Takeaways: What Afghanistan was like before and after the fall of the Taliban How genuine relationships reveal the love and heart of Jesus About some of the culture, lifestyle and traditions in Afghanistan
About the Guest: Kate McCord is a story teller, mentor and former aid worker who is so in love with Jesus that she still thought “going to Afghanistan with him was a really good idea”. She worked and lived in Afghanistan for a total of nine years. Under her protective pseudonym, she has published three books: In the Land of Blue Burqas, Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places, and Farewell, Four Waters. Scripture Related to This Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A4-42&version=NIV (Samaritan Woman at the Well; John 4:4-42) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+6%3A1-8%3A35&version=NIV (The Story of Gideon; Judges 6:1-8:35) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-30&version=NIV (Jesus Says That His Burden is Light; Matthew 11:28-30) Links Related to This Episode: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-McCord/e/B006JUUP00%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (Kate McCord, Author ) https://www.heartformuslims.com/resources/#afghans (Ways to Help Afghan Refugees) Show Notes: Confronting Stories in Afghanistan Advice for Christians Going Abroad Leading with Authenticity What Does Jesus Want to Say? Prayer Walking in Afghanistan Life Under the Taliban Affirming the Desire to Seek God In Afghanistan, an Unexpected Reaction to Christians Coming Back to America
JD Payne challenges Western convention and reframes the lens through which church planting is typically viewed. He has served as a pastor and an academic. Over the years, he has also mentored and coached many church planters. So at home or abroad, what is the best model for a healthy church? JD Payne reconsiders church planting and missions around Biblical examples instead of a cultural or pastoral orientation. What You’ll Learn: The example of missions and church planting in the New Testament compared to a modern American model How calling and spiritual gifts can relate to missions and church planting The benefits and limitations of church growth models
About the Guest: JD Payne has served as a pastor for 19 years; he’s pastored in five churches in Kentucky and Indiana. He has a heart to see the gospel go to places where there is a need to hear it and has mentored numerous church planters over the years. Presently, he is a Professor of Christian Ministry at Samford University in Alabama. He can be regularly heard on his podcast, Strike the Match, it is a resource for missions, innovation and leadership. JD Payne is the author of over 10 books. His new book, Apostolic Imagination: Recovering a Biblical Vision for the Church's Mission Today, helps believers consider how apostolic imagination can benefit ministry. His academic credentials include: a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Divinity degree in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Scripture Related to Episode https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%201&version=NIV (Wake up in a Big Fish; Story of Jonah) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+20%3A15&version=NIV (Lips That Speak Wisdom; Proverbs 20:15) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A11-12&version=NIV (Pastoral or Apostolic; Ephesians 4:11-12 ) Calling in Ministry: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A14&version=NIV (1 Corinthians 12:14); https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12&version=NIV (Romans 12) Links Related to Episode: https://www.jdpayne.org/ (Strike the Match, Podcast with J. D. Payne ) https://www.amazon.com/J.-D.-Payne/e/B0058J01DY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share (JD Payne, Author) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B2NQZF1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 (Apostolic Imagination: Recovering a Biblical Vision for the Church's Mission Today) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089AFYUE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i5 (Discovering Church Planting: An Introduction to the Whats, Whys, and Hows of Global Church Planting) Episode Notes: JD Payne’s Personal Testimony Call to Vocational Ministry as a Teenager Role of Pastor’s Wife in Ministry Apostolic versus Pastoral Leadership What Can Be Learned from Barnabas’ Ministry? Spiritual Gifts and APEPT Eisegesis When the Bible Is Silent What Does the Bible Say and Not Say about Spiritual Gifts? Limitations and Benefits of Church Growth Models Shuffling Sheep, Evangelism and a Healthy Church Book—Discovering Church Planting: An Introduction to the Whats, Whys, and Hows of Global Church Planting
Rachel Pieh Jones’ family has fled violence and her faith has been challenged while her family has been in East Africa. Living as a foreigner and religious minority in Djibouti, the move was necessarily a journey away from the familiarity of the Midwest and the comfort of Christian community. On this path of discovery, some of Rachel’s most closely held beliefs were questioned and re-examined. What You'll Learn: About culture and lifestyle in Djibouti How ancient Christian practices and liturgies can be powerful About Islam’s impact on everyday life in Muslim majority countries
About the Guest: Rachel Pieh Jones grew up in a Christian home and part of a Baptist church. As an adult living in Minnesota, she found another community among her neighbors. Somali women helped and embraced her after her twins were born. With a desire to live abroad, Rachel and her husband accepted an invitation to live and work in Somaliland. It was a place that was so unfamiliar that they would have to rely on Jesus. Within a year of moving to Somaliland, an outbreak of violence against foreigners compelled her family to leave. Soon after, they moved to neighboring Djibouti. Since 2004, they have remained in the Muslim majority country where she and her husband are raising three third culture kids. Rachel is trained as a linguist and speaks English, Somali, and French. She is the author of several books including Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus. Links Related to Episode: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/pillars (Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus) https://rachelpiehjones.com/home/blog/ (Rachel Pieh Jones' Blog) Scripture Related to Episode https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A9-13&version=NIV (Matthew 6:9-13; The Lord’s Prayer) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NIV (Genesis 1:26-27; All Humanity Created in God’s Im)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27+&version=NIV (age) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019&version=NIV (Psalm 19; God Has Not Forsaken His Creation) Show Notes: Violent Attacks against Foreigners in Somaliland Deciding to Stay in East Africa Life and Living Abroad in Djibouti Discovering Ancient Christian Practices in East Africa The Power of Liturgy Making Church History Relevant to Young People How Islam Affects Everyday Life Embodying Prayer and Worship Jesus, God, Allah and the Intent of Worship Coping with Being a Religious Minority
Pastor Hanna Massad voices a perspective seldom heard in America; he is both an evangelical Christian and someone who calls Gaza home. Pastor Hanna shares about Jesus’ faithfulness amid three distinct sources of persecution and about the Christian Mission to Gaza. The ministry serves Christians and Muslims in Gaza as well as those in need, Iraqi refugees and Syrian refugees in Jordan. What You'll Learn: How and why, despite very real danger, Pastor Hanna loves those who persecute him About three sources of persecution for Christians in Gaza The value of America Christians and churches being fellow laborers in ministry
About the Guest: Dr. Hanna Massad served for 12 years as the pastor of the Gaza Baptist Church — the only evangelical, Protestant church in Gaza. Despite increasing persecution, the kidnapping and murder of his friend and him being compelled to evacuate—Pastor Hanna’s heart is still in Gaza. He founded Christian Mission to Gaza (CMG) which serves Muslims and Christian in Gaza where basic necessities, like clean water, are scarce. In Jordan, the CMG team mainly serves Iraqi refugees. With CMG, the Iraqi families are predominately Christians who fled persecution from ISIS. They are barred from legally working in the country and have suffered greatly before arriving in Jordan. So there is a critical need for spiritual, emotional as well as physical support. Pastor Hanna is the author of the book, https://www.amazon.com/Pastor-Gaza-Hanna-Massad/dp/0692137769 (Pastor from Gaza). His education includes a Bachelor’s degree from Bethlehem Bible College, a Master of Divinity degree and a PhD in Theology; both of his advanced degrees are from Fuller Theological Seminary. Scripture Related to Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A8&version=NIV (Ephesians 5:8; From Darkness to Light) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A33&version=NIV (John 16:33; Jesus Has Already Overcome the World) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A14-15&version=NIV (Hebrews 12:14-15; Warning Against Unforgiveness) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-45&version=NIV (Matthew 5:43-45; Love Your Enemies) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A34&version=NIV (Luke 23:34; Father Forgive Them) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NIV (Genesis 1:26-27; All Humanity Created in God’s Im)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27+&version=NIV (age) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5-7&version=NIV (Matthew 5-7; Sermon on the Mount) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A4-5&version=NIV (John 15:4-5; Need Power of Christ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A24-26&version=NIV (John 11:24-26; Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life) Links Related to Episode: https://cm2g.org/main/ (Christian Mission to Gaza) https://www.amazon.com/Pastor-Gaza-Hanna-Massad/dp/0692137769 (Pastor from Gaza) Show Notes: Growing Up Greek Orthodox and Pastor Hanna's Personal Testimony Faithfulness of the Lord amid Persecution Serving Iraqi and Syrian Refugees in Jordan Purpose of Christian Mission to Gaza Short Term Mission Trips to Jordan with Christian Missions to Gaza Inspiration for the Book, Pastor from Gaza Persecution, Close to the Heart The Fire of Persecution on Three Sides in Gaza Love in Action A Christian’s Best Revenge
Matthew Bennett unpacks sin, forgiveness and atonement – comparing the Biblical and Quranic views. In a conversation between Muslims and Christians, the same word can communicate very different ideas. Those unexplored differences can become obvious in how the afterlife is described. How is the Quran’s Paradise understood in comparison to the Bible’s description of Heaven? Takeaways: What are the meanings of sin and forgiveness in the Quran compared to the Bible How Quranic concepts may have impacted Arabic-speakers whether or not the community is Muslim How Christians can offer better explanations and increase understanding when talking about sin and forgiveness with Muslim friends
About the Guest: Matthew Bennett is an Assistant Professor at Cedarville University in Missions and Theology. Prior to joining Cedarville, he and his family lived in North Africa for 7 years. Along with ministry experience in a Muslim context, Matthew has over 17 years of experience in intercultural ministry. His book, The Qur'an and the Christian (2022), offers clear practical applications for people who have a heart to share the gospel. https://www.amazon.com/Matthew-Aaron-Bennett/e/B081ZD89JV/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 (Matthew is the author of three books.) His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Missiology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary M.Div. in International Church Planting, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary M.A. in Intercultural Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Scripture Related to Episode https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201&version=NIV (The Book of Hebrews) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27+&version=NIV (Genesis 1:27 - All Humanity Created in God’s Image) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A7-9&version=NIV (Genesis 3:7-9; God walks in Garden of Eden) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%207%3A14&version=NIV (Isaiah 7:14; God with Us) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6&version=NIV (Isaiah 9:6; A Child Is Born) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+53%3A4-6&version=NIV (Isaiah 53:4-6; Substitutionary Death of Messiah) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+16%3A1-22&version=NIV (Leviticus 16:1-22; Day of Atonement Rituals) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21%3A1-8&version=NIV (Revelation 21:1-8; God Dwells with People) Links Related to Episode: https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_dissertations/117/#:~:text=In%20the%20Hebrew%20Bible%20atonement,animal%20as%20a%20ransom%E2%80%93purgation (Narratives in Conflict: Atonement in Hebrews and the Qur'an) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0825447089/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2 (The Qur'an and the Christian: An In-Depth Look into the Book of Islam for Followers of Jesus) https://twitter.com/MABennett82 (Connect with Matthew Bennett on Twitter) Show Notes: Global Ministry as a Family with Young Children The Road to Global Ministry, North Africa and Academic Research of Atonement in the Quran Compared to the Book of Hebrews Conversations That Inspired the Book - The Qur'an and the Christian: An In-Depth Look into the Book of Islam for Followers of Jesus Looking at Words Used in the Quran that Have a Different Meaning Than the Same Word in Arabic Bible Translations Quranic Influence on Non-Muslim Communities That Speak Arabic Considering Sin and the Consequences of Sin from a Biblical View Two Views of God’s Original Relationship With His Creatures and How Jesus’ Life and Crucifixion Relates to Them Pointing to the Purity and Presence of God in Day of Atonement Rituals: Cleansing and Substitutionary Sacrifices Requirements of Forgiveness When God is Near and Not Remote What a Question about Paradise Can Reveal Should a Christian Read the Quran and if so, Why and How? What is Implied if a...
Pastor Michael Herbert shares about the attitude, expectations and gifting that contribute to a thriving ministry for pastors and church planters in New York City. Episode Summary: Pastor Michael Herbert is the son of Caribbean immigrants. After becoming a follower of Jesus, he was led into serving as a pastor and in cross-cultural ministry. Today, he serves as the Pastor of the English Congregation of the Chinese Evangel Mission Church of Queens and as the Dean of the New York School of the Bible (NYSB). He shares insight about cross-cultural ministry, urban ministry and pastoring in New York City. Scripture Related to Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A17-18%2C+2%3A10&version=NASB (Ephesians 1:17-18, 2:10) Topics Discussed: Opportunities for pastors in New York City (NYC) Finances of most small churches in NYC Pastors as entrepreneurs in small churches and church plants Traits shared by fruitful bi-vocational pastors Success rate of church plants in NYC The unique needs of ministry in NYC What’s needed for thriving ministry as a church grows and changes?
Links Related to Episode: https://www.cbcnyc.org/about-us (New York School of the Bible) Chinese Evangel Mission Church of Queens
Dr. Ron Walborn serves as the Dean of a seminary in the heart of New York City, where the goal is to prepare the hearts as well as the minds of students. Episode Summary: Dr. Ron Walborn serves as the Dean of Alliance Theological Seminary that recently relocated all campus activity to New York City's downtown where students can engage an international community. He is committed to preparing servant leaders for the future, not the past. He discusses the importance of incarnational discipleship. Scripture Related to the Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A23&version=NASB (Luke 9:23) Topics Discussed: The attractional model and consumer Christianity in the modern church Ancient Roman history and early Christendom Passive versus incarnational discipleship What is consumer Christianity? Real life example of giving time compared to giving money Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS) was founded by missionaries not theologians The missional movement among modern-day churches Covid19 impact on “attractional” Christianity Lessons from Covid19 versus going back to “normal” Case study: mega church that pivoted to a house church model when churches were closed in its community The most important thing, regardless of a church's model Why is it important for the ATS to be downtown in New York City?
Links Related to Episode: https://www.nyack.edu/site/ (NYACK / Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS)) https://www.nyack.edu/site/ats-from-the-dean/ (Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean of ATS)
Shirley Annan serves as the chair of Spark of Justice, the social justice ministry of Bethel Gospel Assembly, an evangelical church in Upper Manhattan, NYC. Episode Summary: Shirley Annan serves as the Ministry Coordinator and Chair of Spark of Justice for a New York City, evangelical, Pentecostal church. She talks about the needs of the church’s neighborhood, the ministry of reconciliation, and looks at social justice through the lens of Biblical justice. Scripture Related to Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31%3A8-9&version=NIV (Proverbs 31:8-9) Topics Discussed: How does Spark of Justice (SOJ) ministry work? Christians as agents of reconciliation Secular social justice compared to Biblical justice Advocating for neighbors in need during the Covid19 pandemic Environmental justice and stewardship Employment, joblessness, public housing and poverty in local community Impact on young people when they have "adult level stress" Treating the roots rather than the symptoms of problems Digital divide exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic Working with local partners to interrupt youth violence in the community
Links Related to Episode: www.bethelga.org https://www.instagram.com/sparkofjustice/ (@sparkofjustice) – Instagram https://www.facebook.com/sparkofjustice.nyc/ (@sparkofjustice.nyc) – FB Prayer points: • Please pray for the love and wisdom of our team; may we lead with the love of Christ and minister with His wisdom to bring lasting and significant transformation to the community we serve. • Please pray for the hearts, minds and ears of our young people to be open & receptive to the message of God's love, hope, grace & redemption available to them. • Please pray that the Lord will continue to provide the resources (human, physical, material and financial resources) to make us effective in the work he has assigned to our hands. As we launch and expand creative ministry offerings to meet expressed needs, please pray we find favor with potential partners, donors, facilitators and supporters. • Please pray especially for our success as we try to secure buses to safely transport youth through unsafe streets from home to our church. Many will not/cannot attend programming because they are concerned about being able to travel safely. • Please pray for the work of the church ministry, both at home & abroad - may we be the expression of His faithfulness to all we encounter (in South Africa, Jamaica, Aruba, Japan, etc).
Valerie Althouse, D. Min., provides insight about how campus ministry adapted during covid19 restrictions, mobilizing the church’s multi-cultural, multi-ethnic urban residents as local missionaries and reaching unreached people groups scattered throughout American towns and cities. She desires to connect missional believers to serve and reach students and individuals who come from an international community. Episode Summary: Valerie Althouse, D. Min., serves as the Northern Mid-Atlantic Area Director for International Students Inc (ISI), a trainer, an emotional intelligence coach and an adjunct professor for Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS) in the areas of Missions and Evangelism. She talks about how local believers can engage unreached people groups where they are in almost any American town or city. And, she discusses how the bi-cultural experiences of many urban believers can allow them to connect readily with people from local, unreached, international communities. Scripture Referenced in Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NIV (Matthew 28:19-20)
Topics Discussed: Making disciples among the nations by serving in New York City Attitude and adjustments when moving to New York City Examples of how student ministry adapted with covid19 restrictions on local campuses Real connections in the midst of social distancing Ministering to International Muslim students during Ramadan - hospitality amid social distancing Ministering to diaspora unreached people groups who are living throughout towns and small cities in the United States Kindling missions culture in urban multi-ethnic, multicultural and bi-cultural churches The need for multicultural representation in missions materials Mobilizing urban residents as local missionaries The Global South, global awareness and global theology Removing cultural "glasses" when reading scripture Positive impact of the MomentumYes, six-week curriculum on small groups
Links Related to Episode: http://isnyc.org/ (http://isnyc.org/) https://www.momentumyes.com/ (https://www.momentumyes.com/)
Pastor Walter Sotelo shares about the challenges of church planting in New York City and the privilege of engaging the lost in a modern day Babylon that has a global influence. He has served in New York City for over 25 years as a pastor, mobilizer, church planter and more recently he has seen the need to be a peacemaker Episode Summary: Pastor Walter Sotelo shares about the challenges of church planting in New York City, casting vision within a new church plant and his hope for the church in America’s cities. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Board at NYC Love Kitchen in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City. Scripture Referenced in Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A13%2D15&version=NIV (Matthew 5:13-15) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5%3A4-11&version=NIV (Luke 5:4-11) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+10&version=NIV (Acts 10) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A2-12%2CLuke+6%3A20-26&version=NIV (Matthew 5:2-12,Luke 6:20-26) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+9%3A23&version=NIV (Luke 9:23 ) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17&version=NIV (John 17)
Topics Discussed: New York City, a privileged position to minister in a modern day Babylon Impact of Tim Keller’s leadership on him Three examples and challenges of church planting in New York City Growing spiritually through relationships Where does peacemaking begin? Observations: NYC during 2020 protests Heart for unity among Christians in New York City Location, location, location: the city on a hill
Links Related to Episode: http://www.newyorkgo.org/ (http://www.newyorkgo.org/)
Pastor Mimsie Robinson offers insights about a traditionally African-American, Harlem church in the face of a changing neighborhood, immigration, gentrification, crime and injustice. He is a native New Yorker and native Harlemite who serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. Episode summary: Pastor Mimsie Robinson serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly which is a traditionally African-American, Pentecostal congregation in Harlem, in New York City. He shares his unique perspective as the church's neighborhood experiences change, gentrification, crime, injustice and a wave of new immigration from Muslim West Africans. Scripture Referenced in Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A12&version=NIV (Ephesians 6:12) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NIV (John 10:10) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A25-35&version=NIV (Luke 14:25-35)
Topics Discussed: What makes the Harlem community unique? New immigrants in Harlem and growth of “Little Africa” The international popularity of Gospel music and local tourism Gentrification and the Harlem community Holistic ministry in the local community Understanding the “why” not just the “what” to have meaningful solutions in the community Spiritual warfare The church addressing injustice Urban churches compared to churches in rural or suburban settings French speaking West African Christians from Muslim backgrounds Experiences of French-speaking West African Christians when converting from Islam (MBB), doctoral research findings Persecution of Christians who come from Muslim backgrounds
Links Related to Episode: https://www.bethelga.org/ (https://www.bethelga.org/) https://www.heartformuslims.com/ (https://www.heartformuslims.com/)
Pastor Jerry discusses the church as a missionary sending agency, benefits of short-term missions, and founding an international organization that holistically serves the poor and persecuted through relief, medical care, development and training. Pastor Jerry began his career as a computer programmer; he founded a not-for-profit and worked on Wall Street as he served at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, a multi-ethnic congregation in the heart of downtown Brooklyn in New York City. Later, he joined the church’s staff full-time, overseeing missions. Episode summary: Pastor Jerry serves as an Associate Pastor at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, a multi-ethnic congregation where he began the church’s missions ministry. He talks about the multiple facets of ministry that the Lord has cultivated in his life, the local church functioning as a sending agency for missionaries and training congregants as missionaries and near-culture missionaries. As the founder and President, he also talks about World Compassion Fellowship that currently serves the global poor and persecuted in 12 countries. Scripture Referenced in Episode: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A1-3&version=NIV (Acts 13:1-3) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NIV (Matthew 28:19-20) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A34-46&version=NIV (Matthew 25:34-46)
Topics Discussed: How the Lord moved him from a secular career to full-time ministry Managing multiple facets of ministry Founding a not-for-profit, World Compassion Fellowship Two important benefits of short-term missions Brooklyn Tabernacle Church as a sending agency for missionaries Near-culture and in-culture missionaries Training, mentoring and vetting missionaries The role of the Holy Spirit and the church in confirming a call to missions, Acts 13 How World Compassion Fellowship differs from traditional missions
Links Related to Episode: https://wcfellowship.com/ (https://wcfellowship.com/) https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/ (https://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/)
George Russ shares his bird’s eye view of approximately 250 Baptist churches in metro New York City that have been impacted by COVID-19, recent racial justice movements, immigration and more. He serves a diverse group of Baptist churches in New York City, helping them to stay on mission and multiply. Episode Summary: George Russ, a native New Yorker, serves as the Executive Director of the Metro NY Baptist Association, a diverse family of approximately 250 metro churches that share the vision of the great commission—to make disciples of all the nations. He oversees the organization as it connects existing churches, plants new churches and helps churches grow. Topics Discussed: How George Russ got involved in ministry Understanding how COVID-19 impacted local churches in metro New York City (at the time of the recording some churches are still unable to meet in-person) Community-focused churches versus Sunday-focused churches Some examples of best practices among local churches Understanding how churches have responded to the recent social justice movement The role of church in politics, where is the line? Church as a safe place to share life and hurts Shepherding versus politics Church planting in NYC and church multiplication Challenges reaching the second generation in non-English speaking immigrant churches Indigenous/ native missions in New York City
Links Related to Episode: https://www.mnyba.org/ (https://www.mnyba.org/)
Chris Clayman shares insights about cities being strategic platforms for international missions to unengaged and unreached people groups who have migrated to urban areas. Chris Clayman went from Austin, Texas to England and Mali in order to get to the mission field in New York City. Episode Summary: Chris Clayman, Associate Director and Co-Founder of Global Gates, talks about how God cultivated his call to missions and how time in England and Mali allowed him to see new opportunities for missions among unengaged and/ or unreached people groups in New York City. Scripture Related to Episode:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A14&version=NIV (Romans 10:14) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A26-27&version=NIV (Acts 17:26-27)
Topics Discussed:How God cultivated Chris’ call to missions in New York City The importance of community in an individual’s receptiveness to the Gospel 86% of the world’s Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus do not know a single Christian The experiences of one of the first Wassoulou believers from Mali Immigrants as cultural shapers and influencers of society back home The strategic role that near-culture Christian immigrants have in sharing the Gospel with unreached peoples The landscape of unreached people groups in the New York Metro Area Global migration and technology as our modern “Roman Road” to spread the Gospel in this age The vision in founding Global Gates Why is urban ministry important? Cities attract least reached peoples and immigrant Christians Urban areas are strategic platforms for spreading the Gospel among immigrants who remain connected to unreached peoples from all over the world Globalization and the reshaping of identity is largely happening in cities and it can happen for the sake of the Gospel A joke that is not lost in translation Role of pioneer missions
Links Related to Episode:https://globalgates.info/general/superplan-a-journey-into-gods-story/ (Superplan by Chris Clayman) https://globalgates.info/book-articles/ (ethNYcity: The Nations, Tongues, and Faiths of Metropolitan New York by Chris Clayman) http://www.globalgates.info/ (www.globalgates.info) http://www.heartformuslims.com/ (www.heartformuslims.com)
Pastor Boto Joseph talks about ministry in New York City’s Southeast Asian immigrant community and how the witness of new believers reaches family members back home in Southeast Asia. Pastor Boto Joseph’s journey from India led him to ministry in ‘Little India’ in Jackson Heights, Queens—the most ethnically diverse community in New York City. Episode summary: Boto Joseph is a pastor, missionary, worship leader, team mobilizer and gifted communicator. He talks about his call to ministry, ministering to New York City’s Southeast Asian immigrant community, ministering to their family members back home, church planting and how COVID-19 has impacted local congregations. Scripture Referenced in Episode: John 3:16 Parable of the Four Soils / The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15
Topics Discussed: The journey from being raised in a Christian home in India to serving among the unreached in ‘Little India’ in New York City The ends of the earth being in NYC with communities from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Tibet Eagerness of unreached people to have spiritual conversations Southeast Asians who have immigrated to NYC are the breadwinners and doorkeepers for their families back home People of peace that are here are also people of influence back home Defining success as a church planter Spiritual growth during the COVID-19 pandemic People in NYC likened to the third soil in the parable of the four soils Gospel planting versus church planting House churches in New York City Who was Jesus talking to in John 3:16?
Links Related to Episode: https://www.jhccqueens.org/ (https://www.jhccqueens.org/)