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 WebsiteBook Link: Urban Missionary Survival GuideWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:People, Not ProjectsDo's and Don'ts of Urban MinistryRole of Urban Missionaries in the ChurchABOUT 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 unl

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 WebsiteBook Info: Preaching in a New KeyWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Key Shifts in PreachingAddressing Difficult Bible VersesDrawing from Diverse Traditions and Listening to Diverse VoicesABOUT 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 CollegeDr Mark Glanville's PodcastTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:06 - Mark's Background and Family01:48 - Key Shifts in Preaching02:21 - ...trauma-informed preaching05:08 - ...holistic health14:29 - Addressing DIfficult Biblical Passages15:08 - ...people come with beautiful values about justice16:17 - ...show the beauty of the Biblical text17:11 - ...be patient with the Biblical text24:33 - Drawing from Diverse Traditions and Listening to Diverse Voices25:47 - ...requires an intercultural lens26:17 - ..

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 WebsiteBook Info: Preaching in a New KeyWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:People Relate to Scripture Differently Today than 50 Years AgoRecontextualization in the CultureShifts in Faith and How People Relate to ScriptureABOUT 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 CollegeDr Mark Glanville's PodcastTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Mark Glanville03:19 - Mark's Background and Family04:00 - Mark's New Book: Preaching in a New Key04:57 - People Relate to Scripture Differently Today than 50 Years Ago05:34 - Expository Preaching Has Never Been More Important05:55 - The deeper into post-Christian context, people crave

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 WebsiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Pregnancy Resource Centers support men & womenHow church can support Pregnancy Resource CentersHow to talk to someone facing an unplanned pregnancyABOUT 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 Huber03:48 - Inspiration for involvement at First Choice for 33 years05:35 - The Mission of First Choice and Services Offered05:44 - ...protect the unborn by empowering women05:51 - ......prevention06:04 - ......intervention06:17 - ......restoration06:40 - .........walking with the hurt08:05 - .........trauma09:37 - How Pregnancy Resources Centers Fit Into the Larger Picture of Urban Ministry09:46 - ...extension of the local church10:32 - Unique Challenges When Faced with an Unplanned Pregnancy in an Urban Setting10:55 - ...SOS: S - scared, O - overwhelming pressures, S - strengths12:01 - ...Overwhelming pressures are magnified12:10 - ......single-parent homes12:21 - ......younger siblings12:33 - ......housing12:42 - ......desire to break generational patterns13:21 - Story of a Client Whose Life Was Transformed by First Choice's work14:53 - How Can Churches and Urban Ministries Support Pregnancy Resource Centers15:07 - ...identify and connect with a local pregnancy center15:35 - ......share in church services15:50 - ......contribute financially16:04 - ......volunteer at a pregnancy c

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 websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighborsMuslims might not have significant relationship with ChristiansHeart for Muslims as a ResourceABOUT 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 serviceHeart for Muslims TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:34 - Calling to minister to Muslims03:50 - Christians may be hesitate or fearful about engaging with Muslim neighbors04:24 - ...seek out Heart for Muslims and tour a Muslim neighborhood06:47 - ...Vision and Mission trip07:11 - ...Muslims can be in the US for a long time and not have a significant relationship with Christians12:12 - A Story of a Meaningful Relationship Illustrates the Power of Faithful Presence in Muslim Community19:22 - Engaging with Muslims during Ramadan24:27 - Getting involved with Heart for Muslims27:56 - HeartForMuslims.comDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

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 websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim CommunitiesMost Effective Ways for Churches and Believers to Serve MuslimsHeart for Muslims as a ResourceABOUT 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 serviceHeart for Muslims TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Brandon02:42 - Calling to Minister to Muslims03:56 - Journey from the Middle East to NYC and Approach to Ministry04:48 - ...interdenominational seminary05:00 - ...international students05:13 - ...studying abroad at Jerusalem University06:09 - ...teaching ESL at Bethlehem Bible College06:20 - ...connecting point on seeing all people as God's creation07:13 - ...the only difference was knowing Jesus07:56 - ...journey of repentance08:30 - ...began feeling a calling to serve full-time in the Middle East09:39 - ...heard of work with displaced Muslims in North America10:36 - ...neighborhood in northern New Jersey and it's like Palestine13:03 - ...very limited concerted effort to reach Muslims around NYC with the gospel13:27 - ...freedom to share the gospel in NY/NJ that's not available in the Middle East14:27 - ...protection for Muslims who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior14:50 - Executive Director of Heart for Muslims15:35 - ...vision for the future of the Heart for Muslims conference17:24 - The Gap Between the Christian and Muslim Communities18:28 - Most Effective Ways for Churches

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 WebsiteDr Esqueda's Website (Spanish)Dr Esqueda's BooksDr Esqueda on X.comWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Challenges of Hispanic faculty in Christian collegesWhy context is important (Bible translation)Unity in the churchABOUT 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 Esqueda03:11 - What caused Dr Esqueda to enter educational studies03:33 - ...asked to teach a lesson in Sunday School at age 1204:04 - ...teaching middle school at age 1904:16 - ...teaching high school at age 2204:22 - ...teaching college at age 2404:30 - ...liked to teach and wanted to study more about his faith05:29 - ...started teaching at Bi

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' websiteCarol Ghattas' Facebook pageCarol Ghattas' booksWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Answering God's CallChallenges of and Encouragement from Muslim-focused MinistryFruit is Not Always ImmediateABOUT 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 Ghattas03:42 - Carol's varied background and how she came to be where she is now04:02 - ...call to missions at a very young age04:16 - ...ministry to Laotian immigrants04:32 - ...Ivory Coast04:49 - ...call to work with Arabs04:57 - ...seminary in Ft Worth, TX and Masters of Divinity degree05:05 - met late husband, Raul in seminary05:09 - ...20 years in North Africa05:25 - ..

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 GraceThe Means of GraceThe Miracle of GraceABOUT 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 BookOur Urban Voices Podcast

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 planningABOUT 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 dialog02:57 - Raised in an urban immigrant community03:43 - Journey to eldership and attorney07:51 - Importance of estate planning09:21 - Basics of Estate Planning: will, power of attorney, health care proxy09:27 - Wills09:35 - Power of Attorney10:22 - Health care proxy11:02 - People don't feel the need for estate planning11:25 - Not planning creates chaos, uncertainty, confusion12:10 - We do not prepare for estate planning12:19 - Estate planning is not usually known about, especially in urban communities12:40 - Mindset is important12:50 - Urban communities tend to think more about survival from paycheck to paycheck13:16 - Suburban communities more plan for the future14:14 - Both cultural and racial norms come into play17:24 - How should Christians approach estate planning?17:31 - Get understanding and knowledge about estate planning18:22 - Some culture shy away from talking about death and estate planning20:06 - How should younger people approach estate planning?20:49 - Plan for the unexpected21:16 - Get something in place - it can always be changed, if needed22:04 - Debunk the myths22:17 - Not planning is selfish because it will negatively affect loved ones23:32 - 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 conversations27:42 - What are the financial barriers to estate planning?28:33 - Estate planning establishes a legacy28:52 - Not planning creates more expe

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 ImportanceOld Testament and Revelation linkHost's & Guest's Interpretation ExampleABOUT 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 WebsiteAuthor PageTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller02:55 - Preaching through the Book of Revelation03:29 - Dr Javed takes a literal interpretation and dispensationalist view of Revelation04:18 - What is the type of genre of literature is Revelation?04:59 - ... Apocalyptic literature05:22 - apocalyptic = unveiling - take away something that is covering something else06:00 - Four methods : preterist, historicist, idealist, futurist06:41 - Preparing messages : informational, instructional, and inspirational07:33 - Epistle to the Seven Churches07:47

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 differentBuilding strong familiesBe the industry and save the economyABOUT 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.orgTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:27 - Introducing Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House02:53 - His family is his #1 ministry03:53 - Journey to Chicago & the founding the Eco House04:14 - Called by the Lord to move to Chicago04:29 - Started volunteering at a high school during ministry school04:42 - Opportunity to have relationships with families and see th

David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Ramadan affects outreachSharing the gospel more effectivelyPractical steps in cross-culture ministryABOUT 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 : 5Matthew 6 : 33-34Matthew 13 : 1-9RELATED LINKS:Global Gates01:01 - Misconceptions to address when ministering among Muslims01:07 - Not all Muslims are terrorists01:27 - Christians can visit a mosque02:06 - Many Muslims do want to know about Jesus03:10 - What do you love and admire about the people you serve?03:13 - Value relationship over schedule03:21 - Hospitality04:44 - Ramadan05:27 - Fasting during daylight hours05:52 - Help reflect on how it feels to be poor06:02 - Focused prayer and asking for forgiveness06:16 - Ask God to show the straight path06:29 - Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca07:28 - The Night of Power08:17 - Christian pray that God would show Jesus to Muslims08:29 - Hope that God would reveal something during Ramadan08:46 - Christians can invite Muslims to break fast08:51 - Bring water or dates to a Muslim might not have broken fast at sundown09:25 - Opportunities during Ramadan and Outreach09:51 - Focus on having gospel conversations10:45 - God has shown that so many organizations are focused on reaching on all the nations11:17 - Network of organizations working together12:22 - You may not be the one who leads someone to Chris

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 AnswersBig God TheologyLetting God Be TrueABOUT 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 : 18Matthew 28 : 19Acts 2 : 38RELATED LINKS:Highpoint Bible ChurchEmail Pastor Buckley TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Otis (OL) Buckley03:44 - Early years in Chicago04:01 - then the move to Texas04:51 - and then to Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY07:15 - Sabellianism / Modalistic09:20 - Classic Oneness Pentecostalism10:39 - Class on Overview of Hebrew Studies11:18 - Matthew 18 : 1811:34 - Learning a different interpretation12:42 - Have I been wrong all these years?12:57 - What else could I possibly have been wrong about?13:17 - Another connected event14:28 - Matthew 28 : 1914:47 - vs Acts 2 : 3815:33 - God opens OL's eyes to the Trinity16:13 - Are people are going beyond the social issues to wrestling with theology?18:21 - Denominations, Name, Theology, & Social Media20:27 - The ne

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 DiscipleshipBook: Beyond Our WallsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Definition of "slum"What downward discipleship isBuilding relationships in JakartaABOUT 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 WebsiteEmail Anita RahmaTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Anita Rahma03:22 - Anita's choice to live in the urban slums of Jakarta03:33 - ...grew up in the US as a child of pastors in a modern Mennonite home03:49 - ...loving God could not be separated from loving those struggling with poverty03:56 - ...moved to the Philippines during high school04:06 - ...God working on her heart - her middle-class life vs the homeless around her04:27 - ... felt that Jesus was saying that He is with the homeless04:36 - ...desire to return to encounter Jesus while serving the poor04:51 - ...in college years, went to Urbana Missions Convention, Servants to Asia's Urban Poor05:10 - ...God is with the poor; we want to be too05:24 - ...over 1B people live in urban slums05:59 - Definition of "slum" and why live there07:0

Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance caring for our missionaries well and how to engage the local church.  Book: Holding the RopeBlog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions AwarenessWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:When does missionary care startPractical ways the local church can care for their missionariesHow pastors can help their congregation be aware of the missionaries' needsABOUT 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.comTwitter: Ryan Allen MartinEmail: Ryan MartinTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Introducing Dr Ryan Martin02:58 - Motivation for writing a book on missionary care04:07 - ...addressing needs of missionary families04:34 - ...giving and not being poured back into and filled up04:41 - ..almost reaching the point of burnout05:16 - How do we care for them?05:59 - ...the local church sensed that more tools were needed to care for missionaries well09:06 - Book - Holding the Rope : How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones09:10 - ...Metaphor for the title, "Holding the Rop

Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance of missional awareness in the local church, particularly through local international ministry.  Book: Holding the RopeBlog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions AwarenessWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What missional awareness isThree practical suggestions for engaging the local international communityWhat missional discipleship looks likeABOUT 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 : 21Acts 17 : 26RELATED LINKS:Website: Lightbearers.comTwitter: Ryan Allen MartinEmail: Ryan MartinTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:09 - Introducing Ryan Martin03:26 - What is missional awa

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 SoulBook: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global PoliticsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the strangerChallenging the fear-based ethic approaches to refugeesBanal, Sterile Life vs A Rich FeastABOUT 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 strangerRELATED LINKS:Dr. Mark Glanville's websiteTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics02:46 - Christians need to be different03:12 - Book looks deeply into the questions and pushback of welcoming refugees04:15 - Deuteronomy 10 : 18-19 Biblical scholarship on love the stranger04:40 - Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger05:17 - Welcoming a stranger is very common in Old Testament ethics06:10 - Mirroring the love and character of God

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 SoulBook: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global PoliticsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Christian vs Post-Christian CultureFour Key Questions of ScriptureBeauty is a Glimpse of GodABOUT 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 CollegeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr. Mark Glanville03:19 - Mark's background and his approach to doing church03:30 - 4-note chord: pastoring, scholarship, teaching, jazz music04:13 - Exited seminary to a government housing area in western Sydney, Australia04:33 - High crime, high poverty, high community05:12 - Then to Vancouver, very post-Christian city06:31 - Impoverished cities06:50 - Impoverished, underprivileged areas are higher in community07:31 - See Christ in the faces of those who are marginalized07:45 - Deuteronomy 24 - God hears the prayers of the marginalized people09:12 - Definition of a Christian culture09:52 - Definition of post-Christian culture10:30 - Should the church figh

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 RightWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The balance between social gospel and evangelismMinistering to the community in which you are placedBroadening the impact of the churchABOUT 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 PolicyLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian and Human Rights – Disaster ReliefLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Woman and Child AdvocacyEmail Dr. HercykTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes01:53 - Majority World Church's view on humanitarian training01:59 - Realms of society: private sector, civil society, public sector02:26 - Majority World Church tends to be the largest provider of education, healthcare...02:47 - ...out of the absence o