Missiology for Mobilizers with Justin Schell

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If someone challenged you to preach a missions sermon from Song of Solomon, could you do it? Or would you even want to? Today, we’ll hear from Justin Schell, Director of Executive Projects at the Lausanne Movement, and author of the newly-released book, Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission. Justin and Dave discuss "Missiology for Mobilizers,” helping us understand the grand narrative of the Bible and why it’s vital for today’s mobilizers. 

Here’s what the two discussed:

  1. Tell us about the book and why you wrote it.

  2. Why is it titled, Come and See vs. a more missions-focused title such as, Go and Tell?

  3. What is the relationship between theology and mission and how does that impact mobilization?

  4. How is bad theology impacting the Great Commission today? 

  5. Can you share a few Scripture passages on missions that we don’t usually consider as being missional?

Show Notes:
Lausanne Movement
Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission

Other Recommended Books:
Fill the Earth by Matthew Newkirk
Missionary God, Missionary Bible by Dick Brogden

Other Gospel Mobilization Podcast episodes you might like:
The Motive for Missions with Mathew Newkirk
Helping Others Enjoy the Bible with Matthew Mullins

The Black Missionary's Role in College Revival

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Without a doubt, God is doing amazing things on college campuses. The topic of this episode was planned weeks before the the outpouring on Asbury’s campus. This episode gives us a window into how God is using Black missionaries and mobilizers to mobilize college students. Listen in as Dave interviews Trai Elliott, a missions mobilizer and the founder of Revelation 1211 Ministries. 

Here's what Dave and Trai discussed:

  1. As we dive into this topic, tell us about some common misconceptions about missions in the black church.

  2. How are you involved on college campuses and how are you seeing God work on college campuses?

  3. You’ve partnered with Circuit Riders and the Black Voices Movement. Tell us about these organizations and your partnerships.

  4. What is the Black Missionary’s role in these college revivals?

  5. You recently hosted a Gen Z Think Tank at a Christian University. What were some things you learned about Gen Z and missions?

  6. In your opinion, what will it take to send more black missionaries to the field?

Show Notes
Asbury Revival
Circuit Riders
Black Voices Movement
Revelation 1211 Ministries
Diverse Mobilization with Brittany Woods
Mobilizing African Americans with Marilyn Owusu-Sekyere
Mobilizing People of Color with Sophia Wang

Contact Trai
trai.elliott@wgm.org
Instagram: @Man__of__Valor, @rev1211ministries

Mobilizing Gen Alpha

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Who is Gen Alpha and what are some of their characteristics? How do we mobilize them effectively? Join host Dave Jacob as he interviews Pastor Marcos Gonzalez and Dr. Barry Saylor. Pastor Marcos is actively mobilizing Gen Alpha in the church context and Dr. Saylor is a generational researcher with One Hope. Together, with their experience and research, they provide us with best practices for mobilizing this young generation. Here's what was discussed:

  1. Who is Gen Alpha?

  2. What are some of their distinguishing characteristics?

  3. Why should mobilizers and missions pastors act now to mobilize those from this generation?

  4. What can mobilizers and missions pastors do to mobilize this generation?

  5. How can Gen Alpha be involved in missions even now?

Show Notes:
One Hope
The Gen Alpha Study
Generation Alpha book by Mark McCrindle
Podcast Episode: The Plane Crash of Missionary Joyce Lin
Ends of the Earth movie from MAF

Building a Robust Mobilization Strategy

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Do you have an effective mobilization strategy? When was the last time you evaluated your strategy? As we head into the new year, now is a good time to take a look at your mobilizaiton plan and goals. Join host Dave Jacob as he talks with Tania Martin, the Director of Mobilization at Converge. Tania recently presented on this topic at the Missio Nexus Leaders conference and we're privileged to have her share her insights with us. Here's what Dave asked her during the interview:

  1. How do you conduct a realistic assessment of your organization's current gaps?

  2. What are some of the common gaps?

  3. After we identify the gaps in our current strategy, where do you begin to build first?

  4. What’s necessary to develop a robust strategy for mobilization?

  5. Why is collaboration so important in mobilization strategy?

Show Notes:
Converge
Contact Tania
Missio Nexus
Mobilization Planning Guide

Helping candidates Adjust to the Mission Field with Carol Ghattas

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Part of mobilizing missionaries to the field is helping them adjust when they first arrive. In her latest book, Not in Kansas Anymore, retired missionary Carol Ghattas offers practical wisdom for new global workers as well as those who support them. With many missionaries coming off the field for preventable reasons, this episode will help your mobilization efforts last for the long haul. Here's what the two talked about:

  1. What motivated you to write this book?

  2. Why would someone who is feeling called to missions need a book about finding home? Isn’t that a given that they will make their home in their new country or place of service?

  3. Is this book just for people getting ready to serve, or do you have others in mind as well?

  4. I see your first section is about knowing yourself and others. I like the concept of addressing expectations, but how does this relate to finding a sense of home in service?

  5. In your chapters on setting boundaries, why do you think setting limits is hard for some in ministry? How does a lack of boundaries keep them from remaining on the field?

  6. Obviously, what we knew as “home” changes while we’re away in ministry. What advice can you share about finding home again where home used to be? Why is that important?

Show Notes
Carol’s Blog
Carol’s Books
Contact Carol
Follow Carol on Facebook
Follow Carol on Instagram

Overcoming the Kingdom of Me

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How can mobilizers help others overcome their own selfishness? How do we assist believers to focus on God's Kingdom instead of our own? Tune in to this episode as host, Dave Jacob interviews Don Allsman and Rickie Bradshaw. Don and Rickie are co-authors of an article titled, "Panta ta ethne or #mybestlife?" which address this timely issue for our day. Specifically, here's what the three of them discussed: 

  1. What inspired the two of you to write this article?

  2. What is #mybestlife?

  3. Let's talk about panta ta ethne for a minute. Explain this concept and where it comes from.

  4. How have you seen the pursuit of personal happiness or the pursuit of the American Dream negatively impact missions mobilization?

  5. How can mobilizers and other Christian leaders help believers align their aspirations with the Kingdom?

When a Potential Candidate isn't a Good Fit with Jared Gleason

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What do you do when a potential missionary candidate isn't a good fit? Should mobilizers tell potential candidates, "No"? Or perhaps you have a great candidate ready to go to the field, but field leadership won't accept them. What do you do then? Listen to this episode of the Missionary Mobilization Podcast as host Dave Jacob chats with Jared Gleason who has served on both sides of the sending pipeline. You'll discover some of the best ways to navigate these difficult situations. Here's what the two discussed:

1. What are some reasons why a potential candidate would not be a good fit?

2. Mobilizers have such a passion to send people to the field. Is it OK for a mobilizer to say no, or is that the responsibility of someone else in the organization?

3. Sometimes the agency or church has a great candidate, but the field can’t receive them. What are some of the reasons the field would turn down a candidate?

4. If the field can’t or won’t receive the candidate, what can the mobilizer do?

5. How would you encourage a mobilizer who is trying to send a qualified candidate, but the field says no?

6. Besides saying no to a potential candidate, what other options are there for churches and agencies who want to send someone but maybe they’re not quite ready to go?

Relational Partnerships for Missions Mobilization

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If you've ever wondered how the local church, the missions agency, and the university can partner better together to mobilize more missionaries, this is the episode for you! Listen in as Dave interviews Dr. Joshua Paxton, professor at Calvary University, who researched this topic for his PhD dissertation. Aren't we all better together anyway? Here's what the two discussed:

1. Why did you research this particular topic?
2. What is the Synergy Model and Educational Program?
3. What do you mean by "relational partnership" and why is this important?
4. Why is Gen Z attracted to this type of learning?
5. What was the most surprising thing you discovered in your research?
6. Where do we go from here? How do we begin to forge these important partnerships?

Show Notes:
Get the book, Relational Partnerships for Missions Mobilization
Calvary University
Burnham Center for Global Engagement
Previous Podcast Episode on Mobilizing Gen Z
Contact Dr. Paxton
Contact Dave Jacob

Mobilizing Gen Z with Jolene Erlacher

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If we want to see the name of Jesus made famous in every tongue, tribe, people, and nation, we must send more missionaries. In order to do that, we will have to contextualize the missions message to the next generation of believers. Tune in today as Dave chats with Jolene Erlacher, co-author of the new book, Mobilizing Gen Z. This episode will inspire and equip you to mobilize the next generation of missionaries. Here's what the two discussed:

  1. What motivated you and Katy to write this book?

  2. What are some cultural influences we should be aware of when mobilizing Gen Z?

  3. What are some unique characteristics of Gen Z as it relates to missions?

  4. In your book, you write about a “New Mind of Mobilization.” What do you mean by that?

  5. What are 3 specific strategies to mobilize Gen Z?

Show Notes:
Mobilizing Gen Z book by Jolene & Katy
Leadingtomorrow.org
Previous books by Jolene Erlacher
Previous Podcast Episode: Generational Differences with Jolene Erlacher
Previous Podcast Episode: 5 Tips for Mobilizing College Students with Katy White

Mobilizing Introverts with Daryl VanDyken

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Is there a common misconception that missionary work is only for extroverts? How might introverts go about fundraising and evangelism if they dislike public speaking? In this episode of the Missionary Mobilization Podcast, Dave interviews Daryl Vandyken, an electrical engineer with TWR. Tune in to discover ways you can journey alongside introverts, helping them realize that God has important ministries for them on the missions field. Or, you could skip this episode and go curl up with a good book instead, but you'd miss all this introverted fun!

Here’s what the two discussed…

  1. Before we get into the discussion, how are we defining the terms, introverts and extroverts?

  2. Is missions work only for extroverts? Why or why not?

  3. What are some specific challenges in mobilizing introverts to the field?

  4. How can introverts raise funds if they are uncomfortable with speaking in front of people?

  5. What are some other missions strategies/platforms aside from traditional church planting that may be appropriate for introverts?

  6. How can we better mobilize those that don't have theological training?

  7. What types of introvert ministry positions does TWR have overseas?

  8. What would you say to young people who are considering missions?

Show Notes:
TWR
TWR 360
Book: Today’s Tentmakers
Contact Daryl: dvandyken@twr.org

Pre-Field Theological Assessment with Dennis Greeson

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How important is theological training for missionaries? Are there better ways to assess missionary candidates as they prepare for the field? Listen in today as Dave chats with Dennis Greeson, the Dean of the BibleMesh Institute. You’ll learn some new methods for assessment and discover what theological training might look like in the future.

Show Notes:
BibleMesh Website
BibleMesh Facebook Page
BibleMesh Twitter Page

Contact Dennis:
dennis.greeson@biblemesh.com
https://twitter.com/Dennis_Greeson

Specific questions the two talked about:

  1. Why is pre-field theological assessment so important, especially for our current moment in Western culture?

  2. What is at stake given the cultural changes taking place in Western Christianity, especially among evangelicals?

  3. Why is theological training so important? Doesn't such training distract from field deployment, offer little that is of practical use, or emphasize theological precision over missional praxis?

  4. How is the landscape of theological education, and higher education more broadly, changing?

  5. What are some issues that this raises and opportunities that this affords?

  6. How does pre-field theological training serve the mission?

  7. What are some areas and methods of assessment organizations need to think about?

The Plane Crash of Missionary Joyce Lin

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In the early morning hours of May 12th, 2020, on the island of Papua, Indonesia, missionary pilot Joyce Lin took off from the runway to deliver COVID-19 test kits and other essential supplies to a remote jungle tribe. But just two minutes after take off, something went wrong. Listen to this episode as Joyce's co-worker, Peter Santana, recounts what happened and how Joyce's legacy can inspire and mobilize a new generation of missionaries.

Mobilizing Churches to Engage UPGs in America with Mike Urton

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Are there really unreached people groups in the U.S.? Um, yep! (spoiler alert). How can we help believers engage these peoples? Join host Dave Jacob as he talks with Mike Urton, the Director of Immigrant Mission for the EFCA. You'll hear some great ideas and valuable resources to help activate your church to engage unreached peoples in your area.

Show Notes
Journey to Jesus, by Mike Urton
EFCA All People Youtube Channel
Joshua Project
South Asia Friendship Center in Chicago
Barna's Study on Evangelism and Millennials
Book:  A Muslim & Christian in Dialogue
Say Hello
Global Missiology
Feed My Starving Children
Building Christ-centered Friendships with Muslims, Grow to Serve Course
Mike's Research on Academia.edu
Agency Mobilizer Training Survey Report

The Life & Legacy of John Chau with Mary Ho

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Missionary John Chau was martyred on the North Sentinel Islands on November 17, 2018. You may recall the story as it made national news. But, the public opinion was mixed. Some people—including some Christians—were upset that he attempted to bring the gospel to these unreached people. Listen in today as Dave chats with Dr. Mary Ho, the International Executive Leader of All Nations, John’s sending agency. She recounts what led up to his decision to go, and what happened the day he died, even reading parts of his personal journal. This episode will inspire you to persist in mobilization and can even be shared with those interested in missions. Who will go in John’s place?

Show Notes:
News Story about John Chau
All Nations
Joshua Project
Trinity Bible College
All Nations Facebook Page

Contact All Nations: comm@allnations.international

Stories That Inspire: The Greatest Missionary Generation with Larry Sharp

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Do you need a little bit of encouragement today? Tune in as Dave talks with Larry Sharp, author of the book, The Greatest Missionary Generation. You'll hear true stories such as how God used a former sniper in Hitler's army to bring the gospel to an unreached tribe and many more. This episode will inspire you as well as those you're mobilizing to keep pressing on and trusting God for the harvest.

Here's what the two discuss:

  1. Why did you choose this title? Is this simply a book on the history of missions?

  2. What motivated many of the missionaries from this generation to go?

  3. Tell us the story of David & Esther Scovill and their impact in Papua.

  4. Your parents were a part of this greatest missionary generation. Tell us about them and their ministry.

  5. You include a chapter in your book titled, "God's Girls." What motivated you to include a chapter highlighting women?

  6. Your book includes a story about a former sniper in Hitler's army. Who was he and what did God do in his life?

  7. Where do we go from here? What do you hope this book accomplishes?

  8. Do you have any recommended books on future strategies in missions?

Making the Most of Short-Term Missions Trips with Larry McCrary

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Are short-term mission trips doing more harm than good? How can we plan short-term mission trips to make the most impact? Listen to this episode today as Dave interviews Larry McCrary from The Upstream Collective. Larry is the author of Listen: How to Make the Most of Your Short-Term Mission Trip and provides important advice for those planning or participating in a short-term trip this summer. Here's what the two discuss:


  1. Tell us about the Upstream Collective and Upstream Sending.

  2. Your new book is called, Listen: How to Make the Most of Your Short-Term Mission Trip. Why did you title it, Listen?

  3. There are some who believe short-term mission trips do more harm than good. What are your thoughts about that?

  4. The first section of your book is titled, "Before You Go." Can you highlight a few of the points you write about when it comes to pre-trip planning?

  5. What can happen if short-term mission teams don't plan well before they go?

  6. What advice do you have for short-term mission teams and hosts during the trip?

  7. Studies have shown that proper follow-up is crucial for an effective short-term mission trip. Do you agree? How can team leaders do follow-up well?

Thanks for listening!

The Impact of Missions Events with Evi Rodemann

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Do missions events and conferences really make for lasting change in the participants' lives? Listen in as Dave talks with Evi Rodemann, CEO of LeadNow. Evi has researched missions events and conferences around the world and shares some of her discoveries with us. You'll hear about the importance of personal invitations and learn some best practices for exhibiting your ministry at your next event.

Dave asked Evi the following questions:

  1. When do young people come to faith? What has your research revealed?

  2. How do mission events seek to call young people into missions?

  3. What effects do event organizers and proponents hope will occur?

  4. Is hosting a missions event/conference worth the money?

  5. Briefly explain how you measured the impact made on those who attended.

  6. What were some of the other discoveries you made?

  7. What recommendations would you have for missions organizations that exhibit at missions events?

Rethinking Global Mobilization with Ryan Shaw

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In this episode, Dave talks with Ryan Shaw, Lead Facilitator of Global Mission Mobilization Initiative (GMMI), a resourcing ministry equipping the Church for mission mobilization through practical tools, teaching, training, and strategies. The two discuss Ryan's new book, Rethinking Global Mobilization. Shaw shows us that the success of the local church is not about its buildings, bodies, or bucks. Rather, he helps us understand that the biblical purpose of the church begins with missions mobilization movements. If you want to see God receive the worship He deserves from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation, listen to this episode! Here are some more topics the two discussed:


1. What are some of the major areas you highlight in your book that need to be "rethought"?
2. What does a holistic, comprehensive perspective of mission mobilization look like?
3. The book identifies many types of mobilizers that go well beyond the traditional concept of a mobilizer. Explain some of these types and who they are.
4. The book seems to prioritize mobilizers raising the flag of the depth of spiritual life alongside missions education itself. Why is that piece highlighted?
5. What is your vision for mission mobilization across the global body of Christ?


Show notes:
rethinkingmobilization.com
globalmmi.net
Contact Ryan: rshaw@globalmmi.net

Engaging and Unleashing Believers into Digital Missions

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In a world that is becoming ever more connected through technology, reaching the unreached and mobilizing the next generation has never been more possible. Listen in as Nick Wu from Idigitous explains how to mobilize those who are tech savvy to reach the unreached. He offers a fresh perspective on how missionaries and missions mobilizers can use technology as an effective tool in reaching the unreached and mobilizing the next generations with digital missions. Here's what our host, Dave Jacob asked Nick during the interview:

  1. What is Indigitous Serve?

  2. Why is there a need for digital missions?

  3. Some of our listeners may be leery of digital missions. Can you really make disciples digitally?

  4. One of your projects is a Christian hackathon. Tell us about that.

  5. Nick, you lead something called, Indigitous Cohorts. What are those?

  6. How can you reach people that a traditional missionary perhaps can’t?

  7. How would you advise a missions mobilizer who is not tech savvy to mobilize others towards digital missions?

Show Notes:

Indigitous

Indigitous Hackathon

Serve with Indigitous

Email Indigitous - idserve@indigitous.org

Indigitous on Instagram