In this episode, we interview Andrew Johnston, a missionary leading the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod mission team in Latin America and president of Academia Cristo. The discussion centers on the concept of "universal priesthood" and its implications for mission work.

Johnston explains that "universal priesthood" means all Christians, like priests, can enter God's presence and have the privilege of preaching the gospel, praying for others, and serving in their unique callings. This concept is fundamental to the universal Church and local congregations.

The interview also explores how this understanding shapes mission work, emphasizing the need for flexibility in different cultural contexts. Johnston states, "missiology flows from ecclesiology," highlighting that our understanding of the church influences our mission approach.

Johnston discusses Academia Cristo, an online platform for training and equipping church planters in Latin America. He explains the program's structure and its role in transitioning individuals from universal priests to public gospel leaders.

For new missionaries, Johnston advises differentiating between essential and incidental aspects of ministry and being open to learning from the new culture. He stresses the importance of studying the New Testament to understand the essentials and immersing oneself in the culture to discern the incidentals.

Key Points:

* The concept of "universal priesthood" and its importance in missions.

* The significance of ecclesiology in shaping missiology.

* Academia Cristo's role in training and equipping church planters.

* Advice for new missionaries on cultural adaptation and discerning essentials in ministry.

References:

* The Origin and Development of the New Testament Ministry essay by John Schaller

* Treasure in Jars of Clay: The Synergy Between the Instrumental and Ministerial Causes in God’s Plan of Salvation essay by Jonathan Hein

Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag

* WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)

* WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)

* Collection of Confessional Lutheran Essays

* BWM = WELS Board for World Missions

* CELC = Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

* CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

* Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system

* Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.

* Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.

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