Going: where God is at work

Summary

In this episode, Jesse Pauly, Alessandro Di Leonardo, and Jenn Williamson explore the complex topic of women in ministry, sharing personal stories, theological perspectives, and practical considerations. They discuss how cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and theological frameworks influence views on gender roles in church leadership.

Key Topics

• Personal experiences with gender roles in ministry
• Theological frameworks: complementarian vs egalitarian
• Cultural influences on perceptions of women in leadership
• Practical challenges in ministry settings
• Importance of clarity and unity in church leadership

Key Recommendations for Ministry Leaders

1. Distinguish Primary vs. Secondary Doctrines: Define essential Christian truths clearly while handling secondary leadership views with grace and transparency in church membership.

2. Prioritize Clarity & Unity: Communicate positions clearly to partners and collaborators to avoid division and work together effectively.

3. Be Intentional with Invitations: Ensure female leaders are explicitly invited and equipped for leadership, rather than assuming open doors are enough.

Summary

In this episode, Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn explore the often overlooked topic of ending relationships and projects in missions. They share personal stories, best practices, and biblical principles for ending well and celebrating God's work in transitions.

Key topics

• The importance of planning for endings in missions
• Personal stories of ministry transitions
• Biblical principles for ending relationships
• Best practices for closing churches and projects
• The role of leadership and community in transitions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and topic of endings in missions

01:48 Personal story: Jesse shares about a difficult family separation

04:01 The challenge of ending ministry relationships well

07:55 The importance of planning and communication in transitions

12:07 Case study: closing a church after 8 years of ministry

16:02 The biblical perspective on letting go and fruitfulness

20:05 Strategies for ending partnerships and projects effectively

23:54 The role of community and leadership in transitions

28:10 Celebrating the end: honoring God's work in closure

31:58 Reevaluating and revisiting exit strategies

35:54 The importance of healthy endings for future fruitfulness

Summary

This episode explores the complex issue of burnout among missionaries and ministry workers, highlighting personal experiences, signs to watch for, and practical strategies for prevention and recovery. Join us as we delve into biblical insights, psychological signs, and community support to sustain long-term ministry effectiveness.

Pertinent Links & Resources

• The Podcast: Going: Where God is at Work

• Article Referenced: Burnout Among Missionaries by Billy Drum (Lausanne Movement)

• Further Reading on The Cycle of Grace: The Cycle of Grace: Living in Sacred Balance by Trevor Hudson (a great resource that builds directly on the foundational concepts of Frank Lake and Emil Brunner discussed in this episode).

Key topics

• The cycle of grace in ministry
• Signs and symptoms of burnout
• Practical prevention strategies
• The importance of community and accountability
• Biblical insights on rest and renewal

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Burnout in Ministry

01:46 Personal Experiences with Burnout

10:28 Defining Burnout: Insights and Statistics

16:18 Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

24:26 The Cycle of Grace: Preventing Burnout

37:34 Encouragement and Advice for Those Facing Burnout

Discover how relational, incarnational, and investment-driven discipleship is essential in fulfilling the Great Commission, especially in cross-cultural and local ministry. This episode emphasizes that discipleship is a lifelong, participatory journey that requires intentionality and relational depth.
Main Topics & Insights:

• Discipleship as a lifelong process that begins before conversion and continues through community involvement.
  
• Measuring discipleship: obedience as a key metric, not just numbers of conversions or baptisms.
  
• The importance of relational, incarnational methods such as walking alongside and sharing meals, modeled on Luke 24.
  
• Practical ways to foster discipleship: apprenticeships, retreats, ongoing cohorts, and personal investment.
  
• The need for church and mission cultures to normalize discipleship as part of everyday life, not just structured programs.
  
• The significance of asking intentional questions and setting aside dedicated times for discipleship.
  
• Encouragement to be disciple-makers with humility: “You don’t have to be an expert”—impart what you know.
  
• Discipleship involves a reciprocal process of maturing, where sometimes the disciple becomes the teacher.
  
• Discipleship as a process of deliberate investment—time, relationship, and intentionality—costs but yields eternal rewards.
  
• Digital and cultural shifts call for more active, relational approaches to discipling in a digital age.
  

Timestamps:
00:00 - The importance of patience in walking the discipleship journey
02:00 - Discipleship as an ongoing, lifelong spectrum
03:35 - Differentiating evangelism, church planting, and discipleship
04:31 - Discipleship as obedience—measuring spiritual growth
05:29 - Personal story: witnessing a friend's faith journey
06:45 - The relational depth of discipleship and mutual investment
07:14 - The challenge of metrics versus real transformation
08:10 - Learning from apprenticeship shadowing in seminary
09:58 - Practical insights from ministry shadowing experiences
11:03 - The role of experiential, on-the-ground learning
12:30 - The value of apprentice programs and intentional growth spaces
13:27 - Creating community through apprenticeships and digital cohorts
15:01 - Engaging different generations and new believers
16:34 - Embodying incarnational, “with” presence in discipleship
17:24 - The influence of digital media on discipleship and intentionality
18:24 - Being aware of what and who is discipling us
19:17 - The importance of personal relationship and context in discipleship
20:39 - Discipleship as a humble, investment-driven process
25:08 - The ongoing need for mutual learning and humility in discipleship
27:49 - Navigating authority, mentorship, and mutual growth
29:39 - The significance of cultural exchange through intentional connection
32:50 - How to ask good questions and define personal and spiritual growth
33:47 - Building a discipling culture within churches and communities
35:07 - Luke 24 and the Incarnational model of close, curious engagement
37:09 - Life-on-life, sharing meals and everyday moments
37:39 - The power of investment and intentionality in discipleship
38:55 - Interactive practice: active obedience and application
40:26 - Closing thoughts: discipleship as an investment with eternal returns

Discipleship in Missions: Walking with Others in Life-on-Life InvestmentIn this episode, Jesse Pauly, Alessandro Di Leonardo, and Jenn Williamson explore the dynamic and relational nature of discipleship within the context of missions and church planting. They emphasize that discipleship is more than a curriculum—it's a life-on-life journey that requires intentionality, relational investment, and incarnational presence.

Key Topics:

• The relational and incarnational model of discipleship exemplified through Luke 24 and walking alongside others.
• The importance of asking intentional questions and practicing active listening in disciple-making.
• Discipleship as an ongoing investment that involves time, patience, and humility.
• Practical ways to integrate discipleship into everyday life, including apprenticeships and small group walks.
• The role of church culture in normalizing discipleship and fostering a disciple-making environment.
• Personal stories of observing God's work in others and the significance of relational obedience.
• Challenges of measuring discipleship progress and the importance of obedience over quantifiable metrics.
• The value of being discipled by others and actively seeking people ahead, alongside, and behind in faith.
• How digital resources and content complement but do not replace relational discipleship.
• The cultural importance of apprenticeship and a legacy of patience and skill transfer.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing the episode and the importance of patience in discipleship
02:00 - Relativity of missions and global connectedness
06:45 - Defining discipleship beyond measurable metrics
09:00 - Personal stories of obedience and faith journeys in Italy and beyond
12:00 - The significance of apprenticeship and on-the-ground mentorship
15:00 - Digital discipleship and maintaining personal relationships
17:24 - The role of daily digital content in modern discipleship
20:11 - Investing time in relational, incarnational discipleship—an Italian artisan's legacy
24:34 - The challenge of satisfaction with curricula and the ongoing need for mentorship
25:08 - Balancing up, down, and peer relationships in discipleship
30:09 - The importance of incarnational, life-on-life discipleship
37:09 - Cultivating a culture of discipleship within the church or mission setting
38:55 - The value of interactive, engagement-based discipleship and reflection on investmentResources & Links:Connect with the hosts:

Summary

This podcast explores the evolving landscape of global missions, the impact of technology, trust issues with NGOs, and the shifting role of the church in a changing world. Featuring insights from mission leaders and missiologists, it offers a deep dive into current trends and future opportunities for mission work.

WEA Article

Jamie's Website

Lausanne Movement

Key Topics

• Mission trends and forecasting
• The end of the NGO era and trust issues
• The role of technology and AI in missions
• The shift of Christian populations to the global south
• Relational and human aspects of digital outreach

Chapters

00:00 Digital Relationships and Their Impact

05:34 Exploring Mission Trends and Perspectives

11:28 The End of the NGO Era

19:25 Funding Challenges in Missions

25:07 Technology's Role in Modern Missions

Summary

This episode explores the complex realities of living and leading as a family overseas, highlighting challenges like bureaucracy, language barriers, and cultural expectations. It emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and internal growth in navigating family life in a foreign context.

Action items:

• Build community and seek support in your mission journey
• Practice vulnerability with your family and community
• Address internal conflicts openly and honestly

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:51 Personal Stories: Sleep and Pets

01:53 Water Outage and Daily Challenges

02:47 Family Life and Cultural Challenges

03:42 Driver's License and Transportation Issues

05:58 Language Barriers and Personal Growth

06:53 Launching Kids and Family Support

07:58 Dealing with Bureaucracy and Legalities

13:32 Family Identity and Cultural Expectations

17:13 Marriage, Opportunities, and Comparison

20:17 Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles

23:15 Internal Conflicts and Community Support

26:01 Vulnerability, Honesty, and Growth

29:56 External Ministry and Personal Transparency

32:33 Building Trust and Openness in Discipleship

34:38 Relatability and Sharing Struggles

37:38 Key Takeaways: Community and Vulnerability

38:34 Practical Advice for Missionary Families

In this follow-up to their discussion on "taboo" missionary topics, host Jesse and co-hosts Alessandro and Jenn dive deep into the practical—and often painful—process of responding to sin on the mission field. The team moves beyond the theory of temptation to discuss the "three-fold combo" of restoration: conviction, confession, and repentance. By sharing personal stories of "small" sins—ranging from exaggerating stories in the pulpit to minor dishonesties in professional calls—they illustrate how unaddressed compromises can callous the heart and lead to greater moral failures. The conversation emphasizes that while the Holy Spirit empowers change, missionaries must proactively build "escape plans" and accountability structures to protect their witness and the longevity of their ministry.

Takeaways

Recognize and respond immediately to conviction from the Holy Spirit.

Confession involves agreeing with God's view of sin, not just admitting it.

Repentance is a continuous process, not a one-time event.

Having a plan for dealing with sin helps prevent moral failure.

Accountability and community support are vital for spiritual health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conviction and Vulnerability

03:09 Sharing Personal Struggles with Sin

05:58 The Impact of Exaggeration and Misrepresentation

09:00 Addressing Moral Failures in Leadership

11:47 Understanding Conviction and Its Importance

14:47 The Process of Confession and Repentance

17:49 Recognizing and Responding to Conviction

20:59 Barriers to Acknowledging Conviction

24:01 Understanding Conviction and Confession

36:28 The Process of Repentance

44:47 The Importance of Accountability in Ministry

In this episode of Going Where God is at Work, Jesse, Alessandro, and Jen move into the "taboo" territory of temptation. Far from being superhuman, ministry leaders and missionaries face unique pressures that can lead to isolation and moral failure. The team discusses the "creature comforts" that tempt them; from technology and Netflix to chocolate and cocktails; and explores why the mission field often lacks the structures for deep accountability. Most importantly, they highlight the spiritual freedom found in bringing internal battles into the light.

What is Spiritual Direction?

The Fib from Outerspace Video

Resources on Membercare

Takeaways

• Temptation loses its power when spoken out.
• Isolation can lead to poor decision-making.
• Community support is crucial for accountability.
• Missionaries face unique struggles due to distance and lack of structure.
• Confession can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Building trust takes time and effort.
• Fasting can help break the hold of temptation.
• It's important to address the roots of temptation, not just the symptoms.
• Finding a supportive community is essential for spiritual health.
• Temptations are common and should be openly discussed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Temptations in Ministry

02:26 Personal Temptations and Accountability

04:44 The Role of Community in Facing Temptations

07:16 Understanding the Struggles of Missionaries

09:56 The Impact of Isolation on Decision Making

12:40 Bringing Temptations into the Light

15:11 External Implications of Temptations in Ministry

17:25 Navigating Relationships and Accountability

20:08 The Importance of Confession and Support

22:43 Leveraging Struggles for Ministry Growth

25:32 Practical Steps for New Missionaries

27:57 The Spiritual Aspect of Temptations

30:30 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Summary

In this episode of the 'Going Where God Is' podcast, hosts Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn delve into the complex topic of materialism, particularly as it relates to missionaries and their experiences abroad. They discuss how the holiday season often amplifies materialistic desires, leading to a struggle between the need for basic comforts and the temptation to indulge in excess. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes about the challenges of finding familiar products in foreign countries and how these small disappointments can reflect deeper heart issues regarding expectations and contentment.

The hosts explore the balance between being good stewards of resources and the dangers of materialism, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations behind spending. They share personal stories of financial struggles and the transformative experience of a 'no buy year,' which led to a renewed perspective on contentment and generosity. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with material possessions and to seek fulfillment in their faith rather than in material goods.

Blog on Materialism

Film on Minimalism (Non Christian)

Article on "No Buy Year" (Non Christian)

Takeaways

• Materialism can create discontent and frustration.
• The holiday season often amplifies materialistic desires.
• Small disappointments can indicate larger heart issues.
• Contentment is a learned behavior, as Paul mentions in Philippians.
• Practicing generosity can recalibrate our hearts towards materialism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Materialism

01:59 The Holiday Season and Materialism

08:50 Small Disappointments and Heart Issues

17:11 Personal Stories of Financial Struggles

27:18 Practical Ways to Combat Materialism

37:08 Conclusion: Finding Fulfillment Beyond Material Goods