Going: where God is at work

By Alessandro, Jenn, Jesse

Going: Where God is at Work is a Podcast that sits at the intersection of mission theory and practice. We are building a community of Great Commission workers who long to see the Gospel spread to the ... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Going: where God is at work:

How many episodes does Going: where God is at work have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.

Going: where God is at work episodes:

July 09, 2024The Changing Landscape of Christian Missions - Multicultural Teams
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with multicultural teams and the challenges that come with leading and being a part of such teams. They share stories about interesting food experiences while traveling and then delve into the topic of multicultural teams. They talk about the changing landscape of Christian missions, with more countries now sending missionaries, and the diversity within their own teams. They also explore the eight domains of culture, including communication, evaluating, persuading, power distance, deciding, trusting, disagreeing, and scheduling, and how these domains can create tension and differences within multicultural teams. The conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of working in multicultural teams. The main themes discussed include communication differences, leadership styles, and the importance of self-awareness, discernment, humility, and love in navigating cultural diversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership and cultivating character traits that allow diversity to thrive while maintaining stability and predictability in a team. The importance of seeking feedback, being open to learning, and developing an understanding of different cultural contexts is highlighted.

Takeaways
Christian missions are becoming more polycentric, with countries from all over the world sending missionaries.

Multicultural teams bring diversity and unique perspectives, but also challenges in terms of communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Understanding and navigating the different domains of culture can help leaders effectively manage multicultural teams.

Building trust and open communication are key to fostering a harmonious and productive multicultural team. Communication differences, particularly low context versus high context communication, can be a significant challenge in multicultural teams.

Leadership styles vary across cultures, and it is important to understand and adapt to different cultural expectations of leadership.

Developing self-awareness, discernment, humility, and love are critical in navigating cultural diversity and leading multicultural teams.

Seeking feedback, both from team members and mentors, can help sharpen self-awareness and improve understanding of cultural dynamics.

Cultivating an adaptive leadership style and character traits that allow diversity to thrive while maintaining stability and predictability is essential in multicultural teams.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Fun Food Stories
05:21 The Changing Landscape of Christian Missions
11:02 The Beauty and Challenges of Multicultural Teams
22:46 Navigating Communication and Decision-Making in Multicultural Teams
25:54 Understanding and Adapting to Different Leadership Styles
28:42 The Importance of Self-Awareness, Discernment, Humility, and Love
33:00 Seeking Feedback and Learning from Others
38:45 Cultivating an Adaptive Leadership Style
...more
44min
June 30, 2024Discipleship Multiplication Movements - Are they for everyone?
Engel Scale Explained: https://www.eauk.org/great-commission/what-is-the-engel-scale

Jenn's Dissertation: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/365/

Summary
In this episode, Jesse and Jenn discuss the concept of disciple making movements (DMM) and the Engel scale. They explore the challenges and limitations of trying to replicate successful movements and emphasize the importance of individual discipleship and genuine faith. They also discuss the cultural context and the need to tailor our approach to different people groups. The episode concludes with a reminder to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to use the appropriate tools for each situation.

Keywords
disciple-making movements, DMM, Engel scale, individual discipleship, cultural context, Holy Spirit

Takeaways
Disciple-making movements (DMM) should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all model, but rather as an observation of how the Spirit of God moves in different contexts.
Genuine faith and individual discipleship are essential components of any movement or growth in the Kingdom of God.
The Engel scale provides a helpful framework for understanding where individuals are on their spiritual journey and tailoring our approach accordingly.
Cultural context plays a significant role in how people respond to the gospel, and it is important to be sensitive to the specific needs and beliefs of different people groups.
Being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and using the appropriate tools for each situation is crucial in effective discipleship and evangelism.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
06:43 Introduction to Disciple Making Movements (DMM)
11:18 The Limitations of Replicating Successful Movements
15:59 The Importance of Individual Discipleship and Genuine Faith
23:15 Following the Leading of the Holy Spirit in Discipleship
27:54 Using the Right Tools for Effective Discipleship and Evangelism
36:01 Conclusion and Call to Action
...more
38min
June 25, 2024Colonialism
Boun giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on the journey. I’m your host, Jesse Pauly, a mission leader serving in Rome, and I’m here with Alessandro Di Leonardo, church planter in Cisterna di Latina, and Jenn Williamson, our missiologist who lives and works in Lyon.
Summary
The conversation explores the topic of missionaries and colonialism, discussing the ways in which missionary efforts were intertwined with the tragedy of colonialism. The hosts share personal experiences of adapting to different cultures and preferences. They also discuss the negative aspects of colonialism and the challenges of separating individual missionaries from the larger institutional efforts. The conversation highlights the need for nuance and acknowledges that missionary efforts were not always aligned with the true message of the gospel. The hosts also mention the importance of understanding historical context and the complexities of missionary work. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of contextualizing the message of Christ and avoiding cultural imperialism. They explore the need for personal transformation and repentance in missionary work, as well as the importance of stewarding privilege for the benefit of all. They also address the issue of white saviorism. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the Great Commission and the importance of continuing to bring the message of Christ to the world.

Takeaways
Missionary efforts were often enmeshed with the tragedy of colonialism, with the church and royalty collaborating to evangelize conquered lands.

Not all missionaries were colonizers, and some even stood up against hostile colonial governments to protect local communities.

It is important to differentiate between individual missionaries and the larger institutional efforts, as well as to consider historical context and the complexities of missionary work.

The conversation highlights the need for nuance and the recognition that missionary efforts were not always aligned with the true message of the gospel. Contextualizing the message of Christ requires understanding and speaking the language of the culture, without imposing one's own cultural norms.

Missionaries must be willing to undergo personal transformation and repentance, recognizing and addressing their own biases and prejudices.

Stewarding privilege involves using one's resources and influence for the benefit of others, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.

White saviorism perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the agency and dignity of those being served.

The younger generation is questioning the value and impact of missions, and it is important for missionaries to listen to their concerns and seek ways to repent and make reparations.

The Great Commission remains a call for all believers to bring the message of Christ to the world, despite the failures and mistakes of the past.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Cultural Adaptation
09:06 Transition to the Topic of Missionaries and Colonialism
21:52 Contextualizing Christ: Speaking the Language of the Culture
23:01 Personal Transformation and Repentance in Missionary Work
25:07 Stewarding Privilege: Using Resources for the Benefit of All
29:46 Challenging White Saviorism: Recognizing Dignity and Agency
43:37 The Great Commission: Continuing to Bring the Message of Christ
...more
45min
June 17, 2024Which approach is best–Apostolic, Contextualization, or Indigenization?
Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on the journey. I’m your host, Jesse Pauly, a mission leader serving in Rome, and I’m here with Alessandro Di Leonardo, church planter in Cisterna di Latina, and Jenn Williamson, our missiologist who lives and works in Lyon.
Summary
The conversation explores different approaches to missions, including apostolic, contextualization, indigenization, and the hybrid approach. It delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the local culture. We share personal experiences and insights, highlighting the need for flexibility and discernment in mission work.

Takeaways
Understanding the different approaches to missions: apostolic, contextualization, indigenization, and the hybrid approach.

The importance of cultural adaptation and flexibility in mission work.

Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and the need for discernment in choosing the right approach for a specific context.

Chapters
00:00 Exploring Approaches to Missions: Apostolic, Contextualization, and Indigenization
19:02 Missions: From Everywhere to Everywhere
25:53 Missions with: Embracing the Hybrid Approach
33:19 Cultural Adaptation in Mission Work
39:31 Consistency with the Gospel Message
...more
41min
May 28, 2024The Money Talk–Should missionaries be poor?
Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on the journey. I’m your host, Jesse Pauly, a mission leader serving in Rome, and I’m here with Alessandro Di Leonardo, church planter in Cisterna di Latina, and Jenn Williamson, our missiologist who lives and works in Lyon.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the financial aspect of being a missionary. They share their personal experiences and perspectives on whether missionaries should be poor. They talk about the challenges of managing finances while serving in different countries and the cultural differences in attitudes towards money. The hosts emphasize the importance of transparency, generosity, and being good stewards of the resources provided by supporters. They also encourage open conversations about money and the need for missionaries to have a balanced approach to finances.

Takeaways
Missionaries should have open conversations about their financial situation and seek guidance from trusted individuals or organizations.

Transparency is important in building trust with supporters and ensuring they understand how their donations are being used.

Missionaries should strive to be good stewards of the resources provided by supporters and use them wisely.

Supporters should consider not only financial support but also how they can encourage and support missionaries in other aspects of their lives.

Missionaries should find a balance between living within their means and being able to enjoy some of the experiences and opportunities in the countries they serve.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Topic
02:38 Living in Economies That Aren't Considered Poor
09:06 The State of Finances for Missionaries
13:26 Comparing Finances to Others
25:03 The Equalizing Power of Generosity
31:39 Advice for Missionaries and Supporters
36:40 Conclusion and Farewell
...more
37min
May 21, 2024Global Connectivity—Friend or Foe?
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/september-web-only/missionary-netflix-streaming-internet-incarnation-technolog.html

Summary
In this episode, Jesse, Alessandro, and Jenn discuss the impact of global connectivity on missionaries and their adjustment to new cultures. They explore how technology and digital platforms have made it easier to stay connected with friends and family in their sending countries. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining cultural immersion and the importance of setting boundaries with technology use. The conversation highlights the benefits of global connectivity, such as access to resources and the ability to stay connected with supporters and loved ones. Overall, they emphasize the need for self-awareness and intentionality in navigating the digital age as missionaries.

Takeaways
Global connectivity has made it easier for missionaries to stay connected with friends and family in their sending countries.

Maintaining cultural immersion can be challenging in the digital age, but setting boundaries with technology use can help.

Technology provides access to resources and educational opportunities for missionaries.

Self-awareness and intentionality are key in navigating the digital age as missionaries.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:31 Global Connectivity: Friend or Foe?
11:08 The Impact of Global Connectivity on Missionaries
22:05 Setting Boundaries with Technology Use
26:49 The Benefits of Global Connectivity for Missionaries
30:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
...more
34min
May 14, 2024A Look at the Lausanne Report on the the State of the Great Commission
Link to the report for the show notes: https://lausanne.org/report

The Lausanne Movement recently released a huge global report on the State of the Great Commission, which has over 150 authors and is translated into 7 languages. It was a huge undertaking, done in part to lead up to the Fourth Lausanne Congress to be held later this year in Seoul, Korea.

Summary
In this episode, Jesse and Jenn discuss the Lausanne movement and its recent global report on the state of the Great Commission. They explore the concept of discipleship and how it should go beyond just sharing the gospel, but also involve living a transformed life that reflects Christ. They highlight the importance of spiritual formation and the need for discipleship to be a holistic and practical process.

Takeaways
Discipleship should go beyond just sharing the gospel and involve living a transformed life that reflects Christ.

The digital age has changed the way information is accessed and shared, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sharing the gospel.

The Lausanne movement's global report highlights the need for discipleship in advancing the Great Commission.

Discipleship should focus on spiritual formation and helping individuals grow in their relationship with God.

Living out the gospel in our daily lives is a powerful testimony and should be a priority in discipleship.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Impact of the Olympics in France
04:28 Exploring the Lausanne Movement
08:11 Understanding the Lausanne Report and the State of the Great Commission
27:31 The Role of Spiritual Formation in Discipleship
32:23 Discipleship in the Digital Age
35:46 Living Out the Gospel: The Power of a Transformed Life
...more
37min
May 07, 2024What Matters Most—Fruitfulness or Faithfulness?
Buon giorno ! You’re listening to “Going: Where God is at work,” a podcast where cross-cultural workers discuss everything from faith and fear to finances and faux pas. We’re walking out our call to ministry in far-away places and happy to have you join us on the journey. I’m your host, Jesse Pauly, a mission leader serving in Rome, and I’m here with Alessandro Di Leonardo, church planter in Cisterna di Latina, and Jenn Williamson, our missiologist who lives and works in Lyon.

Summary
In this episode, Jesse and Jenn discuss how to define and measure success in missions. They share personal stories and insights on the topic, exploring the tension between fruitfulness and faithfulness. They also discuss the importance of metrics and how they can help missionaries evaluate their effectiveness. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to measuring success and the value of ongoing conversations and feedback.

Takeaways
Defining success in missions is complex and can vary depending on cultural context and individual calling.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to measuring success in missions: fruitfulness (measuring outputs and responses) and faithfulness (measuring the work done). Both perspectives have their merits.

Metrics are important for accountability, transparency, and improvement, but they should be used wisely and interpreted in the context of conversations and feedback.

Measuring success in missions should consider both the frontline work and the enabling work of behind-the-scenes roles.

Metrics should be regularly evaluated and adjusted to ensure they are measuring what truly matters and aligning with the mission and vision of the organization.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Travel Experiences
11:25 Measuring Fruitfulness and Faithfulness
27:21 Balancing Frontline Work and Enabling Roles
31:36 The Need for Ongoing Conversations and Feedback
...more
32min
April 30, 2024The Missionary Newsletter—Fact or Fiction?
Bonus content after the good goodbyes.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the topic of missionary newsletters and the purpose and content of these communications. They share their own experiences and preferences for newsletters, including the frequency and format. They also touch on the temptation to exaggerate or stretch the truth in newsletters and the importance of maintaining integrity in reporting. The hosts explore the balance between sharing personal and ministry-related information and the need for accountability and transparency. They also discuss the use of social media in communication with supporters and the obligation of missionaries to share certain information.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-ways-mission-agencies-stretch-truth/

Takeaways
Missionary newsletters serve the purpose of updating and informing supporters about the missionary's work and prayer needs.

The frequency and format of newsletters vary among missionaries, with some opting for monthly newsletters and others using weekly or quarterly updates.

There is a temptation to exaggerate or stretch the truth in newsletters, but maintaining integrity and honesty is crucial.

Missionaries should consider what information is necessary to share with supporters and what can be kept private, while also being transparent and accountable.

The use of social media can complement newsletters as a way to share personal updates and engage with supporters.

Missionaries have an obligation to communicate effectively and responsibly with their supporters, ensuring that the information shared is accurate and relevant.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
09:02 Balancing Personal and Ministry-related Information
26:41 Maintaining Integrity and Accountability
31:44 The Role of Social Media in Communication
...more
38min
April 23, 2024Biblical Mandate for Missions—for all or only the called?
Biblical Mandate for Missions - for all or only the called?
Is there a unique call to cross-cultural missions, or simply a general command to all believers to go and make disciples? Hear from Jesse, Jenn, and Alessandro whom are all current cross-cultural missionaries sharing their own mission calling and commenting/discussing about the concerns that some have suggested in regards to defining and differentiating a missionary’s calling.

Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the sense of call to cross-cultural missions. They share their personal experiences and how they discerned their callings. The conversation covers topics such as the Great Commission, different types of calls, and involving spouses in the call. The hosts also reflect on the importance of confirmation and discernment in the process. In this episode, The hosts discuss the importance of a sense of call in missionary work. They explore how the sense of call is connected to sustainability and longevity on the field. They also discuss the idea of feeling at home in a different place and the concept of being called to missions. The conversation delves into the question of whether we are all called to be missionaries and the role of timing in discerning a call. They conclude with practical tips for discerning a call and emphasize the journey of faith in following God's leading.

Takeaways
Confirmation and discernment are important in the process of understanding and responding to the call.

Involving spouses in the call is essential, as both partners need to be on the same page and discern together.

The hosts emphasize the need to listen to God's leading and be open to where He is calling them. A sense of call is connected to sustainability and longevity in missionary work.

Feeling at home in a different place is a common experience for missionaries.

We are all called to make disciples, but some are called to do so cross-culturally.

Discerning a call requires humility, community, and an ongoing relationship with God.

Following a call is a journey of faith.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:09 First Impressions of America
05:58 The Great Commission
06:35 Understanding the Call
09:11 Different Experiences of the Call
12:18 Confirmation and Discernment
15:11 Call to a Specific Place
19:09 The Connection Between Call and Sustainability
23:05 The Importance of a Call to Missions
25:29 Feeling at Home in a Different Place
29:06 Are We All Just Missionaries?
32:14 The Timing of the Call
33:39 Practical Tips for Discerning a Call
40:57 The Journey of Faith
...more
39min

FAQs about Going: where God is at work:

How many episodes does Going: where God is at work have?

The podcast currently has 53 episodes available.