In this episode of Grace at the Fray, guest host Emily Shrader takes the reins to discuss Jim Lovelady’s transformative journey to Kenya, visiting Serge missionaries. Emily helps Jim unravel the narrative of his eye-opening expedition, highlighting the universal themes of fear and control and how stepping out of comfort zones exposes our need for grace. They explore the essence of growth through moving into the unknown and witnessing firsthand the magnificent ways God is cultivating His kingdom across the globe. Tune in for an episode that’s more than a mere traveler’s tale—it’s a story for all of us about confronting fear and the God who always meets us where we feel the most vulnerable to discover new depths of His all-sufficient grace and love.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• What can a broken Kenyan church teach a broken US church? (6:24)
• How culture shock can spark new spiritual insights (10:54)
• The clarity we get when we leave our comfort zones (28:50)
• Hospital chaplains and a holistic approach to community health (38:57)
• Collaborating with the Holy Spirit to tell stories that honor the subjects' integrity and transform our understanding of cross-cultural missions (51:09)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Or leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Grace at the Fray S1, Ep 9: A World in Need: Re-Engaging the Great Commission
• Grace at the Fray S2, Ep 9: Healing Through Community: Transformational Partnership in Medical Missions
• Grace at the Fray S3, Ep 2: Using Your Gifts for God’s Glory
• Give to the Kenya Bible Storying Training Fund
• Learn more about how to become a Missionary Kid Teacher
• Learn more about Serge’s Short-Term Mission Trips
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

Credits: 

Special thanks to our brothers and sisters in Kenya for their hospitality and testimonies of God's grace. Our guest was Jim Lovelady, who normally hosts this podcast as part of his work on Serge’s Renewal team. Our guest host was Emily Shrader. Production by Anna Madsen and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, Jim chats with counselor and author Esther Liu about the complex issue of shame and its impact on our identity and relationships. They shed light on how shame often keeps us from seeing ourselves as beloved children of God, leading to feelings of not being enough. Esther offers valuable insights and practical steps to overcome shame, emphasizing vulnerability and the support of others. Learn how to break free from shame's grip by embracing our true worth found in Christ’s unconditional love. Tune in for a heart-stirring conversation that's a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to live free from shame and fully embrace their identity in Christ.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• The role of community in dealing with shame (10:39)
• The difference it makes when we believe what the Bible says about God's compassionate posture towards us (21:53)
• How societal standards influence feelings of inadequacy and shame (36:25)
• How Jesus' life and sacrifice challenge worldly notions of success and worth (46:22)

Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with your friends. Or leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Shame: Being Known and Loved by Esther Liu
• Blog: When You Feel Ashamed: Grace for the Second Fall by Josiah Bancroft
• Serge's Sonship Course
• Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness by David Powlison
• Bible references: Psalm 139, Psalm 103, Genesis 29:14b-35, Mark 10:17-31, Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Credits: 

Our guest was Esther Liu, Licensed Counselor at CCEF (Christian Counseling and Education Foundation), and author of Shame: Being Known and Loved. Hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and g

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, Jim Lovelady offers us a "taste and see that the Lord is good" experience, featuring Marc Davis' opening talk from Serge’s recent Sonship Week in Hollywood, Florida. Marc explores the profound layers of God's love and welcome extended to His children, shedding light on the beautiful truth that each of us is deeply known, cherished, and rejoiced over by the Father. Marc navigates through the vital themes of identity, the Father's boundless love, and the transformative effect of embracing our divine sonship. This episode warmly beckons us to venture deeper into our relationship with God, encouraging us to claim our identity in Christ and discover the liberty and joy that flow from being recognized and adored by the Father.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• A picture of God’s Fatherly delight for His child (3:52)
• How the love of God serves as our baseline (12:50)
• Can we be at home with the idea that we are loved by God? (15:29)
• How does the gospel reshape our personal identity? (19:14)
• A picture of freedom as we find our identity in Christ (20:35)
• The life injected by the identity God gives (26:39)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Grace at the Fray Season 1, Episode 12: “How to Experience the Pleasure of God”
• Serge’s Mentored Sonship and Discipleship Lab programs
• Learn more about Missionary Care
• Bible references: Romans 1:7, 1John 3:1, Romans 12

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Marc Davis, a program leader on Serge’s Renewal team. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, join medical missionaries Paul and Lynn Opare-Addo as they share their journey of faith and service in Chogoria, Kenya. Discover how embracing the gospel of grace has transformed their lives and shaped their approach to using their medical gifts to love and serve others. Their experiences of training doctors and fostering a gospel-centered approach to medicine offer a glimpse into the profound ways that God’s grace frees and empowers all of us to use our unique gifts with purpose and compassion, and for His glory.
 
In this episode, they discuss… 

• A new way to consider our gifts and the impact of this framework (7:43)
• How to transform the “mundane” of life with the power of grace (19:11)
• What it looks like when “God is good” as a concept becomes an applied belief in daily life (30:30)
• How repentance becomes more than “I’m sorry” (35:15)
• What makes their hospital in Chogoria a greenhouse for growing in faith (41:18)
• A word of thanks for the faithful power of prayer (47:17)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! 

We invite you to subscribe to Stories of Grace, the monthly newsletter of Serge delivered to your inbox once a month. It includes inspiring stories just like the ones shared today. Visit serge.org to subscribe today.

Referenced in this episode:

• Explore more of Serge’s medical missions opportunities
• Follow this link to learn more about Serge’s Mentored Sonship program
• Click here to look into all of Serge’s teaching opportunities
• Bible references: John 15:4

Credits: 

Our guests for this episode were Paul and Lynn Opare-Addo, Serge missionaries in Chogoria, Kenya. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, Jim chats with Dr. Robert Kim about the ins and outs of church planting in today's world. An experienced pastor and professor, Dr. Kim sheds light on the challenges and exciting opportunities in this field. They also discuss the concerning trend of dechurching and the urgency of living out our gospel identity as we reach the nations. Whether you're a pastor or someone in the pew, this conversation will inspire you to stay connected to Jesus and actively contribute to advancing the Kingdom. Don't miss this chance to be encouraged and equipped for the journey ahead!

In this episode, they discuss… 

• A new take on “Networking” from a mission-oriented lens (10:16)
• The vital difference between “stated” theology and “functional” theology (18:36)
• What is the current state of church planting in the US? (38:01)
• What can heal the gap between churches planted and churches closed? (40:07)
• How to encourage a burned-out church planter (45:28)
• What is the top qualification for a church planter? (50:32)

Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Visit this page for information about international church planting with Serge
• Books: Outgrowing the Ingrown Church by Jack Miller; Departure: Why I Left the Church by Alexander Lang
• Mission to North America (MNA), Covenant Theological Seminary (CTS), Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS)
• Bible passages: Matthew 16:18,  John 4, John 15, 1 Corinthians 15:10

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Dr. Robert Kim, a Serge board member and Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Planting at Covenant Theological Seminary. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, Jim Lovelady talks with Lindsay Kimball DeBlaay, a member of Serge's executive leadership team, about Serge’s dedicated incarnational approach to missionary care. Drawing from her own missionary journey, Lindsay challenges the notion that getting to the field and staying there is just about missionaries’ stamina or willpower. Their conversation uncovers Serge’s commitment to providing its missionaries with ongoing wraparound support-–including spiritual, emotional, physical, financial, and logistical care. Tune in and be inspired to champion the cause of missionary longevity, understanding that through compassionate support, we can ensure missionaries thrive and become a transformative gospel force in their communities.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• How to overcome our misconceptions about missionaries (10:37)
• Why connecting our value in God’s eyes to our “output” is all wrong (18:56)
• What is at the heart of missionary care (29:26)
• How to understand missionary care at Serge (34:12)
• Top practical ways churches can support their missionaries (37:26)
• An unexpected answer to the question “Is Jesus worth it?” (43:38)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Download Serge’s  Advent Devotional
• Read about 10 Ways to Care for your Missionary 
• Hear about Missionary Care from Missionaries 
• Learn how to support Missionary Care through financial giving
• Bible reference: John 1:1-14

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Lindsay Kimball DeBlaay, Senior Director of People Development at Serge. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of ministry from weakness, particularly in evangelism. Our guest, a secure missionary from our organization, shares insights on his own ongoing need for the gospel as much as those God has called him to reach. “Luke” challenges a formulaic understanding of evangelism by proposing transparency about weakness, intimacy with Jesus, and relational consistency as key elements in revealing the beauty of God’s story of love to others. His experiences reveal a universal truth: God's power shines brightest in our weaknesses.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• How unique a sense of God’s call can be (11:00)
• Why we cannot overlook the impact of consistency (25:20)
• What do you do while you’re “waiting” in the mundane? (27:45)
• Why a sense of need is necessary to share God’s love with others (29:30)
• How God’s power shines brightest in our weakness (37:30)
• A new framework for talking about the gospel with a skeptic (49:30)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Grab a copy of Serge’s Advent Devotional Ebook
• Learn about Serge’s Summer Internship
• Send questions or comments to [email protected]
• Bible references: 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Isaiah 55, 1 Peter 1:15-17

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode has chosen to keep his identity anonymous for his safety and the safety of those he serves. At Serge, we have many workers serving in closed-access countries around the world, and we prioritize security, which is essential for the success of their work. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, Joonhee Park, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

Join Jim Lovelady and guest Leah Emory as they delve into the often misunderstood topic of discerning God's will. Together they explore how God directs our paths, emphasizing that decisions like job choices, housing, or daily routines are not meant to induce anxiety. Instead, they allow us to draw near to the Lord as our Good Shepherd, fostering trust that His care prevails even in apparent failures. Leah shares insights from her role as a guide for Serge’s Missionary Apprenticeship Program, highlighting the distinctive nature of the program that transcends typical missionary experiences. This episode helps us see how, within the expansive kingdom of God, every path holds the potential for flourishing. Be encouraged to embrace the journey—even the uncertainties—because God's goodness and mercy always prevail and turn what may seem like failures into opportunities for growth and blessing.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• How to contextualize a community of faith (9:48)
• Re-thinking how God gives direction (13:29)
• What is the Serge Apprenticeship? (16:46)
• How to count the cost of moving into something new and different (27:28)
• God is both transcendent and immanent and has made us to need one another (41:27)
• The difference between extending grace to an individual vs a system/institution (43:43)
• How to move from ‘Our Culture Come’ to ‘Your Kingdom Come’ (49:14)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Learn more about the Serge Missionary Apprenticeship Program
• Serge Podcast: Learning to See: Stories of God’s Work in Our World by Hunter Dockery
• Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
• Bible references: Psalm 23, Luke 15:11-32

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Leah Emory, who heads up Serge’s Missionary Apprenticeship Program in the UK. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Lear

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the dynamic world of church leadership and multiethnic worship with Jamaal Williams. He explores how worship services that authentically reflect the ethnic diversity of local communities bring a piece of heaven to Earth and underscore the transformative power of unity. This episode reminds us that amid the racial tensions that persist in American culture, Christians are called to become agents of change. Join us as we explore the path to making our churches resemble God's kingdom in a world yearning for unity and understanding.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• The good news about multiethnic struggles in the church (6:45)
• Why worship became the best blueprint for racially-unified church (24:30)
• Signs that a church may NOT be ready for multiethnic identity (35:30)
• Spotting “tokenism” versus authentic multiethnic community (42:56)
• How to re-think “color-blindness” in a healthy way (47:55)
• What is Jesus’ posture toward the discouraged? (53:25)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• In Church As It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture by Jamaal E. Williams and Timothy Paul Jones
• Estranged Pioneers: Race, Faith, and Leadership in a Diverse World by Korie Little Edwards and Rebecca Y. Kim
• Sign up for our free “Art of Active Listening” email course
• Discover opportunities to financially support Serge’s work around the world
• Bible references: Galatians 2:11-16, Revelation 7:9

Credits: 

Our guest for this episode was Jamaal Williams, the lead pastor at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, Kentucky, and the president of the Harbor Network of Churches. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, Derek and Lauren Webber share their firsthand experiences as medical missionaries in Chogoria, Kenya. They offer profound insight into the daily reality of missionary work, the misconceptions, and the importance of repentance and humility when living in a multicultural Jesus-style community. Through powerful stories of transformation and partnership, they share lessons for all of us in unity and finding true joy while serving others.

In this episode, they discuss… 

• The unpredictable journey into medical missions (6:22)
• How to know if you are simply romanticizing missions (14:12)
• The key to avoiding unnecessary harm in a new community (19:44)
• How do you resolve conflict in multicultural ministry? (24:12)
• A paradigm shift that will change the way communities are loved (32:08)
• Learning how to kill the idols that get in our way of serving others (42:09)
• The joy that comes from leaning into God’s grace at the fray (49:03)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• To learn more about medical missions opportunities, go to serge.org/missions/medical-missions/ 
• Serge’s Mentored Sonship program 
• Gospel-Centered Life Weekend (March 1-2, 2024 in Lakeville, MN) 
• Explore 2023-2024 Short-term Missions opportunities  
• Bible reference: Psalm 133

Credits: 

Our guests for this episode were Derek and Lauren Webber, currently serving in Chogoria, Kenya where they partner with the PCEA Chogoria Hospital to bring hope and healing to those in central Kenya. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen, Aaron Gray, and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L.. 

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

Connect with us!

• Instagram: @graceatthefray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
• Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected].