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.

In this episode, Paul Nitz discusses the complexities of subsidy in mission work, drawing from his extensive experience and missiological insights. He defines subsidy, addresses the power dynamics it creates, and provides principles for healthy partnerships between missionaries and local churches.

Key Discussion Points:

* Definition of Subsidy: Financial support provided to a local church body from a church outside the country.

* The Problem of Power: Subsidy can create an imbalance of power between missionaries and local partners, leading to relational and political challenges.

* Cultural Differences: Cultural differences in dealing with money can complicate the use of subsidy.

* The Patron-Client Relationship: The patron-client model, while potentially useful in some cultural contexts, can create further complications in cross-cultural missions.

* Guiding Principles: Nitz argues against rigid policies of always giving or never giving subsidy. Instead, he advocates for principles like indigeneity, replication, and partnership, emphasizing that any financial support should aim to empower local ministries toward independence and sustainability.

* Humility and Listening: Nitz stresses the importance of humility, listening and learning, cultural sensitivity, and open communication in navigating subsidy.

* Gospel-Centered Perspective: Nitz suggests that a deep understanding of the gospel's light and the world's darkness helps missionaries approach the issue of subsidy with a balanced perspective.

Resources Referenced

* African Friends and Money Matters by David E. Maranz

* The Lausanne Standards

* Church Planting Movements: How God Is Redeeming a Lost World by David Garrison

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.

Professor Ken Cherney from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary joins us to discuss missiology in the epistles, financial support for missionaries, and missiology in the Old Testament.

About Professor Ken Cherney:

* Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, teaching Old Testament and systematic theology.

* 1988 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

* Served in various ministry settings, including Brazil, South Louisiana, and the Caribbean.

* Former director of the Caribbean Christian Training Institute.

Key Discussion Points:

Missiology in the Epistles:

* The epistles present a spirit of joy and confidence in God's mission.

* Mission work is warm, personal, and relational.

* The epistles highlight the urgency of mission in light of Christ's return.

* Balancing the urgency of mission with the confidence that it is God's work.

* The importance of affection for the people being served.

Training People for Gospel Ministry:

* Ministers of the Gospel are gifts from God.

* The doctrines of church and ministry are key.

* Using technology wisely in missions.

Mission Promotions:

* Connecting missionaries and mission churches with each other.

* Emphasizing the relational connection of the Gospel across boundaries.

Financial Support of Missionaries:

* A missionary’s salary is provision for needs, not payment for services.

* Ministers are ordinarily supported by those they serve.

* In certain situations, ministers may decline support.

* Determining appropriate compensation requires careful discussion and cultural sensitivity.

Missiology in the Old Testament:

* The Servant Songs in Isaiah highlight the mission to the Gentiles.

* The greatness of Christ motivates mission work.

* Isaiah 60 and 61 emphasize the worldwide mission.

Final Thoughts:

* The importance of joy, confidence, and love in mission work.

* The need for cultural sensitivity and adaptation.

* The value of partnerships and interdependence in missions.

* The centrality of the Gospel in motivating and shaping mission strategy.

Key Takeaways:

* Mission work should be characterized by joy, confidence in God's plan, and love for the people being served.

* Financial support of missionaries should be viewed as providing for their needs, not as payment for services rendered.

* The Old Testament, particularly the book of Isaiah, also emphasizes the importance of the worldwide mission.

Links and References:

* Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2000 Years book by Thomas Standage

* Brand Luther book by Andrew Pettegree

* God’s Money in God’s Mission essay by Dr. Kenneth Cherney

Quotes:

* “God's people have a Savior. You're not Him.”

* "Do you love these people?"

* "The medium is the message." - Marshall McLuhan

* "If you had to pay for gospel ministry, what really anything commensurate with its real value to you? Forget it. You couldn't afford it."

* "A savior this great needs a world that great and a mission that great."

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.

In this episode, Professor Al Sorum, from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI), shares insights from his extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry and missiology. He discusses the importance of cultural adaptation, the challenges of majority vs. minority mindsets, and the unique contributions of biblical Lutheran missiology to global ministry.

Guest Bio:

Professor Al Sorum has been a member of the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) team since 2004. He teaches missiology, leadership, and New Testament isagogics at the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. His ministry experience includes 21 years serving in the inner city of Milwaukee, with a focus on evangelism, male leadership development, and intercultural competence.

Key Topics:

* Key Lessons from Ministry

* The importance of listening to and valuing cultural perspectives.

* The need for humility and recognizing one's own cultural biases.

* The power of relationships and building trust in cross-cultural ministry.

* Empowering local leaders to use their cultural ways to express biblical truth.

* Majority vs. Minority Mindset

* The majority mindset can hinder effective cross-cultural ministry.

* Missionaries need to be aware of their own cultural filters and biases.

* The minority mindset can provide valuable insights and perspectives.

* Building a community of trust is essential for effective cross-cultural leadership.

* The Importance of Cultural Adaptation

* Cultural adaptation is about effectively communicating biblical truth in different cultural contexts, not compromising it.

* Missionaries should be students of the culture they serve, learning how people communicate and express truth.

* The goal is to empower local leaders to use their own cultural ways to share the Gospel.

* The Unique Gift of the WELS

* The WELS has a unique theological gift to offer the world: the understanding of complete dependence on God's grace.

* This understanding leads to humble confidence and allows for genuine partnership in mission work.

* The WELS can offer a profoundly human and universal message of dependence on God's grace.

* Key Takeaways

* Cross-cultural ministry requires humility, intentionality, and a willingness to learn.

* Building trust and empowering local leaders are essential for effective mission work.

Quotes:

* “My core belief and perspective didn't come from a book, but from the awesome black brothers I evangelized and teamed with at GE house. What they taught me has served well in 33 countries under the PSI banner”.

* “We experience life from our majority culture, and it's not malicious, it's not mean on our part, it's not evil. But because we're part of the majority culture, we're just so used to people accommodating to us. We just presume that”.

* “Leading cross culturally is inspiring people who come from two or more cultural traditions to participate with you, the leader or leadership team, in building a community of trust, and then to follow you and be empowered by you to achieve a compelling vision of faith”.

* “That is the unique theological gift of the WELS to the world, is that we are all these humbled, needy, dependent, little children in God's world, we are totally dependent on him”.

* “We have something to offer that is profoundly human and profoundly universal, that that is our special gift to the work of the church on planet Earth”.

Resources:

* Intercultural Development Instrument (IDI)

* Leading Cross-Culturally book by Sherwood Lingenfelter

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.

In this episode, Terry Schultz, a missionary and ethnomusicologist, shares his insights on the importance of understanding and honoring indigenous music in gospel ministry. He discusses the concept of “heart music,” the impact of cultural background on musical preferences, and the need for missionaries to prioritize the Bible over their own cultural expressions of worship. Terry also provides practical advice for missionaries seeking to engage with local cultures respectfully and effectively.

Key Topics and Points

* Christian Ethnomusicology: Terry explains ethnomusicology as the study of the anthropology of music and how people use music in their culture, based on God's Word.

* The Power of Music: Music holds immense power, capable of evoking a wide range of intense emotions.

* Heart Music Defined: Heart music is the music a person grows up with and is most comfortable using to express their emotions. Musical preferences are formed early in life, with significant connections being made during the teen years, linking music to strong emotional experiences.

* Music is Not a Universal Language: Musical tastes and systems vary significantly across cultures. Western music, with its emphasis on melody and harmony, differs greatly from African music, which is rhythm-centric.

* Theological Implications for Missionaries: Missionaries must recognize the power of heart music and avoid imposing their own musical preferences on other cultures.

* Bring Your Bible, Not Your Hymnal: This phrase emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth of the Gospel while allowing cultures to develop their own expressions of worship.

* Empowering Indigenous Worship: It is important to empower the local culture to create its own worship resources, using indigenous music, instruments, and styles.

* The Role of the Missionary: The missionary's role is to facilitate and guide, not to dictate or control, allowing the culture to express its faith authentically.

* Luther’s Approach to Music: Martin Luther was revolutionary in his approach to music and worship, recognizing its power and importance. He moved away from the Roman Catholic mass and incorporated German folk music into worship, making it more accessible and participatory for the congregation.

* Contemporary Application: Just as Luther applied music to contemporary issues, there is value in doing so today, using relevant musical styles to connect with people.

* Cultural Sensitivity: Missionaries should approach cultures with humility, recognizing that they are learners and servants, not superiors. They should seek to become cultural insiders, learning and understanding the local context before attempting to introduce new practices.

* Impact of Globalism: Globalization has made various musical styles more accessible worldwide, influencing contemporary musical preferences. Missionaries must be aware of these influences and allow cultures to integrate them as they see fit.

Useful Links

* “Ethnomusicology from the 1500s: Applying Luther's Revolutionary Musical Practices to Today's Mission Field” essay by Dr. Terry Schultz

* “‘Whose Heart Music Is in Your Mission's Hymnal?’ Ethnomusicology Principles for Cross-Cultural Ministry” essay by Dr. Terry Schultz

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.

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

Guest: Professor Sam Degner, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Topics:

* Missio Dei

* The Image of God (Imago Dei)

* Missiology

* The Book of Acts as a Missiological Model

* Practical Application of Mission Principles

Key Takeaways:

* Missio Dei means "mission of God."

* The mission of the church is God's mission, focused on reconciling sinners to Himself.

* Understanding the Imago Dei (Image of God) helps us focus on spiritual salvation as the core of God's mission.

* Missiology is the study of the mission of the church, drawing from various disciplines like history, anthropology, and linguistics.

* The book of Acts provides a biblical model for missiology, demonstrating how theology and history inform mission strategy.

* Practical application involves understanding God's mission and discerning our role in our specific vocations.

References and links:

* Timothy Tennant, Invitation to World Missions (2010)

* John Mark Terry, Missiology: An Introduction (1999)

* Missio Dei and Imago Dei by Professor Sam Degner (available on gospelcenteredmentoring.site for download)

* Pastor Jonathan Schroeder’s Jesus and Jetlag episode on grace, the cross, and vocation in missions.

* The Missions Podcast

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.

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

Guest: Pastor Larry Schlomer, Administrator of World Missions for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)

Topics:

* Evolution of mission strategies in recent decades

* Key differences between ministry in the US and mission work abroad

* Importance of multiplication and reproducible ministry models

* Concept of the "person of peace" in mission strategy

* Unexpected opportunities and adapting plans in mission work

Key Takeaways:

* Missiological Shift: WELS mission strategy has undergone significant changes, moving from a model that mirrored US ministry practices to one that prioritizes indigenous leadership and multiplication.

* Empowering Local Leadership: Successful mission work focuses on empowering local leaders to take ownership of ministry, recognizing their cultural insights and understanding.

* Multiplication Mindset: A multiplication focus is essential for planting not just a church, but a church body that can reproduce and spread the Gospel organically.

* Person of Peace: The "person of peace" concept highlights the importance of identifying and partnering with individuals who are ready to participate in gospel ministry.

* Flexibility and Adaptation: Missionaries must be prepared for unexpected opportunities and challenges, remaining flexible and adaptable to God's leading.

* New missionary approach: Embrace the challenge of cross-cultural ministry, prioritize empowering local leaders, and remain adaptable to God's guidance.

Closing Thought:

"This is God's ministry, not yours." - Pastor Larry Schlomer

Links and Resources:

* Pastor John Schroeder's essay on the doctrine of vocation

* David Garrison's "Seven Deadly Sins of Church Planting Movements"

* Passing the Baton: Church Planting That Empowers by Tom A. Steffen

* “Persons of Peace” article on Missional Challenge

* The Meros Center

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

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

Three Confessional Lutheran Doctrines and Their Impact on Missions:

* Centrality of the Means of Grace:

* Word and sacraments are the tools the Holy Spirit uses to create faith.

* Importance of Law and Gospel in bringing people to faith.

* Story of Logan, an atheist who came to faith through the means of grace.

* Importance of sharing and keeping the Word.

* The balance between theological education and outreach.

* Theology of the Cross:

* Finding God in the midst of suffering.

* Distinction between theology of glory (finding worth in works) and theology of the cross (finding God in suffering).

* God reveals himself by hiding himself (the paradox of the cross).

* God is hidden in suffering.

* Story of Logan's wife, Marnie, who was diagnosed with dementia but later baptized.

* Importance of devotional life for missionaries to see suffering as a gift from God.

* Lutheran Vocation:

* Everyone has a calling, not just clergy.

* All vocations are equal in God's eyes.

* We are masks of God, carrying out His work in the world.

* Importance of recognizing the priesthood of all believers.

* Story of how lay people in the congregation ministered to Logan and Marnie.

* Vocation provides dignity, meaning, and identity.

Key Takeaways:

* The interview emphasizes the importance of these three doctrines for understanding and carrying out missions.

* Missions involves both sharing and keeping the Word.

* God works through suffering and uses all believers to carry out His work in the world.

* The interview highlights the power of the Gospel and the means of grace to transform lives.

* It also underscores the importance of a strong devotional life for missionaries.

Resources Mentioned:

* Website: georgiafaith.com

* Essay: Shepherd Leaders Under the Cross by Jonathan Schroeder

* Book: The Theology of the Cross by Daniel Deutschlander

* Essay: Our Calling: Christian Vocation in the Ministry of the Gospel by Jonathan Schroeder

About Pastor Schroeder:

* Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Sharpsburg, GA (SW suburb of Atlanta) for 25 years.

* Chairman of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Board for World Missions.

* Extensive experience in church planting and growth.

* Has trained numerous vicars (intern pastors) in mission settings.

* Strong emphasis on outreach and missions.

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

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

Guest: Dr. Glen Thompson, Professor Emeritus at Asia Lutheran Seminary

Topics Covered:

* Key missiological ideas in the first 12 chapters of Acts, including the conversion of Peter and the stories of Stephen and Philip

* The importance of humanitarian aid in missions

* Different categories of missionaries and how Paul fits into those categories

* Paul's mission strategy and the importance of flexibility

* The importance of the polis in understanding the early church

* The multi-site church model and its roots in the early church

* Training of church leaders in the early church

* The importance of letter writing and other forms of technology in the early church

* The Book of Acts as a descriptive rather than prescriptive guide for missions

Key Takeaways:

* The Book of Acts is a valuable resource for understanding the early church's missiological approaches, but it is not a prescriptive manual.

* Flexibility is key in missions, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

* The early church made effective use of technology, such as letter writing and the codex.

* The multi-site church model has roots in the early church's approach to ministry.

Call to Action:

* Read the Book of Acts with an eye toward the missiological principles it reveals.

* Consider how you can be more flexible in your own approach to missions.

* Explore the resources listed in the show notes to learn more about the early church and its missiology.

Additional Notes:

* The interview also touched on the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in missions and the need for missionaries to be sensitive to the cultural contexts in which they serve.

* Dr. Thompson emphasized the importance of partnership and cooperation among missionaries and churches.

* He also encouraged listeners to pray for missionaries and to support them financially and practically.

Links and Resources:

* Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours by Roland Allen

* Understanding Church Growth by Donald McGavran

* Paul the Missionary: Realities, Strategies and Methods by Eckhard Schnabel

* Dr. Thompson’s Website: www.fourthcentury.com

* Books by Dr. Thompson:

* In This Way We Came to Rome

* Jing Jiao: The Earliest Christian Church in China

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

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

In this episode, Brian Doebler, a pastor in Southern California, discusses the concept of missiology with us, particularly its application in the Old Testament. He explains "missio dei" as the mission of God, emphasizing the Triune God's sending of His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the church to the world. Missiology, he notes, is a multi-disciplinary study that includes sociology, anthropology, and cultural analysis. Doebler challenges the traditional view of Old Testament mission as purely centripetal, arguing for a more inclusive understanding that includes missionary activity by both prophets and laypeople. He highlights examples like Uriah the Hittite and Ebed Melech, illustrating Gentile believers influenced by Israelites. Doebler advocates for a consistent view of God's mission throughout the Bible, encouraging missionaries to integrate missiology into their devotional and professional lives.

About Brian Doebler:

* Pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Garden Grove, Southern California.

* Ministering in a diverse community with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese population.

* Part of a pastoral team, collaborating with pastors focused on Spanish and Vietnamese ministries.

* Married with four children.

Explanation of Missio Dei

* Brian defines missio dei as the mission of God, focusing on the Triune God's sending of His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the church to bring salvation to the world.

* He emphasizes the simplicity and universality of the mission of God, regardless of different interpretations.

* Brian explains the sending of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the church as central to the mission of God.

Definition and Study of Missiology

* Brian describes missiology as a multi-disciplinary study that includes theology, sociology, linguistics, anthropology, and cultural analysis.

* He explains the importance of understanding the message, the messenger, and the audience in missiology.

* Brian highlights the role of missiology in analyzing mission activities throughout history and providing feedback to missionaries.

Missiological Gadflies

* Brian explains the metaphor of a gadfly, which irritates to create unrest and resist complacency.

* He emphasizes the evangelical role of missiology in encouraging and challenging both theologians and missionaries.

* Brian discusses the balance between theology and mission, using the metaphor of Isaiah 54 to illustrate the need for strength in the Word of God.

Missiology as the Queen of Theology

* Brian explains the integration of missiology with theology and other disciplines in seminary training.

* He advocates for a curriculum that fully integrates missiology alongside other disciplines to inform and guide mission efforts.

* Brian emphasizes the importance of missiology in providing a sounding board for mission activities and challenging assumptions in theology and mission practice.

Challenging Assumptions in Missiology

* Brian explains that missiology questions assumptions about mission practice, the training of theologians, and hermeneutics.

* He discusses the centripetal and centrifugal mission models in the Old and New Testaments, respectively.

* Brian challenges the assumption that mission in the Old Testament was purely centripetal, focusing on drawing people to Israel, and argues for a more inclusive view of mission in the Old Testament.

Examples of Mission in the Old Testament

* Brian highlights the early mission activity in Genesis, starting with God's promise to Adam and Eve and the call on the name of the Lord in Genesis 4.

* He mentions the calling of Abraham in Genesis 12 and the universal command to be a blessing to all nations.

* Brian emphasizes the active role of lay people in mission, such as the household of Abraham and the proclamation of the gospel by the Israelites during the Exodus.

Missional Hermeneutic in the Old Testament

* Brian discusses the importance of a missional hermeneutic in interpreting the Old Testament.

* He highlights the universal message of salvation in Genesis 3 and the call to proclaim the gospel in Psalm 96.

* Brian emphasizes the role of the Israelites as a kingdom of priests and the importance of their mission to the nations.

* He argues against a centripetal-only view of mission in the Old Testament and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of mission throughout the Old Testament.

Practical Advice for Missionaries

* Brian emphasizes the importance of a strong devotional life and finding the impetus for mission in the heart of God as revealed in the whole Word of God.

* He encourages missionaries to look for the mission heart of God in every corner of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

* Brian advises missionaries to integrate missiology into their training and devotional life to inform and guide their mission work effectively.

* Brian emphasizes the importance of a consistent view of mission throughout the Bible.

Resources Mentioned:

* Brian’s doctrinal paper about missiology in Psalm 22 and his Powerpoint presentation (pdf notes version) about Missiology in the Old Testament on our downloads page.

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

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