Mission Lab

Shawn goes solo in this episode to talk about something that - in his opinion - a church should never, ever do. 

We have noticed that one of the more common discipleship issues, from a philosophical perspective, is the question of faith and science. Whether it's with already-believers, or with those who are exploring faith, the question of evolutionary theory is one that comes up frequently. Shawn interviews Dr. Anthony Bosman, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Andrews University, to talk about the interaction of faith and science broadly speaking, and creation and evolution specifically - and what to do when these issues surface in mission. 

We celebrate our fifty-second podcast in a row, marking one year since we started, by reflecting on what we've learned about mission, discipleship, church, and the gospel over the last year. We also share a few stats about the podcast - and Shawn shares his surprising marathon story from his second marathon the week before.

Back in episode 25, we discussed whether we should "go rogue" when it comes to mission and community in our churches if others don't get it. In this episode, we circle back around to this idea after receiving a question from our friends who seem to be facing this very issue in their own church experience. Is there a place to cut the chord and launch out on our own? We share some surprising insights from older Adventist sources and how they might apply today.

Back in episode 25, we discussed whether we should "go rogue" when it comes to mission and community in our churches if others don't get it. In this episode, we circle back around to this idea after receiving a question from our friends who seem to be facing this very issue in their own church experience. Is there a place to cut the chord and launch out on our own? We share some surprising insights from older Adventist sources and how they might apply today.

While in Michigan, attending and presenting at a conference, Shawn made a new friend - Simret Mahary - and talked with him about his missional efforts in Frankfurt, Germany. Born in Ethiopa but raised in Germany, Simret is a pastor who started PRESENCE Kulturlounge, which is a cultural center that brings people together to talk about art, movies, and spirituality (what missional theorists would call a "Third Space"). Glean some ideas from what it's like to be missional in Europe - the most secular part of the world.

While visiting family in Florida recently, Shawn sat down for a conversation with Elaine Gregory, who's the mother of his brother-in-law and an atheist. She talks about growing up in England, where her mother exposed her to many different religions and how she arrived at her atheism. She unpacks her views on life without God, what religion offers, what type of church experience she would enjoy, what her vision of heaven is, and a few barbs about the Catholic church (but kudos to the Pope).

While visiting Andrews University to attend and present at a conference on reaching Millennials, Shawn ran into his friend Bryant and they sat down to talk about life in Tennessee. After graduating with a degree in theology in 2017, Bryant found himself without a job, with no one hiring him to pastor. So after finding a job with McKee Foods, he started his own community, serving those on the fringes. 

While visiting Andrews University to attend and present at a conference on reaching Millennials, Shawn ran into his friend Bryant and they sat down to talk about life in Tennessee. After graduating with a degree in theology in 2017, Bryant found himself without a job, with no one hiring him to pastor. So after finding a job with McKee Foods, he started his own community, serving those on the fringes. 

Shawn sits down with one of his very best friends, who is just two days older than him, as they talk about what church looks like to a pastor who now sits in the pew. For the last couple years, Jarod Thomas has been working for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and has come to some surprirsing and interesting insights as he has been an observer in the crowd. How does Jarod feel about church? And what might it look like in the future? Check out this thought-provoking episode!

To read the article Shawn references about why church is so "blah," even for many pastors, click here. 

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