We answer a few more of your questions, discussing what we would have done differently in the past, knowing what we know now; how we can approach Scripture with the proper hermeneutical lens; and how tithe would work if pastors served more as planters and equippers.

We tackle four questions in this episode, discussing what we do when we are being missional but our values clash with those we're trying to disciple, whether and from whom we can learn about discipleship, how we can be supportive of those in leadership at our church who want to just do traditional evangelism, and what we would change about our church. We also announce the winner of our book drawing. Don't miss out!

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We've touched on it in the past, but we circle back around and spend more time on the importance of eating with people as a missional and communal posture. We look at the precedent of Jesus on this and how it was one of His favorite missional activities. We also suggest some good questions one can ask during a missional community meal, and talk about how food should unite us and not divide us.

Check out this really good article for further thoughts on this: https://saturatetheworld.com/2018/03/22/eating-together/

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It may sound like a cliche, but we talk about the importance of prayer when it comes to mission and discipleship, sharing a few stories about how it has impacted our own lives and mission. Since we cannot control other human beings, we discuss how only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction, speaking to people's hearts. At the same time, we share a huge caveat about how prayer cannot be used as an excuse for inaction.

Don't forget to get questions in for our special episode on April 2. Get them in by March 29 by emailing [email protected]

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Is the pastor supposed to be the only one in the church who utilizes his or her gifts? Quite often that seems to be the case. First looking at some sobering stats from our local Seventh-day Adventist conference, we reflect on how every member has been gifted for ministry, discussing the fivefold gifts in Ephesians 4:11-16, and how the success of the church depends on every member of the body utilizing his or her gifts. 

To order Alan Hirsch's book, 5Q, click here.

To submit a question, email: [email protected] 

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There seems to be a growing sentiment among Christians in general, and even Seventh-day Adventists in particular, which says that we shouldn't "steal sheep" from other denominations. Is this a correct attitude? We grapple with this important question, asking whether there is any room for introducing others to our "truth" and whether the goal of discipleship is to get everyone - whether they're Christians already or completely unchurched - to become Adventist.

Shawn goes solo and offers a telling of "The Story of God," showing the big picture of the Bible's overarching narrative. He shares a few thoughts on how one can organize gatherings for an ongoing telling of the story, how it can be shared with those who don't know anything about God, and a few resources in learning the story better.

This is a critical conversation. Shawn sits down with our good friend and missional community member Judi to talk about what the gospel and mission have to do with race. We talk about the importance of empathy and validating a person's experience and feelings, and genuinely listening to their stories without trying to delegitimatize them. We also discuss how being gospel-people has everything to do with racial reconcilation and how missional communities can provide safe spaces to have such important conversations.

There seems to be an increasing number of pastors, especially those who are new in ministry, who are becoming disillusioned with "traditional" pastoring. The good news is, the "traditional" way of doing it is probably not biblical. We discuss how pastors can reframe their ministry around mission, discipleship, and community.

There seems to be an increasing number of pastors, especially those who are new in ministry, who are becoming disillusioned with "traditional" pastoring. The good news is, the "traditional" way of doing it is probably not biblical. We discuss how pastors can reframe their ministry around mission, discipleship, and community.