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  • #165. 2026 Top 5: Why Sharing Jesus Feels So Hard Today: Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and the Hidden Barriers to Evangelism

    2026 Top 5 Podcasts - #5

    Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? The biggest barrier to evangelism, Mark Teasdale argues, is not lack of training or information—it’s fear.

    Dr Mark Teasdale's Website

    Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World?
    • Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with Others
    • Responding to Anxiety

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Mark Teasdale's Website
    • Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    01:15 - Introducing Dr Mark Teasdale

    03:30 - How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World?

    05:09 - ..."WE" is inconsistent across the global church

    05:42 - ...recognize that the gospel is the supremely Good News

    06:12 - ...inconsistent formation of Christians

    06:25 - ...Book, Socially Awkward Evangelism, is focused on the western context

    07:28 - ...struggling with formation and our claiming of just how good the gospel is

    07:52 - ...followup question 1: evangelism outside of the western hemisphere

    08:08 - ......much high priority and conviction

    08:56 - ......even with freedom of religion in the west, it is socially uncomfortable

    11:22 - ...followup question 2: what is the best global practice?

    13:02 - ......there is not a single best practice because of distinct contexts

    15:59 - ......relational engagements

    18:11 - ...Organic Non-Western vs Planned Western Church Planting

    19:03 - Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with Others

    19:57 - ...seminarians are anxious in sharing their faith publicly

    20:43 - ...wired to feel anxious

    22:14 - ...allows us to act

    23:23 - ...problem of anxiety

    24:17 - ...cancel culture

    24:58 - ...what is life about and what to believe

    26:27 - Responding to Anxiety

    29:15 - ...intellectual: understand the gospel better to articulate it

    30:06 - ...emotional, social, physical: tools from behavioral psychology therapy

    32:36 - ...build a new example of what evangelism looks like

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    36 min
  • #164. Beyond Charisma: What Makes Leadership Truly Matter

    Lasting leadership does not begin with charisma or ambition but with surrender, stewardship, and servanthood.

    Dr Margaret Diddams and Dr Shirley Mullen coauthored Tried and True: The Countercultural Virtues of Christian Leadership, which draws on John Wesley as a wise and surprisingly relevant leadership tutor for cultivating courage, humility, and hope for leadership that can last a lifetime.

    Dr Margaret Diddams IVPress Page

    Dr Shirley Mullen IVPress Page

    Book: Tried and True

    Dr Margaret Diddams Amazon Page

    Dr Shirley Mullen Amazon Page

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Two Major Ways to Motivate People
    • Where Charisma Goes Wrong
    • Leaders Help People Flourish

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Margaret Diddams is an industrial-organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, educator, and editor of Christian Scholar’s Review, whose work explores how Christian faith shapes leadership, character, and human flourishing. Having served in higher-education leadership, including as provost of Wheaton College, and in the corporate world at Microsoft, she brings both scholarly depth and practical experience to the question of what faithful leadership requires in complex institutions. She is coauthor, with Shirley Mullen, of Tried and True: The Countercultural Virtues of Christian Leadership, which draws on John Wesley as a wise and surprisingly relevant leadership tutor for cultivating courage, humility, and hope for leadership that can last a lifetime.

    Dr Shirley Mullen served for four decades in the world of Christian higher education, most recently for 15 years as the President of Houghton University. She has earned doctorates in both history and philosophy. In retirement, she has served on several boards, and continued her mentoring of young leaders, as well as speaking and writing. Her book, Claiming the Courageous Middle, came out from Baker Academic in 2024.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Margaret Diddams IVPress Page
    • Dr Shirley Mullen IVPress Page
    • Book: Tried and True
    • Dr Margaret Diddams Amazon Page
    • Dr Shirley Mullen Amazon Page

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:39 - Introducing Dr Margaret Diddams & Dr Shirley Mullen

    02:14 - Charisma is a Double-Edged Sword

    04:16 - Two Major Ways to Motivate People

    04:23 - ...authority

    04:30 - ...influence

    04:44 - ...good leaders do both

    05:00 - Where Charisma Goes Wrong

    05:19 - ...diffuse hope that is emotionally laden

    07:12 - Charismatic Leaders Have Two Choices

    07:17 - ...deliver on their promises

    07:26 - ...instability and promise a different future

    07:44 - Research on Charismatic Leaders

    07:51 - ...the perception is better than actuality

    08:29 - ...sense of entitlement

    08:53 - ...fallenness in leaders

    10:54 - Leaders Help People Flourish

    11:25 - ...valuing people, not using them

    11:56 - ...healthy leaders ensure that people under you are growing and developing

    12:34 - ...leadership and calling set within God's kingdom purposes

    13:59 - ...a healthy organization has growing people and growing leaders

    14:52 - Takeaways from Dr Diddams and Dr Mullen

    18:06 - Finding Dr Margaret Diddam and Dr Shirley Mullen: Amazon, LinkedIn

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    21 min
  • #163. What If Leadership Isn't About Being in Control?: Surrender, Stewardship, and Servanthood

    Lasting leadership does not begin with charisma or ambition but with surrender, stewardship, and servanthood.

    Dr Margaret Diddams and Dr Shirley Mullen coauthored Tried and True: The Countercultural Virtues of Christian Leadership, which draws on John Wesley as a wise and surprisingly relevant leadership tutor for cultivating courage, humility, and hope for leadership that can last a lifetime.

    https://www.ivpress.com/margaret-diddams

    https://www.ivpress.com/shirley-a-mullen

    https://www.ivpress.com/tried-and-true

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Relevancy of John Wesley's Leadership Style
    • Healthy Organizations Need Healthy Leaders
    • Lasting Leadership Begins with Surrender, Stewardship, and Servanthood

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Margaret Diddams is an industrial-organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, educator, and editor of Christian Scholar’s Review, whose work explores how Christian faith shapes leadership, character, and human flourishing. Having served in higher-education leadership, including as provost of Wheaton College, and in the corporate world at Microsoft, she brings both scholarly depth and practical experience to the question of what faithful leadership requires in complex institutions. She is coauthor, with Shirley Mullen, of Tried and True: The Countercultural Virtues of Christian Leadership, which draws on John Wesley as a wise and surprisingly relevant leadership tutor for cultivating courage, humility, and hope for leadership that can last a lifetime.

    Dr Shirley Mullen served for four decades in the world of Christian higher education, most recently for 15 years as the President of Houghton University. She has earned doctorates in both history and philosophy. In retirement, she has served on several boards, and continued her mentoring of young leaders, as well as speaking and writing. Her book, Claiming the Courageous Middle, came out from Baker Academic in 2024.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • https://www.ivpress.com/margaret-diddams
    • https://www.ivpress.com/shirley-a-mullen
    • https://www.ivpress.com/tried-and-true

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:37 - Introducing Dr Margaret Diddams and Dr Shirley Mullen

    04:38 - Collaboration on their new book, Tried and True

    06:34 - Relevancy of John Wesley's Leadership Style

    08:07 - Mission and Organization Beyond John Wesley

    09:35 - Healthy Organizations Need Healthy Leaders

    10:27 - ...cultivate mission continually

    11:37 - ...drift or unhealthiness when the leader look for affirmation

    13:08 - ...healthy leaders have to care for themselves and their families

    15:35 - Lasting Leadership Begins with Surrender, Stewardship, and Servanthood

    16:27 - ...grounded in surrender to the Holy Spirit

    16:42 - ...caretaker entrusted with a treasuer

    17:10 - ...servant leadership

    18:30 - Surrender in Everyday Leadership

    19:08 - ...the opposite of surrender

    19:28 - ...why am I leading?

    20:00 - ...leading for a purpose

    20:27 - ...we don't add to God's glory

    20:59 - ...doing things FOR God vs time WITH God

    21:23 - ...Lead in such a way that increases dependence on God

    23:12 - Thinking Like a Steward

    24:00 - ...past into the present into the future

    24:52 - ...humility

    25:37 - ...knowing when to let go

    27:20 - ...freeing role of stewardship

    28:11 - Living Out Biblical Servanthood

    28:38 - ...what is the leader a servant to?

    29:29 - ...servant to a larger mission and nurture the people

    29:53 - ...passivity masquerading as empowerment

    30:16 - ...focus on what needs to be done; give away the credit

    30:52 - ...leadership is US

    32:34 - ...servant-prophet

    38:02 - Surrender, Stewardship, and Servanthood Work Together

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    40 min
  • #162. When Communication Gets Hard: Conflict, Forgiveness, and Following Jesus

    Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesn’t always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good.

    In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us.

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University

    Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress

    Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Living Out Authentic Communication
    • Biblical Forgiveness and Communication
    • Communication Reflects Discipleship

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) in La Mirada, CA. He is the senior director of the Winsome Conviction Project that seeks to open lines of communication, not close them.

    His newest book, Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture, written with Todd Lewis, blends biblical wisdom with communication research to help Christians become better listeners, wiser speakers, healthier peacemakers, and more faithful witnesses.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website
    • Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University
    • Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress
    • Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:38 - Introducing Dr Tim Muehlhoff

    01:48 - Living Out Authentic Communication

    02:22 - ...destructive conflict vs conflict that helps relationships grow

    03:06 - ...compromise

    03:55 - ...latent conflict

    04:22 - ...setting ground rules

    04:36 - ...it will take time

    04:50 - Conflicts Within the Church

    05:16 - ...expect conflict

    06:06 - ...advancing Jesus' kingdom

    06:39 - ...the danger of choosing not to engage in conflict

    09:23 - Biblical Forgiveness & Communication

    10:00 - ...authentic forgiveness

    10:19 - ...giving up your right to get even

    10:39 - ...not the same as reconciliation

    13:12 - ...not forgiving is not an option

    14:33 - Being persuasive without manipulation, marketing, and winning arguments

    16:00 - ...the most persuasive thing is your reputation

    16:45 - Christians Engaging in Popular Culture

    17:29 - ...being part of the community

    18:17 - ...help our enemies

    19:43 - Communication Reflects Discipleship

    20:15 - ...Jesus only overturned the tables once...

    21:02 - ...but what did Jesus mostly do?

    22:06 - A Few Habits to Incorporate Authentic Communication

    22:27 - ...talk is cheap

    23:14 - ...how you start a conversation

    23:39 - ...believe the best about a person

    24:02 - Finding Dr Muehlhoff - winsomeconviction .com

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    26 min
  • #161. Why We Keep Talking Past Each Other: Finding Christ in the Middle of Difficult Conversations

    Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesn’t always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good.

    In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us.

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University

    Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress

    Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Communication is Harder Than We Realize
    • Perspective-Taking
    • The Way We Communicate Reflects Our Spiritual Maturity

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) in La Mirada, CA. He is the senior director of the Winsome Conviction Project that seeks to open lines of communication, not close them.

    His newest book, Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture, written with Todd Lewis, blends biblical wisdom with communication research to help Christians become better listeners, wiser speakers, healthier peacemakers, and more faithful witnesses.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website
    • Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University
    • Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress
    • Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:42 - Introducing Dr Tim Muehlhoff

    03:06 - Communication is Harder than We Realize

    03:25 - ...isolation, negative attitudes, stereotypes

    03:56 - ...let people self-identify

    04:48 - ...often we focus on ourselves and not on others

    05:52 - Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture

    06:12 - ...monologue conversations

    06:51 - ...authentic conversations

    08:08 - ...agenda anxiety

    09:11 - Perspective-Taking

    09:22 - ...step into the other person's perspective and feelings

    11:12 - ...walking with the person

    12:15 - A Better Framework in an Argument Culture

    13:01 - ...connectiveness makes conflict go easier

    14:08 - ...we do not talk to each other

    15:05 - Communication in Social Media

    15:53 - ...do you really want to engage or just unload?

    16:58 - ... what's the goal of posting?

    17:20 - ...opportunity to be Christian communicators

    17:46 - The Way We Communicate Reflects Our Spiritual Maturity

    18:24 - ...responding in love and gentleness

    18:50 - ...speaking in the right frame of mind and heart

    19:39 - Communication Research Aligns with Scripture

    22:04 - Encouragement When You May Have Not Communicated Authentically

    22:34 - ...love wins

    25:21 - ...start by hearing the other person's perspective

    25:59 - Communicating More Like Christ

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    30 min
  • #160. More Than a Moment: Moving from Spiritual Experiences to Lifelong Faith

    God invites you to love him with all of who you are for all time. How do we remain steadfast in our love and faith?

    Dr Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.

    Dr Lina Abujamra's Website

    Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress

    Book: All Your Life

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Emotional Spiritual Experiences Are Not Enough
    • What Jesus Really Wants for His Disciples
    • Helping Ourselves and Others to Love Jesus and Follow His All Our Live

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Lina Abujamra's Website
    • Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress
    • Book: All Your Life

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:39 - Introducing Dr Lina Abujamra

    01:38 - Questions and challenges that Gen Z Have About Faith

    02:50 - ...Shift in the last five years - revival pockets

    04:03 - ...social media is not spiritual formation

    07:20 - Emotional Spiritual Experiences Are Not Enough

    07:52 - ... conferences are a reset

    11:26 - The Role of Discipleship

    12:13 - ...to become more Christlike

    13:05 - ...not an individual sport, but a group experience

    15:07 - ...foundational practices

    15:41 - ...the goal of a Christian life

    20:32 - What Jesus Really Wants for His Disciples

    20:45 - ...Matt 28

    20:52 - ...John 15

    20:56 - ...John 17

    21:06 - ...vertical and horizontal elements

    21:23 - ...spiritual giftedness

    21:26 - ...your story

    22:35 - ...must result in changed people

    23:09 - Highlighting Chapters in Book: All Your Life

    24:01 - ...does God have your heart?

    25:35 - ...the calling

    27:23 - ...emotions

    29:25 - Helping Ourselves and Others to Love Jesus and Follow His All Our Lives

    29:50 - ...desire to follow Jesus

    30:17 - ...ask Jesus

    31:42 - ...obedience

    31:50 - ...practical aspects

    32:22 - ...engage someone; mentorship

    33:36 - Lina's Heart's Desire

    34:35 - Getting in Touch with Dr Lina Abujamra

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    38 min
  • #159. Faith That Lasts: Following Jesus When Life Gets Hard

    God invites you to love him with all of who you are. But what does that actually look like when following Jesus feels hard, and the questions you face are overwhelming?

    Dr Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.

    Dr Lina Abujamra's Website

    Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress

    Book: All Your Life

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Relevancy of Book, All Your Life, for Gen Z
    • Dr Abujamra's Faith Journey
    • Managing Disappointment with God

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Lina AbuJamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Lina Abujamra's Website
    • Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress
    • Book: All Your Life

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:37 - Introducing Dr Lina Abujamra

    06:30 - Book: All Your Life

    07:04 - ...a resource for Gen Z

    07:53 - ...encompass aspects of life in Gen Z age group

    08:21 - ...deconstruction of Millennials

    08:29 - ...compensation of Gen X's

    08:55 - ...Gen Z's experiencing revival

    09:13 - ...and when life doesn't turn out as expected

    09:30 - ...everything that happens culturally should not be a surprise

    10:13 - ...pour into the next generation to stand strong in faith

    11:28 - Lina nearly loosing her faith

    21:12 - Managing Disappointment with God

    21:49 - ...in the trial

    22:28 - ...community in the church

    23:18 - ...non-negotiables

    23:53 - ...warning and informing the next generation

    25:02 - Life's disappointing moments are defining moments in our faith

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    32 min
  • #158. Can We Still Talk About God?: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Faith Conversations

    Dr Louis Markos' new book, My Apologetics Dinner Party, presents a method of talking about Christian faith that is not based primarily on propositional logic or the defense of truth claims (though these features do show up). Instead, he aims to clarify what Christians actually believe through a winsome and engrossing narrative in the tradition of Socratic dialogue.

    Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue

    Dr Markos' Bio

    Dr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • The Importance of a Meal
    • Interrogations or Conversation?
    • Common & Difficult Questions That People Have

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Markos Louis Markos is a professor of English and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University, where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. He has written many books on topics including the intersection of the classics and Christian faith and apologetics. His most recent book is My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue
    • Dr Markos' Bio
    • Dr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:37 - Introducing Dr Louis Markos

    02:51 - Christian Apologetics in the Friendship Evangelism Model

    04:29 - ...join my group first, see love and authenticity, accept Christ

    04:53 - ...see lived out in community and want to be part of the community

    05:21 - Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialog

    06:13 - ...difference between apologetics and evangelism

    07:00 - ...apologetics is pre-evangelism

    07:56 - ...lays a foundation for the gospel

    08:51 - What is the Socratic Method and Why is it Effective in Discussing Fatih?

    09:30 - ...listen to the full question

    10:01 - ...better definitions (what does it mean?)

    11:15 - The Importance of a Meal

    11:27 - ...open to sharing when eating

    11:37 - ...little / separate dialogues

    11:51 - ...hospitality

    12:31 - What is the Goal of Inviting Someone to Dinner?

    12:38 - ...get to know, respect, learn about the culture of a person

    13:09 - ...prepare by reading John 3-4

    14:05 - ...what struggles and desires does the person have?

    15:30 - ...avoid "gotcha" moments

    16:03 - ...you don't have to close the deal

    17:25 - ...kronos vs chairos

    18:11 - ...be the Chrisitan friend who can explain

    19:23 - Interrogation or Conversation?

    19:38 - ...let them come to the understanding themselves by encouraging

    20:12 - ...draw them out and understand the references and contexts

    22:07 - Common Questions that People Are Really Asking

    24:46 - Difficult Questions on People's Minds

    29:24 - Role-Play Exercise About the Virgin Birth

    38:33 - Getting Started in Having an Apologetics Dinner Party

    41:03 - Be Patient

    43:34 - Finding Dr Louis Markos and His Work

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    50 min
  • #157. From Sunday to Monday: Closing the Gap Between Faith and Work

    Many Christians experience vocational restlessness and anxiety, unsure or unaware how their faith can guide them in their workplaces. What would it look like for your church to affirm, equip, and commission your congregation to embrace a sense of calling and mission in their everyday labor?

    In Dr Matt Rusten's new book, Pastoring for Monday, he helps you lead your church to form Christians who follow, represent, and commune with Christ amid their daily work. This book equips you to bridge the divide between the sacred and secular, transforming how your church disciples people for the workplace.

    Dr Matt Rusten Bio

    Book: Pastoring for Monday

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • Sunday-to-Monday Gap
    • Work is Central to God's Mission
    • Being Effective at Work for God's Mission

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Dr Matt Rusten is president of Made to Flourish and editor in chief of Common Good magazine. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in faith, work, economics, and vocation from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr Rusten regularly speaks and writes in the areas of faith, work, and economics. He has served in churches in North Dakota, the Chicago area, Kansas City, and Madison, Wisconsin.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Matt Rusten Bio
    • Made to Flourish
    • Book: Pastoring for Monday

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    00:38 - Introducing Dr Matt Rusten

    02:52 - Sunday-to-Monday Gap

    03:46 - ...difficulty in integrating faith life and work life

    04:34 - ...no affirmation from the church about work and profession

    09:54 - Real-Life Experiences that Separate Spiritual Life and Work Life

    10:41 - ...vocational restlessness

    12:26 - ...vocational woundedness

    13:49 - ...vocational disillusionment

    17:11 - Work is Not Secondary, But Central to God's Mission

    17:49 - ...pattern of work and rest

    19:38 - ...work is a part of glorifying God in the world

    20:12 - ...story of Joseph in Genesis

    21:34 - Helping People Connect Sunday to Monday

    22:05 - ...make disciples

    22:27 - ...teaching disciples to obey what Jesus has commanded

    22:36 - ...work will be where most people are following everything that Jesus commanded and the Gospel is applied

    23:17 - ...in the Epistles, the topic of work comes up

    24:51 - ...practice the presence of God in our work

    28:51 - Discipleship & Mentorship to Be Effective at Work for God's Mission

    29:10 - ...connect your story of work to God's story

    34:54 - Ways to Bridge the Sunday-to-Monday Gap

    38:13 - Contacting Dr Matt Rusten - madetoflourish.org

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    42 min
  • #156. Sharing Jesus with Confidence: Practical Steps for Authentic, Fearless Evangelism

    Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? Dr Mark Teasdale shares insights and tools for sharing Jesus.

    Dr Mark Teasdale's Website

    Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
    • "I want to share Jesus, but I can't."
    • Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's World
    • Misconceptions about Evangelism

    ABOUT THE GUEST:

    Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism.

    RELATED LINKS:
    • Dr Mark Teasdale's Website
    • Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism

    TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

    02:14 - Encouragement and Advice for Those Who Say, "I want to share Jesus, but I can't."

    02:47 - ..."I'm introverted and not gifted for evangelism."

    03:57 - ......quiz: where are you personality-wise and how to engage in evangelism

    07:29 - ..."My life isn't perfect."

    11:43 - Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's World

    12:54 - ...not hostility, but indifference

    13:22 - ...Is God is not necessary for morality?

    15:04 - ...faith is irrelevant

    15:20 - ...social anxiety & cancel culture

    18:04 - Misconceptions about Evangelism

    19:00 - ...that evangelism has to be confrontational

    19:52 - ......overcoming the hurt from confrontational experiences

    26:44 - Why Isn't Information Enough?

    27:08 - ...psychological barrier

    27:44 - ...spiritual formation

    30:27 - Steps and Tools

    30:39 - ...ivpress.com/socially-awkward-evangelism

    32:49 - Evangelism Starts with Our Claiming Jesus as Good

    33:08 - We are Beloved and Valuable to Jesus

    33:47 - Finding Dr Mark Teasdale and his Books

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    39 min

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Deep conversations with diverse voices about urban ministry and Christian narratives. In "Our Urban Voices with Dr. Alfonse Javed," we will cover everything from churches and church planting efforts,…