Strike the Match with J. D. Payne

How can ordinary followers of Jesus be transformed into extraordinary disciple makers? That is the topic of discussion on this episode of Strike the Match. George Robinson is my guest and serves as a professor of global disciple making at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He has recently published the book Generational Disciple-Making.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). During our conversation, George shares his story of coming to faith and how he was discipled by a chicken farmer who instilled within him a biblical model of what it means to follow Jesus. Over the years, George has been able to pass along what was passed along to himself. In fact, the contributors of this book have benefited from his ministry and share how they have discipled others. Here is a book filled with biblical principles, inspirational stories, and practical concepts.

Check out our discussion on this important topic related to the Church’s mission in the world, get the book, and apply what you read!

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I go solo on the mic in this episode and share the big announcement that Apostolic Imagination and Theology of Mission were recently published. Every book has a story, and you will hear why these were written. I address the general contents of the books and do a little reading from Apostolic Imagination. As you will hear, there is more to come on the podcast with Theology of Mission.

I also give a shout-out to the 10 countries with the most listeners of Strike the Match. And I take a moment to give a personal update since the recent death of my mother.

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Polycentric – a word quickly growing in popularity in missiological circles. It describes the concept of having more than one center. When applied to leadership, it reflects a growing model in ministries and mission agencies.

My guest on this episode, is Dr. Joe Handley. Joe is the president of Asian Access and Co-Catalyst for Leadership Development for the Lausanne Movement. He is also the author of the forthcoming book Polycentric Mission Leadership (tentative title) with Regnum Books. We discuss the nature of polycentric leadership, why it is growing in popularity, and what it looks like in reality.

Joe’s book is an innovative, fresh, and unique work. Keep an eye out for this one! It will be influential and beneficial to many throughout the world!

Here are some resources Joe mentioned during our conversation: PolycentricLeadership.com and AsianAccess.org

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In a recent gathering of United Methodists, an African leader addressed his Western brothers and sisters when he said, “The gospel you brought to us one hundred years ago is not the same gospel you proclaim today.” The United Methodist Church is facing a denominational split that will affect global mission.

In this episode, Paul Lawler, senior pastor, Christ Church Birmingham, and I discuss some of the present tensions and future directions of the UMC. Paul shares a brief history of the Methodist movement for those unfamiliar with the background. He also brings us up-to-date on the constitutional and theological crises facing the denomination.

What will the future look like for the post-separation United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church? What are some of the implications for local churches and educational institutions? What is the Wesleyan Network for Global Mission? We address these and other questions in this episode.

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Craig Ott is my guest in this episode. He is professor of mission and intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and author of a new book Teaching and Learning Across Cultures: A Guide to Theory and Practice.

Craig is an expert in the field, and his book will become the definitive work on the subject for many years. Join us as we discuss challenges, practices, and principles for teaching and learning across cultures. We share a few laughs and stories too.

Whether you are a professional educator or make short-term trips to other contexts, you will want to hear what he has to say. And as we discuss, his findings also have great application for those teaching and training others in the North American context.

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In this episode of Strike the Match, I have the honor of having a conversation with David Joannes about his latest book Gospel Privilege: The Unearned Advantage that’s Meant for Everyone.

Privilege is a frequently used word, but seldom applied to gospel conversations. Though more people claim Christianity than any other world religion, the majority of the world does not have a relationship with Christ. And many of those have never heard the good news.

Believers have a great relationship with their Father, and privilege to join Him in His mission is a wonderful responsibility in Kingdom life. What is the gospel privilege? What does it do? How can we reclaim a passion for sharing the gospel? How should believers be engaged in both sharing the love of God (through evangelism) and showing the love of God (through social justice)? These are just a few of the questions we address.

David is the co-founder and CEO of Within Reach Global. He is also the author of The Mind of a Missionary and hosts Missions Pulse Podcast. You may find him at davidjoannes.com and withinreachglobal.org.

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If Jesus is building His Church and we are filled with a dynamic Spirit, then we should expect change. Also, we live in a world where change is constant. And with change, we encounter ministry barriers. It is here that leaders must lead with innovation. Throughout history, the Church has often innovated to overcome challenges and advance the gospel.

Ted Esler is my guest in this episode of Strike the Match. We discuss his latest book The Innovation Crisis: Creating Disruptive Influence in the Ministry You Lead. How do collaborative-minded Kingdom citizens innovate through cultural shifts? Ted believes the stakes are high for churches and organizations involved in the Great Commission and any complacency and stagnation must be overcome.

Ted is the president of MissioNexus, an association of agencies and churches representing approximately 50,000 Great Commission workers worldwide.

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Peyton Jones is no stranger to the ministry of church planting. After two decades of such kingdom labors in Europe and the United States, his recent book addresses many of the elements involved in this Great Commission activity. In this episode, Jones and I discuss Church Plantology: The Art and Science of Planting Churches.

In addition to this podcast, check out his resources at NewBreedNetwork.org and MinistryNinja.com. And listen in at the Church Planter Podcast where he and Pete Mitchell discuss all-things church planting.

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Season 7, episode 1 is now available! In this initial podcast of the season, I provide several updates since last season and share some important facts from the recently released US Census Data.

Percentages and numbers represent individuals and communities. Behind the stats we find cultures and worldviews. While demographics are not the only thing needed for proper contextualization in ministry, they are extremely important and helpful.

The population of the US is estimated to be 333,000,000. In a world of 7.8 billion, this number places the US behind India and China as the third largest country in the world. While the population is growing, the country is becoming more diverse and urbanization is slowing.

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In this second episode of a two-part series, I continue to discuss the ministry of writing and publishing. I specifically address publishing books through traditional publishing houses, indie publishing, and partial-investment publishing. As a hybrid author, I have used each of these paradigms. They have unique strengths and limitations.

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