The Church Around the World

In this episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman is joined by Alex McElroy—pastor, author, and founder of Proof For The Truth—for a thoughtful conversation on how apologetics strengthens local church ministry, shapes discipleship, and equips believers to engage culture with confidence and grace.

Alex shares how apologetics is not merely an academic exercise, but a pastoral tool that helps congregations address doubt, disciple the next generation, and remain grounded in biblical truth amid cultural pressure. The conversation also explores the landscape of African-American apologetics, highlighting its unique voice, historical context, and growing influence within the broader evangelical church.

In addition, Alex reflects personally on navigating vocational change, the challenges of redefining calling outside of traditional ministry roles, and the importance of rooting identity not in titles or platforms, but in who we are in Christ. His story offers encouragement to pastors, ministry leaders, and believers discerning new seasons of calling while remaining faithful to God’s purposes.

This episode will resonate with anyone interested in: • Using apologetics as a discipleship and evangelism tool in the local church • Understanding the role and contribution of African-American voices in apologetics • Walking through vocational transition with spiritual clarity and confidence • Finding lasting identity and purpose grounded in God, not role or profession

A timely and encouraging conversation for church leaders, educators, and believers seeking to lead faithfully in a changing world.

Learn more about Alex McElroy: • https://www.proofforthetruth.org/ • https://www.alexrmcelroy.com/ • https://www.facebook.com/pastoralexmcelroy/

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
 New Living Translation
NLT Scholars 

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In this week’s episode, host Dan Ehrman sits down with Dr. Eric J. Tully, Director of the PhD in Theological Studies and Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Dr. Tully joins us to explore why ancient languages matter deeply for the life of the local church, not just the academy — from deepening biblical interpretation to enriching preaching and discipleship.

We also dive into the significant transition unfolding at TEDS, as the historic seminary prepares to merge with Trinity Western University in Canada — a move that reflects broader shifts in theological education and mission in the 21st century. Dr. Tully shares insights on what this change means for faculty, students, and the global church community.

Along the way we discuss: 
• The enduring value of studying the Bible in its original languages — Hebrew, Greek, and the ancient versions — for theological clarity and faithful ministry. Trinity International University 
• How ancient texts and language study equip pastors and lay leaders for deeper engagement with Scripture. Trinity International University 
• Dr. Tully’s academic work — including his books on prophetic literature, textual criticism, and biblical interpretation — and how these projects aim to connect rigorous scholarship with the life of the church. Trinity International University 
• The story behind TEDS’ evolving institutional identity and its future in Canada.

Whether you’re a pastor, student, or curious follower of Jesus, this conversation will challenge the way you think about language, Scripture, and the global future of theological education.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Dr. Tully LinkedIn
Dr. Eric Tully - TEDS

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In this episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman sits down with Dr. Jerry Hwang — Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and a member of the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible Translation Committee. Dr. Hwang shares how the NLT translation process works, how scholars collaborate, and why translation matters for a global and multilingual church. Together, they explore the challenges of communicating ancient Scripture in clear and accurate modern English, the importance of Old Testament theology, and the role of cross-cultural scholarship in shaping the mission of the church worldwide.

This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the Bible is translated and why it matters for pastors, missionaries, and believers around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how the NLT is created—or wanted insight into the intersection of theology, scholarship, and mission—this episode is for you.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
 New Living Translation
NLT Scholars 

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In this inspiring episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman speaks with Andrew Gorski of Evangelical Poland and the Lake EPIC Training Center. Together they explore how God is stirring hearts in Poland—a nation rich in history yet still deeply shaped by its Catholic tradition.

Andrew shares the bold vision behind Evangelical Poland: to see 1% of the nation come to a Protestant faith in Jesus Christ. Listeners will gain a glimpse into the country’s unique cultural and spiritual landscape and hear how local leaders are partnering with international churches and ministries to advance the gospel.

The conversation also highlights mission trips taken in summer 2025, when teams from Tyndale House Publishers joined the work at Lake EPIC. These trips helped renovate facilities to support leadership training, outreach, and community engagement that equip Polish believers to reach their neighbors for Christ.

Join us as we celebrate how God is moving in Poland—and how the global Church can stand alongside our brothers and sisters there in prayer and partnership.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Lake EPIC Christian Training Center
Evangelical Poland
Dawn Eaton’s Tyndale Mission Trip Experience 

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In this special episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman is joined by co-host Caroline Curry from the Tyndale House Foundation for an in-studio conversation with Dr. Jessy Jaison of Mesa Global, her husband Dr. Jaison Thomas, and nonprofit leader Chris Bos.

Mesa Global equips local church leaders in more than 50 nations, including across Asia—where Oxford-trained Dr. Jessy Jaison leads from India, a nation home to more than 800 seminaries and theological training institutions.

Dr. Jaison offers practical and spiritual insights on uniting leaders for the Gospel, the journey from leading peers to serving as a respected elder, and the challenges of merging diverse ministry organizations. The conversation explores:

- The Christian legacy and church diversity across Kerala and India. - Bridging the gap between the academy and the church so that thriving congregations have well-trained leaders. - God’s work in shaping her leadership as a woman in full-time ministry. - The ongoing call to discipleship and spiritual formation throughout life. - Engaging and mentoring younger leaders to bridge generational divides. - Leading effectively across cultures in the Global South. 

This episode is a rich reflection on Gospel-centered leadership, humility in growth, and the global church’s shared mission to equip the next generation of faithful servants.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations through leaders like Development Specialist Caroline Curry.

Episode Links:
 Dr. Jessy Jaison
 Dr. Jaison Thomas
 Chris Bos 

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From Nairobi to Mombasa to Chicago, Joyce and Tobbias Ngala share their remarkable journey of faith and calling. After planting a thriving network of churches in Mombasa, the Ngala family followed God’s call to serve in the United States. Known for their passion for discipleship, endurance sports, and deep Scripture memorization, Joyce and Tobbias join Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World podcast to discuss ministry, leadership, and what it means to be African missionaries to America.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Discover trusted ministry resources from leading Christian publishers to equip and strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, advancing Christian ministries and global missions.

Episode Links:
Joyce and Tobbias Ngala
Mission Church
Tobbias Ngala

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How are Millennials and Gen Z engaging with the Bible today? Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, joins Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World podcast to share insights from the State of the Bible 2025 research. Discover trends in Scripture engagement, the history of ABS, and how God is shaping a new generation of ministry leaders. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about Bible engagement and discipleship.

How does God move the Bible from words on a page to His Word written on our hearts? Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, joins Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World podcast to share insights from the State of the Bible 2025 research, reflect on ABS’s history, and highlight how God is inspiring a new generation of ministry. He also offers encouraging perspectives on how Millennials and Gen Z are engaging Scripture at deeper levels than ever before.

Dr. John Plake has served in church leadership, missions, non-profit work, cross-cultural leadership, and education. Alongside his research at the American Bible Society, he teaches at Evangel University and leads Mission Insights. John holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Missions from Wheaton College, and a B.S. in Pastoral Studies from North Central University.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
State of the Bible 2025 eBook
American Bible Society
Church.NextStep.Bible
Dr. John Plake

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Mental health professionals are equipping churches to better care for hurting people in their communities. Shaunti Feldhahn and Dr. James Sells join Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World to discuss their book When Hurting People Come to Church. Shaunti and Jim share a new vision for churches to engage in discipleship and outreach while becoming places of hope and healing. By empowering church members, congregations can create opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, and growth.

Drawing on surveys of 2,000 church leaders, bestselling author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn, together with psychologist and professor Dr. James N. Sells, show why this is the church’s moment. Now is the time to bring healing to the hurting and build healthy communities of care—for today and for generations to come.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, which funds Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
When Hurting People Come to Church
TheChurchCares.com
Shaunti Feldhahn
James Sells, Ph.D.

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The New Living Translation was first published nearly 30 years ago and last updated in 2015. Today, a new generation of scholars is building on the work of the original team to review and refresh the translation. Dr. Lynn Cohick, a New Testament scholar, joins Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World to share her experience in the review and revision process to ensure the New Living Translation remains accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable. She offers practical insights on keeping a familiar text fresh, recognizing how God works through his Word, helping the church navigate secondary issues, and unpacking the character and nature of God who has revealed himself in Scripture.

Lynn Cohick, PhD, is Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Director of Houston Theological Seminary. She has previously served at Northern Seminary, Denver Seminary, and Wheaton College. Dr. Cohick has authored eight books and Bible commentaries, co-hosts The Alabaster Jar Podcast, contributed to Every Woman’s Bible, and serves on the NLT Bible Translation Committee as Senior Translator for the Synoptic Gospels and Acts.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Connect your church to resources from trusted publishers working to unify all people in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Enjoy bulk discounts of up to 45% off every day, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Profits from each purchase support the Tyndale Foundation, which awards grants to Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Lynn Cohick
New Living Translation
Every Woman’s Bible
The Alabaster Jar Podcast

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“Your (American) churches are dying, ours are growing, but you’re still sending us missionaries. Shouldn’t we be sending missionaries to you?” Nairobi, Kenya Bishop Oscar Muriu proclaimed at Urbana 20 years ago. Today, Pastor Christian Mungai embodies that vision as the Global Movement Pastor at Mariners Church. He joins Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World to share his story and the African vision of people-centered, missional Christian life from his book People Are the Wealth.

Pastor Mungai has served as a Kenyan missionary to the United States since 2007. At Mariners Church in Irvine, California, he mobilizes the global church to join God’s work worldwide. Previously, he was a member of Milele, an Afro-fusion band that grew from celebrating God through music into a platform for humanitarian and Kingdom work. Christian studied social legislation at BAMU University in India and pursued a Master of Divinity at Claremont School of Theology.

Church Connect

Church Connect - Connect your church to resources from trusted publishers working to unify all people in our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Receive everyday bulk discounts up to 45% off, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Profits from each purchase go to Tyndale Foundation to award grants to Christian ministries and global mission organizations. 
Episode Links:

 People are the Wealth
 Christian Mungai Author
 Christian Kiarie Mungai
 Mariners Church More from The Church Around the World:

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