Should we use methods and tools in our evangelism, discipleship, and church planting work, or are methods "pragmatic?" Listen in to hear what the Bible says about methods, necessary traits of good methods, and dangers of methods. 

Many times we subconsciously have wrong beliefs about grief, such as that crying is weak or that self-reflection is self-centered and unproductive, which leads us to avoid, stuff, or deny uncomfortable emotions, and miss out on the abundant life the Lord Jesus offers to us. Listen in as we share 6 reasons you should intentionally work to grow in healthy emotional expression.

Many times we subconsciously have wrong beliefs about grief, such as that crying is weak or that self-reflection is self-centered and unproductive, which leads us to avoid, stuff, or deny uncomfortable emotions, and miss out on the abundant life the Lord Jesus offers to us. Listen in as we share 6 reasons you should intentionally work to grow in healthy emotional expression. 

We (rightly) study the book of Acts and particularly Paul's missionary journeys to learn the biblical pattern for mission work. However, in most missions contexts, we foreign missionaries shouldn't function as the "Apostle Paul." We are not the strategy! Instead, we should function in a catalytic role similar to Barnabas. Barnabas was an encourager, advocated for the Apostle Paul when other believers didn't trust him, went out with Paul on their first missionary journey, and then begins falling into the background as Paul becomes prominent. Similarly, missionaries' primary function, when possible, should be to advocate for, train, and catalyze local believers to be the "main doers" in their context. 

The church is the family of God, and spiritual mothers and fathers are necessary for the flourishing of the church. Just as biological mothers bring new life into the world and nurture children, spiritual mothers procreate spiritually and nurture spiritual children. Listen in as Christy Allen, a missionary with 14 years of field experience and teacher at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches on this biblical principle and shares examples from her own life.

Just as biological mothers bring new life into the world and nurture children, spiritual mothers procreate spiritually and nurture spiritual children. The church is the family of God, and spiritual mothers and fathers are necessary for the flourishing of the church. Listen in as Christy Allen, a missionary with 14 years of field experience and teacher at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches on this biblical principle and shares examples from her own life. 

No need to choose between "bible-focused faith" or "spirit-filled faith;" let's pursue both! Listen in as Joey Schwartz of livefull.org teaches on the Holy Spirit and his power, influence, and gifts in our lives,  including a definition of and benefits of prophesy.

Is self-care worldly and selfish or biblical? Listen in as biblical counselor Kim Day gives a biblical perspective on this topic. Self-care is not just a worldly trend; it is the stewardship of our minds, bodies, and souls, so that we can be and do all that God has for us. We must be poured into in order to pour out. 

Jim and Kim's Retreat Center: restore23.org

Check out our website for helpful resources: thecoworkerspodcast.com

We all have seasons when sharing the gospel feels hard, and actually, it IS hard! Evangelism is uncomfortable and sacrificial, and often feels harder due to spiritual warfare. The enemy lies to us, to paralyze us with shame, to make us dread evangelism, and to lure us to escape instead of engage people. However, there are many rewards of evangelism, such as being used by God for the salvation of people and the deeper joy of obedience. Listen in as we discuss this topic and share practical steps to get back on the evangelism horse!

How should we raise up leaders for church planting in pioneer contexts? Leadership development begins with discipleship of the entire church - "everyone gets everything." This discipleship is more than gaining biblical knowledge (though that is important); it is holistic and addresses all of life. This discipleship progressive, and begins with basic discipleship for new believers, and helps believers mature over time. The Lord Jesus and Apostle Paul developed leaders through giving time and attention to faithful believers in 4 ways, the 4 "E's" or "essentials" of leadership development: exemplify, equip, encourage, and entrust.