Missiologists have debated for years on how to interpret the book of Acts: Is it "descriptive" or "prescriptive?" We propose a third option for interpreting and applying Acts, what we call, "I want to be like that!" Listen in as we discuss the unique gift we have in the book of Acts, the divinely-inspired record of God's Spirit-filled people living out the Great Commission, and how that record should inspire, challenge, and inform our lives as believers and missionaries.

Missiologists have debated for years on how to interpret the book of Acts: Is it "descriptive" or "prescriptive?" We propose a third option for interpreting and applying Acts, what we call, "I want to be like that!" Listen in as we discuss the unique gift we have in the book of Acts, the divinely-inspired record of God's Spirit-filled people living out the Great Commission, and how that record should inspire, challenge, and inform our lives as believers and missionaries. 

Anyone who has been serving as a missionary for very long knows that missionaries disagree on many issues from time to time! We even find disagreements in the pages of the book of Acts. Listen in as we share 4 biblical principles to apply when we disagree with coworkers, and some practical tips we have learned over the years as well. 

How lost is Europe? Is it unreached, reached, post-Christian, or pre-Christian? Listen in as we discuss the shocking state of the gospel throughout Europe with Kit and Stacy Klein, missionary leaders in France. 

Some claim that we should no longer send American missionaries overseas, but instead should just send American funds to national ministry partners in unreached places. There are a variety of valid reasons for this thinking. Sending and supporting American missionaries is costly both in terms of funds and effort. We Americans have to learn new languages, procure visas, and face countless cross-cultural challenges. The picture of global missionary sending around the world is changing, and many other countries around the world are sending more missionaries now than ever. However, sending missionaries is biblical! Listen in as we discuss various reasons for the American church to keep sending missionaries. 

How should we think about the tempo of our ministry activities? How should we manage our time and plan our ministry rhythms? Listen in as we discuss this 6th "T" or stewardship of team leaders. 

Over the last 6 months, we have been transitioning from the end of a 19-year season of ministry in South Asia to a new leadership role in Europe. Listen in as we share a big life update: how we have grieved, how God has guided us, challenges we have faced, and the joy, peace, and excitement God is giving as we enter this new season.

We recently had the privilege of returning to our first-term home and city, where we served from 2005-2008, and reconnected with beloved national partners and friends. It brought up a lot of reflection on our first term, particularly things we are glad we did and things we wish we would have done! Listen in and be encouraged, whether you're in your first term, experienced coworkers, or anywhere in between!

We know the promise - God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. But sometimes, this promise can feel trite or misused when we are suffering. And how exactly does God work every affliction for good? Listen in as we share 4 biblical, really good "goods" God works through suffering!

Our 5th and final episode in the 5T's of a Team Leader series! We share the value of having a team "toolbox," with a clear path and specific method or tool for each component of the missionary task. Please check the Tools tab on thecoworkerspodcast.com b/c we just uploaded 5 tools that we referred to in this series: 2 "yellow light" tools, 2 basic discipleship booklets, and an example of a team's missionary toolbox.