This episode is part of our Missiology Shelf series, where we dive into influential works shaping the field of missiology. Anthropologist Johnny Ramirez-Johnson joins us to discuss his latest book, The Power of Love for Reaching Out to "the Other." Drawing from his research and personal experiences, Johnny explores themes of love, cultural engagement, and the role of the Holy Spirit in mission. We also tackle intersectionality, self-awareness, and the challenges of white privilege in a multicultural society. Packed with practical wisdom, this episode highlights the importance of humility, listening, and taking actionable steps to build bridges across diverse communities. Don’t miss this thought-provoking dialogue on fostering connection and embracing “the other” with love and grace.

In this episode of Missiology Shelf, we dive into the book Missional Life in Practice and Theory, edited by Chris Flanders and Greg McKinzie, a Festschrift honoring the enduring impact of Gailyn Van Rheenen on mission theory and practice. Chris and Greg reflect on their personal experiences with Van Rheenen, discuss his pioneering role as a "missionary theologian," and explore the essential connection between theory and practice in missional engagement. The conversation also highlights Van Rheenen's global influence, his innovative concepts like the missional helix, and the evolving landscape of missiology in today's context.

In this episode of Missiology Shelf, Martin Rodriguez sits down with Darrell Whiteman to discuss his book Crossing Cultures with the Gospel: Anthropological Wisdom for Effective Christian Witness. They explore Whiteman's extensive experience in cross-cultural communication, his journey of writing the book, and the critical need for missionaries to understand both their own cultural impact and the cultures they engage with. The conversation delves into the importance of friendship in mission work, and the challenges of navigating cultural boundaries effectively while sharing the gospel.

In this episode of Missiology Shelf, missiology.com’s book review series, Martin Rodriguez speaks with Miriam Adeney and Rashid Alish about their book Afghan Mountain Faith: Stories of Justice, Beauty, and Relationships. They discuss the resilience of Afghan faith amidst cultural and religious challenges, highlighting how Jesus is transforming lives in Afghanistan’s most difficult regions. The conversation touches on the significance of understanding Afghan culture, the complexities of religious conversion, and the powerful testimonies of Afghans who have embraced Christianity in a land where walking with Jesus is a steep, mountainous climb.

Martin Rodriguez sits down with Michael Niebauer, author of Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Christian Mission. Together, they discuss the experiences that inspired the book, Niebauer’s unique approach to mission rooted in theological ethics, and how virtue plays a central role in Christian discipleship. The conversation also explores the challenges of modern church planting, the significance of persuasion in mission work, and the importance of focusing on glorifying God in all aspects of ministry.

Martin and Greg reflect on the episode #44 interview with Enoch Wan. They discuss diaspora missiology, the relationship between witness and disciple-making, Reformed and Arminian theologies of mission, the theology of participation in God's mission, and the significance of language-learning for relational missiology.

Martin Rodriguez sits down with Enoch Wan, professor of intercultural studies and director of the doctor of education and doctor of intercultural studies programs at Western Seminary (Portland, OR). They discuss diaspora missiology, the relational mission paradigm, and the the deficiencies of "functional" missionary anthropology.

Martin and Greg reflect on the episode #41 interview with Michael Rynkiewich. They discuss the church-academy relationship in light of listener feedback, the state of culture studies in contemporary missiology, and postmodern and postcolonial missiology paradigms.

Martin and Greg chat with Alan Roxburgh and Jenny Sinclair at the Leaving Egypt podcast. They discuss how the churches have been affected by modernity, and how mission needs to change. Sharing the disorientation they encounter among church leaders, they explore the tension between missiological scholarship and relationships with real people.

Martin Rodriguez sits down with Michael Rynkiewich, retired professor of anthropology. They discuss his experiences as a missionary and anthropologist in the Pacific Islands, his contrubtions to missiology as a scholar and professor, and the future of the field in our rapidly changing world.