Urbana

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with Andy Kim, Associate Conference Director and upcoming MC for Urbana 25. The conversation centers around Andy’s journey in Christian leadership, the profound impact Urbana has had on his life, and the surprising way he joined the Urbana leadership team.

Andy shares how his first Urbana experience as a college sophomore in 2003 transformed his faith from “two-dimensional to three-dimensional,” giving him a fresh vision for global missions and the breadth of God’s kingdom. Growing up in a Korean American church, Andy reflects on learning to appreciate diverse worship styles and global perspectives, experiences that have continued to shape his faith and ministry.

A major focus of the episode is the backstory of how both Andy and Mark applied for the Urbana Director role. Andy candidly shares about feeling a strong calling to apply, his initial disappointment when Mark was selected, and the unexpected process of healing and partnership that followed. Mark created the Associate Director role specifically for Andy, recognizing his passion and gifts. Both speak openly about how God’s orchestration turned initial disappointment into a fruitful and joyful collaboration, illustrating themes of trust, surrender, and resilience in the face of closed doors.

The episode ends with reflections on Urbana’s unique legacy, the importance of adapting to each new generation, and the excitement for Urbana 25 as a space where students can connect deeply with God’s work around the world and discern their own roles in His mission!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:08) Introducing Urbana’s New MC

(11:33) Discovering Diverse Prayer Traditions

(19:39) Future Vision for the North American Church

(27:35) Honoring Legacy While Embracing Innovation

(34:05) InterVarsity’s Global Student Movement

(40:20) Urbana’s Fresh Legacy

(44:12) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Andy Kim

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske are joined by Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Christianity Today, for an insightful discussion on the changing landscape of missions and the emerging generation’s role in the church. Nicole shares her personal experience attending Urbana as a college student and how it became a direction-setting event, deepening her sense of calling and introducing her to the broader context of global Christianity.

The conversation explores the profound impact of technology—especially artificial intelligence—on how young adults engage with faith and community, as well as the anxieties and complexities of modern life. Nicole highlights the increasing accessibility of global connection, the significance of storytelling, and the challenges posed by social media algorithms that tend to create echo chambers and reduce empathy.

A key topic addressed is the concerning trend of young women leaving the church, contrasted with a newfound engagement among young men. Nicole examines potential reasons for women’s disengagement, including limited leadership opportunities, church hurt, and cultural shifts. Additionally, Nicole discusses the complexities of missions in the context of colonialism and cultural intelligence, emphasizing the need to share the gospel both locally and globally without imposing cultural forms. The episode concludes with Nicole’s encouragement for resilience rooted in the gospel—highlighted in her new book—and her hope that Urbana can catalyze genuine encounters with Christ and renewal for young leaders!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:38) Deepening Relationships Through Shared Faith

(11:50) Future Uncertainty from AI’s Impact

(15:47) Women’s Critical Role in Ministry

(22:28) Bridging Divisions Through Gospel Connections

(25:21) Colonialism and Gospel Contextualization

(28:58) Embracing Cultural Intelligence Locally

(35:30) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Social Media

(38:22) Christian Nationalism and Gender Exclusion

(42:48) Balancing Mission and Cultural Identity

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Nicole Martin

Christianity Today

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske introduce listeners to the worship team for Urbana 25, featuring musician Tracy Stingley, Alexandria DeJesus, and James Paek. The discussion centers on the unique collaborative spirit and multicultural approach shaping this year’s worship experience. The team reflects on the profound impact of worship at Urbana, which includes singing in multiple languages and fostering a sense of global unity among attendees. 

The conversation delves into each worship leader’s personal journey and their commitment to both craftsmanship and spiritual authenticity. Tracy shares his story of overcoming early life challenges to become a musician dedicated to God’s service, while Alexandria highlights her current mission of connecting and equipping worship teams across the country. James discusses the intersection of culture, identity, and worship, emphasizing the importance of including underrepresented voices—particularly Asian American stories—in contemporary worship music.

A key theme of the episode is the balance between musical excellence and openness to the Holy Spirit’s direction. The team describes the importance of humility, preparation, and mutual submission in fostering authentic, Spirit-led worship moments—including spontaneous, “God moments” that transcend planning and programming. Overall, the episode offers an inspiring look at how intentional collaboration and diverse experiences are shaping worship at Urbana 25, setting the stage for a dynamic, inclusive encounter with God!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(09:36) Exploring Cultural Influence on Worship Music

(14:43) Unity in Worship Through Spirit

(18:00) Embracing Improvisation in Worship Music

(22:23) Embracing Life's Mystery

(28:47) Worship Through Humble Obedience

(32:39) Preparing Your Heart for Worship

(42:03) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Tracy Stingley

Alexandria DeJesus

James Paek

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske welcome Corey Greaves, leader of Mending Wings—a prominent Native youth ministry in the Yakama Nation. This conversation is not just an interview; it’s a powerful reimagining of what cross-cultural missions can and should be.

Corey shares his personal journey as a Native follower of Jesus, emphasizing the tension between embracing the beauty of Indigenous culture and navigating the often Eurocentric frameworks of Western Christianity. He opens up about the pain caused by historic missionary approaches that, rather than honoring Native identity, attempted to "save" Native youth by erasing their traditions and worldview.

Instead of perpetuating the outdated model where outsiders come to “fix” or “save,” Corey challenges listeners to embrace a humble, learner’s posture. Through Mending Wings and their innovative SLAM Trips (Students Learning about Missions), visiting groups are invited not to run programs, but to listen, learn, and build genuine relationships. Corey envisions missions that are reciprocal—where Native and non-Native Christians learn from one another, experiencing fresh glimpses of the Creator through each other’s stories.

This episode is a timely call to “decolonize” our faith—removing the barriers that have long hindered the gospel’s authentic, multicultural expression. Listeners will be inspired by Corey’s commitment to a theology of place and belonging, his vision for partnership, and his practical steps toward healing and reconciliation!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:52) Decolonizing Gospel for Native Youth

(07:54) Mending Wings’ Backstory

(11:51) Rethinking Short-Term Missions Impact

(14:02) The Cultural Genocide of Indigenous Peoples

(17:21) Cultural Erasure in Religion

(20:14) The Value of Cultural Perspectives

(28:04) Enriching Church Community with Indigenous Wisdom 

(34:39) Exploring Spirituality vs. Religion

(43:34) Engaging in Jesus-Centered Dialogue

(52:31) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Mending Wings

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske welcome special guest Matthew Ellison, author of When Everything Is Missions, to explore what it truly means to live out the Great Commission. The conversation reflects on the shifting definition of “missions” within the church—from the traditional understanding of cross-cultural evangelism to a broader, sometimes diluted application of the term to any kind of Christian service. Matthew also shares insights from his experience as a former missions pastor and now leader of 16:15 Outfitters, an organization dedicated to helping churches clarify and actively pursue their global mission in biblically grounded, strategic ways.

A central theme is the importance of distinguishing between “living missionally” in daily life and the unique calling of cross-cultural missionaries. Ellison argues that while all Christians are called to live on mission and be witnesses in their own communities, not everyone is a missionary in the New Testament sense; missionary is a specific role, much like pastor or deacon. He cautions against the well-intentioned but problematic view that “everyone is a missionary,” noting that such thinking can inadvertently minimize the necessity and challenge of reaching unreached people groups worldwide.

The discussion also highlights practical obstacles churches face, including leadership challenges and shifting cultural priorities, and encourages leaders to return to prayer, discernment, and focused evaluation of current mission involvement. The episode concludes with Ellison’s encouragement that deep joy comes from participating in God’s global mission and an invitation for all listeners, whether or not they feel called overseas, to actively seek their role in God’s work.

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:32) Transforming Churches’ Missions Strategies

(08:27) Defining the Purpose of Missions

(11:31) Unintended Consequences of “Everyone's a Missionary”

(19:41) Tracing Faith Back to Apostle Thomas

(21:31) Pastors' Role in Church Missions

(24:11) Analyzing North America’s Mission Landscape

(30:18) Reevaluating Church Missions

(33:27) Experiencing Joy Through Active Participation

(35:19) Rethinking Missionary Roles

(39:05) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Matthew Ellison

16:15

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with Tom Lin, president and CEO of InterVarsity. The conversation explores Tom's deep connection to Urbana—the triennial missions conference that has been shaping college students and global missions since 1946. Tom reflects on his personal journey, beginning as a college student at Harvard attending Urbana '93, and how that formative experience led him into a life of campus ministry, overseas missions in Mongolia, and eventually leadership in InterVarsity.

Listeners learn how Urbana acts as a catalytic event, compressing a year’s worth of discipleship and discernment into just a few days. Tom and the hosts emphasize Urbana’s vital role in helping students and leaders discern their unique callings within God’s global mission, whether that’s overseas, in the marketplace, or through supporting roles. The episode dives into the rich history of Urbana, its biblical foundation, and the way the conference constantly adapts to the rapidly changing global context, including discussions on technology, globalization, and AI.

Stories of past Urbanas, the legacy of mission leaders like David Howard, and the importance of community and peer support highlight the broad and inclusive impact of the conference—open to students, churches, and campus ministries beyond InterVarsity. The episode closes with encouragement for leaders and students to prioritize transformative experiences like Urbana, especially for a generation seeking clarity and purpose in a complex world.

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:44) Tom’s Thirty Years in Campus Ministry

(09:03) The Gift of Abundance and Radical Generosity

(15:59) Urbana's Lasting Impact on Ministry

(21:29) Exploring the Origins of Student Missions

(29:39) How Urbana is Inspiring Global Missions’ Vision

(32:11) Inspiring Youth for Global Change

(39:53) How Technological Impacts Sharing the Gospel

(45:07) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Tom Lin

InterVarsity

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske are joined by Zach Meerkreebs, known for his connection to the Asbury outpouring—a significant spiritual revival that began at Asbury University in February 2023. Zach provides insight into his unexpected role as the chapel speaker during the initial outpouring, describing how he simply delivered a message on authentic love and humility and then watched in awe as the chapel service continued non-stop for sixteen days. He emphasizes that the true power of revival doesn’t reside just in the extraordinary events themselves, but in the sustained impact on ordinary, everyday faith and campus life that follows.

Throughout the conversation, Zach highlights the importance of “radical humility” as a posture for experiencing and sustaining revival, both individually and collectively. He shares stories of how revival has spread to other college campuses and even across the globe, noting similar movements in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The discussion also touches on how humility is countercultural in an age preoccupied with self-promotion and platforms. Additionally, Zach reflects on his personal spiritual journey, including the influence of Urbana on his life and the role of humility in global missions. The episode concludes with a call for radical humility, openness to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to be “emptied” so that God can work powerfully—moving from being filled to being poured out on mission, both at Urbana and in everyday life.

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:18) Asbury Revival’s Nationwide Impact

(10:46) How Campus Revivals Sparked a Spiritual Movement

(14:37) Understanding God’s Current Work

(19:36) Establishing Consecrated Confidence Through Humility

(20:41) Finding Grace in Humility

(24:54) Urbana’s Impactful Legacy

(29:23) Pouring Salvation into Future Generations

(31:06) Adaptive Worship: Embracing the Holy Spirit

(37:08) Transitioning Mission Narratives

(44:32) Trusting God in Programming Urbana

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Zach Meerkreebs

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, host Mark Matlock sits down with Olivia Benda and Ehud Lee, recent Biola University graduates and co-directors of the 2024 Biola Student Missionary Union (SMU) Conference. As leaders of the nation's longest-running student-led missions conference, Olivia and Ehud share their personal journeys into missions, discussing how their unique backgrounds and perspectives shaped the theme and programming for the event. The 2024 conference theme, “Unhindered,” draws from Acts and Psalm 73, emphasizing living out the gospel free from constraints—not by personal strength, but by relying on God.

They delve into the challenges and opportunities of student leadership, highlighting the intentional effort to make missions accessible and relatable to their diverse student body. Both Olivia and Ehud note that today’s students are especially mindful and nuanced in their approach to missions, desiring to integrate their individual skills and vocations—like nursing—into God’s global call, rather than viewing missions narrowly as cross-cultural or overseas work.

The episode also covers the value of vocational assessment tools, like the True Center assessment offered at Urbana, in helping students discern their motivations, gifts, and roles in the Great Commission. Olivia and Ehud reflect on the legacy of Biola’s SMU conference, attributing its longevity to institutional support and a Christ-centered campus culture that encourages student-led initiatives. They close by sharing powerful memories and lessons learned from their experience, reminding listeners of God’s faithfulness through the process of preparing and executing the conference. Tune in!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:41) Finding Unlikely Connections in Scripture

(09:10) Staying Focused on the Theme of Missions

(12:51) Thoughtful Approach to Modern Missions

(15:06) Embracing the Calling of Missions

(19:41) Unique and Personal True Center Assessment

(20:40) Aligning Missions with Personal Impact

(23:43) Assessing Life Choices in College

(27:34) SMU’s Christ-Centered Education Appeal

(34:43) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Olivia Benda

Ehud Lee 

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with special guests Karen Rouggly from Azusa Pacific University (APU) and Jared Falkanger from Wheaton College. The episode centers on engaging college students and young adults with God’s global mission, particularly through participation in the Urbana conference.

Mark introduces the podcast’s mission to empower Christian leaders on college campuses with tools and strategies to help students engage with world challenges and expand the gospel’s reach. Phoebe shares her own transformative experience attending Urbana as a freshman and her passion for integrating technology with missions, highlighting community building and the unique impact Urbana had on her college journey.

Moreover, Karen and Jared discuss their respective roles in spiritual formation and ministry, and detail how they’ve mobilized students to attend Urbana. Karen recounts her experiences as both an exhibitor and organizer, emphasizing the value of connecting students with global missions and the importance of resilience and grit in today’s context. Jared reflects on Wheaton’s longstanding Urbana participation, describing the conference as a catalytic experience that energizes students’ spiritual journeys and community involvement.

The conversation explores generational shifts, the impact of COVID-19 on student resilience, and the expanding possibilities for global connectivity and missions within Generation Z. Both guests attest to Urbana’s power in sparking lifelong discipleship and inspiring students to actively engage in God’s redemptive work both locally and globally. The episode concludes with encouragement for leaders to leverage Urbana as a spiritual spark for their student communities. Listen today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(09:04) Community Mobilization After California’s Wildfires

(18:57) What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ?

(21:46) Urbana’s Impact on Wheaton College’s Staff

(25:37) Exploring Multicultural Worship and Unity

(31:03) Student Engagement in Real-World Opportunities

(38:03) Shifting from a Local to a Digital Society

(43:24) Learning from Past Generations

(44:51) Guiding Future Christian Leaders

(48:57) Finding Renewal in Ministry

(55:09) Fostering Community at Urbana

(58:00) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Jared Falkanger

Wheaton College

Karen Rouggly

Azusa Pacific University

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske are joined by Lisa Fields, founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project and author of When Faith Disappoints. The conversation opens with reflections on the challenges facing Gen Z—particularly rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness on college campuses. Mark and Phoebe discuss how the overwhelming influx of information and societal pressures have shaped a generation searching for deeper purpose and direction.

Lisa Fields brings a fresh and emotionally intelligent approach to Christian apologetics, addressing the core question: "Does Christianity work?" She explains that many young adults today are skeptical of the faith's practical value and are searching for authenticity and transformation rather than mere dogma. Drawing from her own journey navigating doubt during college, Lisa emphasizes that arguments about faith often mask deeper questions of pain, identity, and hope. She encourages leaders and students alike to look beyond intellectual debates and to address the underlying emotional and existential concerns people carry—including longing for self-worth, purpose, protection, pleasure, and peace.

Lisa highlights the critical importance of embodying hope and living out authentic, joy-filled relationships, arguing that this observable transformation is what draws others to the faith. She challenges Christians to shift from "winning arguments" to "winning people" by empathizing with root causes and living as evidence that the gospel truly works. The episode wraps with encouragement to embrace vulnerability and purpose as pathways to healing and genuine community!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:29) Vocation as a Tree Concept

(06:20) Finding Your Purpose Through Prayer

(13:11) Does Christianity Work?

(17:55) Generation Tension: Revival and Retreat

(22:37) Understanding Atheist Motivations

(24:52) Boredom in Christianity

(27:26) Faith, Protection, and Syncretism

(31:37) Living and Sharing Faith Authentically

(36:25) Reframing Christianity Relationally

(40:40) Countercultural Faith in Action

(42:23) Embracing Imperfection in Christian Communities

(45:05) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Lisa Fields

Jude 3 Project