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

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with Lisa Pak to discuss the intricacies of contemporary Christian missions. As a reverend doctor with a rich background straddling both Korean and Canadian cultures, Lisa brings a distinctive perspective to today's mission landscape. She emphasizes the importance of understanding missions beyond their colonial past, advocating for a more nuanced appreciation of the global church's evolving role. Highlighting the critical nature of intergenerational collaboration, Lisa passionately encourages Gen Z to actively engage in redefining missions, focusing on serving God in diverse contexts while learning from past missteps.

Lisa sheds light on her work with "Finishing the Task", a movement dedicated to mobilizing the global church toward fulfilling the Great Commission. She argues that your generation is exceptionally poised to make a significant impact, given its enhanced cultural exposure and propensity for social responsibility. Lisa’s message is both a challenge and an encouragement, urging young leaders to harness their unique skills and perspectives to drive meaningful change.

Through personal anecdotes, Lisa makes a compelling case for the potential of North Americans to contribute positively alongside the growing churches in the global south. Her narrative is a call to action, suggesting that by leveraging global connectivity and cultural diversity, this generation can continue to spread the gospel effectively and ethically. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of missions and the dynamic role young leaders can play in shaping it!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:37) Church Growth Strategies and Colonialism

(09:24) God’s Intentional Creation of Personal Journeys

(15:42) Embracing Global Experience and Leadership

(19:33) Questioning Colonization and Truth

(23:48) Reflecting on the Evolution of Mission Work

(28:38) Gen Z’s Role in Global Mission

(31:55) Rediscovering Faith Through Cultural Roots

(35:37) The Importance of Human Presence

(39:35) Empowering God-Driven Leadership

(41:24) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Finishing the Task

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Ed Stetzer, Dean of the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, about the vital role of North Americans in God's global mission. The episode delves into the historical significance of the Urbana conference and explores the evolving landscape of global missions. Dr. Stetzer shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting his early calling as a church planter and his experiences in planting churches across the United States.

Listeners gain valuable perspective on how missions have transformed over the years, particularly in light of North America's current missional challenges and opportunities. The discussion touches upon the importance of living purposefully and the pivotal role of church leaders in supporting young adults eager to embrace God's mission.

The episode also introduces the exciting prospect of a pastor's track at Urbana 25, curated by Dr. Stetzer, aimed at equipping church leaders to foster global mission engagement within their congregations. Phoebe adds a personal touch, recounting her transformative experience attending Urbana as a student and the impact of peer-led Bible studies.

This episode is not just a call to action but an invitation to reimagine how we can live out the Great Commission in both local and global contexts. Whether you're a student, pastor, or church leader, this engaging dialogue promises to inspire and equip you to take meaningful steps in advancing the gospel's reach worldwide!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:46) Exploring Tech and Business in Ministry

(10:43) From Construction to Church Leadership

(13:33) Answering God’s Call

(21:38) The Evolving View of Missionary Work

(23:54) How Living Purposefully Reduced Anxiety

(28:03) Engaging Churches in Mission Support

(36:10) Extended Programs for Student Reflection

(44:33) Missionary Preparedness and Support Systems

(52:26) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Dr. Ed Stetzer

Biola University, Talbot School of Theology

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, host Mark Matlock and co-host Phoebe Jeske embark on a thoughtful exploration of the evolving role of Generation Z in the Christian mission field. Opening with Phoebe’s awe-inspiring experience of witnessing a diverse congregation of five thousand worshipers, the episode serves as a heartfelt reflection on the global nature of contemporary Christianity.

Mark and Phoebe dive into the unique characteristics of Gen Z, emphasizing their global connectedness and shared cultural touchpoints. With digital technology as a backdrop, they discuss the opportunities and challenges it presents for mission work, underscoring the importance of authentic and incarnational experiences in cross-cultural contexts. Drawing from their shared experience at the Lausanne Congress in South Korea, the duo reflects on the power of witnessing the vibrant diversity and unity of the global church. They talk about the critical nature of embodiment in mission work, and the dangers of relying solely on digital connections.

The conversation naturally transitions to the upcoming Urbana 25 conference, highlighting its transformative potential for young attendees. Mark shares the foundational questions that guide Urbana, including understanding God’s work in the world and discerning personal callings in the larger mission narrative. Additionally, Phoebe’s passionate endorsement of Urbana as a rite of passage underscores the episode’s central theme: embracing the opportunity to participate in a truly global Christian community. Listeners are encouraged to join the journey of discovery and transformation that Urbana offers, promising an experience that profoundly shapes their faith and mission engagement!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:19) A Global Gen Z Connection

(07:26) God’s Purpose Through Young People

(12:11) Inspiring Gen Z Leadership

(16:22) The Impact of Tech on Global Missions

(17:54) Digital Connection vs. Cultural Immersion

(23:21) Exploring God’s Work Through Jonah

(26:50) The Transformative Opportunity Urbana Offers

(28:19) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Urbana 2025 is a unique opportunity to see students that you lead grow in their faith, leadership skills and vision for God's global mission.
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Urbana not only equips students with a deeper understanding of the Great Commission, but it also provides a space where they can hear from global Christian leaders, participate in small group Bible studies, and engage in one-on-one coaching.