Between the Ditches Podcast

We hope you are encouraged by this testimony of a young couple working hard to get the Gospel work started among forgotten people groups. 

In this episode, Oscar and Nathaniel join me in responding to a recent 9 Marks/Reaching and Teaching podcast. The episode was about indigenous church planting. We found many things to celebrate in this episode, but felt there were a few things said that could use some clarification from the Word. Primarily, in this episode, we responded to the statement that preaching is required for the indigenous church to be healthy. Hope we can examine the Scriptures together and come out closer to one another and to the truth.Here is the link to the 9 Marks Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSs6ETYAMWASpotify episode link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gUNtrq10szBgWLvQDCoSb?si=574027dbe0424664Watch our episode on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpUgPhxdzik

In this episode, we discuss different models used when the church gathers to worship. In particular, we compare and contrast the traditional western model with the models used in pioneering fields around the world. Are we sacrificing church health with these models? Are these models pragmatically chosen because they reproduce? Find out in this episode.Feedback, questions, comments: betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode with Nik Ripken and Pastor Wade Stevens of Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando, MS we discuss the scarcity of men accepting the call to serve in overseas missions. We hope the men who listen to this episode are challenged and spurred on to go, to lead their families, and to develop their boys into godly men who are willing to go.Other Resources:www.nikripken.com

In this episode with Will Jackson from CrossPoint church in Clemson, SC, we discuss best practices for church planters and pastors as they lead God's people through controversial and divisive political environments. Will does a great job of giving us some solid biblical foundations and principles to keep in mind as we shepherd the flock wherever we are. Resources referenced in the podcast:Will's Article on Israel: https://open.substack.com/pub/crosspointclemson/p/should-christians-support-israel?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web "The Nations Belong to God" Andrew Walkerhttps://erlc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ERL4110_ResearchPDFBook_PoliticEngage_FINAL_020524.pdfNT Wright book:  "After You Believe"

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Hirt joins me for a conversation about our targets for the missionary task. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all "nations." Who are the nations, and how does this affect our missions strategies?https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-Places-Geography-Missions-Strategy/dp/1666733342

In this episode, Willie and I discuss the biblical term apostle with Dr. Don Dent, author of "The Ongoing Role of Apostles: The Forgotten Foundation." Dr. Dent lays out a great case for the continued use of the term apostle to describe modern-day missionaries and importance it has in defining mission work.

In this episode, we hear from the perspective of Matt Rogers, pastor of Christ Fellowship Cherrydale in Greenville, SC.  Matt provides helpful feedback as he hears the criticisms, and also shares his take on some interactions he's had with others using "movement" principles.

In this episode James and Jared join me for a conversation about developing pastors as we plant churches on the mission field. Jared gives us the history of the training that many use on the field to develop new pastors in new churches. James walks us through in detail how he labors to keep up with the needs of these multiplying networks of churches.  

In this episode, Nathan helps us build a biblical theology for local church elders/pastors. We discuss the importance of appointing and equipping local church pastors as we make disciples of all nations. We also talk practically about what it looks like to do this on our cross-cultural missionary teams.If you have any questions or comments please contact us at:betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

In this short episode Nathan provides more feedback regarding the interpretation of the book of Acts, and it's implications for our missions practices. If you have any feedback please contact us at:betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we talk with Jesse and he responds to some of the comments and questions posed by Alex in Acts Part 2. One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of the book of Acts in helping the church clarify what missions is and what it isn't.

In this episode Matt and I discuss Jesus' instructions when He sent out the 12 and 70 in Matthew 10/Luke 10. There has been much criticism towards those who apply these instructions in modern day missions. Matt suggests that these instructions were not limited to the disciples present at that time, but that they were meant to be followed post-pentecost and even today. Surprisingly, most scholars concur with Matt's assessment. His paper laying out his hypothesis, argument, and supporting commentaries can be found at the link below.http://bit.ly/3RRA4oW

Alex joins the conversation regarding the interpretation of the book of Acts, and provides some pushback towards some of the initial suggestions made by Jesse in the first episode. We see that this is a complex conversation with a number of differing views.  While I'm sure the conversation could have been better (from my side), I believe it is good and healthy that we continue to hear from both sides as we determine our individual stances on this topic. Where we land on the topic certainly has major implications on our missions strategies.If you have any suggestions or comments please connect with us through email at:betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

We discuss preaching in the bible with David from South Asia. David suggests the true biblical understanding of preaching is evangelistic, not homiletic. If David's conclusions are correct, we must re-evaluate the way we worship together as a church and our methods for teaching the church body. Again, we welcome feedback and comments at betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.comHere is a link to an article, written by David, laying out the conclusions heard in this podcast.  https://www.sentergy.us/post/preach-the-word-homiletics-or-evangelism

Listen to a conversation between missionaries serving overseas in South Asia. Hear their hearts as they describe the work they do and respond to the overwhelming criticism. 

Jesse joins us for a conversation on the book of Acts and how it should be applied in our missions practices. Here is the link to Jesse's podcast referenced in this episode:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7i3NcByH2BHKyEyInZGzus?si=qIPq2nWkSTqlGAp0ihe8GwIf you have comments or questions please send them to this email:betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

Why another missions podcast?  Also, hear about upcoming episodes.