The Coworkers Podcast

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.

Join in our last episode on the 5 T's of a Team Leader. We've covered Targets, Training and Tools, Teaming, and now we discuss Tracking with Jimmy. How do we track in a way that honors the Lord and furthers the work? How do we track for both fruitfulness and faithfulness? What are simple, best practices to make tracking more doable? Listen in - there's so much goodness in this episode!

Continuing with our series on the 5 "T's" or stewardships of team leaders, we discuss teaming with missionary leaders Willie and Emily. Willie and Emily have been doing church planting work and leading teams in South Asia for over a decade, and share biblical principles and practical tips on how to team well- not for teaming's sake, but for the missionary task. How do we stay focused on the work, while also caring well for team members? Listen in.

Continuing our series on the 5 "T's," or 5 stewardships of team leaders, Jesse discusses Training and Tools with missionary leader Kenny B. Listen in as Kenny shares key principles for effective training and practical tips for creating and conducting your own training and tools in your context. This is a must-listen for every missionary!

Every Team Leader needs to steward 5 "T's:" Targets, Teaming, Tools, Training, and Tracking. Listen in as Jesse and Jimmy discuss the necessity of clear targets - a people or place with a common language and culture - that the team focuses on with a clear church-planting strategy. Jesse and Jimmy discuss the process South Asia leaders went through to divide South Asia into 104 "megasegment" targets, the value of tracking stages of progress in every people group, and CELEBRATE progress among 2400 South Asia people groups! This is an exciting episode - listen in!

How much travel is too much? How can parents think rightly, consider their own limitations, priorities, and the needs of their children and ministry targets, and make these decisions? Listen in as Shanee discusses best practices for families thriving in busy travel seasons with experienced missionary leaders Laura G and Debbie M.

How much travel is too much? How can parents think rightly, consider their own limitations, priorities, and the needs of their children and ministry targets, and make these decisions? Listen in as Shanee discusses best practices for families thriving in busy travel seasons with experienced missionary leaders Laura G and Debbie M.

There is a lot of discussion in the missions world on "multiplication vs. maturity" or "movement vs. healthy church." How should we think about these 2 different emphases in the work? Which is more important? Listen in as Jesse shares from Colossions that all missionaries must be furiously committed to both. 

There is more talk in the missions world recently about sending churches and organizations requiring new missionaries to have the same training and qualifications as pastors. While we appreciate the emphasis on preparing prospective missionaries well, we share 7 reasons that missionaries should not be required to have the same training and qualifications as pastors. This has important ramifications for sending out new workers - listen in!

The new year is a chance for a fresh start. Additionally, our family and many of our coworkers are preparing for unexpected, fresh beginnings in new ministry this year. We want to begin with the final day in mind. Listen in as Jesse shares from Paul's account of his service in Ephesus. Paul served wholeheartedly, testified unceasingly, and lived generously.

When we feel called to serve as missionaries, it can be difficult to discern where God is sending us! Listen in as we share a few questions you can ask yourself to help you make this important decision. 

Should we use methods and tools in our evangelism, discipleship, and church planting work, or are methods "pragmatic?" Listen in to hear what the Bible says about methods, necessary traits of good methods, and dangers of methods. 

Many times we subconsciously have wrong beliefs about grief, such as that crying is weak or that self-reflection is self-centered and unproductive, which leads us to avoid, stuff, or deny uncomfortable emotions, and miss out on the abundant life the Lord Jesus offers to us. Listen in as we share 6 reasons you should intentionally work to grow in healthy emotional expression.

Many times we subconsciously have wrong beliefs about grief, such as that crying is weak or that self-reflection is self-centered and unproductive, which leads us to avoid, stuff, or deny uncomfortable emotions, and miss out on the abundant life the Lord Jesus offers to us. Listen in as we share 6 reasons you should intentionally work to grow in healthy emotional expression. 

We (rightly) study the book of Acts and particularly Paul's missionary journeys to learn the biblical pattern for mission work. However, in most missions contexts, we foreign missionaries shouldn't function as the "Apostle Paul." We are not the strategy! Instead, we should function in a catalytic role similar to Barnabas. Barnabas was an encourager, advocated for the Apostle Paul when other believers didn't trust him, went out with Paul on their first missionary journey, and then begins falling into the background as Paul becomes prominent. Similarly, missionaries' primary function, when possible, should be to advocate for, train, and catalyze local believers to be the "main doers" in their context. 

The church is the family of God, and spiritual mothers and fathers are necessary for the flourishing of the church. Just as biological mothers bring new life into the world and nurture children, spiritual mothers procreate spiritually and nurture spiritual children. Listen in as Christy Allen, a missionary with 14 years of field experience and teacher at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches on this biblical principle and shares examples from her own life.

Just as biological mothers bring new life into the world and nurture children, spiritual mothers procreate spiritually and nurture spiritual children. The church is the family of God, and spiritual mothers and fathers are necessary for the flourishing of the church. Listen in as Christy Allen, a missionary with 14 years of field experience and teacher at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches on this biblical principle and shares examples from her own life. 

No need to choose between "bible-focused faith" or "spirit-filled faith;" let's pursue both! Listen in as Joey Schwartz of livefull.org teaches on the Holy Spirit and his power, influence, and gifts in our lives,  including a definition of and benefits of prophesy.

Is self-care worldly and selfish or biblical? Listen in as biblical counselor Kim Day gives a biblical perspective on this topic. Self-care is not just a worldly trend; it is the stewardship of our minds, bodies, and souls, so that we can be and do all that God has for us. We must be poured into in order to pour out. Jim and Kim's Retreat Center: restore23.orgCheck out our website for helpful resources: thecoworkerspodcast.com

We all have seasons when sharing the gospel feels hard, and actually, it IS hard! Evangelism is uncomfortable and sacrificial, and often feels harder due to spiritual warfare. The enemy lies to us, to paralyze us with shame, to make us dread evangelism, and to lure us to escape instead of engage people. However, there are many rewards of evangelism, such as being used by God for the salvation of people and the deeper joy of obedience. Listen in as we discuss this topic and share practical steps to get back on the evangelism horse!

How should we raise up leaders for church planting in pioneer contexts? Leadership development begins with discipleship of the entire church - "everyone gets everything." This discipleship is more than gaining biblical knowledge (though that is important); it is holistic and addresses all of life. This discipleship progressive, and begins with basic discipleship for new believers, and helps believers mature over time. The Lord Jesus and Apostle Paul developed leaders through giving time and attention to faithful believers in 4 ways, the 4 "E's" or "essentials" of leadership development: exemplify, equip, encourage, and entrust.

1 Peter 3:1-7 includes instructions for women that can be difficult to understand, such as be subject, have gentle and quiet spirits, be like Sarah who obeyed Abraham and called him lord, and you are weaker vessels. Listen in as Shanee explains this text, and shares how God warmed her heart to not only tolerate, but see the beauty and honor for women in this text. 

1 Peter 3:1-7 includes instructions for women that can be difficult to understand, such as be subject, have gentle and quiet spirits, be like Sarah who obeyed Abraham and called him lord, and you are weaker vessels. Listen in as Shanee explains this text, and shares how God warmed her heart to not only tolerate, but see the beauty and honor for women in this text.

What will it be like to be a part of that "vast multitude that no one can number from every nation, tribe, people, and language," gathered around the throne worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen in as Jesse recently preached on Rev. 7:9-10 at The Village Church, and be encouraged that every sacrifice you make to fulfill God's vision will be worth it!

A furlough (or "stateside") is an extended time back in one's home/passport country at regular intervals for cross-cultural workers. Listen in as we share 4 purposes for furlough, common challenges missionaries face on furloughs, and best practices for using your furlough well, particularly to restore your fervor for the Lord and your work, so you can get back on the plane with health and passion. 

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

During July and August, we are highlighting our all-time top 10 episodes for you, in case you missed them! We are enjoying time with family and some needed rest. If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend!

Mission work is more than preaching the gospel; it's a spiritual battle that involves the Holy Spirit and spiritual forces of darkness. We should not be unaware or flippant about the enemy's work and influence as we go about mission work. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers. Resistance to the gospel should not result in frustration towards people; but a frustration that leads to desperate prayer. Listen in as our South Asian friend and ministry partner Noah J gives a thorough, biblical teaching on the necessity of the Holy Spirit and the Word to gain victory over the enemy.

How do we as outsiders learn to communicate the gospel and provide biblical counsel cross-culturally in a way that gets to people's hearts? Listen in as Matt and Sheryl share from their experience in church planting and counseling in the U.S. and South Asia. Matt is South Asian and grew up in South Asia. He has done ministry in the U.S. and currently in a megacity in South Asia. Sheryl is a licensed marriage and family counselor. 

Many times, coworkers arrive on the field expecting to be handed an amazing national believer ready to partner in church-planting. In reality, national partners aren't usually "handed over" or "found," but developed over months and years of investing in lots of believers. Listen in as Jared and Michelle, missionary leaders (and dear friends) in South Asia, share best practices from their almost 20 years of experience.

Culture stress is an inevitable challenge for sent-out ones living in foreign cultures, and it doesn't seem to go away! Listen in as we discuss some of the heart-level causes of culture stress, and how to shepherd our hearts in a way that glorifies God and honors the people we came to serve.

Culture stress is an inevitable challenge for sent-out ones living in foreign cultures, and it doesn't seem to go away! Listen in as we discuss some of the heart-level causes of culture stress, and how to shepherd our hearts in a way that glorifies God and honors the people we came to serve.

A part of our job as team leaders on the field is partnering with Stateside (home country) churches, which includes planning for and hosting short term volunteer teams. This requires a lot of work, time, planning, and often stress; however these volunteer teams can be a fruitful part of our field strategy! Listen in as we share best practices for using short term teams well (without losing your minds!)

Burn-out - or exhaustion due to chronic work-related stress - is a danger for everyone. Listen in as Bobby F, a missionary with 26+ years of field experience and currently a counselor to missionaries, shares his own story of burn-out, signs to watch for, tips for prevention, and the root cause of burn-out that surprised us! Bobby recommended several "soul care" authors and books:Steve SmithTrevor Hudson - Cycle of GraceRichard FosterDallas WillardRuth Haley Barton- An Introduction to Silence and Solitude; Strengthening the Soul of Your LeadershipPete Scazzero - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality 

As we engage with local believers and churches on the mission field, largely for the purposes of training, what do we do when they have different doctrinal beliefs than we do? To what extent should we partner with them, and how? What about churches that are more "charismatic" or have some "prosperity gospel" leanings? Listen in as we discuss how to handle this common issue on the field. 

Jesse, Jacob C, and Will J are coworkers and brothers in our city that have been meeting weekly for the past 3 years intentionally to "walk in the light together" - to be able to intentionally share the hard stuff and sin struggles in a safe, trustworthy place. This has been extremely influential for all three in their health and growth. Listen in as they share how their group grew in trusting one another and how you can pursue similar trusting, open relationships in your life.The guys have gone through the following books in their time together:Gentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundFuture Grace by John PiperThe Voice of the Heart by Chip DoddDon't Give the Enemy a Seat at your Table by Louie GiglioKnowing God by JI Packer

When we fail to intentionally process our uncomfortable emotions, they pile up and come out later at unexpected times and in inappropriate ways, and we can become dull and jaded. Listen in as Elizabeth Smith, COO of www.tcktraining.com and author of The Practice of Processing, shares how to establish rhythms for naming and sorting our emotions, and then proceeding in healthy ways. 

Scripture memory can often feel like a duty or too much work, but when we take small steps to incorporate it into our days, it results in so much joy and fruit in our lives! Listen in as coworkers and busy moms Laura and Micah share how they have prioritized and benefited from scripture memory in their lives on the field. 

Listen in as we discuss our own journey with reformed theology, and how those principles intersect with evangelism and missions. Along with embracing the sovereignty of God in salvation and election according to Romans 9:19-24, let's embrace Paul's unceasing anguish for the lost in Romans 9:2!

Serving and leading together as a married couple in our family lives and in ministry is a gift, and an area that requires ongoing intentionality. Listen in as we share 3 tips for growing in "laboring side by side for the faith of the gospel:" prioritizing the marriage relationship, valuing one another's gifts, and regularly communicating about our work and leadership. 

The pattern of mission work that we find in Paul's missionary journeys includes laying a foundation of gospel proclamation and new churches, and then moving on to unreached places. Exit is a difficult but essential component of the missionary task, and drives local ownership. Missionaries from the beginning are trying to work themselves out of their job! Listen in!