Worthless Servants

In this episode,, our series concludes with a specific look at the Church of the Nazarene. Why was the founding of our denomination so explicitly urban? Have we gotten away from our urban roots in many countries? What are some examples of effective Nazarene ministry in the hearts of global cities?

In this episode, we talk about what we're calling “Urban Spirituality.” Is growing closer to God in rural areas different from doing so in urban areas? In the midst of the city, how do we care for our souls? How do we help others to do the same?

We're dedicating the whole episode to stories of city impact and transformation. Our hope is that by the end, you'll know God is still at work in the city, and his Church is, too.

In this episode, we offer a wide array of strategies for impacting the city. What seems to NOT be working in urban areas? What are some examples of churches bearing fruit through creative ministry methods? In many ways, our entire season has built to this! How can we as the body of Christ be agents of change in the city?

This episode takes a bit of a dark turn…well, in the sense that we directly confront the dark side of the city. But don't worry. We believe the Church is the perfect entity to make a difference in the midst of evil…

This episode is in many ways a continuation of the previous one. How can we bring a genesis – a new beginning – to our cities? Are there traits that would define a church that is effectively ministering to the city? Here are five more areas we can use to measure ourselves as we reach out in urban contexts…

In this episode, we introduce Genesis, a ministry that is impacting the cities of Latin America and the Caribbean. What does a Church that actively loves and serves her city look like? For starters, we should begin with these five characteristics…

In this episode we acknowledge that city work is inherently hard…but also rewarding. By the end, it's clear we believe that we must truly love in order to see change in the urban jungle.

In this episode, we try to tap into the heart of God. Is there a special place in God's heart for cities? Does the Bible have anything to say about his passion for cities?

In this episode, we talk about the growing urbanization of the world, and what difference that should make for us as Christians. The future is truly urban. But maybe the present already is as well.

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After 6 consecutive years of sharing topics about missions, culture, and healthy church, the Worthless Servants say goodbye to this version of the podcast and announce some changes that might take place in the future.

Have you ever had to prophesy victory, healing, or life over a situation where there was none? This week's passage tells us of Ezekiel's classic vision of dry bones and shows us God's power to restore and bring new life.

How can we pray for missionaries and believers in Creative Access areas around the world? In this episode the cast gives us some clues. Also, without revealing names, they share stories and realities that some of these missionaries face.

The exploitation and enslavement of people is nothing new. This week's passage leaves us with a series of teachings on how obedience to God's will and the testimony of his servants brought liberation to a girl, a jailer, and an entire family.

https://missiodeijournal.com/issues/md-8-1/authors/md-8-1-looney

In Acts 16, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke encounter significant opposition as they share the gospel. But this time it's God himself blocking their ministry path! Have you ever felt “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word” or minister? What could this story teach us about obedience and fulfilling God's mission?

Does society today give importance to being humble? Why is humility so essential for a Christian? In this episode, the Worthless Servants talk about this quality and share some characteristics and examples of humility, helping us to think of practical steps or actions that can help rid us of pride.

In this episode, Nathalie shares how she was challenged recently to push, “force”, and never get tired of sharing the gospel. Then, Scott somehow leads us to reflect on our leadership styles using different images of aquatic transportation.

This week Dario helps us see family time through the lens of a busy missionary travel schedule. And look out! Emily wonders when current events can be interpreted through “end times” theology and when we just need to say an earthquake is an earthquake.

https://transformtheglobe.com/2023/03/04/from-global-missions-to-missions-mobilization/

This week the Worthless Servants examine perhaps one of the most misinterpreted passages of Scripture: Psalm 22. Did God the Father really forsake Jesus on the cross? What does this psalm say to us as we approach Holy Week? As you might expect, we highlight several missional implications as well.

In this episode, two members of our cast share what's been on their minds lately. Nathalie received a training on the famous book “Good to Great” and her main takeaway was the concept of Level 5 Leadership. Scott is excited about a new event taking place in the Dominican Republic in a few months that could have historic ramifications.

We didn't plan it this way, but two members of our crew have been dealing with some very similar things recently. Emily starts the discussion with an analogy of how she is learning to have balance between work, family, and more. Then Dario explores what seasons and stages of life have to do with us personally and in ministry.

As a continuation of our previous episode, this time we share testimonies of transformation through "Play and Witness” and other sports initiatives. Listen to stories of people who have come to know Christ and communities impacted, and also testimonies of many who've grown in their discipleship and leadership.

A huge benefit of having Dario Richards as a part of our cast is that he is an expert in Sports Ministry! Why is this field so important? What can ministry with sports and gaming look like and what can it achieve? Why are sports uniquely positioned to reach the masses?

Scott and Emily attended and greatly enjoyed the MissioNexus Conference in 2022, and came back with some new vocabulary and insights. Join them as they highlight workshops dealing with involving Gen Z in missions and much more.

In this brief episode, Scott and Emily fill us in on new sites that we are entering with the Genesis initiative, and new missionaries who are being sent there this very month! They also take us behind the curtain to see what training and sending missionaries looks like post-pandemic.

The Church of the Nazarene recently celebrated its first Mesoamerica Regional Conference since before the pandemic, and many of the Worthless Servants were there. Listen to some of what God did in Panama, and enjoy insights from our special guest, Timmeon Spencer, as well.

This week's passage helps us to reflect on the attitude that Christians should have in the face of the difficult situations that come at us in life. The apostle Paul learned the secret of contentment in the midst of persecution, suffering, and prison. We invite you to listen to this full episode and learn what the Worthless Servants discovered as they delved into these scriptures and shared their stories.

In this episode the Worthless Servants share 7 reasons why missionaries (or any speaker) should never just show up at the worship service. Benefits such as spiritual formation, opportunities to serve the sending church, valuable time with children and youth, and the ability to engage with the community as much as possible are unlikely to be produced by “doing the minimum” and “merely” preaching a message.

In this episode we focus on a thought-provoking article written by missionary Amy Medina. She describes a trend she has seen in the Church to unconsciously categorize missionaries into different classes based on their assignments. Are some roles more mission critical than others? Is it right to value certain missionaries more for the work they do or the location where they serve? Should the church differ in the ways she endorses and supports through prayer and finances?

This week, Nathalie brings some unconventional tips that Lucas Leys recommends to any Christian desiring to maintain their "spiritual hygiene." In addition, Scott causes us to reflect on the dispersion of foreigners around our Mesoamerica Region and the great opportunity that the Church has to strategically promote the gospel throughout the world, even without having to travel to far-away nations.

This week we open up the mics to hear what some of our cast has had on their minds (and hearts) recently. Dario explores where our evangelical churches in the Caribbean are bearing fruit and where we still have work to do. Then, Emily reveals a personal project she has been involved in for the last year and how it has taught our entire family about discipleship and investing in our children.

https://mikefrost.net/jesus-take-the-wheel/

Read "How Church Leaders Can Empower And Pursue Millennials and Gen Z" by Micah Davis.

In this episode the Worthless Servants share their stories about missionary experiences in Haiti, miracles they have seen serving in the field, how culture influences sports, and more!

Today's Scripture Spotlight is Philippians 4:2-9

Read Emily's blog, "Challenges for the Post-Pandemic Church: Part 2"

Read Scott's blog, "Challenges for the Post-Pandemic Church: Part 1"

In this episode, Nathalie has been thinking about ineffective leaders and their effect on those around them. How can we assure that our actions and example will end up producing more Christ-like followers? Also, what might Reuben and Judah have to do with this? Scott has been thinking about something very different: what he surprisingly learned from his family's vacation to France.

For further reading on Third Culture Kids, we highly recommend "Third Culture Kids" by Pollock and Van Reken.

Read the Church of the Nazarene 2021 Statistics Report. You can also read Scott's blog or listen to Episode 128 of the Worthless Servants Podcast.

This week we welcome Pastor Dario Richards from Barbados to the Worthless Servants' cast. He has been with us in previous episodes, but this time we interview him about his family, his ministry, his calling, his passions, and more. Stay tuned at the end for a description of why we are called The Worthless Servants (hint: it's biblical)!

After 5 years and 132 episodes, AJ and Chelsea say goodbye to the Dominican Republic. Although their ministry in Latin America comes to a close, they will be starting a new chapter in another urban district. The Worthless Servants asked them to reflect on their time in the D.R. as well as what they have enjoyed or will miss the most. They may be leaving the podcast and the D.R., but they will need your good wishes and continued prayer support in the States! Stay tuned for an epic surprise at the end of the episode, as well.

This week we share our thoughts on how to improve our Bible study, how we can become genuine servants, how prayer has changed in recent times, and much more. What about you? What have you been thinking?

This week's passage challenges us to see ourselves as true athletes. The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to a great race that requires focus, perseverance, and effort to reach the finish line. What are some tips we found to successfully run this spiritual race? What is the grand prize that we will get when we win? Paul's decision to persevere steadfastly to the end, despite his earthly afflictions, cause us to ask: where did his drive come from and what were his motivations?

https://transformtheglobe.com/2022/02/22/christianity-is-more-than-just-being-a-good-person/

In this episode we share our observations on the 2021 statistical report of the Church of the Nazarene globally. How has COVID-19 impacted our denomination? What are some areas or findings that potentially alarm us or that we may need to improve? We dive into this and a whole lot more, so enjoy this episode!

In this episode, the Worthless Servants share stories about some home assignment complications, gum samples, a baby dedication gone awry, and much more.

https://careynieuwhof.com/5-simple-questions-about-the-future-every-leader-should-be-asking-right-now/