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How much should really change when you plant a church in a new context? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Pastor Andrew sits down with Pastor Jeremy Dagger — who helped plant Mercy Hill Church before launching Port City Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia — to talk contextualization in church planting. They break down an 80/20 framework: what has to adapt based on culture and location, and what never changes no matter where you plant. Topics include reaching unreached and unchurched cities, discipleship pacing, preaching as the engine of the church, leadership development, and building a church with excellence. A must-listen for church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders thinking through church growth strategy in any context.
Fit for Purpose: Contextualization in Children's and Youth MinistryThis House Conference 2026 lead-up episode introduces the “Anchored and Adaptable” series on a theology of contextualization in youth and children's ministry and features an audio reading of Rev Mike Dicker's paper, “Fit for Purpose: Contextual Children's and Youth Ministry,”.Dicker critiques the search for reproducible “supermodels” of ministry, arguing the New Testament shows context-conditioned practices rather than prescribed models, and that ministry should be theologically driven. Drawing on debates from cross-cultural mission, he defines contextualization broadly as Christian expression shaped by culture yet faithful to the gospel, explains culture as an organic whole, and uses divine accommodation to show God reveals himself through human media while remaining transcendent. He warns that navigating contextualization requires avoiding the twin dangers of syncretism (religious and cultural) and postmodern relativism (expressive individualism), illustrated in youth “incarnational” and children's “Godly Play” approaches.00:00 Series Setup01:07 Glossary Highlights02:32 Paper Begins03:02 Ministry Model Wars07:53 Why Context Matters08:41 Mission Roots10:47 Debating Definitions13:42 Culture Shapes Ministry19:09 Faith And Culture20:27 Divine Accommodation28:30 Inculturated Yet Transforming30:27 Over And Under Contextualizing35:01 Syncretism Risks38:55 Relativism And Expressive Self48:19 Navigating The Middle51:03 Final SummaryGlossary | Term | Definition | Anthropomorphic | Describing God in human terms or forms, including Scripture's language about God. | Contextualization | Faithfully communicating and applying the gospel and Christian ministry within a particular culture or context without compromising its essence. | Deism / Monism | Deism understands God as wholly separate from creation; monism understands all reality as a single substance. | Divine accommodation | The theological concept that God reveals himself through human language, forms, and media—such as Scripture and the incarnation—while remaining transcendent. | Expressive individualism | The modern cultural emphasis on discovering and authentically expressing one's own unique identity, referenced through Charles Taylor. | Immanence / Transcendence | God's nearness to and involvement in creation, contrasted with his being beyond and independent of creation. | Incarnational youth ministry | A youth ministry approach associated with Ward and Borgman that emphasises meeting young people within their own culture in order to evangelise and disciple them. | Indigenization | An earlier missiological term that contextualization was coined to replace or develop at the World Council of Churches in 1972. | Neo-incarnational youth ministry | Andrew Root's development of incarnational youth ministry that removes the evangelistic goal and makes the relationship itself the end. | Pantheism / Panentheism | Pantheism identifies God with creation; panentheism understands creation as existing within God. | Relativism | The denial of absolute or objective truth, morality, and knowledge, treating each viewpoint as valid only relative to an individual or cultural context. | Syncretism | The inappropriate incorporation of non-Christian beliefs, practices, or cultural elements into Christian faith, distorting it into something no longer authentically Christian. | Syncretism: cultural | The distortion of Christian faith through unexamined cultural customs or values. | Syncretism: religious | The blending of practices from another religion, such as Islam, into Christian faith.Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
House Conference Paper Reading 2026 - How Far Is Too Far? Contextualization vs. Syncretism in Youth and Children's Ministry by Derek BrothersonThis House Conference 2026 lead-up episode is an audio reading of Derek Brotherson's paper, “How Far Is Too Far? Distinguishing Contextualization from Syncretism. Drawing on missionary experience in a Muslim-majority Southeast Asian context, Brotherson describes adopting cultural adaptations and encountering a “Muslim follower of Isa” using Islamic worship forms while confessing Jesus and the Bible, prompting his PhD research on biblical discernment. He argues common “restrictive” (origin-based) and “permissive” (inherently disqualifying) tests are unhelpful, proposing instead an outcome-focused test: whether a form will facilitate or hinder faith and worship. Using biblical examples, he shows forms shape belief, can import unwanted meanings, and may sometimes need avoiding, applying the framework to ministry scenarios like Diwali-themed events, “hot nights,” children's Bibles, surf church, and social-action strategies.00:00 Series Setup01:14 Key Terms Preview02:32 Paper Introduction03:06 Mission Field Story08:02 Same Question Everywhere09:22 Youth Ministry Scenarios12:16 Need a Framework16:41 Unhelpful Tests17:36 Restrictive Origin Test23:03 Permissive Form Test29:06 Outcome Focused Test32:26 Impact Considerations32:50 Forms Shape Belief34:33 Forms Engage God37:06 Borrowed Forms Risks40:01 Imported Meanings Danger44:05 Form Meaning Link47:43 When to Avoid Forms49:38 Conclusion Implications50:36 Conservative Takeaways52:19 Adventurous Takeaways53:21 Final Discernment CallGlossary: | Term | Definition | Ablutions | Ritual washing performed before prayer in Islamic practice. | Ascetic practices | Practices of extreme self-denial or bodily denial believed to bring spiritual benefit. | Contextualization | Faithfully communicating and applying the gospel and Christian ministry within a particular culture or context without compromising its essence. | Form (worship form) | An outward practice, ritual, symbol, or expression used in worship, such as a prayer posture, festival, or ritual meal. | Kaaba (Kabah) | The cube-shaped building in Mecca that Muslims face during prayer. | Meaning (in relation to form) | The significance, belief, or function that a community attaches to a worship form. | Structuralist approach/test | An evaluative method that judges a practice according to what its form is or where it originates, rather than according to its function or effect. | Syncretism | The inappropriate incorporation of non-Christian beliefs, practices, or cultural elements into Christian faith, distorting it into something no longer authentically Christian.Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming retail, but are retailers giving away too much decision-making power to algorithms? On this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back retail strategist, educator, speaker and author Carl Boutet to the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Flip. Drawing on more than three decades of retail experience and his work advising organizations around the world, Carl offers a thought-provoking perspective on how AI is reshaping retail strategy, customer engagement and business leadership. The conversation begins with Carl's unique vantage point as a global retail observer. Fresh off another teaching engagement at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Carl shares insights from Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving retail landscape. From super apps and mobile commerce to experiential shopping destinations and high-energy retail environments, he explains why emerging markets are often leapfrogging traditional retail models and creating new opportunities for customer engagement. Michael and Carl then explore one of the most important topics facing retailers today: the growing influence of artificial intelligence on decision-making. Carl argues that while AI can dramatically improve efficiency, it also poses the risk that businesses become increasingly dependent on algorithmic recommendations, potentially sacrificing the creativity, differentiation, and strategic judgment that make brands unique. At the center of the discussion is Carl's new framework outlined in The Flip. He introduces the four forces that he believes are fundamentally reshaping commerce: automation, optimization, contextualization and immersion. Together, these forces are changing how retailers attract customers, personalize experiences, manage operations and compete in increasingly digital environments. The discussion extends beyond technology into the future of retail itself. Carl shares observations from his travels across Asia, highlighting how retailers are creating energy-rich destinations that blend shopping, entertainment, food and community. These experiences offer important lessons for North American retailers seeking to remain relevant in a world where consumers increasingly have unlimited digital choices at their fingertips. Michael and Carl also examine the rise of AI-powered customer discovery, the future of search and marketing, the growing importance of trust, and why retailers must think carefully about where human value creation fits inside increasingly automated organizations. Carl explains why curiosity, organizational adaptability and a relentless focus on core business fundamentals remain essential leadership capabilities despite the rapid pace of technological change. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.
What if your ministry could share the gospel with someone in a closed country at 2 a.m. — in their heart language — without a single missionary present? Jake Carlson, founder of The Apologist Project, is already doing it. In this session from the Digital Ministry Conference 2026, Jake shares how conversational AI is becoming a force multiplier for the Great Commission — and why the parable of the talents applies directly to how your ministry approaches this technology.Key TakeawaysAI can meet seekers where they are — geographically, linguistically, and spiritually. Over two-thirds of the world's population is online, and The Apologist Project's conversational AI is available in 192 languages, covering approximately 99% of the globe — including the ability to embed small language models onto devices that can be brought into closed countries.People open up to AI in ways they often won't with other humans. Jake explains that without fear of judgment or being tracked, seekers — especially those in restricted regions — are far more willing to ask honest spiritual questions through an AI interface than in person.Biblically grounded content is what makes the difference. The Apologist Project doesn't just use any AI model — it curates a trusted library of ministry content (including partnerships with Got Questions Ministries and Ligonier Ministries) to ensure every response is anchored in biblical truth, no matter what the user asks.Contextualization is built in. Jake describes a version of their chatbot specifically designed for Muslim seekers, which draws on Quranic verses alongside biblical truth to meet users at their starting point and gently guide them toward Jesus.AI can identify where a seeker is spiritually — and respond accordingly. The platform uses AI to evaluate conversations against frameworks like the Engel Scale to expose the right next step — whether that's a resource, a follow-up contact, or a crisis hotline for sensitive conversations.Real traction, real impact. The Apologist Project is currently processing approximately 140,000 prompts per month — that's someone using their conversational AI every 20 seconds of every day — and growth is accelerating, especially in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Turkey.Handoff to the human community remains the goal. Jake is clear that AI isn't the destination — it removes intellectual barriers and then passes the seeker on to a ministry on the ground, an online missionary, or other digital discipleship resources to continue the journey.AI is here — and ministries that choose to steward it wisely are already seeing Kingdom fruit. Whether you're just beginning to explore how AI could support your outreach strategy or you're ready to integrate a biblically grounded conversational tool into your digital ministry, this session will both challenge and equip you. Don't just take notes — take the next step. Watch the full session now and reach out to The Apologist Project if your ministry is ready to partner.ResourcesThe Apologist Project: apologistproject.orgConnect with Jake Carlson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakecarlsonded/GotQuestions Chatbot (partner): gotquestions.chatLigonier Ministries (partner): ligonier.orgFull session on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7R7R-JAcG0&t=4sDigital Ministry Conference: digitalministryconference.comFive Q Launch AI: https://aiofferings.fiveq.com/
What happens when public evangelism is grounded in deep relationships, local culture, and prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit? Drawing on the remarkable PNG for Christ movement, this article explores what made the outreach so effective—and what lessons can shape more meaningful evangelism worldwide.
Contextualization without compromisation.
In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews Bryant Sims, a former pastor and current employee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. They discuss Bryant's unique approach to evangelism through outdoor activities, particularly squirrel hunting, and how he has successfully integrated these interests into church outreach and men's ministry. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, contextualizing ministry efforts, and being intentional in sharing the gospel.TakeawaysBryant's journey began with mentorship from men in his church.Squirrel hunting became a unique avenue for evangelism.Innovative men's ministry events can lead to significant church growth.Building relationships through shared interests is key to outreach.Contextualization is essential for effective ministry.Intentionality in evangelism can lead to transformative conversations.Outdoor activities can serve as a platform for sharing the gospel.Discipleship requires deeper engagement beyond initial outreach.Investing in relationships is crucial for long-term ministry success.Opportunities for the gospel can arise in everyday situations.Sound Bites“I killed a bunch of squirrels and we told a lot of people about Jesus.”“We saw about 300% growth in the first eight years.”“We don't care where these guys go to church after our tournament.”“You've got to meet other men where they are.”“It's that hole in the roof philosophy.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bryant Sims and His Journey 02:59 Pastoral Ministry and Early Experiences 05:59 Innovative Men's Ministry: Squirrel Hunting and Evangelism 08:59 Building Relationships Through Outdoor Activities 11:58 The Impact of Member-Guest Events 15:11 Squirrel Hunting: A Unique Approach to Outreach 17:55 Gospel Conversations in the Outdoors 21:16 Contextualization in Ministry 24:13 Investing in Relationships and Discipleship 28:07 The Importance of Intentionality in Evangelism 30:49 Conclusion: Embracing Opportunities for the Gospel
“Naturalistic stimuli open up new exploration…”Dr. Christopher Baldassano is an associate professor at Columbia University and leads the Dynamic Perception and Memory Lab. With a background in electrical engineering from Princeton and a PhD in computer science from Stanford, Chris has pioneered innovative approaches to understanding memory and cognition. Following a postdoc at Princeton with Uri Hasson and Ken Norman, he joined Columbia in 2018. His research focuses on how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves events using naturalistic stimuli, hidden Markov models, and multivariate analysis techniques.In this episode, Peter and Chris explore the fascinating world of event structures and memory. They discuss Chris's pioneering work on event scripts, neural frameworks that act as cognitive scaffolds for autobiographical memories. The conversation covers how the brain segments continuous experience into discrete events, the role of event boundaries in memory encoding, and the critical function of the hippocampus in organizing these temporal structures. Chris explains his use of naturalistic stimuli and hidden Markov models to reveal the subtle dynamics of how we combine recurring information to respond more efficiently to future experiences. Along the way, Chris shares valuable insights on the evolution of neuroscience research and offers thoughtful advice for aspiring scientists navigating the field.We hope you enjoy this episode!Chapters:00:00 - Introduction07:37 - Transitioning from Computer Science to Neuroscience13:01 - Exploring Naturalistic Stimuli in Neuroscience18:11 - Hidden Markov Models in Narrative Perception22:46 - Event Boundaries and Memory Encoding27:49 - The Role of the Hippocampus in Memory33:01 - Implications for Mental Health and Memory Disorders38:19 - Enhancing Memory Techniques41:11 - Contextualization in Memory46:19 - Understanding Brain States49:01 - AI and Contextual Knowledge53:29 - Infant Cognition and Event Structures01:01:31 - Future Directions in ResearchWorks mentioned:2:28 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPLWOBmaLkY(Baldassano talk at NIH workshop on naturalistic stimuli)14:42 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28772125/(Baldassano et al., 2017 - Neuron - "Discovering Event Structure in Continuous Narrative Perception and Memory")15:02 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30249790/(Baldassano et al., 2018 - Journal of Neuroscience - "Representation of Real-world Event Schemas During Narrative Perception")18:24 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29087305/(Vidaurre, Smith & Woolrich, 2017 - PNAS - "Brain network dynamics are hierarchically organized in time" - using Markov models in a different way)19:41 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17338600/(Zacks et al., 2007 - Psychological Bulletin - "Event perception: A mind-brain perspective" - foundational work on event boundary processes)27:04 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27121839/(Huth et al., 2016 - Nature - "Natural speech reveals the semantic maps that tile human cerebral cortex" - semantic information stored throughout the brain)37:15 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22982082/(LePort et al., 2012 - Neurobiology of Learning and Memory - Jim McGaugh's study on highly superior autobiographical memory)53:01 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36252007/(Yates et al., 2022 - PNAS - "Neural event segmentation of continuous experience in human infants")Episode producers:Xuqian Michelle Li
As we start 2026, we should be asking how to join the things that God is already doing. Where is he moving and how do we join such movements? Our old friend Craig Greenfield returns to the show to discuss the growth and impact of Alongsiders International, a movement focused on discipleship and mentorship for vulnerable children. He emphasizes the importance of contextualizing ministry in diverse cultures and how the challenges of consumerism in Western churches can inhibit true discipleship. Craig discusses the unique role that young people are playing throughout the world including with Gen Z protests that are toppling unjust countries or subverting contexts that are hostile to the Christianity. No better way to start off the new year than to have Craig encourage all of us to engage with God's heart for justice and to seek transformative relationships that reflect the teachings of Jesus. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25' Take the Free Core Elements Self-Assessment Resources and Links from the show Alongsiders International Online Craig Greenfield Online Subversive Jesus by Craig Greenfield Subversive Mission by Craig Greenfield Conversation Notes (AI Generated) The Alongsiders movement has seen remarkable growth since COVID, expanding to 30 countries. Perspective is crucial for understanding global needs and God's work. Discipleship should happen in everyday life, not just in church settings. Contextualization is key to make culturally relevant materials. Success in mentorship is seen when young people become mentors themselves. Discipleship can thrive even in hostile environments by going under the radar and sustaining the local church. Affluence in the West hinders true discipleship and community connection. Prayer is foundational in building relationships and supporting one another. Learning from other movements can inspire and inform our own practices. Gen Z political movements for justice are important to consider. True movements are transformational and driven by passion, not hype. Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
Movement Conversations - Powered New Generations North America
Send us a textThis conversation delves into the concept of indigenous incarnation in the context of sustainability and cultural ownership. It emphasizes the importance of radical contextualization, where the core message of the gospel is adapted to fit local cultures while maintaining scriptural fidelity. The discussion highlights the need for local leaders to take ownership of the message, ensuring that movements are sustainable and not reliant on outside influences. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by tradition and the importance of breaking cultural strongholds to embrace a new identity rooted in faith.TakeawaysIndigenous incarnation implies a total transformation, not just a translation.The ultimate goal is planting churches that smell like the community they're in.Radical contextualization is key, tethered to scriptural fidelity.Cultural barriers should be stripped away to reveal the pure gospel.The line is drawn at the Word of God; everything else is negotiable.Historical mission efforts often created barriers instead of overcoming them.Local leaders are essential for sustainable movements.Tradition can act as a psychological stronghold against new forms of obedience.The focus should be on maximizing ownership and clarity in communication.New believers are the most effective evangelists to their own people.* This podcast has been generated by AI Support the show
Today, join Linda and Gail as they discuss on how you can make the Bible relevant when talking with people from other religions and non believers. Book recommendations:Contextualization in the New Testament: Patterns for Theology and Mission: Flemming, Dean: 9780830828319: Amazon.com: BooksThings Fall Apart book by Chinua Achebe
Segment 1 • Sanctification isn't “just stop it” — it's put off and put on (Eph 4:22-24). • True change means replacing sin with Spirit-driven habits. • If you're dry, bitter, or hurting — don't wait to feel it; start doing what grows desire. Segment 2 – The Math of Holiness • Dr. Greg Gifford explains the biblical equation: Put off + Put on = Growth. • Sanctification isn't just subtraction alone; holiness must also be put on. • Lasting change happens when obedience fills the space sin used to occupy. Segment 3 – The Trojan Horse in Your Church • “Contextualization” can smuggle worldliness into worship. • The church loses it's unique purpose as salt and light when it trades truth for relatability. • Baby-talk preaching creates baby-faith Christians. Segment 4 • Paul's “all things” meant removing cultural barriers, not rewriting the gospel. • Contextualization becomes compromise when it reshapes truth to fit culture. • Faithful preaching feeds sheep, not the world. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
![Ephesiology [n. ih·fē·zē·äləʒē]: The Study of a Movement](https://ivyfm.s3.amazonaws.com/i320/164089.jpg)
In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Dr. Ralph Korner discusses the concept of ekklesia, its historical context, and its implications for the modern church. He emphasizes the importance of community, social justice, and the church’s role in society, arguing against a separatist mentality and advocating for active engagement with the world. The conversation explores how the early church adapted to its cultural context and how contemporary churches can learn from this to better serve their communities. Keywords Ekklesia, church, community, Ralph Korner, early Christianity, social justice, Paul, theology, church history, Christian community Takeaways Ekklesia means assembly, not a building or religious organization. The church exists for the world, not for itself. Community is essential to the identity of the church. Paul’s use of ekklesia reflects a democratized community. The church should engage with local governance for the common good. Christianity must adapt to cultural contexts to remain relevant. The church’s mission includes social justice and community building. Separatism can lead to a fortress mentality that hinders engagement. The church should focus on bringing life to its neighborhoods. Understanding ekklesia helps clarify the church’s role in society. discipleship and ethics. must combat hearsay with solid theological knowledge. Sound Bites “The church must adapt to its culture.” “The church is not a building.” “The ekklesia is about community.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ralph Korner and His Background 09:14 Understanding Ekklesia: Definition and Historical Context 18:39 Supersessionism and Its Implications 24:16 Paul’s Contextualization of Ekklesia and Its Holistic Nature 25:17 Seeking the Welfare of the City 27:36 The Role of the Church in Society 29:34 Adaptive Nature of the Christian Community 32:04 Bringing Life to the Community 37:06 Understanding Ekklesia and Community 41:50 The Misinterpretation of Ekklesia 44:49 Engagement vs. Separation from the World 48:32 Justice and the Church’s Mission Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social Follow Matt Till https://matttill.com If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Seminary Professors Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” “We mustn't live like those with ‘little faith' who compromise for the sake of food and clothing. What we do matters. And not every job is a good job.” “I understand that there are different expressions of Christianity in different cultures. Contextualization is essential for the growth and expansion of the church. But there is a difference between contextualization and compromise. Using goat's milk for communion in a culture that has never heard of wine or grapes is contextualization; sacrificing the goat is compromise. Having a Saturday night service because we have run out of room in all four Sunday services is contextualization; having a Saturday night service to accommodate and/or appease people who are ‘too busy' on Sunday is compromise.”~Voddie Baucham (March 11, 1969 to September 25, 2025), American pastor and author, who left this world too early “If God is Creator of the Universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His Lordship. That means no part of my life must be outside of His Lordship.”~R.C Sproul, American theologian (1939-2017) “When Jesus is truly our Lord, He directs our lives, and we gladly obey Him. Indeed we bring every part of our lives under His lordship - our home and family, our sexuality and marriage, our job or unemployment, our money and possessions, our ambitions and recreations.”~John Stott, British theologian (1921-2011)SERMON PASSAGE1 Peter 2:1-12 (NIV) 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Listen along as we continue our series through the book of Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 14:1-28 Assumption: Every day for Jesus' first followers were God-soaked. Something is wrong with me, or I am doing something wrong because I don't have many God-soaked days. Reality: Scripture authors recorded a truncated history to show us who God is. Jesus and the first followers experienced many mundane days. Contextualization is not - as is often argued - ‘telling people what they want to hear.' Rather, it is giving people the Bible's answers, which they may not at all want to hear, to questions about life that people in their particular place and time are asking, in language and forms they can comprehend, and through appeals and arguments with force they can feel, even if they reject them - Tim Keller
How do we share the gospel in a world that no longer assumes the Bible is true? This article explores how contextualizing the message - through culture, story, and relevance - can transform the way we reach today's generations.
The Rodcast, Bible & Leadership Conversations with Ps Rod Plummer
Learn what contextualization is, how it can help your church reach more people, and how you can start implementing it in easy ways in your local church.Get the Japanese ERV Translation on the YouVersion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/Listen to Lifehouse Worship: https://mylifehouse.com/worshipChapters:(00:51) - What is Contextualization(05:14) - How We Contextualize Church for Japan(13:02) - Responding to Pushback on Contextualization(15:38) - The Story Behind the New Japanese Bible Translation(17:37) - Rethinking Communion in the Japanese Context(22:42) - Empowering Leaders to Contextualize Their Ministries(25:38) - Practical Steps for Contextualizing Church & MissionLearn how to reach the unreached, build healthy local churches, and raise up the next generation of leaders no matter where you are in the world. Join Pastor Rod Plummer, his team, and leaders from around the world as they discuss missions, ministry, and reaching more people with the message of Jesus.Subscribe to Innovative Missions with Pastor Rod Plummer and Team on your favorite audio platform (https://therodcast.captivate.fm/listen) and on YouTube subscribe & turn on bell notifications to get notified as soon as future episodes release.About Pastor Rod PlummerPs Rod and Viv Plummer live in Tokyo, Japan and are true pioneers with a passion for reaching every person with Gods' message. Senior Pastors of Lifehouse International Church they oversee all of Lifehouse's churches across Japan and Asia. Their heart is to inspire, mentor, and equip hundreds of young Japanese and foreign leaders to minister to the needs of people not only in the greater Tokyo area, but throughout Japan, Asia and beyond.More about Pastor Rod: https://rodplummer.com/about-rod/Connect with Pastor Rod PlummerWebsite: http://rodplummer.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/rodplummerMore about Lifehouse ChurchUnder Pastor Rod's leadership, Lifehouse Church has grown from a team of 16 to thousands of weekly attendees across Japan and Asia and thousands of people reached with the gospel every year.Find out more at http://mylifehouse.com
In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Zachary Cote, Executive Director of Thinking Nation, about how history education can shape citizens who think critically rather than simply memorize facts. They explore the role of memory, the ethics of curation in a decentralized media landscape, and the need to rebuild trust in institutions through humility, collaboration, and historical thinking. Zachary shares insights from his teaching experience and emphasizes intellectual humility as essential for civic life and learning in the age of AI. You can learn more about his work at thinkingnation.org and follow @Thinking_Nation on social media.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 – Zachary introduces Thinking Nation's mission to foster critical thinking in history education, distinguishing memory from deeper historical discipline.05:00 – They unpack the complexity of memory, collective narratives, and how individuals curate their own realities, especially in a decentralized media landscape.10:00 – Zachary explains why epistemology and methodology matter more than static facts, and how ethical curation can shape flourishing societies.15:00 – Discussion turns to how history is often used for cultural arguments, and the need to reframe it as a tool for understanding rather than judgment.20:00 – They explore AI in education, contrasting it as tool vs. crutch, and warning about students' lack of question-asking skills.25:00 – The conversation shifts to authority, institutions, and tradition as “democracy extended to the dead.”30:00 – Stewart and Zachary reflect on rebuilding trust through honesty, humility, collaboration, and asking better questions.35:00 – They consider the decentralizing effects of technology and the urgency of restoring shared principles.40:00 – Zachary emphasizes contextualization, empathy, and significance as historical thinking skills rooted in humility.45:00 – They close on the challenge of writing and contributing meaningfully through questions and confident, honest articulation.Key InsightsZachary Cote argues that history education should move beyond memorization and focus on cultivating thinking citizens. He reframes history as a discipline of inquiry, where the past is the material through which students develop critical, ethical reasoning.The concept of memory is central to understanding history. Zachary highlights that we all remember differently based on our environment and identity, which complicates any attempt at a single, unified national narrative. This complexity invites us to focus on shared methodologies rather than consensus on content.In an age of media fragmentation and curated realities, Zachary emphasizes the importance of equipping students with epistemological tools to evaluate and contextualize information ethically, rather than reinforcing echo chambers or binary ideologies.The conversation calls out the educational system's obsession with data and convenient assessment, arguing that what matters most—like humility, critical thinking, and civic understanding—is often left out because it's harder to measure.Zachary sees AI as a powerful tool that, if used well, could help assess deeper thinking skills. But he warns that without training in asking good questions, students may treat AI like a gospel rather than a starting point for inquiry.Authority and tradition, often dismissed in a culture obsessed with novelty, are reframed by Zachary as essential democratic tools. Citing Chesterton, he argues that tradition is “democracy extended to the dead,” reminding us that collective wisdom includes voices from the past.Humility emerges as a recurring theme—not just spiritual or social humility, but intellectual humility. Through historical thinking skills like contextualization, empathy, and significance, students can learn to approach the past (and the present) with curiosity rather than certainty, making room for deeper civic engagement.
This sermon was preached on June 15th, 2025 as part of Sojourn's "Devoted" series, exploring our Spirit-fueled vision and values at Sojourn as found in the book of Acts. Sojourn is a church committed to the gospel in the context of family living on mission to the city of Portland and our world. For more info, visit our website, sojournpdx.org, or follow us on social media:@SojournPDX on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
In this episode, I sit down with Zenobia Morrill, Ph.D., who shares her journey into psychotherapy—from a personal confrontation with existential truth to navigating her family's intergenerational pain. Dr. Morrill reflects on her early experiences as a therapy client, where she encountered traditional frameworks that often fell short, approaches that pathologized pain while ignoring the broader systemic and historical forces at play. Grounded in liberation psychology and critical theory, Dr. Morrill offers a compelling critique of mainstream psychological models that individualize suffering and overlook the impact of power, politics, and culture. We explore how psychotherapy can become a tool for liberation, not by reinforcing institutional norms, but by creating space to challenge and reimagine them in service of opening up possibilities for personhood. Dr. Morrill shares how critical-liberation psychotherapy offers practitioners a framework to question how therapeutic practices may either reinforce alienation or open new paths toward freedom, healing, and fuller participation in society. She reflects on the importance of broadening our range of being, reclaiming repressed parts of the self, and bridging individual pain to collective emancipation. Therapy, she argues, must move beyond static formulations and recognize that social, political, and cultural forces are already present in the room—they are not “add-ons” but essential to the client's lived experience. This approach does not suggest liberation occurs solely within the therapy room, but asks how the institution of therapy itself—its theories, method, and practices—can be used to support liberatory outcomes. Ultimately, Dr. Morrill calls on therapists to resist objectification of clients and of therapy itself—and to reimagine psychotherapy as a dynamic, relational, and contextually grounded space for transformation. Zenobia Morrill, Ph.D., is a critical-liberation psychologist and psychology professor at William James College. She received her doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Boston and completed her pre- and post-doctoral fellowship at the Yale School of Medicine and at Yale Health, Mental Health & Counseling, respectively. Inspired by her personal and professional experiences with the mental health system, Dr. Morrill emphasizes the power in psychological frameworks as the stories we use to understand ourselves, and the risks presented when these frameworks cannot capture the complex existential, sociocultural, familial, physiological, and tacit dimensions of humanity. Her work centers on the belief that psychological healing must account for these broader meaning systems and political structures that shape individual experience. Her research and clinical interests include psychotherapy process, global mental health, qualitative methodology, theory and philosophy, and critical and liberation psychologies. A recipient of the American Psychological Association's Sigmund Koch Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology, Dr. Morrill's work and Critical-Liberation Psychotherapy model have been recognized and presented internationally.
What if friendship—not romance, not marriage—were the central relationship in your life?That's the question Rhaina Cohen asks in her book The Other Significant Others. And wow, do we love this book. David, TJ, and Elena sat down with Rhaina to talk about what it would mean to build a life around deep, committed friendship—and why our current relationship hierarchy (romantic > everything else) might be due for a rethink.Once you start centering friendship, it starts disrupting many other assumptions. We talked about: what it looks like to live near your friends, how parenting could look different, what happens when friends make commitments, when other people don't recognize those commitments, and whether secular folks should borrow a few ideas from monks.Join us and—if you haven't already—go read the book!About Our GuestRhaina Cohen is an award-winning editor for the NPR documentary podcast Embedded and the author of the national bestseller, The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, which Trevor Noah described as "my new Bible." Her writing on social connection has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post and has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Rhaina's recent TED talk on the untapped potential of friendship has been viewed more than half a million times. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and close friends.—★ Timestamps(00:00) Why we were excited to interview Rhaina Cohen(04:17) Rhaina Cohen: "Reimagining life with friendship at the center"(10:27) Deconstruction and reconstruction: You can't be what you can't see(19:10) Live Near Friends(24:52) Conflicts in friendships: needing language, recognition(28:29) Parenting doesn't have to be exhausting(37:00) Can we TEACH better relationship skills?(41:33) Covenant relationships: "You can be committed to someone and not be sleeping with them"(47:04) Would secular people benefit from monastic models?(55:03) What's next? Monogamy, marriage vows, and more(01:01:52) Recommended readings from Rhaina and more—★ Links and References“A Grand Experiment in Parenthood and Friendship” by Rhaina Cohen (The Atlantic, 2025)Live Near Friends: livenearfriends.comSuper Nuclear: supernuclear.substack.comPlatonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends by Marissa Franco (2022)Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections by Anna Goldfarb (2024):Stay True, a memoir by Hua Hsu (2023)First Love: Essays on Friendship by Lily Dancyger (2024)Invisibilia (NPR) series on friendship, especially: Nun of Us Are Friends, Esther Perel gives Therapy with FriendsFollow Rhaina: Related on Substack, @RhainaCohen on InstagramTJ's Story (New Kinship episode #6): “TJ's Story | Dysphoria, Queerness, Contextualization, and Conviction”—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, or support!Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship—★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newkinship.substack.com
3 Focal Points for the Effective Church (p. 1&2) - HCP 249On this podcast Larry and Drew talk about Easter week and these 3 aspects of church leadership to consider in the health and effectiveness of your church. All 3 are important but not equal. Today the guys discuss Contextualization and Institutional realities to consider. There's also some Holy Spirit led moments that are worth listening for!You can email us at info@healthychurchpodcast.com orTo find more information about The Healthy Church Podcast go to:http://www.healthychurchpodcast.comor find us on FaceBook!
As we think about our current moment, in DC and the DMV in March 2025, trusting that God's Word is living and active, it takes careful consideration of how the gospel speaks and what makes it good news. That careful work is the work of contextualization. In the same way that explaining an iPhone to someone in 1945 might be a challenge, we have an extra-terrestrial message. On Sunday we will take time in Acts 17:16-34 to see how the Apostle Paul approached ministry in Athens. It's a great example for us because, in many ways, DC is our nation's “Athens” – a place renowned for the exchange of ideology in the marketplace and, as Acts 17:21 says, “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.”Sunday, March 30, 2025Watch the full Sunday Gathering here. -------------------------------------------Connect with us on Social MediaWebsite | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Vimeo-------------------------------------------Download our AppApple App Store | Google Play Store
Acts B-Sides // Contextualization // Brandon Pepin Sermon Video // https://youtu.be/RQcmz14z-V4 Find out more about River City Church at rivercitydbq.org
In this episode, Dr. Eric Bryant interviews Tyler Prieb, founder of Missional Labs. Missional Labs is an accelerator for modern mission that helps leaders build innovative ministries and movements that advance the Great Commission for the next generation.5 Key Takeaways from the Interview:1. Signs of Renewal in the Church2. Missional Thinking at a Systems Level 3. Generational Shifts in Mission4. Church Planting and Contextualization 5. The Role of Prayer and the Holy Spirit Follow Us: Stay connected and never miss an episode! • YouTube: @EricBryant777 • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-post-christian-podcast/id1509588357 •Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZeQIrzr2tCMyq1VdwxGNn • Facebook: / catalyzingcommunity • TikTok: / ericbryant777 • LinkedIn: / eric-bryant-397003172
In this series, we begin exploring seven convictions that define who we are and guide what we do.Convictions are firmly held, personal or corporate beliefs. Convictions are core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.Our vision at Neighbors is simple in response to Jesus' prayer… “In San Diego as it is in heaven…” We do this by Being with JesusBecoming like JesusDoing what Jesus didThe operating system behind all of this though is our convictions. Ultimately, we live our core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.More info at sdneighbors.church
In this series, we begin exploring seven convictions that define who we are and guide what we do.Convictions are firmly held, personal or corporate beliefs. Convictions are core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.Our vision at Neighbors is simple in response to Jesus' prayer… “In San Diego as it is in heaven…” We do this by Being with JesusBecoming like JesusDoing what Jesus didThe operating system behind all of this though is our convictions. Ultimately, we live our core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.More info at sdneighbors.church
In this series, we begin exploring seven convictions that define who we are and guide what we do.Convictions are firmly held, personal or corporate beliefs. Convictions are core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.Our vision at Neighbors is simple in response to Jesus' prayer… “In San Diego as it is in heaven…” We do this by Being with JesusBecoming like JesusDoing what Jesus didThe operating system behind all of this though is our convictions. Ultimately, we live our core principles rooted in personal values, moral standpoints, and social standards.More info at sdneighbors.church
In this episode, we're joined by Jason Hein, Global Director, Product Content and Search at B2B eCommerce Association, to discuss the challenges of product data, merchandising and marketplace strategy in B2B eCommerce. With decades of experience at McMaster-Carr, Amazon Business and Bloomreach, Jason shares why bad product content holds companies back and how to fix it without getting overwhelmed.Key Takeaways:(05:02) Companies wait for a “miracle” fix instead of addressing product data issues.(13:55) Product content must be correct, complete, consistent and clear.(15:18) Contextualization tailors content to customer needs and industries.(18:59) Distributors must define standards for product data with suppliers.(21:30) Prioritize high-traffic categories for faster data improvement results.(24:36) Marketplaces struggle with balancing selection and product discovery tools.(27:06) Investments in product discovery often lag behind selection growth.(31:30) Analytics help focus resources on high-impact product categories.(33:32) The B2B eCommerce Association trains companies on product content.(39:56) The TV series “Ted Lasso” offers lessons in change management for B2B leaders.Resources Mentioned:Jason Hein -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhein/B2B eCommerce Association | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-ecommerce-association/B2B eCommerce Association | Website -https://b2bea.orgMcMaster-Carr Catalog -https://www.mcmaster.com/Thanks for listening to the “B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change,” powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce
In this episode, we're joined by Jason Hein, Global Director, Product Content and Search at B2B eCommerce Association, to discuss the challenges of product data, merchandising and marketplace strategy in B2B eCommerce. With decades of experience at McMaster-Carr, Amazon Business and Bloomreach, Jason shares why bad product content holds companies back and how to fix it without getting overwhelmed.Key Takeaways:(05:02) Companies wait for a “miracle” fix instead of addressing product data issues.(13:55) Product content must be correct, complete, consistent and clear.(15:18) Contextualization tailors content to customer needs and industries.(18:59) Distributors must define standards for product data with suppliers.(21:30) Prioritize high-traffic categories for faster data improvement results.(24:36) Marketplaces struggle with balancing selection and product discovery tools.(27:06) Investments in product discovery often lag behind selection growth.(31:30) Analytics help focus resources on high-impact product categories.(33:32) The B2B eCommerce Association trains companies on product content.(39:56) The TV series “Ted Lasso” offers lessons in change management for B2B leaders.Resources Mentioned:Jason Hein -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhein/B2B eCommerce Association | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/b2b-ecommerce-association/B2B eCommerce Association | Website -https://b2bea.orgMcMaster-Carr Catalog -https://www.mcmaster.com/Thanks for listening to the “B2B Commerce UnCut: A Journey Through Change,” powered by Oro. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#eCommerce #B2BeCommerce #DigitalCommerce
Tuesday Morning lecture by guest speaker Michael Thiessen from our Light Your World 2025 Missions Conference
Lee, Dana, and Steve discuss the concept of contextualization. This conversation gives a definition of that idea, then more detail on how that project goes well...and some examples of when it goes off the rails.*********************************************************************Website: rbcbellefontaine.comIntro Music: “Thunder” by Telecasted
How can the Seventh-day Adventist Church balance rapid growth with quality discipleship? Explore the challenges and opportunities of enhancing both membership numbers and spiritual depth in a changing global landscape.
Episode Summary Dr. Pete Blair is the Executive Director of the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center and a Professor of Criminal Justice at Texas State University. Dr. Blair discusses the need to reform police training in order to address the current crisis in policing. He emphasizes the importance of an evidence-informed approach and highlights the work of ALERRT in providing critical incident response training. Blair identifies the shortcomings of the traditional model of police training, including the focus on ideal techniques and the lack of transferability to real-world situations. He advocates for a shift towards an ecological dynamics approach, which emphasizes self-organization, contextualization, and problem-solving. Blair argues that training should focus on outcomes rather than specific techniques and should incorporate rich and variable environments to enhance transferability. The conversation explores the concept of self-organization in training and how it can lead to more effective and efficient performance. The discussion includes the importance of setting clear intentions and understanding the intention structure in any given situation. They emphasize the need for trainers to guide learners towards exploring more optimal and effective solutions while still allowing for self-organization. The conversation also touches on the role of attention and the shift from internal focus to goal-focused attention. Dr. Blair highlight the importance of understanding what learners will do in real-world situations and focusing on the desired outcome rather than rigid techniques or formations. Takeaways The traditional model of police training is not effective in enhancing the retention and transfer of critical performance skills. Police training should adopt an evidence-informed approach and focus on outcomes rather than specific techniques. Training should incorporate rich and variable environments to enhance transferability to real-world situations. Self-organization is a key concept in training, where the body organizes around the intended outcome to achieve it efficiently and effectively. Contextualization and problem-solving should be emphasized in training to prepare officers for the complex and ever-changing environments they operate in. Setting clear intentions and understanding the intention structure is crucial for self-organization in training. Trainers should guide learners towards exploring more optimal and effective solutions while still allowing for self-organization. Attention should be goal-focused rather than internally focused. Understanding what learners will do in real-world situations is important for effective training. Focusing on the desired outcome is more important than rigid techniques or formations.
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're talking about this engaging, exciting, captivating, compelling, LIFE-GIVING, divine love story we call the Bible. Far too many of us have sat under pastors, priests, teachers, and spiritual leaders who've communicated God's Word with the same level of passion a court reporter has when recording HOA litigation over a homeowner's grass being one half of an inch above the neighborhood standard. While others of us have had the imperatives in God's Word applied to our lives in such punitive ways that we can't help thinking of it as a rigid book of rules that we'll surely get whacked over the head with. However, both of those extremes are gross misuses of the Bible – it was never intended to be used primarily for discipline or for memorizing religious data, and it's not just a collection of morality tales like Aesop's Fables, either. From the very beginning, Scripture invites and impels us to lean into a real, loving relationship with God. Just as He breathed air into Adam's lungs to jumpstart humanity, He breathed these words into being so that we could have LIFE and have it more abundantly. If you've secretly thought the Bible was a wee bit boring, or maybe just inscrutable like those teensy-weensy printed directions regarding how to set up your new Wi-Fi router, today's episode is going to be a Little Mermaid moment for you – it's going to open you up to a whole new world! So please grab a cup of iced coffee and your Bible – unless you've got both hands full trying to recoil the garden hose that your teenager put back on the reel all wonky and lopsided! – and come hang out on the porch with us.The Adventure Bible is available here.Purchase Storyteller from Lifeway here.Click here to get a 25% discount on the Dwell Bible App.
In this message, Pastor Chris explores Paul's approach to mission through Acts 17. How do we approach our witness in a way that is truly good news for all people? In a way that invites and doesn't alienate those who may not know Jesus as Lord?
God's Word is clear that believing in Jesus is the only path to genuine salvation. In this program, our guest teacher Aaron Pierce – from Steiger International – continues his series, Not Beyond Reach. He'll walk through practical ways to talk about God's Word with those who don't believe the Bible is the absolute truth.Main PointsPrinciples for sharing the Gospel:Rely on the Holy Spirit, not scripts or tractsPeople need to experience the power and presence of GodIntroducing people to the person of JesusNo cross, No powerContextualizing the Gospel for your audience:Contextualization is about communicating in a language they can understand.It’s not about popularity or compromise, it’s about clarity.Avoid using Christian language that is foreign and strange to secular culture.Jesus used words and imagery that was very relevant to the audience He spoke to.Don’t use the Bible as an argumentative authority:“The Bible says,” is not a compelling or effective approach for post-Christian people.Leverage the truth, that is experientially verifiable, taught in the Bible, not the authority of the Bible itself.Communicating the Gospel effectively in the context that God has called you to:There is power in your storyTake a risk and invite a response. Give people an opportunity to say yes or no to JesusDiscipleship relationships:Doesn’t start the day someone commits to a local church, but the moment they meet a follower of Christ.It’s about doing life together, not a weekly event.Doesn’t have to happen in a classroom or a church hall, it can happen in the context and environment people come from.It’s intentional: we guide the relationship purposefully to see spiritual growth, making the most of every opportunity.Should lead to multiplication.Broadcast ResourceNot Beyond Reach Resources Message Notes Additional Resource MentionsTom Holland - "Domnion" About Chip IngramChip Ingram’s passion is helping Christians really live like Christians. As a pastor, author, and teacher for more than three decades, Chip has helped believers around the world move from spiritual spectators to healthy, authentic disciples of Jesus by living out God’s truth in their lives and relationships in transformational ways.About Living on the EdgeLiving on the Edge exists to help Christians live like Christians. Established in 1995 as the radio ministry of pastor and author Chip Ingram, God has since grown it into a global discipleship ministry. Living on the Edge provides Biblical teaching and discipleship resources that challenge and equip spiritually hungry Christians all over the world to become mature disciples of Jesus.Connect 888-333-6003 Website Chip Ingram App Instagram Facebook Twitter Partner With Us Donate Online 888-333-6003
In episode 257, Brandon welcomes author and nonprofit director Tiffany Bluhm back to the show. Tiffany is the Executive Director at Made for Pax, a Christian foundation which provides mentorship and vocational development for BIPOC leaders following Christ. The work is specifically employing contemplative formation for those that are engaging in peace and justice work, and that's what we talk about! Tiffany provides us with biblical insight and spiritual practices that can help us sustain the work of community development and justice leaders for the long haul. Podcast Sponsor The Accord Network is a place to connect with like-minded organizations in pursuit of being the hands and feet of Christ around the world. Registration for the OneAccord Conference is now open for changemakers seeking a time of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation within the field of international relief and development. Visit The Accord Network Online Resources and Links from the show Made for Pax Online Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman Rescuing the Gospel from the Cowboys by Richard Twiss Leading from Your Knees with Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog Conversation Notes The link between contemplative formation and sustaining an action-oriented lifestyle Stories of civil rights leaders and how they remained rooted in the midst of justice The importance of intentional investment of BIPOC Christ followers Contextualization and diverse cultural expressions of Gospel embodiment The story of the Old Testament is uniquely tied to the migrant experience Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
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.
Is the book Acts about the Holy Spirit? The apostles? Spiritual gifts? Or the interaction with cultures? What is the purpose of the church? What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in a pluralistic society? How do we build a bridge to communicate the gospel and then confront the new culture with the gospel message? Is there a "pure" gospel? What does it mean when every theology is a contextual theology? Join Travis as he continues his discussion with Dean Flemming, as they discuss the need to contextualize the gospel so that our audience understands it, and is challenged by it. Today's guest is Dr. Dean Flemming. Dean Flemming (Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and seminar speaker. He is Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Mission at MidAmerica Nazarene University and teaches New Testament at the Missional Training Center in Phoenix, AZ. He served for 24 years as a theological educator in the Philippines and Germany and has taught in many global settings.Dean is the author of six books, including Contextualization in the New Testament, which won a Christianity Today book award, and a commentary on Philippians that received the Smith-Wynkoop book award. He writes especially on the connection between the New Testament and mission. An ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, Dean has pastored churches in Ohio and Japan. He is active in his local church, which includes teaching an adult Bible class.Today, he joins Apollos Watered to discuss his book, Contextualization in the New Testament, and how the early church contextualized the message of Jesus to its audience and we must do the same thing as well. This conversation will help you to identify what contextualization is, why and how it was done in the early church, and how it might help you communicate the Gospel effectively today to those in your world. Learn more about Dean Flemming.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Join God in what He is doing in and through Apollos Watered by becoming one of our patrons today!
"Just be biblical!" "Preach the Word!" are phrases we hear from well-meaning Christians who want to see lives transformed. Rarely, however, do we think about exactly how we are supposed to do it. What do we mean by "be biblical"? Does that mean act like those in the first century? And what exactly are we preaching? Christ crucified for sure, but what stories, illustrations, and metaphors do we employ to build a bridge that help our listeners understand what the cross really means? It sounds complicated, but it's actually not as hard as we think. You have probably heard the phrase, "Know your audience!" That's what we are talking about. Communicating to your audience in a way that they understand. As Christians, we call this process, "contextualization." How do we go about communicating the gospel to those from different backgrounds than us that enables us to communicate in a way that they understand without compromising what the Gospel calls for. Today's guest is Dr. Dean Flemming. Dean Flemming (Ph.D., University of Aberdeen) is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and seminar speaker. He is Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Mission at MidAmerica Nazarene University and teaches New Testament at the Missional Training Center in Phoenix, AZ. He served for 24 years as a theological educator in the Philippines and Germany and has taught in many global settings.Dean is the author of six books, including Contextualization in the New Testament, which won a Christianity Today book award, and a commentary on Philippians that received the Smith-Wynkoop book award. He writes especially on the connection between the New Testament and mission. An ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, Dean has pastored churches in Ohio and Japan. He is active in his local church, which includes teaching an adult Bible class.Today, he joins Apollos Watered to discuss his book, Contextualization in the New Testament, and how the early church contextualized the message of Jesus to its audience and we must do the same thing as well. This conversation will help you to identify what contextualization is, why and how it was done in the early church, and how it might help you communicate the Gospel effectively today to those in your world. Learn more about Dean Flemming.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Join God in what He is doing in and through Apollos Watered by becoming one of our patrons today!
May 1, 2024 - Season 14, Episode 126 of The Terrible Podcast is now in the can. In this Wednesday episode, Alex Kozora and I get right to talking about some latest news cornering the Pittsburgh Steelers and that includes us going over some players that have been invited to participate in the team's forthcoming rookie minicamp. New Steelers T Troy Fautanu is discussed a little bit early in this show as part of some things he recently said in an interview. We talk some about why he likely slid to the Steelers at 20th overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Steelers GM Omar Khan has conducted several interviews since our last show, so Alex and I recap that the things he had to say that were important. We go over the addition of another wide receiver and cornerback not being imminent at this time and the possibility of veteran CB Cameron Sutton being brought back. We also talk about the status of the recent report restructuring of the contract of OLB Alex Highsmith and how it has yet to hit the NFLPA side yet. Alex recently did a full profile on undrafted free agent RB Daijun Edwards, so we discuss what that longer look showed. We also discuss the two targets contextualizations of new Steelers WR Roman Wilson from his time at Michigan that I have now completed. We also talk a little about the New York Jets seemingly having interest in drafting Wilson this past weekend. Alex also posted his way-too-early 53-man roster prediction for 2024 on the site so we go through that position group by position group. Several other minor topics not noted are also discussed in this 90-minute episode and we end it all by answering several emails we have received from listeners. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've launched our premium membership! Visit missionsshow.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. How can the church hold to its foundational truths while effectively engaging in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape? This episode features Michael Clary, a seasoned ministry leader with insights into church planting and cultural engagement. As we delve into topics like the dangers of cultural Marxism within the church and the balance between truth and winsomeness, Clary offers practical wisdom for facing contemporary challenges without compromising the gospel's essence. Michael Clary's ministry journey spans from CRU involvement at the University of Louisville to co-planting a Louisville church, founding Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, and launching King's Domain in 2023 with Wade Thomas. His work is dedicated to equipping Christians for contemporary challenges, highlighted in his podcast, Currently Reality, and his book, God's Good Design. For more about Michael Clary, explore his insights and resources at dmichaelclary.com, follow him on X @dmichaelclary, and find his book on Amazon. Join us in empowering the next wave of missionaries by supporting those still in the crucial phase of raising support. Visit abwe.org/prefield. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.
We've launched our premium membership! Visit missionspodcast.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. How can the church hold to its foundational truths while effectively engaging in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape? This episode features Michael Clary, a seasoned ministry leader with insights into church planting and cultural engagement. As we delve into topics like the dangers of cultural Marxism within the church and the balance between truth and winsomeness, Clary offers practical wisdom for facing contemporary challenges without compromising the gospel's essence. Michael Clary's ministry journey spans from CRU involvement at the University of Louisville to co-planting a Louisville church, founding Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, and launching King's Domain in 2023 with Wade Thomas. His work is dedicated to equipping Christians for contemporary challenges, highlighted in his podcast, Currently Reality, and his book, God's Good Design. For more about Michael Clary, explore his insights and resources at dmichaelclary.com, follow him on X @dmichaelclary, and find his book on Amazon. Join us in empowering the next wave of missionaries by supporting those still in the crucial phase of raising support. Visit abwe.org/prefield. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
We've launched our premium membership! Visit missionsshow.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. Join us in empowering the next wave of missionaries by supporting those still in the crucial phase of raising support. Visit abwe.org/prefield. In this compelling episode, we delve into the complexities and challenges of contextualizing the gospel in a rapidly globalizing world with Dr. Craig Ott, a leading voice in mission and intercultural studies. Dr. Ott shares his insights on the impact of globalization on Christian missions, the pivotal importance of contextualization without compromise, and the future trends that are shaping cross-cultural missions. Dr. Craig Ott is the Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he also directs the PhD program in intercultural studies. With over twenty-one years of service in Germany with ReachGlobal, Dr. Ott brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the field of Christian missions. He is the author and editor of numerous publications, including the recent The Church on Mission: A Biblical Vision for Transformation among All People. His areas of expertise encompass theology of mission, church planting, and teaching across cultures, making him a respected figure in the mission community. Discover more about Dr. Ott's work through his publications on Amazon, connect with him via email at cott@tiu.edu, or learn more about his academic contributions at Trinity International University. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.
We've launched our premium membership! Visit missionspodcast.com/premium to join and gain access to exclusive bonus content. Join us in empowering the next wave of missionaries by supporting those still in the crucial phase of raising support. Visit abwe.org/prefield. In this compelling episode, we delve into the complexities and challenges of contextualizing the gospel in a rapidly globalizing world with Dr. Craig Ott, a leading voice in mission and intercultural studies. Dr. Ott shares his insights on the impact of globalization on Christian missions, the pivotal importance of contextualization without compromise, and the future trends that are shaping cross-cultural missions. Dr. Craig Ott is the Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he also directs the PhD program in intercultural studies. With over twenty-one years of service in Germany with ReachGlobal, Dr. Ott brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the field of Christian missions. He is the author and editor of numerous publications, including the recent The Church on Mission: A Biblical Vision for Transformation among All People. His areas of expertise encompass theology of mission, church planting, and teaching across cultures, making him a respected figure in the mission community. Discover more about Dr. Ott's work through his publications on Amazon, connect with him via email at cott@tiu.edu, or learn more about his academic contributions at Trinity International University. Believe in our mission? Support the show at missionspodcast.com/support. The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.
As a risk officer with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Will Gogolak was setting margin requirements and saw a wide variety of traders' accounts and what separated the winning traders from the losing ones, before leaving to pursue his own trading and obtaining a PHD in finance and share his knowledge of quantitative analysis and market experience with students at Carnegie Mellon University. Combining his market experience with knowledge of statistics helps William create his custom buy the dip strategy with futures and leveraged ETFs, and focusing on probabilities and determining market direction for informed trading decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two themes swept through evangelicalism in the 1980s and 90s--they were "Church Growth" and "Contextualization." Both were the promoted by Fuller Theological Seminary. The Church Growth faculty at Fuller drew on social science, and research on what was successful in foreign mission fields. What they failed to incorporate into their theories is the intellectual tradition of the post Christian west. Church growth turned against ecclesiology in favor of marketing, confusing that with evangelism. But there have been successful church planters who have not betrayed sound theology in the name of reaching people. One of them is Garrett Craw. Unfortunately, we had a technical issue with the audio this time around, so forgive the poor quality there. Still worth a listen! Learn more about King’s Cross in Buda, TX: https://www.kingscrossatx.org/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb
Two themes swept through evangelicalism in the 1980s and 90s--they were "Church Growth" and "Contextualization." Both were the promoted by Fuller Theological Seminary. The Church Growth faculty at Fuller drew on social science, and research on what was successful in foreign mission fields. What they failed to incorporate into their theories is the intellectual tradition of the post Christian west. Church growth turned against ecclesiology in favor of marketing, confusing that with evangelism. But there have been successful church planters who have not betrayed sound theology in the name of reaching people. One of them is Garrett Craw. Unfortunately, we had a technical issue with the audio this time around, so forgive the poor quality there. Still worth a listen! Learn more about King's Cross in Buda, TX: https://www.kingscrossatx.org/ Support the Pugcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetheologypugcast?fbclid=IwAR17UHhfzjphO52C_kkZfursA_C784t0ldFix0wyB4fd-YOJpmOQ3dyqGf8 Order The Making of Evangelical Spirituality by Jason Cherry: https://a.co/d/2SyDFwb
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