The Practical Missions Podcast 

Pod # 18 Keeping Close to the Gospel

Contextualization does not equal effective Gospel ministry

In this Pod, we talk about the increase of Arabs reaching Arabs, changes in training in missions, defining what discipleship is and why it’s so messy. We talked about inconsistencies in our emphasis, sticking close to the Gospel, and some lies workers believe. We also talked about storytelling and why it’s so hard for us to do it. 

Timeline

  • 1:00 The changing nature of missions in the Arab world.  
  • 2:26 What kind of changes is training going through in missions? 
  • 5:01 Is there still a need for cross-cultural workers in the Arab world? 
  • 7:45 Are the Arabs you train mostly MBBs or CBBs? 
  • 9:01 What kind of training are Arab believers looking for? 
  • 10:18 What is discipleship? 
  • 12:34 Modeling the Gospel when discipleship is messy?
  • 17:01 The challenge of connectivity
  • 19:33 A lie workers believe is “I have to stay connected to everyone back home” 
  • 20:35 Lies Workers Believe #1 Language will come by just being on the field 
  • 22:47 Advice for people who have plateaued in language learning 
  • 23:34 Lies Workers Believe #2 If I just become like the culture I’ll see fruit 
  • 27:55 Lies Workers Believe #3 The “If I just had…” lie 
  • 32:28 Lies Workers Believe #4 The Work/Rest lie. I need to watch more Netflix because I’m so tired. Or, I can’t rest or take a break because I’m supported by other people. 
  • 40:16 The snare of compare 
  • 42:28 Story Telling: Why is it so hard for Westerners to tell stories? 
  • 48:29 Tips and tricks for telling stories to Arabs 
  • 53:02 What mistakes do we make when we tell stories? 

        Listen on: Apple Podcast | Spotify

        In the Arab culture, there is an amazing amount of distrust, and it is really hard for them to love one another and forgive one another. As expatriates, as Christians coming from cultures where we have already learned that, we can actually live that out with them, and help people really love one another, and be in fellowship with each other.

        Keeping Close To The Gospel

        Pod # 18 Keeping Close to the Gospel

        Contextualization does not equal effective Gospel ministry

        In this Pod, we talk about the increase of Arabs reaching Arabs, changes in training in missions, defining what discipleship is and why it’s so messy. We talked about inconsistencies in our emphasis, sticking close to the Gospel, and some lies workers believe. We also talked about storytelling and why it’s so hard for us to do it. 

        In the Arab culture, there is an amazing amount of distrust, and it is really hard for them to love one another and forgive one another. As expatriates, as Christians coming from cultures where we have already learned that, we can actually live that out with them, and help people really love one another, and be in fellowship with each other.

        Listen on: Apple Podcast | Spotify

        Timeline 

        • 1:00 The changing nature of missions in the Arab world. 
        • 2:26 What kind of changes is training going through in missions?
        • 5:01 Is there still a need for cross-cultural workers in the Arab world?
        • 7:45 Are the Arabs you train mostly MBBs or CBBs?
        • 9:01 What kind of training are Arab believers looking for?
        • 10:18 What is discipleship?
        • 12:34 Modeling the Gospel when discipleship is messy?
        • 17:01 The challenge of connectivity
        • 19:33 A lie workers believe is “I have to stay connected to everyone back home”
        • 20:35 Lies Workers Believe #1 Language will come by just being on the field
        • 22:47 Advice for people who have plateaued in language learning
        • 23:34 Lies Workers Believe #2 If I just become like the culture I’ll see fruit
        • 27:55 Lies Workers Believe #3 The “If I just had…” lie
        • 32:28 Lies Workers Believe #4 The Work/Rest lie. I need to watch more Netflix because I’m so tired. Or, I can’t rest or take a break because I’m supported by other people.
        • 40:16 The snare of compare
        • 42:28 Story Telling: Why is it so hard for Westerners to tell stories?
        • 48:29 Tips and tricks for telling stories to Arabs
        • 53:02 What mistakes do we make when we tell stories?

          Check out the second conversation I had wtih today’s guest.

          Pod # 32 Thirteen Bridge Stories

          I talk to a master storyteller. He has literally written a small book on the subject. Together we tell thirteen different stories which each help build a bridge into deeper conversations as we share with our friends.  

          — Related Pods —

          Pod # 15 Women are particularly vulnerable if they come to faith

          We talked about the lack of women leadership in missions, as well as the lack of resources and strategies that take women’s issues in mind. We also take a deep dive into surviving reentry, as well as a very honest conversation about sexual harassment on the field. 

          Pod # 28 Discipling in an Honor and Shame Culture

          I talk to a guy who shares his insights into honor and shame and communal vs individualist cultures. He shares some of his personal stories, struggles, and mistakes, while on the field in a way we can learn from them. We close off the conversation by talking about burnout and fatigue. 

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