Unconventional Ministry

Covering the Last Mile in Missions with Steve Russell of JAARS EP#202

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Steve Russell, President of JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). Learn how JAARS utilizes aviation, technology, and transportation to overcome barriers and share the gospel with remote, hard-to-reach communities.

Steve shares how equipping and training missionaries to serve in their remote languages transforms the impact of Bible translation and ministry around the world. From rugged airstrips to isolated villages, hear inspiring stories of innovation, courage, and faith in action, showing how God’s Word continues to reach the ends of the earth through creative and unconventional means.

Previous episode:

Most people know they should have a will. However, more than half of Americans don’t. In this Unconventional Ministry episode, Dennis Wiens tackles one of the most overlooked yet life-changing acts of stewardship – estate planning. Listen Now

Equipping to Serve in a Changing World with Maryann Remsburg EP#201

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens speaks with Maryann Remsburg, the Director of Development at Corbin University.

Maryann shares her personal journey to Corban and how the university is equipping students to think biblically, lead courageously, and serve faithfully in an ever-changing world. Together, they explore Corban’s distinctive approach to higher education, where every classroom becomes a place of discipleship, every major a calling, and every graduate a potential world-changer.

Listeners will hear stories of alumni living out their faith in diverse careers and global missions, as well as how athletics, innovative academic programs, and community outreach initiatives reinforce Corban’s mission to make a difference for Christ through education.

Maryann also offers insight into how her work in development and donor relations helps sustain Corban’s vision for the future, building relationships that fuel scholarships, programs, and ministry impact around the world.

Whether you’re a parent, pastor, alum, or friend of Christian education, this episode will inspire you to see how Corban University is shaping the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.

Sowing Seeds of Faith Globally with Dan Janzen EP#200

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens interviews Dan Janzen, the executive director of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI). They discuss FCFI's mission to encourage farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ, both domestically and internationally. Dan shares his background in agriculture and how he came to lead FCFI, as well as the organization's outreach efforts, including disaster relief, evangelism at agricultural events, and international projects. The conversation underscores the significance of community support among farmers and the distinct opportunities for ministry within the agricultural sector.

Previous episode to learn from:

• Giving Principles and Strategies for Multiplying Impact with Dr. Jim Bakke EP#191
• Flipping the Script on Ministry ROI: The Middle East Impact with Dennis Wiens EP#190

Learn more about the sponsor of this podcast, SAT-7 USA, a Middle East and North Africa broadcast media ministry.

Innovating Ministry: Embracing Change for Impact with Jon Hirst S5 EP#199

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, Dennis Wiens and Jon Hirst (https://innovationinmission.com/) discuss the concept of innovation within ministry contexts. They explore the definition of innovation, the fear of change that many ministries face, and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Jon shares insights from his experience as a fractional innovation officer, highlighting inspiring projects that demonstrate the power of innovative thinking in addressing community needs. The conversation also explores the future of innovation, particularly in the context of AI integration, and how it can enhance the speed and effectiveness of ministry efforts.

Ten takeaways to consider:

• Innovation is not just about new technology; it's about creating value.
• Fear of change is a natural human response.
• Staying true to core values while innovating is possible.
• Reputation, risk, and resources are major barriers to innovation.
• Fractional innovation leadership makes innovation accessible for smaller ministries.
• Innovative projects can address multiple community needs simultaneously.
• AI is changing the landscape of innovation processes.
• Creative thinking can lead to sustainable growth in ministries.
• Innovation should align with God's mission and values.
• AI advancements will accelerate the future of innovation.

Enjoy several previous podcast episodes:

Money Is Spiritual - Heather Day EP#185

Giving Principles and Strategies for Multiplying Impact - Dr. Jim Bakke EP#191

Community Engagement That Amplifies Ministry Impact with Fouad Masri S5 EP#198

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Fouad Masri, founder and global ambassador of the Crescent Project. Discover how the Crescent Project is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to respond to the Gospel and connect with a true follower of Jesus. With a focus on equipping believers to reach out to Muslim communities, the Crescent Project is expanding its mission globally, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of this mission and how you can be a part of it. Please tune in to learn more about the Crescent Project's vision and the inspiring journey of its founder.

Previous episodes you will learn from:

• Giving Principles and Strategies for Multiplying Impact with Dr. Jim Bakke EP#191

• Money Is Spiritual with Heather Day EP#185

 

From Mission Drift to Mission Strong with Becca Spradlin S5 EP#197

In this episode, host Dennis Wiens sits down with Becca Spradlin, author of Lead on Mission and a trusted voice in the global faith-at-work movement. Together, they discuss how Christian leaders can weave faith, values, and excellence into the marketplace in ways that endure beyond their own leadership.

Becca shares her personal journey and the vision behind Lead on Mission, celebrating the inspiring growth of the faith-at-work movement while also sounding a vital warning: without intentional planning, many organizations lose their Kingdom focus in just one leadership transition. Avoiding mission drift requires uncommon intentionality.

The conversation addresses the urgency of today’s moment. As baby boomers retire and a new generation of leaders takes the helm, organizations are facing a “values stress test.” Becca offers practical strategies for building companies that achieve operational and financial excellence while also fostering spiritual growth, discipleship, and a lasting witness of God’s love in the workplace.

Has your organization drifted? Take the Free Self-Assessment

 

 

 

Estate Planning: So Important Yet Underutilized with Dennis Wiens S5 #EP196

Most people know they should have a will… but more than half of Americans don’t. In this Unconventional Ministry episode, Dennis Wiens tackles one of the most overlooked yet life-changing acts of stewardship – estate planning.

Discover why creating a will is more than just legal paperwork; it’s an act of love, faith, and intentional stewardship that protects your family, prevents conflict, and leaves a lasting Kingdom impact. You’ll hear practical, biblically grounded reasons to start a plan now. Also, learn what happens if you don’t plan. Estate planning is one of the most powerful but underutilized planning tools.

Whether you’re just starting your adult life or enjoying retirement, this episode will give you the tools, inspiration, and biblical motivation to take action now, before it’s too late. Listen now and learn why doing your will honors God while protecting your family.

Resource mentioned in podcast episode:

Barnabas Foundation

Financial Planning Ministry

 

Revolutionizing Christian Higher Education Affordability with Randy Grimm S5 EP#195

On this episode of Unconventional Ministry, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Randy Grimm, Interim Chief Development Officer at Calvary University, a school ranked in the top 30% nationwide for lowest student debt and in the top 3% of Christian universities. Randy shares how Calvary is redefining Christian higher education through an unwavering commitment to biblical truth, academic excellence, and debt-free graduation. Discover how Calvary University equips students for Kingdom impact while removing financial barriers through strategic donor partnerships and innovative funding models.

From the heart of the Midwest to global missions, Calvary is proving that faithful stewardship and forward-thinking Christian education can go hand-in-hand. Tune in to hear what makes Calvary’s approach to Christian education truly unconventional!

Enjoy this previous podcast episode: Giving Principles and Strategies for Multiplying Impact with Dr. Jim Bakke, Barnabas Foundation

Music, Marriage, Media, and Ministry: A Story of Faithful Impact with Rawad and Marianne Daou S5 EP#194

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Rawad and Marianne Daou, a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 years of experience, offers insight into the creative and spiritual impact of SAT-7's broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Together, they reflect on how God has used their musical talents as a powerful tool to communicate the Gospel, especially in children’s programming and worship ministries. Their decision to remain in Lebanon, despite the opportunity to leave, reveals their profound commitment to being a voice for the voiceless in the MENA region.

The episode also explores the life-changing role of SAT-7’s Viewer Support ministry. Marianne describes how her team, spread across four countries, responds to viewers with biblical care, connects them to counselors, and helps guide them into deeper faith through online discipleship and local church connections. With moving testimonies from Syria, Algeria, and beyond, Marianne and Rawad reveal how music, media, and authentic storytelling are transforming lives and multiplying faith across the Arab world.

Resources mentioned in podcast:

• Rawad and Marianne's Apple Music Channel
• Rawad and Marianne's YouTube Channel
• Learn more about SAT-7's broadcast ministry

Story Poverty to Story Stewardship: A Call to Action with Todd Miechiels S5 EP#193

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens, where we explore innovative approaches to sharing the Gospel. In this episode, Dennis interviews Todd Michaels, the founder of the Story Stewardship Initiative. Todd makes a bold claim: that over 95% of believers will take their stories to the grave. He calls this “the greatest missed Kingdom opportunity of our time.” In a church culture saturated with sermons, promotions, and devotionals, he points to the quiet absence of something essential, the stories of ordinary believers, bearing witness to the extraordinary grace of God.

This episode challenges leaders to move beyond content creation to story cultivation, intentionally creating space where testimonies are not only celebrated but also stewarded. Through presence, prayer, and practice, Todd invites churches to equip believers to share their stories vulnerably and authentically, captured on video and shared online for Kingdom impact.

This conversation will awaken a new vision: a church where no story of God’s grace is wasted and every testimony becomes a tool for spiritual formation, community building, and digital outreach.

Click HERE to get your free book and take the 2-minute survey.