Unconventional Ministry

From the Marketplace to Ministry with Bob Reich S5 EP#151

In this insightful episode, we delve deep into the life-changing journey of Bob Reich, a man who embraced the call to leave behind the comfort and predictability of his marketplace employment, close-knit community, and cherished church life for a life dedicated to full-time ministry at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Juneau, Alaska. Bob shares how he faced fears and overcame challenges as he transitioned from a secure job to serving in a role that demanded not just his professional skills but his entire heart and soul. His testimony is a powerful reflection on the ways in which short-term work team trips to Echo Ranch were instrumental in revealing to him how his maintenance abilities could serve a higher purpose. Through these experiences, Bob saw firsthand how his work could contribute to the Kingdom by supporting a camp dedicated to echoing God's glory, strengthening the body of Christ through Christian camping, and fostering partnerships with the Church.

Bob's role at Echo Ranch, however, extends far beyond the realm of maintenance. In this episode, he gives us an insider's look at the multifaceted nature of his service, which encompasses mentoring, disciplining, assisting other staff members, and stepping in wherever needs arise. His story is not just one of personal sacrifice and adaptation but also profound impact, illustrating how varied skills and a willing heart can significantly advance a camp's vision and mission. Bob's journey of faith, his obedience to God’s call, his dedication to mentorship and discipleship, and his unwavering commitment to supporting the community and mission of Echo Ranch will inspire you. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of aligning one's talents and career with God's work. It is a must-listen for anyone considering a leap of faith into ministry or seeking to understand how their skills can be used for a greater purpose.

 

Previous podcast episodes from Avant Ministry staff you will enjoy:

• Learn about a fresh ministry idea from Brynden Wiens, the Echo Ranch Bible Camp administrator in Juneau, Alaska. This premier summer camp of southeast Alaska has been striving to echo God’s glory for everyone who comes around Echo Cove. https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/echoing-god-s-glory-where-faith-and-fun-collide-%e2%80%93-juneau-alaska/
• In this compelling episode, listeners delve into the transformative journey that Nate and Katy Wiens experienced as they transitioned from coaching at a prominent American university to embarking on a profound international ministry with Avant Ministries and serving at Black Forest Academy – an accredited international Christian school.  https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/tck-ministry-bridging-cultural-borders-with-nate-and-katy-wiens-s5-ep-147/

Noisemaker – Equipping Volunteers for Tomorrow’s Needs with Brenda Long S5 EP #150

In the episode, learn from Brenda Long, a nonprofit leader for over 30 years, who explains Noisemaker – a new, innovative marketing platform designed to equip volunteers quickly and help them promote their favorite causes.

Ambassadors (volunteers) can create campaigns and spread the word through their social media channels. The platform rewards ambassadors for their efforts. Noisemaker's primary focus is on Christian nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups, but it is not limited to them. Smaller nonprofits with limited budgets and staff resources have well received it. The platform automates many processes and provides customizable templates for easy use. Noisemaker offers an innovative solution for managing more volunteers effectively in promoting organizations' causes.

Other podcast episodes you will enjoy:

• Episode #144 Innovation to Reduce Your Nonprofit’s Loan Payments with Todd Tarbert Learn how your local non-profit could save savings up to 60% on their monthly loan payments! In this episode, learn from Todd Tarbert, Founder and CEO of Semble, an innovative and unique approach to lowering your nonprofit’s monthly loan payments. Semble is a company that addresses loan needs for churches, nonprofits, and ministries, and typically, through Semble’s innovative and unique approach, they can lower a nonprofit’s monthly loan payments by 40% to 60% to help further their mission.

 

• Episode #141 Telling Stories That Shape One’s Imagination with Heather Pubols. In this episode, learn from guest Heather Pubols as we discuss the role of the Christian nonprofit in telling stories that shape one’s imagination. Heather Pubols is an experienced nonprofit communications leader, a passionate storyteller, the founder of Le Motif, and editor of Missio Nexus’ Evangelical Missions Quarterly (EMQ).

 

 

Innovation for Seven Local Church Challenges with Dennis Wiens S5 EP #149

In this episode, learn about innovative solutions to seven church challenges. These Unconventional Ministry podcast episodes can be listened to on your favorite podcast platforms.

• A different mission model for urbanization and globalization. Episode #102  
• Working with immigrant churches. Episode #110
• Estate planning. Episode #54
• Pastor retirement. Episode #101
• Revolutionizing church mission displays. Episode #113
• Reducing your nonprofit loan payments. Episode #144
• Grandparents' role in the church. Episode #143

Thriving Leadership Cultivating Flourishing with Dr. Justin Irving S5 EP #148

In this insightful episode, Dr. Justin Irving, Duke K. McCall Professor of Christian Leadership, explores the critical importance of fostering thriving organizations where individuals can flourish in their work and ministry. Dr. Irving underscores the pivotal connection between leadership, purpose, and meaning, emphasizing how leaders shape culture and create contexts for others to thrive. Warning signs of an individual’s lack of flourishing is what is now called "quiet quitting" and disengagement. Leaders need to be attentive and proactive in cultivating environments conducive to personal growth.

Dr. Irving's website, Irving Resources, provides valuable academic resources for further exploration of healthy leadership practices across various sectors. His blog is Purpose in Leadership. He highlights the universal applicability of these principles in both church and marketplace settings. Tune in and discover how fostering flourishing is not just beneficial but essential for leaders and organizations alike.

 

Another Unconventional Ministry Podcast Episode on Leadership You Will Enjoy:

EP #115 Triaging Competing Voices – The Sound of Leadership with Dr. Jules Glanzer

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Jules Glanzer draws upon his extensive leadership journey within both the Church and Christian higher education to offer profound insights into the state of leadership across the seven fundamental sectors of society. Delving into critical questions such as the current landscape of leadership in America and the existence of a leadership crisis, Dr. Glanzer navigates through the intricate dynamics impacting the American church. He articulates three fundamental distinctions between individuals driven by kingdom leadership and those embodying various forms of marketplace leadership. Moreover, he unveils the essence of his book "Sound of Leadership," which serves as a guiding beacon for refining one's life and influence according to kingdom principles. For those eager to explore deeper, the book is readily accessible at https://www.inviteresources.com/lp/sound-of-leadership-landing. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom on navigating the nuances of leadership in contemporary society.

Charting New Ministry Paths: MENA's Five Transformative Challenges with Dr. Terence Ascott S5 EP #147

Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series, where we delve into the dynamic landscape of the Middle East and North Africa with Dr. Terence Ascott, the visionary Founder and President of SAT-7. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Ascott navigates through five pressing challenges confronting the region today and their profound impact on the Church and ministry. From escalated conflicts to restricted press freedom and from limited education access to the deprivation of women's and religious rights, each issue presents a unique hurdle. However, Dr. Ascott unveils how SAT-7 as a pioneering broadcast media ministry is ingeniously addressing these challenges and fostering transformative change through innovative approaches.

In his gripping memoir, Dare to Believe! Stories of Faith from the Middle East, Dr. Terrence Ascott unveils his personal odyssey amidst civil unrest, detentions, and the birth pains of SAT-7. Seamlessly interwoven with his narrative are the compelling stories of Middle Eastern Christians and the exponential growth of SAT-7 into a beacon of hope, broadcasting across Arabic, Turkish, and Persian regions. With each chapter, Dr. Ascott paints a vivid picture of resilience, faith, and the unwavering commitment to illuminate the darkest corners with the light of the Gospel.

SAT-7 emerges as a powerful force for change, shedding light in the darkest recesses of the region. Dr. Ascott passionately articulates how your partnership and support fuel SAT-7's mission to make God's love visible and confront the prevailing challenges in the region head-on. As listeners, you're invited to join hands in this transformative journey, discovering actionable ways to contribute towards a brighter future for the marginalized, the questioning, and the Isolated Believers. Together, we can ignite a movement of compassion, understanding, and profound change in the Middle East and beyond. Join us in making a difference today. Visit https://www.sat7usa.org/get-involved to learn more.

You can download a sample chapter of the book or receive a downloadable PDF and ePub version of the complete abridged book as a thank-you for a gift of any amount. Visit http://sat7usa.org/daretobelievebook.

TCK Ministry: Bridging Cultural Borders with Nate and Katy Wiens S5 EP #146

In this compelling episode, listeners delve into the transformative journey that Nate and Katy Wiens experienced as they transitioned from coaching at a prominent American university to embarking on a profound international ministry with Avant Ministries and serving at Black Forest Academy – an accredited international Christian school. Through candid insights, they share the arduous process of navigating the challenges inherent in such a significant life shift. From the complexities of identifying a suitable sending agency to the daunting task of uprooting their lives from familiarity, the family sheds light on the intricacies of raising essential financial support and acclimating to a foreign culture and language. Their narrative underscores the resilience required to navigate the uncertainties of transitioning into the world of Third Culture Kids (TCK) while maintaining a steadfast commitment to their faith-driven mission.

At the heart of their narrative lies the family's poignant motto: "keeping our 'yes' on the table." This powerful mantra serves not only as a guiding principle but also as a testament to their unwavering faith and dedication to their missional journey. Through the lens of their experiences, listeners glean valuable insights into the profound impact of maintaining openness to life's myriad opportunities and challenges. Their story resonates as a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance in navigating the complexities of cross-cultural ministry and embracing the unknown with courage and conviction.

 

Another episode on the TCK

The Third Culture Kid (TCK) Cultural Adaptability in a Multicultural World EP #75. In this podcast episode, my guest, Brooke Wiens, delves into the intriguing topic of "Cultural Adaptability in a Multicultural World," focusing on Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Ms. Wiens, an Emergent Bilingual Teacher in North Kansas City Schools, shares her unique perspective as a TCK herself, having grown up in West Africa and experiencing the challenges of re-entry into the US every four years. With a rich background as a traveler and global thinker, she emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of safety and belonging for children from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a board member of Interaction International, a ministry dedicated to supporting TCKs, Ms. Wiens sheds light on the increasing global population of over 220 million TCKs. The episode explores her role as a teacher in connecting with families and fostering a sense of belonging for children navigating the complexities of cultural adaptation.

Marketplace Kingdom-Minded Entrepreneurs with Rylee Meek S5 EP #145

In this episode, learn from Rylee Meek, Founder of The King's Council – a nonprofit ministry that serves as an extension of the local church. Their mission is to disciple Christian entrepreneurs in order to increase the tithe and initiate radical generosity for the purpose of Kingdom advancement here on earth.

The King's Council equips Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs with the tools, systems, and frameworks necessary to discover, develop, and deploy their God-given vision into the marketplace. 

Previous episodes you will find interesting:

• EP #143 Grandparents –The Most Neglected in the Church with Dr. Don Hawkins. Among the local church ministries, grandparents are the most overlooked and neglected resource of the local church. Dr. Hawkins is now changing the statistics! Through The Master Life Coach Training Institute's GrandCoaching™ course – an easy-to-use multimedia presentation that you can take at your own pace – grandparents can bond with their grandchildren, set a godly example, and communicate biblical truth to them to help shape their worldview.

 

• EP #130 An Innovative Sustainable Solution for Church Planting with Sean Benesh. Do we need to throw out many of the present “rules” in the church planting ministry?

 

Innovation to Reduce Your Nonprofit’s Loan Payments with Todd Tarbert S5 EP #144

Would realizing savings of up to 60% on your monthly loan payments help your church? In this episode, learn from Todd Tarbert, Founder and CEO of Semble, an innovative and unique approach to lowering your nonprofit’s monthly loan payments. Semble is a company that addresses loan needs for churches, nonprofits, and ministries, and typically, through Semble’s innovative and unique approach, they can lower a nonprofit’s monthly loan payments by 40% to 60% to help further their mission.

Todd shares how Kingdom Impact Investing can be a game changer for your ministry. Nonprofits are providing some of the most vital services in the life of their communities, but resources are perpetually in short supply. Without another dollar given, learn how Semble solves this by bringing a customized solution that can free up significant dollars for nonprofits and ministries that have loan needs.

Thank you to the sponsor of the Unconventional Ministry podcast: SAT-7 USA. The SAT-7 broadcast media ministry is making God’s love visible in the Middle East and North Africa, where nearly 97% of the people are non-Christian. While many of these countries are closed to the Gospel, SAT-7's four satellite TV channels and online media bypass censorship. Viewers are coming to faith, and Christians are growing in their faith. For many believers in the Middle East and North Africa, SAT-7 is their sole connection to other Christians.

Grandparents – The Most Neglected in the Church with Dr. Don Hawkins S5 EP #143

In this episode, learn from Dr. Don Hawkins why it is important for grandparents to be empathetic listeners, ask cultivating questions, and have compassionate communication with their grandchildren. Cancel culture, sexual distortion, and other cultural shifts have penetrated our public education system and our society. Clearly, we live in a post-Christian era. But there is hope … godly grandparents.

Among the local church ministries, resources for the grandparents are the most overlooked and neglected segment of the local church. Dr. Hawkins is now changing the statistics! Through The Master Life Coach Training Institute's GrandCoaching™ course – an easy-to-use multimedia presentation that you can take at your own pace – grandparents can bond with their grandchildren, set a godly example, communicate biblical truth to them to help shape their worldview, and perhaps lead them to personal faith in Christ. For more information, visit https://grandcoaching.org/.

Dr. Don Hawkins is a veteran conference and seminar speaker with pastoral experience, former president of a Bible College, former Vice President and Executive Director of the Minirth Meier Clinic, author or co-author of over 20 books. He served at Back to the Bible as co-host and was producer of the Back to the Bible radio program. He has also hosted the live nationwide call-in program, Life Perspectives, and was also President/CEO of Encouragement Communications and General Manager of The Worship Channel. Now he is the host of “Encouragement Live” heard on Saturday evening at American Family Radio. The SAT-7 ministry is a regular guest on the program.

Here are several recent podcasts episodes you may find interesting:

• #141 Telling Stories That Shape One’s Imagination - Heather Pubols. How does telling stories shape one’s imagination? What is the storytelling role of the ministry nonprofit? Heather shares about the lack of funding for good storytelling in mission agencies and churches, emphasizing the importance of stories in transforming people's imagination and involvement in missions.  Learn how to revitalize global ministry and engage the Church with stories!
  
  
• #140 A Soccer Ball with a Goal - Mike Morris' goal was to energize the world's children with the Gospel message. Learn how God put an innovative idea in their mind, resulting in a multicolored soccer ball in their hand to reach their goal. 

Making The Impossible Possible with Dr. Terence Ascott S5 EP #142

In the episode, learn from Dr. Terrence Ascott, a pioneering innovator in Middle East Christian media who founded SAT-7. Learn how what was thought to be impossible was made possible – a broadcast media ministry aiming to make the gospel available across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Dr. Ascott shares his epiphany moment when he realized the power of television in making the Gospel available to people who are not functionally literate, the poor, women, and children.

Learn how SAT-7's (SAT-7 USA) unique model differs from traditional Christian television stations by giving a platform to local churches and focusing on culturally appropriate programming. Over the past 27 years, SAT-7 has witnessed significant changes in media technology and societal attitudes in the Middle East and North Africa, presenting both challenges and opportunities for sharing the Christian faith. Learn more by visiting www.terenceascott.com for more ministry information about Dr. Ascott's captivating book "Dare to Believe."

“Dare to Believe! Stories of Faith from the Middle East” is the memoir of SAT-7 Founder and President Dr. Terrence Ascott. The book combines his exciting personal story of living through civil wars, kidnappings, detentions, and deportation with the courageous witness of Middle East Christians and the birth and growth of SAT-7 into a media network that today broadcasts to millions in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian.

You can download a sample chapter of the book or receive a downloadable PDF and ePub version of the complete abridged book as a thank-you for a gift of any amount. Visit http://sat7usa.org/daretobelievebook/ to learn more.