Unconventional Ministry

Revolutionizing Church Mission Displays – Creating an Interactive Experience with Paul Douglas S4 Ep#113

In this episode, learn how Digital Missions Display, a ministry providing technology solutions for churches, is revolutionizing church display boards with an engaging, interactive experience.

This ministry helps bring missionary engagement in the local church into the 21st century by using touchscreen technology that allows church members to interact with the information, and access emails, websites, videos, QR codes, and more, all at their fingertips in real-time.

For far too long, an overwhelming number of church congregants were unable to identify the missionaries they support, let alone know their names and missions. To transform this disheartening reality, Paul Douglas explains his interactive touchscreen display that features world and continental maps, allowing church members to easily access information on their supported missionaries with just the touch of a finger. Through this innovative approach, they aim to cultivate deeper connections and foster a greater understanding of the church’s global missions.

In International Development, How You Help Matters with Tim Brokopp S4 EP#112

In this episode, learn from TCK (Third Culture Kid) Tim Brokopp, Founder and Executive Director of the Amoveo Group. Growing up in Africa as a TCK has given Tim a unique approach and perspective on local, sustainable solutions in international development.

Amoveo Group is a non-profit development organization that exists to see broken systems fixed in communities all over the world. Hear how they mobilize people, materials, and financial investments in projects which spur sustainable solutions to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The model of ministry a ministry operates by will drastically affect its ministry’s impact. A must is for the local people to identify what is broken and not working and then collectively seek a local, sustainable solution. #internationaldevelopment #development #africa #nonprofit #sustainabledevelopment #charity #changemakers

Christian Media in Hard-To-Reach Places with Dr. Ron Harris S4 EP#111

In this episode, hear from Dr. Ron Harris and the efforts of Media Alliance International to strengthen local Christian media in the hardest-to-reach places. Ron shares his thoughts on ministry partnerships and global Christian media trends.

As Dr. Harris has observed the growth of the SAT-7 media ministry over several decades, what stands out most to him? He notes a leadership trait other ministry leaders could learn from.

Lessons Learned Visiting 57 Immigrant Churches with John Yoder S4 EP#110

In the episode, hear from John Yoder, Founder and President of Immigrant Ministry Connections. John has visited 57 immigrant churches in Minneapolis. Learn why the immigrant Church and the American Church struggle to work together.

The Immigrant Ministry Connections website is a valuable collection of resources for the American Church. One resource is the Directories of partner-friendly ministry agencies. Other resource categories are: "Best websites for beginners," "Ministry specialist organizations," "American partnering organizations," and "Canadian partnering organizations." Visit https://www.immigrantministry.com/networking to learn more.

Simply Put – How Jesus Saves Us with Dr. Joshua McNall S4 EP#109

In this episode, author and professor Josh NcNall talks about his 10-year-old daughter’s struggle. Although they experienced a recent death in the family that caused sadness, Jesus’ death was called "good news." During their devotions one evening, she asked her dad, “How does Jesus save us by dying on the cross?” It was not a simple and straightforward answer.

While atonement is a central theme of Christianity, the ensuing question “How?” demands attention. How does a brutal and shameful crucifixion provide salvation?

Josh was prompted to write about atonement theology – how God reconciles us to Himself through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, yet in a way everyone can understand. The book is called “Jesus Saves Us” and is available where books are sold.

A Ministry Game Changer for On-The-Go Audiences with Shady Francis S4 EP#108

In this episode, hear from SAT-7's Arabic Channels Digital Director Shady Francis. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions have some of the world's most prolific social media users. As a result, social media is now highly integrated into people's daily lives.

Learn how social media sources are often more trusted than traditional media. Family and friends pass on news and other information via Facebook and other platforms, implicitly endorsing it, and they become trusted sources of information.

Shady shares what this means for Christian ministries like SAT-7, an established and trusted broadcast media ministry based in the MENA region.

What does this mean for the Church? What does this mean for your ministry?

Music’s Powerful Force in Healing People From Trauma with Dr. Connie Fortunato S4 EP#107

In this episode, learn how music is a powerful force in individual development – academically, emotionally, and socially. Music heals young people from trauma and gives them hope and self-confidence.

My guest Connie Fortunato is the Founder and CEO of Canticum Novum International. Canticum Novum International, which consists of two divisions, Music Camp International and Musedics International, is a non-religious NGO registered in the United States, Romania, Ukraine, and Poland. They work across all barriers – political, geographic, religious, social, economic, and ethnic – to include all young people. Their mission is "Transforming youth, communities, and countries through the power of music."

Because music integrates all parts of the brain, many children that have difficulty in traditional academics excel in music. And because Canticum Novum International provides a unique approach to learning, children with special needs are able to be integrated into the program.

How to Provide Spiritual Trauma Relief in Natural Disasters with Dr. Rex Rogers S4 EP#106

In this episode, learn how the Middle East broadcast media ministry SAT-7 provides spiritual trauma relief to those affected by the Türkiye and Syrian earthquakes.

My guest is Dr. Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA, former president of Cornerstone University, prolific author, blogger, and host of the Discerning What Is Best podcast.

In natural disasters like the Türkiye and Syrian earthquakes, the first wave of relief is search, rescue, and recovery. The immediate need is for the physical relief with providing food, clothing, shelter, health and medical care, and safety.

The second wave of relief needed is for PTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, when people ask existential questions like “Where is God?” or “Does He care?” “What happened to my friend who died?” “What happens to me if I die?”

Learn how SAT-7 is providing Spiritual Trauma Relief, not only to the affected areas of the natural disaster but to the nation and the diaspora, all asking these existential questions.

Ending the Epidemic of Poor Vision in the Developing World With Greg Wiens S4 EP#105

In this episode, learn how Global Vision 2020 was founded to help end the epidemic of poor vision in the developing world. Their innovative and unique system enables the delivery of corrective eyeglasses in minutes for a few dollars per person.

My guest Greg Wiens, pastor at Westwood Community Church, is a missions mobilizer and the Faith-Based Coordinator at Global Vision 2020. Greg works with Multiply, the international development wing for the Mennonite Brethren denomination.

Over 2.5 billion people lack access to an optometrist. This results in their limitations in education, prosperity, and self-sufficiency. In the United States, there’s about one optometrist for every 8,000 people. However, in many developing nations, there can be as few as one optometrist for every 1 million people, making it difficult to screen and provide eyeglasses for those who need them.

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The Missing Ingredient to Desired Significant Relationships with Derrick Steele S4 EP#104

In this episode, hear how to captivate hearts, minds, and imaginations with the "adventure" that life with God is meant to be! A look at a refreshing return to an unapologetically sacred, historical, and Jesus-focused ministry. My guest is Derrick Steele, author, screenwriter, pastor, and founder of The Warriors Path ministry.  

While there are many obstacles and distractions in our modern culture and society, there is importance in creating a convergence between a man's religious thinking and his often disconnected desire to live a meaningful, significant, and heroic (Christian) life.

One of the central themes of The Warriors Path is the deep significance we attach to our relationships and the conviction we hold firmly to: that having “fellowship,” or people to walk with through life’s adventures, is a huge portion of life’s joy – and a sadly missing ingredient in most of our modern western lives.