Join the Worthless Servants cast every other Thursday for laughs and thoughts about what healthy, missional living looks like.
What does a normal day in the life of a missionary look like? You may be surprised. The Worthless Servants discuss some common misperceptions about missionaries and missionary life. Do we all live in a hut? How connected are we to the rest of the world? And how do we balance the moments of revival with the uninspiring routine?
“I see a missionary as someone who is a Christian that is called to be a Christian in another culture.”
In the previous episode we set the foundation of rethinking what evangelism is. This week we go even deeper. How do we evangelize in today’s society? Listen as we share from our personal experiences as well as stories from around the region. We also give some examples and tips of how to evangelize in practical ways.
“We are inviting them to have a relationship with Jesus.”
Sometimes, when we hear the word “evangelism” we cringe - yes, even us Christians. The Worthless Servants have something to say about that. In the first half of this two-parter, they discuss what evangelism is - or should be. What does it mean to evangelize? How does our theology affect how we evangelize or what we think of evangelism?
“For a church that is involved in her community, there is no cold-calling evangelism!”
This week it’s all about the kids and teens. How do they fit in ministry? We look at some articles by Alvin Reid and Laura Copeland to help us articulate the need for youth in the church. How do we reach and invest in younger generations? What do they have to offer to older generations?
“When we invest in [the younger generation], it creates a ripple effect.”
The 9th Characteristic of a Genesis Church is all about money. Or is it? What are we saying with the way we handle finances? AJ has to try and keep his cool on this issue. They also share stories of how God can work through generosity and why it is so important for a healthy church. And, by the way, what does the World Cup have to do with any of this?
“We need to have a healthier, Kingdom response to the way we deal with finances.”
The Worthless Servants talk about multi-ethnic churches and ministries. What are some of the benefits and challenges? What are effective strategies for a multi-cultural context? We touch on the exciting but difficult realities inherent in leading a variety of different cultures and ethnicities and share some examples that we’ve seen throughout our region and the world.
“You get a real picture of what the Kingdom of God is like.”
This week we interview two missionaries that have just returned from serving for two years in Grenada. We hear about what God has been doing in the islands and how God has transformed them and the community. They tell us what has impacted them the most, what they have learned, and - most important - what the food was like. Also, you won’t want to miss their advice to those who are considering a missions call themselves.
“Knowing that there are people praying for you is a constant strengthening in times of trouble and stress.”
You’ve heard from Freya and the Frys, but this week we interview the Armstrongs. You may think you already know them, but in this episode they’ll fill you in on how they met and fell in love, their call to missions, and their sanctification stories. We also find out that Scott has a deep love for bagels. Chelsea is in charge for this one, so buckle up!
“[God] wanted His entire presence to be in me - to be able to flow through me - to be able to make a difference in this world.”
This week the Worthless Servants talk about comparison. We see it everywhere: from celebrities to social media posts, and even in the Bible. How does comparison steal our joy? What is our measure of success? How can it subtlely creep into the Church and ministry? The topic provokes plenty of stories from the mission field and the local church. Hopefully during this episode, you’ll remember where your true identity lies.
“When we spend so much time comparing, we lose sight of the Kingdom work.”
The eighth Characteristic of a Genesis Church is: involving everyone in the congregation in interceding for the needs of the community and the world. How is this done? Is there a difference between prayer and intercession? How can we teach and model prayer that brings excitement? Freya shares some creative examples, AJ talks about a day of prayer, and Emily goes to war.
“The more that we can become passionate about [prayer], the more we’re going to be the Church [God] desires us to be.”
This week, the Worthless Servants explore one of the possible side effects of full-time ministry: burnout. How do we identify it? How do we avoid it? How do we teach the church about it? We share some of our personal stories and Freya brings us back to the Bible. We’re not experts, but maybe we can offer some advice and hope.
“The act of fighting against burnout is an incredible lesson in humility.”
Turn down the lights, light some candles, and breath deep. This week we’re talking about The Sabbath. What does it mean? How is it practiced in the church? Isn’t is just a day off? Emily talks us through the intricacies of what that means for a missionary or minister. AJ shares some of his personal journey through Sabbath. Chelsea and Freya talk about taking a nap.
“The day is all about worship.”
Calling all Nazarene Nerds: straight from the desk of the General Secretary, we bring you the 2017 stats for the Global Church of the Nazarene. Don’t worry, you don’t have to read all 20 pages, we did it for you. But what do they mean? How do the methods of the church stack up to the methods of 10 years ago? How have we changed and where do we see concerns?
“If we want our membership to increase, we have to start with the little guys. ”
We are continuing our conversation from the Exponential conference. Emily leads us in a discussion about some breakout sessions she attended as she asks the questions: How do you fund a sustainable urban church? How should the church building be perceived and utilized in the urban setting? We also learn why where you live and work is important and why Chelsea throws rocks.
“As and urban church planter, you have to live in the neighborhood.”
www.exponential.org
The Worthless Servants attend a conference all about discipleship. What are we doing to train our pastors and leaders to be “hero makers”? How are you making Christ-like disciples in the nations? How does a lion greet others in the field? We discuss all of these questions and more in this two-part discussion on the conference.
“My fruit grows on someone else’s trees. ”
http://www.exponential.org
This week we are interviewing two more missionaries who are going to Panama City, Panama. Joselyn Garcia has been serving in Santiago and now will be serving two more years, but Keila is going out for the first time! They tell us all about how they got started in missions, their family backgrounds, and some of their expectations for their time as Genesis missionaries.
“Even though you think you can’t, [God] can”
This week we have a special guest! Maritza Mendoza is a new missionary from Miami (and Nicaragua before that!) serving in Querétaro, Mexico. She tells us all about her life, her ministry and preparation in Miami, and how God called her to the mission field.
“I love my son and grandson, but I have another love that is bigger than them.”
After two years, five Genesis missionaries wrap up their time in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Listen as we retell their stories of culture shock, group dynamics, strategies used to reach the city, and how they have impacted the existing church and leaders. You won’t want to miss the story of a man dying of cancer and how Sugey’s call to missions was confirmed through that experience.
“The cities are different because of them!”
We’re celebrating our one year anniversary this week! Listen and find out more worthless facts about the Worthless Servants, some of our favorite episodes from the past year, and hear how we have seen God at work. We talk about soccer, driving, ramen noodles, and… things we can’t quite remember. Also, listen for how to get a Worthless Servants t-shirt!
“The urban church is something we’re starting to see take flame.”
This week it’s all about making the dream work. How is your church working as a team to complete the mission of God? Once again, it’s story time with the Worthless Servants. We hear examples (both good and bad) of teamwork in sports, medicine, and from churches around the region of people collaborating with each other to accomplish a goal.
“I’m a part of a church, not only a part of a ministry. ”
