145. Second-class Missionaries?

In this episode we focus on a thought-provoking article written by missionary Amy Medina. She describes a trend she has seen in the Church to unconsciously categorize missionaries into different classes based on their assignments. Are some roles more mission critical than others? Is it right to value certain missionaries more for the work they do or the location where they serve? Should the church differ in the ways she endorses and supports through prayer and finances?

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144. Spiritual hygiene + Diaspora missions

This week, Nathalie brings some unconventional tips that Lucas Leys recommends to any Christian desiring to maintain their "spiritual hygiene." In addition, Scott causes us to reflect on the dispersion of foreigners around our Mesoamerica Region and the great opportunity that the Church has to strategically promote the gospel throughout the world, even without having to travel to far-away nations.

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143. Caribbean Church Health + Discipling our Families

This week we open up the mics to hear what some of our cast has had on their minds (and hearts) recently. Dario explores where our evangelical churches in the Caribbean are bearing fruit and where we still have work to do. Then, Emily reveals a personal project she has been involved in for the last year and how it has taught our entire family about discipleship and investing in our children.

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142. More Jesus in Evangelism

Have you ever had evangelistic conversations that aren't just "formally presenting the gospel" with people you connect with casually, like an Uber driver, for example? Do you make Jesus sound interesting, like your friend, your hero, your teacher, your savior, your king? In this episode, The Worthless Servants talk about this approach that Mike Frost shares in his article: "Jesus Take the Wheel." It gets us thinking (and talking) about how we need a new vocabulary, grounded in truth and love, to describe Jesus’ story as a challenging, sacrificial adventure that invites all people to join the single greatest mission in human history.

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141. Empowering Millennials & Gen Z

Author Micah Davis has published an article titled, “How Church Leaders Can Empower and Reach Millennials and Gen Z,” and in this episode we reflect on his suggestions. Some notable takeaways include: Don't Generalize, Really Listen, Adapt to their Lives, and more. Hear us out and let us know if you can identify other valuable strategies for equipping future generations.

139. Scripture Spotlight: Philippians 4:2-9

Have you ever found yourself in situations where, as a leader, you know that your role is to exhort or to serve as the intermediary? How do you deal with conflicts in the church? This week's passage makes us reflect on this, taking as a reference the life of Paul, who also exhorts us to “always rejoice” even in the midst of discouraging circumstances.

138. Post-Pandemic Challenges for the Global Church

What challenges will face the Church after the COVID-19 pandemic? In our previous episode, we explored how we might answer that question while thinking specifically about the local church. In this episode we pull back the curtain and give a glimpse into how this question might be answered on regional and global levels.

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137. Post-Pandemic Challenges for the Local Church

An interesting and important question was posed to us several weeks ago: What do we see as the challenges that the church will have after the pandemic? In this episode we look towards the local church and formulate some initial answers. After listening to our conversation, what did we leave out? How would you answer that same question?

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136. Ineffective Leadership + Two Unlikely Lessons from Paris

In this episode, Nathalie has been thinking about ineffective leaders and their effect on those around them. How can we assure that our actions and example will end up producing more Christ-like followers? Also, what might Reuben and Judah have to do with this? Scott has been thinking about something very different: what he surprisingly learned from his family’s vacation to France.

134. 2021 Stats: Mesoamerica

Once again we are talking about numbers and metrics of the Mesoamerica Region (has it already been a year?). A few of the questions we ask are, “How many new Nazarenes were received in the region, in the middle of the pandemic?” and “How did the support of the mission change?” Don’t miss out on the end and celebrate with us the districts in the Mesoamerica Region that have gone above and beyond in their missionary offerings.

133. Dario Richards

This week we welcome Pastor Dario Richards from Barbados to the Worthless Servants’ cast. He has been with us in previous episodes, but this time we interview him about his family, his ministry, his calling, his passions, and more. Stay tuned at the end for a description of why we are called The Worthless Servants (hint: it’s biblical)!

132. Fry Farewell

After 5 years and 132 episodes, AJ and Chelsea say goodbye to the Dominican Republic. Although their ministry in Latin America comes to a close, they will be starting a new chapter in another urban district. The Worthless Servants asked them to reflect on their time in the D.R. as well as what they have enjoyed or will miss the most. They may be leaving the podcast and the D.R., but they will need your good wishes and continued prayer support in the States! Stay tuned for an epic surprise at the end of the episode, as well.

131. Been Thinking…

This week we share our thoughts on how to improve our Bible study, how we can become genuine servants, how prayer has changed in recent times, and much more. What about you? What have you been thinking?

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130. Scripture Spotlight: Philippians 3:12 - 4:1

This week's passage challenges us to see ourselves as true athletes. The apostle Paul likens the Christian life to a great race that requires focus, perseverance, and effort to reach the finish line. What are some tips we found to successfully run this spiritual race? What is the grand prize that we will get when we win? Paul's decision to persevere steadfastly to the end, despite his earthly afflictions, cause us to ask: where did his drive come from and what were his motivations? 

Emily ArmstrongComment
129. Beyond Just “Good”

This time the Worthless Servants reflect on an article written by Stephen Mattson. If proclaiming the good news of the gospel is a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, why are more and more Christians uncomfortable sharing their faith? Is it enough to believe that God exists and ¨do good¨? What are some misperceptions that keep Christians from sharing the gospel? Why is just being a good person not enough to evangelize others?

https://transformtheglobe.com/2022/02/22/christianity-is-more-than-just-being-a-good-person/

Emily ArmstrongComment
128. State of the Global Church

In this episode we share our observations on the 2021 statistical report of the Church of the Nazarene globally. How has COVID-19 impacted our denomination? What are some areas or findings that potentially alarm us or that we may need to improve? We dive into this and a whole lot more, so enjoy this episode!

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127. Story Time

 In this episode, the Worthless Servants share stories about some home assignment complications, gum samples, a baby dedication gone awry, and much more.

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