There is a lot of discussion in the missions world on "multiplication vs. maturity" or "movement vs. healthy church." How should we think about these 2 different emphases in the work? Which is more important? Listen in as Jesse shares from Colossions that all missionaries must be furiously committed to both. 

Link to all Chapters – Text & Audio Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, saying, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” So David and Abishai came to the people by night, … Continue reading "Chapter 19 – The Boarding Action"

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of John to discuss what Jesus meant by “believing.”    So let’s get started. (Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)  John 6:22–29 The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that … Continue reading "I Believe! (But Do I?) – #100"

Biblically, the priesthood of all believers has just as much to do with our posture toward God than our work for others.

Link to all Chapters – Text & Audio The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1 Reassignment The distant hum of the transport ship’s engines provided a constant backdrop as Wade, Jay, Mayumi, and Bikram settled into their new quarters. The … Continue reading "Chapter 18 – Unexpected Orders"

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of Matthew and Mark to see how Jesus used a boat to develop leaders.   So let’s get started. (Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)  Matthew 14:34–36, Mark 6:53–56 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and … Continue reading "Boat Time – #99"

There is more talk in the missions world recently about sending churches and organizations requiring new missionaries to have the same training and qualifications as pastors. While we appreciate the emphasis on preparing prospective missionaries well, we share 7 reasons that missionaries should not be required to have the same training and qualifications as pastors. This has important ramifications for sending out new workers - listen in!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Sustenance “Is anyone else thirsty?” Jay’s question broke the tense silence that had fallen over the group of Marines. They had been trapped on … Continue reading "Chapter 17 – Survival and Sabotage"

From Our Son, Wes Just finished my 10th Bible today. Here are some things I feel God has shown me about reading the Bible: 1. Keep reading: Daily, no matter how much or how little. God’s Word is alive and active. It’s an opportunity to spend time with God and listen to Him through His … Continue reading "Committed to God’s Word"

The new year is a chance for a fresh start. Additionally, our family and many of our coworkers are preparing for unexpected, fresh beginnings in new ministry this year. We want to begin with the final day in mind. Listen in as Jesse shares from Paul's account of his service in Ephesus. Paul served wholeheartedly, testified unceasingly, and lived generously.

Roland Muller wrote, “Many Christian workers are encouraged as they see the seeker or new convert growing in the faith, learning the Bible, and developing some spiritual maturity. And then, all of a sudden, he is gone, or he dramatically slows down and soon stops seeking or growing” (Muller, the Messenger, the Message, and the Community,Continue reading "Why Many Muslim-Background Believers Become Expert Liars and How to Mentor Them Through It"

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John to see how disciple makers can experience both victories and defeat and how both are beneficial.  So let’s get started. (Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)  Matthew 14:24–33, Mark 6:47–52, John 6:17b–21 When … Continue reading "Getting Out of Your Boat – #98"

Over the course of this year, I read Dreamland and The Least of Us by Sam Quinones.

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 The Graduates’ Departure The planet’s sun cast long shadows across the landing pad as Wade, … Continue reading "Chapter 16 – Waiting in the Dark"

Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. (HCSB)  Psalm 139:16 My Story Forty-five years ago today, on December 23rd, 1979, I made a decision that would radically change the course of my life. At the time, I … Continue reading "45 Years Ago Today"

When we feel called to serve as missionaries, it can be difficult to discern where God is sending us! Listen in as we share a few questions you can ask yourself to help you make this important decision. 

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL Welcome Back! Today, we’ll explore the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John to understand how Jesus served people while not necessarily fulfilling all their desires. So let’s get started. (Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)  Matthew 14:22–23, Mark 6:45–46, John 6:14–17a When the people saw the sign … Continue reading "Serving in the Context of Calling – #97"

In an effort to better understand the community I am living in, I have been reading a few books about “Greater Appalachia” and the “Scots-Irish”.

I just really thought I was going to find the treasure

This blog post was first published in September 2021 on Sentergy. I am now including it also on my own blog in a slightly modified version. This blog post is part of a series of publications on Pauline Emulation. Pauline Emulation is a hermeneutical framework that the apostle Paul is presented in Scripture as theContinue reading "“Preach the Word”: Homiletics or Evangelism? "