The Gospel Mobilization Podcast is a resource for Christian leaders who want to increase the number of missionaries around the world. Our goal is to equip and encourage missions mobilizers and missions pastors for greater Kingdom impact. This podcast is a ministry of Gospel Mobilization. Visit us online at gospelmobilization.org
Mobilization doesn’t stop when a new global worker gets to the field. Some have said it should continue through the first year of field service. As mobilizers, we need tools to help stop the revolving door of new missionaries going to the field and then coming home for preventable reasons. Today, Dave interviews Carol Ghattas, author of the new book, When Serving Gets Tough. Visit our show notes to receive 25% off the book. It would make a great Christmas gift! Here’s what Dave asked Carol: What motivated you to write this book? Why do missionaries struggle? Are they not prepared for what they’ll face on the field? Are sending organizations missing something in their mobilization and training? How can your book be a good tool for mobilizers? Mobilizers are often having discipleship-type conversations with potential goers helping them to navigate God’s call on their lives. How important is calling and what advice would you have for mobilizers as they have these conversations? What topics or struggles do you cover in the book? Did you find it hard to limit them to thirty? Sometimes mobilizers may paint an overly positive picture of what life on the mission field will be like in the hopes to recruit more people. Is this harmful? If so, why? Could you share a story that illustrates why being honest about life on the missions field helps our mobilization efforts?
11/18/24 • 29:57
Today, Dave Jacob interviews Justin Schell, Director of Younger Leaders Generation for the Lausanne Movement. His latest book, The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church, is dedicated to missions mobilizers, making this episode just for you! Starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation, the book is shorter than you’d expect, making it user-friendly for those who need a synopsis on the missions narrative throughout the Bible. Tune in to discover why Justin dedicated this book to missions mobilizers and how we should really translate the word, “Go” in Matthew 28:19.
10/7/24 • 32:47
To celebrate our 100th episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast, we are giving you 100 best practices of mobilization! Join mobilization experts, Katy White, Mark Stebbins, Chelsea Christopher, and host Dave Jacob as they unpack these practical tips for missions mobilizers.
9/9/24 • 44:53
Do you want to mobilize the younger generations? Are you finding it difficult to relate to Gen Z? Today, we’re talking with 4 Gen Z mobilizers who work for World Gospel Mission, a non-denominational missions agency based in Marion, Indiana. These 4 mobilizers: Madeline, Andy, Kaeley, and Kenzie work to not only mobilize Gen Z, they are Gen Zers themselves! You’ll learn the importance of diversity, team, clear communication, authenticity, and much more!
8/12/24 • 49:50
We all know that a diverse missions force is the best missions force. Listen to this episode as host Dave Jacob talks with Moses Saldivar, the Director of Engagement for US Latino Churches at Frontiers. Moses shares his story as well as several challenges and strategies to help you mobilize more Latino missionaries. Here are the specific questions Dave asked: What's your story? How did God lead you into missions? What are the benefits of mobilizing a diverse missions force and how has God uniquely positioned U.S. Latinos to make great missionaries? When it comes to mobilizing Latinos, what are some of the barriers? How can those barriers be overcome? What are some specific strategies for mobilizers and missions pastors to mobilize more Latinos?
7/15/24 • 48:47
There are two things every good mobilizer does: inspires and educates. In today’s episode, Yvonne Huneycutt, an instructor and trainer for the Perspectives course, unpacks a little history of the missions movement showing how using education mobilizes others. Yvonne and host Dave Jacob discuss her newly-released book, Propelled by Hope: The Story of the Perspectives Movement. In this episode you’ll learn how to best use education to mobilize. Plus, Yvonne provides a list of mobilization resources and tools you can use to educate yourself and others. Don’t forget to visit the show notes on our website to receive 25% off of Yvonne’s book!
6/10/24 • 49:33
If you’re looking for people group data to help you mobilize, this episode is for you! Chris Clayman, Executive Director for Joshua Project, joins us today to give us all the details on how we can use the free tools on their website to help us educate and inspire God’s people. You’ll learn about the people group profiles and lists, the Unreached of the Day resource, and the Global Interactive Map. Chris also shares an incredible story about a dentist in Texas who sent a simple email that resulted in a people group being reached for the first time. Plus, Chris gives us an inside peek into the future of the Joshua Project and how you can help shape their ministry in the coming years.
5/13/24 • 33:37
Do you want to mobilize a more diverse missions force, but don’t know where to start? Listen in today as host Dave Jacob interviews Morgan Davis. Morgan is a Formation and Network Engagement Strategist with unfoldingWord and Director of Missions for Northwest Baptist Church. She gives practical insights to help mobilize all ethnicities to engage the unreached. You’ll hear us discuss a study about diverse perspectives on the church and missions, and you’ll learn about a special scholarship to help promote a more diverse missions force. Here are the specific questions that were asked during the interview: Tell us about yourself and how you became involved in global missions. I love your heart to mobilize all ethnicities to the unreached. What was the catalyst that fueled this passion of yours? What are some of the barriers here in the West inhibiting more ethnicities being involved in missions and mobilization? Let’s talk about some tips you have to help our listeners mobilize a more diverse missions force. What resources might you recommend that would help mobilizers mobilize more ethnic minorities?
4/15/24 • 25:46
Grab a note pad because you’ll want to take notes on this one! One of the most important roles of a missions mobilizer is helping others navigate their calling. But how can we best do this? Tune in today as Katy White, Vice President of Goer Experience with Go Corps and co-author of the book, Mobilizing Gen Z, shares some tips and best practices with us. She and podcast host, Dave Jacob, discuss the definition of calling, some misunderstandings about God’s call, as well as strategies to assist mobilizers in helping those who feel uncertain about their calling. This episode will equip you to have better conversations with those you are mobilizing to the nations.
3/11/24 • 37:09
Description: How do the struggles of Gen Z impact the future of mobilization? Tune in today to hear host Dave Jacob chat with Dr. Dave Dunaetz about this crucial topic. Dr. Dunaetz is Professor and Chair of the Department of Leadership, Organizational Psychology, and Public Administration at Azusa Pacific University in California. His research program focuses on interpersonal processes in churches and other Christian organizations, such as mission agencies. You’ll learn the three major cultural influences negatively impacting the future of mobilization and what we can do to help Gen Z. overcome these challenges. Here’s what the two discussed: About a year ago, you wrote an article for Global Missiology titled, “The Struggles of Generation Z and The Future of North American Mission Organizations.” What motivated you to address this issue? In your article you write, "The current generation of North American young adults, Generation Z or iGen, is struggling against several important cultural elements which may severely impact the future of mission organizations.” Can you list these cultural elements leading to the psychological struggles of some in Gen Z? How is social media and smartphone use adversely affecting the moral and theological values of Gen Z? We know that video game addiction and pornography have devastating impacts. What are the factors that make Generation Z especially susceptible to the dangers of video game and pornography addiction? Specifically, you write about three components of video game and porn addiction that adversely impact Gen Z. Can you list those and then unpack each one for us? How is overprotection, safety, and risk-taking impacting the mobilization of Gen Z? Now that we’ve identified some of these struggles Gen Z face, what are some solutions mobilizers can implement?
2/12/24 • 38:45
How do you define success in mobilization? What do we do when we don’t see results in mobilization? Do you ever feel so discouraged that you want to quit? In this episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast, you’ll hear from Professor Terry Powell as he shares his own struggles with depression and failure. Dr. Powell is adjunct faculty at Columbia International University and author of the book, Serve Strong: Biblical Encouragement to Sustain God's Servants. You’ll appreciate Dr. Powell’s transparency and knowledge as he reminds us that the mobilization ministry we do is an important calling. He provides some tools for us to view discouragement and failure with a fresh perspective. Here are some of the questions host Dave Jacob asked: 1. Often the ministry of mobilization is the long game and we don't see immediate results. That can be discouraging but you note some themes in Barnabus' life we can glean from. Can you share about that? 2. How can playing back God's call help mobilizers who feel discouraged? 3. How should we define success in the ministry of missions mobilization? 4. How can we handle those in authority who might put pressure on mobilizers to "hit the numbers”?
1/15/24 • 36:31
What are some ways we can mobilize the church for missions? Are there proven methods for agency mobilizers to partner with pastors resulting in mobilizing their members to the nations? Listen to this episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast as host Dave Jacob speaks with Stefanie Nicholson, founder of Here2There Ministries. Like you, Stephanie longs to see churches not just supporting missions, but doing missions. She provides valuable insights and practical tips to help mobilizers engage the local church in missions mobilization.
12/11/23 • 28:18
Are you mobilizing someone who is going through a difficult time? If so, does that mean we should push the pause button on mobilization? Perhaps you’re going through a season of suffering yourself. Listen in today as Dave Jacob talks with David Joannes about his latest book, See the City: Hope for the Bruised, Battered, and Broken-Hearted. You’ll hear the story of White Flower, a ten-year-old refugee girl in Myanmar and learn ways to help mobilize others during difficult times. This episode will inspire and equip you to press on in mobilization. The following questions were asked during the interview: 1. What was your inspiration behind See the City? 2. White Flower, the little refugee girl in Myanmar, plays an important role in the book. Can you tell me more about her? 3. Your book touches on the theme of "Suffering, Sorrow, and Grief." Can you share what inspired you to delve into such profound topics? 4. What message do you have for mobilizers who are going through a difficult time themselves or attempting to mobilize those who are going through seasons of suffering? 5. You discuss the misnomers people often have when they think about Heaven. Why should Christians think more about Heaven and how does this impact mobilizing more missionaries? 6. You’ve created a coloring book companion that goes along with your book. Tell us about that and it’s purpose.
11/20/23 • 29:02
Why isn’t the Great Commission completed already? What can mobilizers do to help finish the task? In this episode, our host, Dave Jacob chats with Lisa Pak, who works alongside Rick Warren on the leadership team for Finishing the Task, a coalition of thousands of believers, churches, denominations, and organizations coming together to fulfill the Great Commission. Tune in to hear a story of a remote, unreached tribe on an island off the coast of Panama as well as practical ideas for mobilizing people to unreached and dangerous areas. Here are the questions Dave asked Lisa: 1. Tell us about Finishing the Task and your role there. 2. What are Unengaged Unreached People Groups? 3. What needs to occur in order to engage these people groups? 4. How can mobilizers bring awareness to the importance of prioritizing UUPGs? 5. Since most of these places are dangerous, how do agencies send their first missionary into these areas? 6. How can mobilizers include young leaders/next gen and women as key parts of the Body of Christ that need to be intentionally and actively mobilized? 7. What resources does Finishing the Task have for mobilizers?
10/2/23 • 41:30
How can trip leaders follow up well after a short-term missions trip? Is follow-up really that important? What questions should we ask those who have just returned home from a trip? Listen in today as host Dave Jacob talks with Professor Jenny Collins (Taylor University) and Tory Ruark (Mission Works). With years of short-term missions experience leading trips, our guests will help answer the question: Do short-term mission trips really help lead participants to long-term service? Here are some other questions the three discussed: 1. Why is proper follow-up from a short-term trip important? 2. What difficulties do short-termers typically experience during the reentry process? 3. Let’s talk about some of the follow-up topics. What should a team leader discuss while debriefing the trip? 4. How long should a team debrief after the trip? 5. What are some of the disadvantages to no follow-up or very little follow-up? 6. What tools or resources are available to assist agencies and team leaders in following up well?
9/5/23 • 40:56
Does your organization or church have a process to send marketplace workers to the missions field? How can we mobilize more entrepreneurs? Tune in today as Dave talks with Bernie Anderson, the cross-cultural leadership director and business/non-profit consultant with Growability. Bernie has helped dozens of missionaries formulate business plans and successfully run businesses around the world. Here’s what the two discussed: What is BAM and how does it differ from tentmaking? How can mobilizers help their organizations understand the value of marketplace ministry and even church planting in the marketplace? How can missionaries do business AND missions well? Tell us about your organization, Growability. Can you share a few stories about missionaries around the world that you've helped start businesses? For agencies that want to send more missionaries to do BAM, how can Growability help?
8/7/23 • 36:46
How can data and statistics help mobilize believers? Today, were blessed to hear from one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2019, Gina Zurlo, the Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. In her recent book, Portraits of Global Christianity, Gina unpacks how students were mobilized to action by their beloved professor, Dr. Todd Johnson. Join host Dave Jacob as he chats with Gina about missionary sending throughout the world. Here’s what the two discussed: Tell us about the book and why you wrote it. Why is it important for mobilizers to understand the Portraits of Global Christianity? One of my favorite graphs is the world as 100 Christians. Could you highlight that for us? What significant missionary-sending and receiving changes have occurred in the last 20-50 years? What are some of the reasons why most missionaries go to places where the church already exists? How can missionaries sent from the West better partner with our brothers and sisters from the Global South? We know that some mistakes in missions history prohibit some from answering the call. How can mobilizers address things like colonialism in missions past? What else do you feel is important for mobilizers to know?
7/10/23 • 30:50
What motivates today’s believers to obey the missionary call? Perhaps it’s the lostness of humankind, the glory of God, or the desire to obey Scripture. As mobilizers, it’s important for us to understand what motivates those who answer the call, so we’re blessed to hear from Mathew Burden on this episode as he gives insights as to what motivated those the early Church sent out. Matthew is a scholar of historical missiology and has authored the book, Missionary Motivations. Here’s what host, Dave Jacob asked him during the interview: Tell us about the book and why you wrote it. Why is it important for mobilizers to understand the missionary motivations of the early church? In your book, you mention that the reign of Christ is what primarily "drove the missional expansion of the early church." What do you mean by that? I was intrigued to read about Columbanas and his ministry of planting monasteries. Tell us about him and how his ministry was missional. Patrick was also a prominent figure in early church missions. What makes his story so important for the church today? What are some of your main conclusions in your book that you feel is important for mobilizers to understand? Can you expand on this quote from pages 124-125? "Mission flowed from the grand ambition to know Jesus more and to be made like him, much as the apostle Paul expressed it in his letters. If we are to do mission in the spirit of early Christianity, then holiness of life must be among our highest goals."
6/12/23 • 32:24
As mobilizers, we often find ourselves in conversations with those who are navigating the missionary call. Many times it becomes necessary to help someone overcome a certain myth that they have heard and/or believe about missions. These myths could be that missions is harmful, or that missionaries are super spiritual. Join host Dave Jacob as he chats with Pioneers USA President Steve Richardson about his recent book, Is the Commission Still Great: 8 Myths About Missions and What they Mean for the Church. Dave and Steve discussed the following questions: Why this book? How did it come about? You identify 8 myths in the book. Can you highlight one or two of them for us? You say in the book that each of the myths has a kernel of truth. Can you give an example of how a good idea can be imbalanced or incomplete? How can mobilizers help others overcome some of these myths? From your perspective as the leader of a sending agency, how is the missions landscape changing? How does that impact the Western church’s involvement? We hear a lot of bad news these days. Can you share some good news from the missions world?
5/8/23 • 31:19
If someone challenged you to preach a missions sermon from Song of Solomon, could you do it? Or would you even want to? Today, we’ll hear from Justin Schell, Director of Executive Projects at the Lausanne Movement, and author of the newly-released book, Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission. Justin and Dave discuss "Missiology for Mobilizers,” helping us understand the grand narrative of the Bible and why it’s vital for today’s mobilizers. Here’s what the two discussed: Tell us about the book and why you wrote it. Why is it titled, Come and See vs. a more missions-focused title such as, Go and Tell? What is the relationship between theology and mission and how does that impact mobilization? How is bad theology impacting the Great Commission today? Can you share a few Scripture passages on missions that we don’t usually consider as being missional?
4/10/23 • 46:45
Without a doubt, God is doing amazing things on college campuses. The topic of this episode was planned weeks before the the outpouring on Asbury’s campus. This episode gives us a window into how God is using Black missionaries and mobilizers to mobilize college students. Listen in as Dave interviews Trai Elliott, a missions mobilizer and the founder of Revelation 1211 Ministries. Here's what Dave and Trai discussed: As we dive into this topic, tell us about some common misconceptions about missions in the black church. How are you involved on college campuses and how are you seeing God work on college campuses? You’ve partnered with Circuit Riders and the Black Voices Movement. Tell us about these organizations and your partnerships. What is the Black Missionary’s role in these college revivals? You recently hosted a Gen Z Think Tank at a Christian University. What were some things you learned about Gen Z and missions? In your opinion, what will it take to send more black missionaries to the field?
3/13/23 • 29:58
Who is Gen Alpha and what are some of their characteristics? How do we mobilize them effectively? Join host Dave Jacob as he interviews Pastor Marcos Gonzalez and Dr. Barry Saylor. Pastor Marcos is actively mobilizing Gen Alpha in the church context and Dr. Saylor is a generational researcher with One Hope. Together, with their experience and research, they provide us with best practices for mobilizing this young generation. Here's what was discussed: Who is Gen Alpha? What are some of their distinguishing characteristics? Why should mobilizers and missions pastors act now to mobilize those from this generation? What can mobilizers and missions pastors do to mobilize this generation? How can Gen Alpha be involved in missions even now? Visit our website for show notes and more episodes: missionarymobilization.org/podcast
1/16/23 • 35:23
Do you have an effective mobilization strategy? When was the last time you evaluated your strategy? As we head into the new year, now is a good time to take a look at your mobilizaiton plan and goals. Join host Dave Jacob as he talks with Tania Martin, the Director of Mobilization at Converge. Tania recently presented on this topic at the Missio Nexus Leaders conference and we're privileged to have her share her insights with us. Here's what Dave asked her during the interview: How do you conduct a realistic assessment of your organization's current gaps? What are some of the common gaps? After we identify the gaps in our current strategy, where do you begin to build first? What’s necessary to develop a robust strategy for mobilization? Why is collaboration so important in mobilization strategy? Visit our website for show notes and more episodes: missionarymobilization.org/podcast
12/26/22 • 31:03
Part of mobilizing missionaries to the field is helping them adjust when they first arrive. In her latest book, Not in Kansas Anymore, retired missionary Carol Ghattas offers practical wisdom for new global workers as well as those who support them. With many missionaries coming off the field for preventable reasons, this episode will help your mobilization efforts last for the long haul. Here's what the two talked about: What motivated you to write this book? Why would someone who is feeling called to missions need a book about finding home? Isn’t that a given that they will make their home in their new country or place of service? Is this book just for people getting ready to serve, or do you have others in mind as well? I see your first section is about knowing yourself and others. I like the concept of addressing expectations, but how does this relate to finding a sense of home in service? In your chapters on setting boundaries, why do you think setting limits is hard for some in ministry? How does a lack of boundaries keep them from remaining on the field? Obviously, what we knew as “home” changes while we’re away in ministry. What advice can you share about finding home again where home used to be? Why is that important?
11/28/22 • 23:39
How can mobilizers help others overcome their own selfishness? How do we assist believers to focus on God's Kingdom instead of our own? Tune in to this episode as host, Dave Jacob interviews Don Allsman and Rickie Bradshaw. Don and Rickie are co-authors of an article titled, "Panta ta ethne or #mybestlife?" which address this timely issue for our day. Specifically, here's what the three of them discussed: What inspired the two of you to write this article? What is #mybestlife? Let's talk about pante ta ethne for a minute. Explain this concept and where it comes from. How have you seen the pursuit of personal happiness or the pursuit of the American Dream negatively impact missions mobilization? How can mobilizers and other Christian leaders help believers align their aspirations with the Kingdom?
11/7/22 • 26:08
What do you do when a potential missionary candidate isn't a good fit? Should mobilizers tell potential candidates, "No"? Or perhaps you have a great candidate ready to go to the field, but field leadership won't accept them. What do you do then? Listen to this episode of the Missionary Mobilization Podcast as host Dave Jacob chats with Jared Gleason who has served on both sides of the sending pipeline. You'll discover some of the best ways to navigate these difficult situations. Here's what the two discussed: 1. What are some reasons why a potential candidate would not be a good fit? 2. Mobilizers have such a passion to send people to the field. Is it OK for a mobilizer to say no, or is that the responsibility of someone else in the organization? 3. Sometimes the agency or church has a great candidate, but the field can’t receive them. What are some of the reasons the field would turn down a candidate? 4. If the field can’t or won’t receive the candidate, what can the mobilizer do? 5. How would you encourage a mobilizer who is trying to send a qualified candidate, but the field says no? 6. Besides saying no to a potential candidate, what other options are there for churches and agencies who want to send someone but maybe they’re not quite ready to go?
10/17/22 • 32:08
If you've ever wondered how the local church, the missions agency, and the university can partner better together to mobilize more missionaries, this is the episode for you! Listen in as Dave interviews Dr. Joshua Paxton, professor at Calvary University, who researched this topic for his PhD dissertation. Aren't we all better together anyway? Here's what the two discussed: 1. Why did you research this particular topic? 2. What is the Synergy Model and Educational Program? 3. What do you mean by "relational partnership" and why is this important? 4. Why is Gen Z attracted to this type of learning? 5. What was the most surprising thing you discovered in your research? 6. Where do we go from here? How do we begin to forge these important partnerships?
9/12/22 • 33:37
What does a mobilizer do? How should a mobilizer spend his/her time? And how do we define the term, "mobilization?" Listen to this episode of the Missionary Mobilization Podcast as Dave chats about what a mobilizer's week might look like. Show Notes: Dave's booklet: It's Your Call Episode 24: In the Office Missio Nexus Membership
8/22/22 • 22:50
If we want to see the name of Jesus made famous in every tongue, tribe, people, and nation, we must send more missionaries. In order to do that, we will have to contextualize the missions message to the next generation of believers. Tune in today as Dave chats with Jolene Erlacher, co-author of the new book, Mobilizing Gen Z. This episode will inspire and equip you to mobilize the next generation of missionaries. Here's what the two discussed: What motivated you and Katy to write this book? What are some cultural influences we should be aware of when mobilizing Gen Z? What are some unique characteristics of Gen Z as it relates to missions? In your book, you write about a “New Mind of Mobilization.” What do you mean by that? What are 3 specific strategies to mobilize Gen Z? Show Notes: Leadingtomorrow.org Previous books by Jolene Erlacher Previous Podcast Episode: Generational Differences with Jolene Erlacher Previous Podcast Episode: 5 Tips for Mobilizing College Students with Katy White Mobilizing Gen Z book by Jolene & Katy
8/8/22 • 35:55
Is there a common misconception that missionary work is only for extroverts? How might introverts go about fundraising and evangelism if they dislike public speaking? In this episode of the Missionary Mobilization Podcast, Dave interviews Daryl Vandyken, an electrical engineer with TWR. Tune in to discover ways you can journey alongside introverts, helping them realize that God has important ministries for them on the missions field. Or, you could skip this episode and go curl up with a good book instead, but you'd miss all this introverted fun! Here’s what the two discussed… Before we get into the discussion, how are we defining the terms, introverts and extroverts? Is missions work only for extroverts? Why or why not? What are some specific challenges in mobilizing introverts to the field? How can introverts raise funds if they are uncomfortable with speaking in front of people? What are some other missions strategies/platforms aside from traditional church planting that may be appropriate for introverts? How can we better mobilize those that don't have theological training? What types of introvert ministry positions does TWR have overseas? What would you say to young people who are considering missions? Here’s what the two discussed… Before we get into the discussion, how are we defining the terms, introverts and extroverts? Is missions work only for extroverts? Why or why not? What are some specific challenges in mobilizing introverts to the field? How can introverts raise funds if they are uncomfortable with speaking in front of people? What are some other missions strategies/platforms aside from traditional church planting that may be appropriate for introverts? How can we better mobilize those that don't have theological training? What types of introvert ministry positions does TWR have overseas? What would you say to young people who are considering missions?
7/25/22 • 34:18