Posts Tagged ‘discipleship’
The Great Commission in the City
What do you think of when you hear the words populated, busy, or traffic? How about nightlife, museums, and restaurants? Do you think of a place where you might live? A place where you might want to live and serve? With over half of the world’s population living in cities, it’s no wonder long-time church…
Read MoreFrom Uncertainty to Belief: Jan’s Story
Jan seemed to enjoy the weekly dinners around Jay and Nancy Matsingers’ table as they led a small gathering through an Alpha Course. Together with the others in the group, the blond-haired young professional expressed curiosity about the gospel and the Bible’s teachings. He was a quiet sort, but that didn’t keep him from participating…
Read MoreServing Physical Needs and Making Disciples in Romania
A Different Way to Think About “Sharing the Gospel”
New and growing disciples often encounter a frequent, familiar sentiment. This sentiment, implied by Christian leaders throughout church history, is that believers mustn’t get involved in secular fields, specifically those on the frontlines of creating culture like arts, music, entertainment, politics, or business. The implication is that God’s doesn’t want us to participate in the…
Read MoreOvercoming Doubts and Fears through Bible Study
The two women could not have been more opposite. Katrin* came from a secular background, worked in the medical field, and had never read the Bible, while Damaris had been raised in a strong Christian environment. Katrin exuded confidence while Damaris suffered from crippling shyness. Yet both women found themselves attending the bilingual women’s Bible…
Read MoreEncouraging Believers in France Through Camp Ministry
According to the National Counsel of French Evangelicals, on average there is one evangelical Protestant church per 25,000 residents of France. With fewer than two percent of France’s population claiming to follow Jesus, finding a supportive Christian community can be difficult. How do Christian organisations like Greater Europe Mission support local believers? One way GEM brings…
Read MoreThe First 100 Days on the Mission Field
In a day of accessible travel, many have experienced other cultures and even the challenges that come with going overseas. But for even the most well-travelled, moving to another country can be full of challenges and unknowns not experienced on a short trip for holiday or even ministry. So, what is it like to live…
Read MoreFive Reasons to Care About Missions
Do you remember your first exposure to missions? If you grew up in a Christian church, perhaps the idea was first planted in Vacation Bible School. There, we would be regaled of the Apostle Paul’s adventures in prison and earthquakes and on rough seas. We might hear fantastic stories of people suddenly understanding foreign languages…
Read MoreTurning a Ministry Misstep into a Lesson in Reconciliation
Maureen “Mo” Blackmon and two other women on her team eagerly anticipated the following day’s training session. They had been praying and preparing for it for months. After a long wait, they finally had the study material translated into Latvian, as well as plenty of women in place to receive the training that would equip…
Read MoreFive Misconceptions Christians Have of Muslims
Since the onset of the refugee crisis in 2015, we have seen a sharp increase of Muslim peoples living in Europe. Due to war, religious persecution, and political unrest, millions of Muslims have relocated to Europe in search of peace in a new home. Muslims currently account for five percent of the population across Europe…
Read MoreFrom Feeling Stuck to Walking in Obedience
“Do you still want me? Are you even going to use me?” These questions often go through the minds of those preparing to serve cross-culturally. Whether it’s developing a support network, waiting for visas, or experiencing a global crisis, most of us have faced that moment of tension––even doubt. After a 27-year career as an…
Read MoreReaching Europeans Through Music
Music inspires emotion and provokes thought. Whether it’s religious hymns, classical movements, or contemporary hits, melodies and lyricism reach down into a person’s soul, uncovering joys and sorrows. Believers well know the role music plays in worship and intimacy with God, but music can also be an effective way to draw in the lost. “A…
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