Shows
World Class - Listening. Learning. LivingThe Power of Storytelling - Rev. Terrance JacobIn this powerful episode of The Power of Storytelling, Rev. Terrance Jacob—a South African-born Lutheran pastor serving in the USA—shares transformative stories from his life and ministry. He recalls a childhood experience with his father at a cultural gathering that sparked early awareness of identity and belonging. He also reflects on his time in prison in South Africa, where suffering became a source of strength and purpose. Emphasizing the spiritual depth of storytelling, Rev. Terrance explains how it connects people to God beyond doctrine, much like Jesus’ use of parables. He closes with a moving account of genera...2025-06-041h 03World Class - Listening. Learning. LivingSpiritual Disciplines for a Changing World" with Dr. Francesca NuzzoleseIn this profound and timely conversation, Dr. Francesca Nuzzolese, spiritual director, theologian, and trauma-informed educator, explores the vital role of spiritual disciplines in an age of constant change, uncertainty, and distraction. Drawing from her personal journey and decades of formation work, she redefines spiritual disciplines not as rigid routines, but as life-giving rhythms that nurture our awareness of God’s presence in all circumstances.2025-05-2152 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingJohn Rangiah - A Missiological Perspective on His Legacy - Rodney RagwanWorld Class tells the inspiring story of John Rangiah, an often-overlooked Indian missionary who journeyed from Nellore, India, to Natal, South Africa, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode explores Rangiah's pivotal role in establishing the Indian Baptist Church amidst the racial segregation of the time, his culturally sensitive approach to ministry, and his participation in the global missionary movement. Discover how his unwavering faith, strategic vision, and commitment to unity left an enduring legacy that continues to shape our understanding of mission today. Join us as we delve into a remarkable life that challenges conventional...2025-05-0728 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingMissional Renewal in the Age of Globalization – Rev. Dr. D. Elmo FamiliaranIn this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Elmo, Adjunct Faculty in the Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Leadership program at Palmer Theological Seminary, for a powerful conversation on mission in a globalized world.Together, we explore how globalization is transforming the way we think about mission, evangelism, culture, race, and power. Elmo challenges us to imagine ministry that is both locally rooted and globally connected—calling the church to become a space of bridge-building and cultural interpretation.We dive into the role of intersectionality in mission, unpacking how race, class, theology, and history shape th...2025-04-2352 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingThe Intersection of Faith, Business, and Leadership – Dr. David BronkemaIn this episode, I’m joined by the distinguished Professor and Templeton Chair for Christian Service through Entrepreneurship at Eastern University. Together, we explore how faith and business converge in meaningful ways.We dive into the ways spiritual values shape ethical decision-making, leadership styles, and workplace culture. You'll hear insights on how faith-driven leaders can navigate secular spaces, practice servant leadership, and apply biblical principles to everyday business challenges.From viewing entrepreneurship as a form of ministry to building church-business partnerships for social impact, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and inspiring vision.2025-04-0937 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingMissiology in Action: The Heart of International Ministries – Rev. Dr. Sharon KohSharon Koh, CEO/Executive Director of International Ministries, explores the core missiological approach of International Ministries (IM) and its integration of proclamation, discipleship, and social justice in mission work. She highlights the biblical and theological foundations shaping IM’s global engagement and its commitment to contextualization in diverse cultural settings. The discussion addresses the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural partnerships, the impact of emerging missional trends, and IM’s response to shifts in global Christianity. Sharon also shares personal insights on IM’s vision for the future and practical ways churches and individuals can actively participate in God’s mission...2025-03-2636 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingContextual Theology and Intercultural Ministry: Bridging Gospel and Culture - Rev. Dr. Marie OnubuaririMy guest in this episode is the Rev. Dr. Marie Onubuariri, Director of Intercultural Ministries at the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.In this episode, Marie explores the intersection of contextual theology and intercultural ministry. She shares how understanding the relationship between the Gospel and culture shapes ministry, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement. Through insightful reflections and real-world examples, she discusses the challenges of maintaining theological integrity while adapting to diverse cultural contexts. Marie also offers practical wisdom on equipping leaders from different backgrounds and fostering inclusive ministry.Join us as we reflect on the role...2025-03-1334 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingWelcoming the Stranger: Faith, Migration, and the Mission of the Church - Rev. Dr. Sam GeorgeRev. Dr. Sam George is my guest on this podcast. He is the Director of the Global Diaspora Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and a Catalyst for the Lausanne Movement.He explores one of the most urgent and transformative realities of our time—migration. As a global expert on migration and diaspora communities, Dr. George unpacks the economic, political, and environmental factors driving displacement, dispels common misconceptions about migrants and refugees, and offers a faith-rooted perspective on welcoming the stranger.Through thought-provoking conversations, this podcast challenges churches and communities to move from fe...2025-02-1246 minWorld Class - Listening. Learning. LivingLaunching World Class - Rodney RagwanIn this inaugural episode of World Class, host Rodney Ragwan, a Global Servant with International Ministries, explores the essence of theology and introduces contextual theology—understanding faith within specific cultural contexts. He emphasizes that while contextual theology acknowledges diverse perspectives, it remains firmly grounded in the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ's redemptive work. Drawing from his personal journey—from Indian ancestry to being born and raised in South Africa, and now residing in the USA—Rodney shares how these experiences have enriched his faith and understanding of theology.2025-01-2914 min