Unconventional Ministry

Human trafficking is not just a big-city problem, and it is not waiting for churches to notice. Dan Stevenson , author of Noonday Light explains why the real front line is the local church, and why prevention may be the most powerful anti-trafficking strategy most people are overlooking. After 42 years as a trial lawyer, Dan Stevenson walked away from major litigation and into a very different kin...

What if Scripture sounded as though Peter, Paul, and John had stepped into the room? In this episode, biblical dramatist Lester Smith shares how a life-changing accident redirected his theatrical ambitions for Hollywood into ministry. Through his ministry, Return of the Apostles , he presents memorized books of the Bible with clarity, emotion, and reverence. Lester explains how he memorized more t...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, we consider how the first step toward sharing the Gospel can begin with something as simple as a glass of clean water. Host Dennis Wiens talks with Michael Ryer of Amigos Internacionales about how practical compassion can open doors to relationships, trust, and lasting spiritual transformation across East Africa. In communities in northern Ug...

In this episode, Host Dennis Wiens SAT-7 USA sits down with the father-son team behind And-Associates , the communications firm formerly known as A. Larry Ross Communications . The conversation unpacks how ministries and nonprofits can align their message, strategy, identity, and public presence so their mission actually moves people to action. A. Larry Ross brings more than 50 years in Public Rel...

In this episode, learn what 3500 Christian killings in Nigeria reveals about global persecution. Christian persecution is accelerating in places most Western believers barely hear about, and the reality is far more severe than lost privileges or cultural pressure. Shawn Wright , president of International Christian Concern , reveals what persecution actually looks like today. Host Dennis Wiens, Se...

Ever wonder if your church truly knows the stories behind the global workers the church sends out? For years, many churches have relied on bulletin boards, printed photos, and prayer cards in forgotten corner and narrow hallway to share updates. In a world where people expect information to be immediate, interactive, and accessible, static displays struggle to keep the Church informed. In this epi...

Most people imagine Middle East as a conflict zone, but behind the headlines, God's movement is unstoppable. In this episode, Dennis Wiens interviews John Cerniglia of SAT-7 , who shares extraordinary stories of faith and resilience, and how innovative ministry models transforming lives in some of the world's most restricted regions. Discover how Christian media, especially satellite television an...

While many assume the Gospel has little opportunity to spread in Iran and the Persian-speaking world, God is writing a very different story. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and among millions living in the Persian diaspora, people are searching for truth and finding hope through innovative Christian media. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Omeed Jouyandeh...

In this episode, learn how Thrive Ministry provides life-transforming spiritual resources, retreats, and authentic community tailored specifically for women in cross-cultural ministry around the world. In cross-cultural ministry, women often serve quietly, tirelessly, and sacrificially, yet they frequently go unnoticed when it comes to receiving the care they need. Who is caring for them? In this...

What do Moses, Gideon, Esther, David, and Peter have in common? None of them looked like the obvious choice for leadership. Yet God used each of them to accomplish extraordinary things. Throughout Scripture, God has a remarkable pattern of calling ordinary, imperfect, and often reluctant people to lead His people and advance His Kingdom. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host...

Thirty years ago, many believed Christian ministry in the Middle East and North Africa faced insurmountable barriers. Churches were scarce, believers often isolated, and traditional ministry methods struggled. Yet a bold vision led by Dr. Terence Ascott gave birth to SAT-7 , a pioneering satellite television ministry that would change the landscape of Christian ministry across the region. In this...

Are your workplace vibes healthy or toxic? Learn what to look for and how to turn things around. Most of us have experienced toxic environments that drain energy and crush morale. But what if you could build a curative culture – one rooted in trust, respect, and biblical values? In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens welcomes Doug Shaw, Founder and CEO of Douglas Shaw...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens sits down with Rami Al-Halaseh, Executive Director of SAT-7 Arabic Channels and Digital Media, to discuss the dramatic shifts reshaping the Middle East and North Africa. Political upheaval, economic instability, and shifting alliances have altered the region’s landscape, creating both uncertainty and unprecedented ministry opport...

Behind the headlines of protests, government crackdowns, and deepening economic crisis in Iran, a quieter story is unfolding – one rarely told. It is the story of a resilient and growing community of Jesus followers who live under constant pressure, isolation, and surveillance, yet continue to cling to hope. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, we go beyond the news cycle to hea...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Brian Canright , President of Shepherds College Foundation, a pioneering post-secondary institution for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Discover how this pioneering institution is transforming education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a Christ-centered...

What if your next leadership transition could multiply your ministry instead of tearing it apart? Is your church prepared for its next leadership change? What if a resignation, termination, or succession didn’t create chaos, but instead became a catalyst for growth? In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens and guest Matt Davis discuss the complexities of leadership tran...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Joshua Vennetti, animator of Saul of Tarsus Film , about how animation can powerfully serve the church and ministry. Joshua shares how his passion for stop-motion videos, sparked by a gift from his parents of LEGO at age 13, evolved into a creative tool for sharing biblical truth in fresh, engaging ways. Discover...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Steve Russell , President of JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). Learn how JAARS utilizes aviation, technology, and transportation to overcome barriers and share the gospel with remote, hard-to-reach communities. Steve shares how equipping and training missionaries to serve in their remote languages transfo...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens speaks with Maryann Remsburg , the Director of Development at Corbin University . Maryann shares her personal journey to Corban and how the university is equipping students to think biblically, lead courageously, and serve faithfully in an ever-changing world. Together, they explore Corban’s distinctive approach to higher ed...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens interviews Dan Janzen , the executive director of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI). They discuss FCFI's mission to encourage farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ, both domestically and internationally. Dan shares his background in agriculture and how he came to lead FC...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, Dennis Wiens and Jon Hirst  ( https://innovationinmission.com/) discuss the concept of innovation within ministry contexts. They explore the definition of innovation, the fear of change that many ministries face, and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Jon shares insights from his experience as a fractional innovation officer, highlight...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Fouad Masri , founder and global ambassador of the Crescent Project. Discover how the Crescent Project is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to respond to the Gospel and connect with a true follower of Jesus. With a focus on equipping believers to reach out to Muslim communities, the Cre...

In this episode, host Dennis Wiens sits down with Becca Spradlin , author of Lead on Mission and a trusted voice in the global faith-at-work movement. Together, they discuss how Christian leaders can weave faith, values, and excellence into the marketplace in ways that endure beyond their own leadership. Becca shares her personal journey and the vision behind Lead on Mission, celebrating the inspi...

Most people know they should have a will… but more than half of Americans don’t. In this Unconventional Ministry episode, Dennis Wiens tackles one of the most overlooked yet life-changing acts of stewardship – estate planning. Discover why creating a will is more than just legal paperwork; it’s an act of love, faith, and intentional stewardship that protects your family, prevents conflict, and lea...

On this episode of Unconventional Ministry, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Randy Grimm , Interim Chief Development Officer at Calvary University, a school ranked in the top 30% nationwide for lowest student debt and in the top 3% of Christian universities. Randy shares how Calvary is redefining Christian higher education through an unwavering commitment to biblical truth, academic excellence, and debt...