Between the Ditches Podcast

In this episode, Oscar and I discuss the dynamics of authority in missions. Who has the authority? The sending church? The missionary team? The local churches on the field? Listen in, as we discuss what the bible says about it. 

We hope you are encouraged by this testimony of a young couple working hard to get the Gospel work started among forgotten people groups. 

In this episode, Oscar and Nathaniel join me in responding to a recent 9 Marks/Reaching and Teaching podcast. The episode was about indigenous church planting. We found many things to celebrate in this episode, but felt there were a few things said that could use some clarification from the Word. Primarily, in this episode, we responded to the statement that preaching is required for the indigenou...

In this episode, we discuss different models used when the church gathers to worship. In particular, we compare and contrast the traditional western model with the models used in pioneering fields around the world. Are we sacrificing church health with these models? Are these models pragmatically chosen because they reproduce? Find out in this episode. Feedback, questions, comments: betweentheditc...

In this episode with Nik Ripken and Pastor Wade Stevens of Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando, MS we discuss the scarcity of men accepting the call to serve in overseas missions. We hope the men who listen to this episode are challenged and spurred on to go, to lead their families, and to develop their boys into godly men who are willing to go. Other Resources: www.nikripken.com

In this episode with Will Jackson from CrossPoint church in Clemson, SC, we discuss best practices for church planters and pastors as they lead God's people through controversial and divisive political environments. Will does a great job of giving us some solid biblical foundations and principles to keep in mind as we shepherd the flock wherever we are.  Resources referenced in the podcast: W...

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Hirt joins me for a conversation about our targets for the missionary task. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all "nations." Who are the nations, and how does this affect our missions strategies? https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-Places-Geography-Missions-Strategy/dp/1666733342

In this episode, Willie and I discuss the biblical term apostle with Dr. Don Dent, author of "The Ongoing Role of Apostles: The Forgotten Foundation." Dr. Dent lays out a great case for the continued use of the term apostle to describe modern-day missionaries and importance it has in defining mission work.

In this episode, we hear from the perspective of Matt Rogers, pastor of Christ Fellowship Cherrydale in Greenville, SC.  Matt provides helpful feedback as he hears the criticisms, and also shares his take on some interactions he's had with others using "movement" principles.

In this episode James and Jared join me for a conversation about developing pastors as we plant churches on the mission field. Jared gives us the history of the training that many use on the field to develop new pastors in new churches. James walks us through in detail how he labors to keep up with the needs of these multiplying networks of churches.  

In this episode, Nathan helps us build a biblical theology for local church elders/pastors. We discuss the importance of appointing and equipping local church pastors as we make disciples of all nations. We also talk practically about what it looks like to do this on our cross-cultural missionary teams. If you have any questions or comments please contact us at: betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

In this short episode Nathan provides more feedback regarding the interpretation of the book of Acts, and it's implications for our missions practices.  If you have any feedback please contact us at: betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we talk with Jesse and he responds to some of the comments and questions posed by Alex in Acts Part 2. One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of the book of Acts in helping the church clarify what missions is and what it isn't.

In this episode Matt and I discuss Jesus' instructions when He sent out the 12 and 70 in Matthew 10/Luke 10. There has been much criticism towards those who apply these instructions in modern day missions. Matt suggests that these instructions were not limited to the disciples present at that time, but that they were meant to be followed post-pentecost and even today. Surprisingly, most schol...

Alex joins the conversation regarding the interpretation of the book of Acts, and provides some pushback towards some of the initial suggestions made by Jesse in the first episode. We see that this is a complex conversation with a number of differing views.  While I'm sure the conversation could have been better (from my side), I believe it is good and healthy that we continue to hear from bo...

We discuss preaching in the bible with David from South Asia. David suggests the true biblical understanding of preaching is evangelistic, not homiletic. If David's conclusions are correct, we must re-evaluate the way we worship together as a church and our methods for teaching the church body. Again, we welcome feedback and comments at betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com Here is a link to an...

Listen to a conversation between missionaries serving overseas in South Asia. Hear their hearts as they describe the work they do and respond to the overwhelming criticism. 

Jesse joins us for a conversation on the book of Acts and how it should be applied in our missions practices.  Here is the link to Jesse's podcast referenced in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7i3NcByH2BHKyEyInZGzus?si=qIPq2nWkSTqlGAp0ihe8Gw If you have comments or questions please send them to this email: betweentheditchespodcast@gmail.com