Grace at the Fray

Are you trying to appear strong and competent in your Christian witness? You might be undermining the very message you're trying to share. In this profound exploration of "ministry through weakness," Emily Shrader draws from over twelve years of experiences and stories as a missionary in the Muslim world. She reveals how our brokenness, vulnerability, and repentance can become our m...

What does it look like for Gen Z to respond to God’s call to mission? How can more mature generations welcome and support them? Michelle Hopping, Director of Mobilization at Serge, provides a straightforward answer: walk alongside them. Amidst all the stats and analysis surrounding this generation, Michelle shares deep hope and insight into how Gen Z is uniquely positioned for mission in today’s w...

What drives you to share your faith? Is it pressure and obligation, or does it flow from the deep joy of knowing Christ and experiencing His transformative love? Church planter Samuel Kassing shares how a fresh, personal encounter with Christ’s finished work moved him from burnout, exhaustion, and doubt to a renewed passion for mission. Tune in and learn how Jesus not only sends us out but invites...

What should you do if you feel afraid to answer Jesus’ call? Who better to answer that question than Dan Macha, who has spent years guiding people considering missions and addressing common fears about safety, success, and uncertainty. Whether you're wrestling with your own calling, worried about taking a leap of faith, or just wondering what it means to live for something beyond yourself, th...

What does it mean to go from feeling like an unloved servant to living as a beloved child of God? Ben Lewis, a Serge missionary in Latin America, knows this transformation firsthand. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges—ranging from the demands of ministry to navigating an overwhelming season of transition and grappling with the difficulty of waiting on God when it seemed like every door...

The biggest challenge of college is figuring out how we fit into the world now that we’re on our own. At first, Joy Benton hesitated to step into ministry. The weight of anxiety, navigating friendships, and the overwhelming influence of social media kept her—and keeps many of the college students she now serves—from fully embracing God's call. As a campus minister with Reformed University Fel...

Welcome to Season 5 of Grace at the Fray! This season we will explore the transformative power of the gospel, both in individual lives and in the scope of global missions. Matt Allison has plenty of examples to share from his unique journey—growing up as a pastor’s kid, then teaching missionary kids in Uganda, and now serving as part of Serge’s leadership, where he’s dedicated to spreading Christ’...

In this episode, Jim is joined by Rose Marie Miller, one of the founders of Serge, for a conversation exploring her incredible journey of faith, love for Christ, and commitment to mission. Now celebrating her 100th birthday, Rose Marie shares profound insights on the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of Scripture, and her humble journey of ministry. From Uganda to London, and through personal str...

In today’s episode, Jim is joined by his Serge Renewal teammate Aislinn Meyer, who recently moved to Asheville, North Carolina after serving on the mission field. Aislinn shares her powerful story of relying on Jesus through personal and community-wide suffering. She recounts her firsthand experience with Hurricane Helene and her role in helping her church serve others in need during the recovery...

In this episode, Jim dives deep into the adventurous world of church planting with Howard Brown, author of a new Serge study on the book of Acts. Howard shares stories of bold faith, rigorous community building, and wild surprises from the Holy Spirit. From candid reflections on the challenges of church planting to the hope of revival and the joy of “gospel riots,” this conversation will inspire a...

In this episode, Jim sits down with Steve Huber, pastor and author of a new small group study on the book of Colossians, to discuss the challenges we all face in staying grounded in our unshakeable identity in Christ. In a world that frequently encourages us to “follow our hearts,” many of us can feel fragmented and restless. Steve invites us to embrace a refreshing perspective on discovering our...

In today’s episode, Jim sits down with Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince to dive into his latest book, Hope Ain’t a Hustle , exploring how Christians can hold on to hope in a world where weariness and cynicism often feel overwhelming. Irwyn encourages listeners to face the pain and brokenness of life with an active hope, grounded in faith and lived out through sacrificial love. Tune in to discover how gospel ho...

In this heartfelt episode of Grace at the Fray , Jim welcomes “John,” a longtime pastor and current member of Serge’s Missionary Care team. Together, they explore the profound intersections of grief, ministry, and God's sustaining grace in the face of immense loss. With wisdom, vulnerability, and deep faith, John shares how leaning into grief brought him closer to the Lord and shaped his mini...

In this deeply moving episode, Jim sits down with George and Susan Watts, who share their harrowing story of betrayal, violence, and faith. With raw honesty, these longtime missionaries discuss their struggles to make sense of suffering, the weight of betrayal by trusted friends, and the profound presence of God in the midst of it all. This episode is not just about processing trauma; it’s about l...

In this episode, Jim and Serge Renewal team member Marc Davis tackle the profound question, "Where is God in My Suffering?" Together, they delve into the complexities of walking with God through grief and burdens, using the book of Job as a lens to invite listeners into an honest dialogue with God. Offering space for deep pain and hard questions, their conversation points us toward the t...

In this episode, Jim sits down with Patrick and Alexis McClure, educators who unexpectedly found their calling as missionaries in East Africa. They share their journey from Washington classrooms to the mission field, and how their skills as educators became vital in their ministry. They also open up about following God’s call, the moments that have shaped their path, and the joy of seeing their wo...

In this episode, Jim journeys into the heart of hospitality with Serge missionaries Stephen and Karis Rigby. Discover how true hospitality goes beyond a perfect meal to welcoming others into the beauty and mess of everyday life. The Rigbys invite us to see hospitality as a taste of God's Kingdom, where embracing the unexpected moments can create spaces for others to experience grace and conne...

In this episode, Jim sits down with author and pastor Irwyn Ince to discuss race, racism, and the gospel's power to bring healing and unity. Jim and Irwyn explore the reasons for our racial and ethnic divisions and how the gospel challenges and invites us to see every person as an image-bearer of God. As Irwyn shares his journey, he offers practical guidance on fostering gospel-centered conve...

In this episode, Jim sits down with the inspiring Geoffrey and Mary Ndivo to explore the profound impact of the Mentored Sonship and Discipleship Lab programs on their lives and ministries in Kijabe, Kenya. Join us as Geoffrey and Mary open up about their personal testimonies of spiritual renewal and the transformative power of grace in their community outreach efforts. Their experiences beautiful...

In this episode, Jim has a heartfelt chat with a group of devoted missionaries, exploring the complexities of life in community. Our guests share stories of community living, conflict resolution, and the beauty of building a paradise on earth. Their experiences reveal the transformative power of community and the joy of living side by side in Christ. Join us, be inspired by their journey, and disc...

In this episode, Jim and ministry leaders Howard and Kellie Brown uncover the real-life struggles of ministry burnout. This candid conversation is for anyone feeling weighed down by life's relentless responsibilities. Amid discouraging statistics on ministry burnout, there is hope and healing in the gospel. Discover what it means to stop striving to impress and start resting in the truth of y...

In this episode, Jim delves deeper into the transformative world of Chronological Bible Storying (CBS), alongside missionary Ben Nihart and Kenyan pastors Richard and Benson. Together, they illuminate how CBS profoundly touches hearts in predominantly oral cultures. Join us as we explore the powerful resonance of these biblical stories with their ministries and witness the vibrant tapestry of fait...

In this episode, Jim and veteran missionary George Mixon take us on a heartwarming journey to Kenya. Together, they delve into Chronological Bible Storying, an exciting tool currently used for discipleship and evangelism among unreached people groups in Kenya and other oral learning contexts. We also hear local Kenyan pastors recount their poignant experiences with biblical narratives that have re...

In this episode, Jim is joined by Hunter Dockery, master storyteller and member of Serge's Development team. Hunter and Jim dive into what it means to live generously and how God's boundless grace empowers us to give extravagantly. From stories of missionaries in remote parts of the world experiencing God's provision to personal journeys of faith and surrender, this episode will sur...

In this episode of Grace at the Fray , guest host Emily Shrader takes the reins to discuss Jim Lovelady’s transformative journey to Kenya, visiting Serge missionaries. Emily helps Jim unravel the narrative of his eye-opening expedition, highlighting the universal themes of fear and control and how stepping out of comfort zones exposes our need for grace. They explore the essence of growth through...