Grace at the Fray

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...

In this episode, Jim chats with counselor and author Esther Liu about the complex issue of shame and its impact on our identity and relationships. They shed light on how shame often keeps us from seeing ourselves as beloved children of God, leading to feelings of not being enough. Esther offers valuable insights and practical steps to overcome shame, emphasizing vulnerability and the support of ot...

In this episode, Jim Lovelady offers us a "taste and see that the Lord is good" experience, featuring Marc Davis' opening talk from Serge’s recent Sonship Week in Hollywood, Florida. Marc explores the profound layers of God's love and welcome extended to His children, shedding light on the beautiful truth that each of us is deeply known, cherished, and rejoiced over by the Fath...

In this episode, join medical missionaries Paul and Lynn Opare-Addo as they share their journey of faith and service in Chogoria, Kenya. Discover how embracing the gospel of grace has transformed their lives and shaped their approach to using their medical gifts to love and serve others. Their experiences of training doctors and fostering a gospel-centered approach to medicine offer a glimpse into...

In this episode, Jim chats with Dr. Robert Kim about the ins and outs of church planting in today's world. An experienced pastor and professor, Dr. Kim sheds light on the challenges and exciting opportunities in this field. They also discuss the concerning trend of dechurching and the urgency of living out our gospel identity as we reach the nations. Whether you're a pastor or someone in...

In this episode, Jim Lovelady talks with Lindsay Kimball DeBlaay, a member of Serge's executive leadership team, about Serge’s dedicated incarnational approach to missionary care. Drawing from her own missionary journey, Lindsay challenges the notion that getting to the field and staying there is just about missionaries’ stamina or willpower. Their conversation uncovers Serge’s commitment to...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of ministry from weakness, particularly in evangelism. Our guest, a secure missionary from our organization, shares insights on his own ongoing need for the gospel as much as those God has called him to reach. “Luke” challenges a formulaic understanding of evangelism by proposing transparency about weakness, intimacy with Jesus, and relationa...

Join Jim Lovelady and guest Leah Emory as they delve into the often misunderstood topic of discerning God's will. Together they explore how God directs our paths, emphasizing that decisions like job choices, housing, or daily routines are not meant to induce anxiety. Instead, they allow us to draw near to the Lord as our Good Shepherd, fostering trust that His care prevails even in apparent f...

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the dynamic world of church leadership and multiethnic worship with Jamaal Williams. He explores how worship services that authentically reflect the ethnic diversity of local communities bring a piece of heaven to Earth and underscore the transformative power of unity. This episode reminds us that amid the racial tensions that persist in American culture...

In this episode, Derek and Lauren Webber share their firsthand experiences as medical missionaries in Chogoria, Kenya. They offer profound insight into the daily reality of missionary work, the misconceptions, and the importance of repentance and humility when living in a multicultural Jesus-style community. Through powerful stories of transformation and partnership, they share lessons for all of...

In this episode, Josiah Bancroft delivers a heartfelt devotional from Serge’s Launch Week, the final sendoff before new missionaries set out on their overseas journeys. Drawing on Philippians 4:4-9,  Josiah shares insight on how to navigate anxiety and rejoice in the Lord—even in our hardest times. Through personal stories, he speaks to the importance of anchoring our hearts and minds in Jesus – p...

Join us in a profound conversation with Hunter Dockery as he shares stories of God's work around the world and how these stories empower a new way to see. This episode explores our inner struggles with doubt and skepticism when encountering narratives that push beyond the boundaries of our belief. From miraculous stories of physical healing to impossible changes occurring in people deemed lea...

Prepare to be enlightened, challenged, and inspired as you join McKay Caston and Jim on this profound exploration of the grandeur of the gospel. McKay shares his personal journey from self-reliance to the liberating concept of grace, including the timeless truths within the book of Galatians and discovering what repentance truly means. This conversation invites us to look honestly at our need for...

In this episode, a Serge missionary couple opens up about how leaning into God's favor and grace has not just sustained but enriched their 20+ years of ministry. They candidly discuss the challenges of feeling the pressure to have it all together, their efforts in nurturing a culture of grace within their team, and helping other ministry leaders in Europe find much-needed spiritual renewal. T...

Join Jim as he sits down with Denine Blevins, Executive Director at Parakaleo, to explore the essence of gospel-rooted leadership. Denine shares her journey through multicultural leadership, recognizing burnout, and navigating the nuances of humble yet influential leadership within God’s kingdom work. Her story is a powerful testament to how cultivating an ongoing trust in Jesus can free us from t...

Is there something you lack that, if you were to gain it, would secure your happiness?   In this episode, Jim Lovelady talks with Josiah Bancroft, diving into his latest book centered around the teachings of Philippians. Josiah opens up about his ongoing journey of re-learning to find joy and contentment in Christ, especially in the face of unforeseen suffering and hardship. Together, they explore...

In this episode, Jim engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Debbie Harrell, a seasoned expert on child development and education, to explore the intricate dynamics of parenting and children’s ministry. Debbie sheds light on the challenges we face as imperfect caregivers and the unique experiences of children, including third-culture kids. Their discussion encourages us all to see childre...

As Season 2 of Grace at the Fray begins, Jim Lovelady talks with Pastor Scotty Smith exploring his roles as mentor in Nashville's vibrant artistic community and mentee of Jack Miller, shedding light on how these experiences have deepened his understanding of grace. Their heartfelt conversation beautifully navigates the crossroads of art, faith, and personal growth and reveals the power of men...

Ever found yourself lacking the motivation to pray? You're not alone; many of us experience this struggle. In this bonus episode of Grace at the Fray , Jim Lovelady shares a powerful teaching session by Patric Knaak, where he candidly opens up about his own struggles with prayer and explores how Jesus invites us into profound spiritual nourishment through the Lord's Prayer. If prayer eve...

Join Jim and Marc Davis in this thought-provoking episode as they challenge the common belief that God is disappointed in us. Through personal narratives, they explore how both life's big and little moments shape our self-perception and idea of God's opinion. Discover how God's unwavering love enables us to embrace our weaknesses and strengths, repent, find freedom from shame, and r...

Jim speaks with Jeremy and Angel, a missionary couple who spent years serving in Uganda before embarking on a new mission in West London. They share valuable lessons they’ve learned about servant leadership and how God used their time working in Ugandan refugee camps to deepen their reliance on Him. Jeremy and Angel's inspiring story reminds us how we can lay aside our own agendas and be serv...