Jesus and Jetlag

Episode Summary: In this final bonus episode of Jesus and Jet Lag, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman explore the theme of Apologetics through Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26. While Paul is technically on trial, the hosts discuss how he flips the script—using the opportunity not just to defend himself (apologia), but to empathize with his audience and preach the Resurrection. From the...

Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman follow Paul from the “culture clash” of Acts 15 to the nuance of contextualization in Acts 17. Arriving in Athens—a city “living on its past glories”—Paul finds himself alone and distressed by the idols surrounding him. The hosts break down Paul’s masterclass in cross-cultural communication at the Areopagus. They discuss how...

Episode Summary: In this bonus episode of Jesus and Jet Lag, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman tackle the theme of “Culture Clash” through the lens of Acts 15. They explore the pivotal Council of Jerusalem, where the early church faced a “sharp dispute” over circumcision and the inclusion of Gentiles. The hosts discuss how these ancient tensions mirror modern missionary challenges—from navigating d...

Episode Summary: In this third episode of the Jesus and Jet Lag bonus series, hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman conclude their look at Paul’s first missionary journey. Picking up in the second half of Acts 14 (verses 21-28), they discuss the “return trip” where Paul and Barnabas revisit the very cities where they faced persecution to strengthen the disciples. The conversation focuses on the e...

Episode Summary: In this second episode of the Jesus and Jet Lag bonus series, hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman continue their journey through the mission themes of Acts. Focusing on Acts 14:8-20, they explore Paul and Barnabas’s dramatic encounter in Lystra. The conversation covers the “Natural Knowledge of God,” the cultural miscommunications that can happen in mission work, and the comfor...

Episode Summary: Welcome to a special bonus series of Jesus and Jetlag! Hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman kick off a six-part deep dive into the mission themes found within the book of Acts2. In this first episode, Matt and Mike explore Acts Chapter 1, discussing the “Missio Dei” (the Mission of God), the seamless continuity between the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and what it means for the moder...

Episode Show Notes This week we are joined by Professor Stephen Geiger, who teaches New Testament and education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He also hosts a YouTube channel called His Word 360 . Professor Geiger shares how his ministry, whether in the seminary, his church, or his family, focuses on equipping people to use God's Word to fight their own spiritual battles. The...

Episode Show Notes In this episode, we welcome missionary Bounkeo Lor, who serves as a missionary in the WELS and as the president of the Hmong Fellowship Church in Vietnam. A fourth-generation Christian leader, Boun shares his powerful story of how the distinction between Law and Gospel transformed his understanding of faith and led him to gospel ministry. Boun explains that he initially resisted...

Episode Summary In this episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman speak with Elise Gross, a "Third Culture kid" from Antigua. Elise shares her personal story and spiritual journey, including her frustration with the perceived lack of active roles for women in ministry and her discovery of strong female figures in the Bible. The conversation explores how her background shaped her view of women in t...

In this episode of Jesus and Jetlag, hosts Mike Hartman and Matthew Doebler interview each other, diving into the ambitious yet humbling call to plant a church body rather than a single congregation. They share their experiences as missionaries in Australia and the UK, reflecting on how their calls encompass entire countries, similar to early missionaries called to whole continents like South Amer...

What is the role of theological education on the mission field? Is there a tension between the "academic" work of a theological educator and the "practical" work of a missionary? In this episode, we are joined by Jon Bare, president of Asia Lutheran Seminary , who shares his extensive experience in global theological education. Jon helps us see that the perceived tension between scholarship and mi...

In this episode of Jesus and Jetlag, Mike and Matt host a fascinating four-continent conversation with Matt Behmer and Guy Marquardt about the profound meaning of fellowship ( Koinonia ) and the practicalities of hospitality in international mission work. They delve into how cultural differences impact ministry, the challenges of fostering mutual relationships in global partnerships, and the power...

What is the right missionary attitude? How does a missionary move from a place of unintentional superiority to one of genuine, humble servanthood? In this episode, Mike and Matt are joined by Pastor Rob Siirila, who shares wisdom gathered from 36 years of missionary service in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Pastor Siirila delves into the essential posture of a cross-cultural witness, exploring how to overc...

Is there a place for the long, slow work of relationship-building in modern missions? When we're eager to share the good news, the process of simply having coffee, sharing meals, or taking long walks can feel unproductive. But what if these activities are the essential "rock picking" and "soil tilling" that prepare hearts for the gospel? In this episode, we are joined by Aaron Wakeman, Executive D...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Wendland, former president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, to discuss the profound value of the gospel message and how a deep understanding of core Christian teachings can equip leaders for effective cross-cultural ministry. Paul shares insights from his diverse ministry experiences, from Africa to Salt Lake City, illustrating the challenges and blessings of...

In this episode, Mike Hartman and Matthew Doebler welcome Pastor Asher William, who leads a church in South Asia. Pastor Asher shares his incredible journey and insights into gospel-centered missiology. Key Discussion Points: * Asher William's Background : Pastor Asher shares how his admiration for Martin Luther led him to connect with Cross Life Church in America and how he connected with Crossli...

Episode 15 of Jesus and Jetlag features Bill Meier, President and CEO of Kingdom Workers, a global Christian non-profit organization. This episode delves into the concept of holistic gospel ministry, emphasizing the integration of gospel proclamation and compassionate service. Key Discussion Points: * Holistic Gospel Ministry: Bill Meier advocates for a unified approach to ministry, where acts of...

Jon Gross, a producer for Multi-Language Productions focusing on Latin America, joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of digital outreach. From his beginnings learning video production in Chile to implementing AI tools, Jon shares insights on using technology effectively to share the gospel and support ministry work globally. Key Takeaways * Academia Cristo: Jon explains how Academia Cristo u...

Guests: Gary Lupe (Missionary, Native American Ministry) & Howie Mohlke (Team Leader, One Africa Team) Summary: Training leaders for gospel ministry across cultures presents unique joys and challenges. In this episode, we hear from Gary Lupe, an Apache missionary trained within his own culture, and Howie Mohlke, who has extensive experience training leaders in other cultures, particularly in Afric...

Guests: Professor Tim Matthies & Pastor Tony Barthels ( Asia Lutheran Seminary ) Summary Learning a new language is a crucial part of mission work, but it often comes with challenges. In this episode, we talk with Tim Matthies and Tony Barthels, who share their extensive experience learning and teaching languages like German, Chinese, Greek, and Hebrew. * Embracing Mistakes: A major hurdle in lang...

About the Speakers * Rachel Hartman has worked as a freelance writer and author for the past two decades. She and her husband met in Mexico City, where he was serving as a missionary. Together the couple has spent time serving in Latin America, Miami, and the United Kingdom. They currently reside in London with their four children, along with a cat and a dog. * Cindy is a registered nurse, mom of...

In this episode, we interview Andrew Johnston, a missionary leading the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod mission team in Latin America and president of Academia Cristo. The discussion centers on the concept of "universal priesthood" and its implications for mission work. Johnston explains that "universal priesthood" means all Christians, like priests, can enter God's presence and have the privilege of pre...

In this episode, Paul Nitz discusses the complexities of subsidy in mission work, drawing from his extensive experience and missiological insights. He defines subsidy, addresses the power dynamics it creates, and provides principles for healthy partnerships between missionaries and local churches. Key Discussion Points: * Definition of Subsidy: Financial support provided to a local church body fro...

Professor Ken Cherney from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary joins us to discuss missiology in the epistles, financial support for missionaries, and missiology in the Old Testament. About Professor Ken Cherney: * Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, teaching Old Testament and systematic theology. * 1988 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. * Served in various ministry settings, including Brazil...

In this episode, Professor Al Sorum, from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI), shares insights from his extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry and missiology. He discusses the importance of cultural adaptation, the challenges of majority vs. minority mindsets, and the unique contributions of biblical Lutheran missiology to global ministry. Guest Bio: Profess...