The Orchard Podcast

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into one of Jesus' lesser-known teachings found in Matthew 5:31-37, where He explores the significance of oaths and the essence of integrity. While oaths may conjure up images of childhood pinky swears or solemn promises made on a loved one's grave, Jesus challenges us to a deeper understanding—one rooted in trustworthiness, keeping our word, a...

In this episode, we embark on a transformative journey from legalism to love, guided by Jesus' radical teachings on the law of love. As we explore Matthew 5:17-20, we confront the temptation to approach spirituality like studying an owner's manual—meticulously memorizing and reciting passages without experiencing genuine transformation. Instead, Jesus invites us to leave behind the confines of rul...

Often we underestimate the impact we can make in the world and fail to see our full capacity. In this episode of the Orchard Podcast we take a look what Jesus says about our influence when we serve in his kingdom. We also welcome Theuno Swart, Orchard: Africa's National Director of South Africa, to join in the conversation as he shares his insights and stories living a missional life.

As we kick off a new year of the Orchard Podcast, we are going to start with a conversation about Jesus' seemingly backward vision for life and society. We will unpack the beatitudes found in Matthew 5 and talk about the picture these famous one-liners give us of God's kingdom. Listen and then shoot us an email with a thought or a story at podcast@orchardafrica.org. We'd love to hear from you and...

We have all heard the song that goes "this little light of mine...I'm going to let it shine..." How do you think our world would change if we not only "let our light shine," but we helped those around us shine brightly too. In this episode, we will talk about the connection between God's light, our light and our neighbor's light. We will also wrap up 2023 with this final episode of the year and sh...

Amidst the echoing cries of global conflict and the overwhelming weight of suffering, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of love. Discover how being rooted and grounded in love can offer solace, inspire resilience, and propel acts of compassion. Join us as we uncover together the steps to anchoring ourselves in love, even when the storm rages on.

You will face plenty of roadblocks when serving Jesus. Sometimes the challenges are so great that you feel like giving up. What does it take to endure long enough to make a lasting impact in the world for Christ? In this episode, Michelle will share what it took to endure apartheid, multiple pandemics, extreme economic uncertainty and the long road of slow change. Then Michelle and Brian will shar...

One thing we all have in common is the fact that we are all different. In this episode of the Orchard Podcast we will talk about what we can learn about diversity from the early church and share some lessons learned from three decades of cross cultural ministry. Join the Orchard Podcast conversation by sharing a comment, story or question with us. Email us at podcast@orchardafrica.org

Prayer is conspiring with God. In this episode, we will unpack prayer's vital role in being on mission with God. Join us as we share stories of the impact that prayer has made in our life and the ministry of Orchard: Africa.

Pastors and church leaders devote themselves to caring for the needs of others, but who is caring for them? Who is asking them, "how are you, really?" In this episode, we will focus on the importance of prioritizing self-care when you serve in mission, ministry or support those who do. The key to being healthy is found in two simple words, "in Him." In this episode, we are honored to have Pastor V...

God's design for the Church was to make the invisible God visible as well as make the invisible people in our world visible. The Church is the light of the world that brings God's purposes into full color. In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Pastor Patrick Mokgosi, Orchard: Africa's Western Cape Regional Pastor, on the podcast as we discuss God's powerful plan for our lives in the world....

The people who make the biggest impact in people's lives have two primary qualities: humility and confidence. In this episode, we will talk about how to lead and serve with humble confidence. Join the Orchard Podcast conversation by sharing a comment, story or question with us. Email us at podcast@orchardafrica.org

Do you ever find yourself saying, "Oh, I would be so much happier and my life would be so much better if I could just be someone's servant!" Probably not. And yet, Jesus said that if we want to gain the best in life, we need become a servant. In this episode, we will talk about how God uses service to transform us and our world. During our conversation we mentioned some upcoming mission trips this...

Are you making ripples? God's grace working through our lives and churches has a ripple effect that has far reaching potential in the world. Join us as we talk about God's kingdom, missions and looking at our lives through the ripple. Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at podcast@orchardafrica.org. We would love to hear from you. Also, if you like this podcast help...

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be. In this episode we will discuss what the prophet Micah meant when he said, "walk humbly." We will talk about the meaning of humility and the vital role it plays in missions. Join...

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be. In this episode we will discuss what the prophet Micah meant when he said, "love mercy." We will talk about the meaning of mercy, the difference between mercy and justice as well...

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be. In this episode we will begin a conversation about 6 powerful words that can change the world. We will be discussing Micah 6:8, which may be one of the most quoted verses from th...

A common criticism of modern missions in the US is that it feeds what is commonly called a "white savior complex." This critique gives many people in the western church pause about mission trips and serving under-resourced parts of the world. How should Christians and church leaders address this critique? How do we reconcile Jesus' clear call to "go into all the world" with this issue? In this epi...

What role should the church play in addressing oppression and captivity in the world? How do we even define those words? In this episode, we will take a deep dive into what it practically means to "set the captives free" as we explore ways we can courageously respond to the various types of oppression in our world. We would love to have you join in on the conversation. Send questions, comments or...

In this episode of the Orchard Podcast, Mike and Brian interview two South African pastors to get their perspective on the impact of short term mission trips on their church, community and even themselves as pastors. Our guest speakers are Pastor Patrick Mokgosi and Pastor Victor Motlhampe. They both have served as pastors of vulnerable communities for over two decades and duri...

Whether you are caring for the vulnerable in Southern Africa, planting a church in Eastern Europe, or reaching those in need in your own backyard, we all want to do the greatest amount of good as possible for the greatest number of people as possible. For this to happen, we must all hold two key truths in tension: "Do no one harm" and "Do good to all." Mike, Michelle and Brian will talk about the...

We are all made in the image of God, but what does it take to reflect that image as we serve vulnerable people around the world? In this podcast, we will talk about the far reaching implications of being image bearers to a world in need. We will also talk about the purpose God had in mind when he made us in his likeness.

In a world of TikTok, advancing technology and new trends, how do we mobilize and develop the youngest generation for global impact? In passing the baton to the next generation, what should we focus on handing off to them? What is most important and what will endure? In this episode, we will address these questions and look at what it means to have a 100 year vision for missional impact.

Sometimes the greatest joy in ministry is found in the hardest places to serve. In this podcast episode we will shares some personal stories about how we have found joy while serving in hard places in Southern Africa. We will also provide some practical insights about the hard places and how you can serve God well despite the challenges.

When we look around at our world, it is not difficult to see that things are not the way that they should be. Our world is broken along with its systems, structures and, yes, its people--which includes all of us. In this month's Orchard Podcast, we will talk about how healing the brokenness of our world starts with breaking other things. God's dream is that his people would be repairers of the bre...