Unconventional Ministry

In this episode, learn how Thrive Ministry provides life-transforming spiritual resources, retreats, and authentic community tailored specifically for women in cross-cultural ministry around the world. In cross-cultural ministry, women often serve quietly, tirelessly, and sacrificially, yet they frequently go unnoticed when it comes to receiving the care they need. Who is caring for them? In this...

What do Moses, Gideon, Esther, David, and Peter have in common? None of them looked like the obvious choice for leadership. Yet God used each of them to accomplish extraordinary things. Throughout Scripture, God has a remarkable pattern of calling ordinary, imperfect, and often reluctant people to lead His people and advance His Kingdom. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host...

Thirty years ago, many believed Christian ministry in the Middle East and North Africa faced insurmountable barriers. Churches were scarce, believers often isolated, and traditional ministry methods struggled. Yet a bold vision led by Dr. Terence Ascott gave birth to SAT-7 , a pioneering satellite television ministry that would change the landscape of Christian ministry across the region. In this...

Are your workplace vibes healthy or toxic? Learn what to look for and how to turn things around. Most of us have experienced toxic environments that drain energy and crush morale. But what if you could build a curative culture – one rooted in trust, respect, and biblical values? In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens welcomes Doug Shaw, Founder and CEO of Douglas Shaw...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens sits down with Rami Al-Halaseh, Executive Director of SAT-7 Arabic Channels and Digital Media, to discuss the dramatic shifts reshaping the Middle East and North Africa. Political upheaval, economic instability, and shifting alliances have altered the region’s landscape, creating both uncertainty and unprecedented ministry opport...

Behind the headlines of protests, government crackdowns, and deepening economic crisis in Iran, a quieter story is unfolding – one rarely told. It is the story of a resilient and growing community of Jesus followers who live under constant pressure, isolation, and surveillance, yet continue to cling to hope. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, we go beyond the news cycle to hea...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Brian Canright , President of Shepherds College Foundation, a pioneering post-secondary institution for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Discover how this pioneering institution is transforming education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a Christ-centered...

What if your next leadership transition could multiply your ministry instead of tearing it apart? Is your church prepared for its next leadership change? What if a resignation, termination, or succession didn’t create chaos, but instead became a catalyst for growth? In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens and guest Matt Davis discuss the complexities of leadership tran...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Joshua Vennetti, animator of Saul of Tarsus Film , about how animation can powerfully serve the church and ministry. Joshua shares how his passion for stop-motion videos, sparked by a gift from his parents of LEGO at age 13, evolved into a creative tool for sharing biblical truth in fresh, engaging ways. Discover...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens talks with Steve Russell , President of JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). Learn how JAARS utilizes aviation, technology, and transportation to overcome barriers and share the gospel with remote, hard-to-reach communities. Steve shares how equipping and training missionaries to serve in their remote languages transfo...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens speaks with Maryann Remsburg , the Director of Development at Corbin University . Maryann shares her personal journey to Corban and how the university is equipping students to think biblically, lead courageously, and serve faithfully in an ever-changing world. Together, they explore Corban’s distinctive approach to higher ed...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens interviews Dan Janzen , the executive director of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI). They discuss FCFI's mission to encourage farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ, both domestically and internationally. Dan shares his background in agriculture and how he came to lead FC...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, Dennis Wiens and Jon Hirst  ( https://innovationinmission.com/) discuss the concept of innovation within ministry contexts. They explore the definition of innovation, the fear of change that many ministries face, and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Jon shares insights from his experience as a fractional innovation officer, highlight...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Fouad Masri , founder and global ambassador of the Crescent Project. Discover how the Crescent Project is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to respond to the Gospel and connect with a true follower of Jesus. With a focus on equipping believers to reach out to Muslim communities, the Cre...

In this episode, host Dennis Wiens sits down with Becca Spradlin , author of Lead on Mission and a trusted voice in the global faith-at-work movement. Together, they discuss how Christian leaders can weave faith, values, and excellence into the marketplace in ways that endure beyond their own leadership. Becca shares her personal journey and the vision behind Lead on Mission, celebrating the inspi...

Most people know they should have a will… but more than half of Americans don’t. In this Unconventional Ministry episode, Dennis Wiens tackles one of the most overlooked yet life-changing acts of stewardship – estate planning. Discover why creating a will is more than just legal paperwork; it’s an act of love, faith, and intentional stewardship that protects your family, prevents conflict, and lea...

On this episode of Unconventional Ministry, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Randy Grimm , Interim Chief Development Officer at Calvary University, a school ranked in the top 30% nationwide for lowest student debt and in the top 3% of Christian universities. Randy shares how Calvary is redefining Christian higher education through an unwavering commitment to biblical truth, academic excellence, and debt...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Rawad and Marianne Daou , a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 ye...

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens , where we explore innovative approaches to sharing the Gospel. In this episode, Dennis interviews Todd Michaels , the founder of the Story Stewardship Initiative . Todd makes a bold claim: that over 95% of believers will take their stories to the grave. He calls this “the greatest missed Kingdom opportunity of our time.” In a...

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast with host Dennis Wiens . In this thought-provoking episode I visit with Dr. Kent Haralson, author of The Martial Arts: A Christian Perspective and Philosophy , to tackle several surprising questions: Can Christians practice martial arts with a clear conscience? Can Martial Arts be a platform for ministry? Dr. Haralson unpacks the three most common obj...

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens of SAT-7 USA . In this episode, we explore eternal returns on investment through strategic philanthropy and biblical stewardship. Dennis is joined by Dr. Jim Bakke , President of the Barnabas Foundation , to discuss how Christians can effectively steward their resources for lasting kingdom impact. Delve into practical strategie...

Join host Dennis Wiens on the Unconventional Ministry Podcast as he challenges the common perspective on ministry donations. Discover how SAT-7 , a broadcast media ministry in the Middle East, offers a kingdom-focused return on investment, reaching millions in regions closed to traditional outreach. Through innovative broadcasting in Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish, SAT-7 breaks barriers and impacts li...

Join host Dennis Wiens as he welcomes Joshua Whitehouse , the visionary behind Go Chatter Studios, on this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast. Discover how Joshua transforms Bible stories into engaging Lego stop-motion animations designed to captivate viewers of all ages. Learn about the creative journey from lockdown beginnings to a fully operational charity, producing short, vibrant...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. James Davis , a global leader in Christian networking. Dr. Davis shares wisdom passed down from the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary, encouraging listeners to pursue unique ventures that break new ground and bring unparalleled satisfaction. Listeners will discover the essence of the...

In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we welcome Dr. Paul Hoffman , co-author of AI Shepherd and Electric Sheep , to explore the crucial need for a biblical lens in the ethical use of artificial intelligence. As AI rapidly integrates into daily life, how do we ensure it promotes a biblical view of human flourishing rather than distorting God’s design? Dr. Hoffman unpacks AI’s role in transhu...