Unconventional Ministry

This episode explores how media isn’t just a tool, it’s a mission field. Guest Danielle Gudgal from Deidox shares how their innovative storytelling approach captures real moments of divine intervention and turns them into compelling, impactful narratives. From short films to immersive audio experiences, Deidox is pioneering a fresh way to bear witness, reaching hearts in places where traditional m...

Money isn’t just practical – it’s spiritual. The way we handle our finances reflects the state of our hearts. In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, author Heather Day from Barnabas Foundation shares how surrendering our money to God leads to true financial wellness. Too many people live in an endless cycle of financial stress, feeling trapped by anxiety, emptiness, and broken relationships c...

While 99% of pastors and 97% of churchgoers say people with special needs are welcome in their churches, only 29% of churches have actual programs to support them. Why the disconnect? In this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell , pastor of Bay Area Christian Church and founder of Digital Scribbler , to uncover the barriers that keep churches from truly including people with disabilities, and how...

Are you ready to transform the way you think about fundraising? In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we welcome Rebekah Basinger , co-author of Growing Givers' Hearts , to share how faith-based organizations can turn fundraising into a powerful ministry. Whether you're a development professional, pastor, executive, or board member, you'll discover how to make faith-building opportunities fo...

In this episode, Dr. Jared Looney , founder of Global City Mission and author of Crossroads of the Nations, joins us. Dr. Looney shares about an invaluable workshop designed to equip local churches to engage their diverse communities through meaningful, Spirit-led conversations. With a focus on cross-cultural ministry, disciple-making, and the power of everyday dialogue, this workshop offers pract...

In this episode, we explore how Ruth Thomas , SAT-7 USA VP for Finance and Administration, transformed her career frustration into a pursuit of meaningful work. Now serving in a leadership role with SAT-7 USA , Ruth shares her passion for excellence, accountability, and transparency, which she sees as vital for building trust and support among ministry partners. She reflects on her journey of alig...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Becky Lucas , Senior Development Director at SAT-7 USA , sharing her calling to make a difference in some of the world's most challenging places. Becky shares how her career began with an international aid agency supporting persecuted Christians, eventually leading her to the world of Christian publishing. However, her heart for the Middle East...

In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we are joined by Dr. Rex Rogers , President of SAT-7 USA , a groundbreaking international nonprofit media ministry broadcasting hope and the Gospel across the Middle East and North Africa. With over 34 years of academic experience, Dr. Rogers shares his journey from the halls of higher education to the frontlines of faith-based media outreach. Discover t...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kim Wriston, Mid-Level Development Officer and Project Manager at SAT-7 USA , as she shares how God has been faithfully working in her life, preparing her for His purposes long before she realized it. Kim recounts how her past experiences with diverse cultures laid the foundation for her current role in SAT-7’s mission to bring Christ’s love to the Middl...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with John Frick , a leader who has spent over 34 years navigating the crossroads of faith and leadership in financial-related and non-profit organizations. As the Vice President of Development for SAT-7 USA , John shares how a biblical perspective on stewardship can transform not only ministry impact but also personal legacy. His insights challenge co...

In this powerful episode, I sit with Ray Heinen , the Senior Director of Ministry Partnership for SAT-7 USA , to explore his inspiring journey of faith and service. Originally from Egypt, Ray shares his experiences of living across several Arab countries for over two decades before moving to the United States with his wife, Sue, in 2010. Being an early viewer of SAT-7’s broadcasts, Ray brings a un...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, Andrea Harrison, the Donor Relations Coordinator and Accounting Assistant at SAT-7, shares insights from over 20 years of serving as the "voice of SAT-7." Known for her warmth and gentle spirit, Andrea has become a trusted presence for ministry partners, answering questions, praying with callers, and encouraging them in their journeys. Her ro...

In this episode, hear from Brian Nelson , SAT-7 USA Ministry Development Director, as he shares his journey from Christian radio hosting to producing a NASCAR race coverage program for a national radio network and ultimately joining SAT-7 USA in 2022. Learn about Brian’s perspective on stewardship and fund raising, and discover how his past prepared him for his work with SAT-7 USA. Don’t miss Bria...

In this episode, Dirk Smith with EEM explains how their innovative heart-language Bible distribution ministry is making Bibles and Bible materials available to the nations of Eastern Europe and beyond. Learn what it means to be a collaborative, coming alongside ministry that is empowering their ministry partners. “When someone reads the Bible for the first time in their language, they realize just...

In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, Dr. Ivan Filby discusses the spiritual journey and his "spiritual tool kit." With forty years in ministry and higher education and as a former business professor, business school dean, university president, and now the president and CEO of Seedbed, Dr. Filby has experienced much success in his career. Yet, despite his deep dive into the wisdom and power...

In this episode, our topic is human trafficking. My guest is Marilyn Arnold , CEO of Success by Design. Learn about the harsh realities of human trafficking. Did you know that 90% of trafficking victims come into contact with healthcare workers while they are actively being exploited, but less than 5% are identified? Learn what the symptoms are to look for. An estimated 50,000 people are trafficke...

In this episode, Juliana Sfeir, Arabic Public Engagement Manager with the Middle East and North Africa's media ministry, SAT-7 , shares her inspiring journey. SAT-7 is a groundbreaking Middle East broadcast media ministry that has been transforming lives in the Middle East and North Africa for 28 years. Starting with a vision to create a new media model and narrative for the region, the ministry n...

In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly , author of Free to Be Holy and pastor of Christ Church Birmingham, reflects on his experiences as a church-going teenager who felt deeply frustrated with his Christian faith. Despite his active participation in church activities, he felt something essential was lacking. He began to question whether there was more to Christianity than the rituals and teachings he...

In this episode, you will learn from the remarkable journey of Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch , Founder and CEO of Altered Stories . Mischelle is dedicated to helping Christian women across the globe heal from past trauma and brokenness through the power of faith-filled God stories. In this episode, Mischelle shares her own transformative experience with a cult during her early childhood years. She op...

Research shows that 70% of inmates' children will end up incarcerated. In this episode, guest Mike Broyles, Executive Director of  Lifeline Global Ministries , shares what he has learned visiting over 90 prisons in America and around the world. In all the prisons Mike has visited, he has only met one male inmate who had a father who was a good role model at home. Crime follows from generation to g...

In this episode, the significance of estate planning is emphasized. Dr. Clay Perkins , the Executive Vice President of the Financial Planning Ministry , discusses the widespread neglect of this crucial task, noting that procrastination is the primary reason many people, including those within the Church, delay or avoid estate planning. He highlights that estate planning extends beyond mere paperwo...

This episode focuses on SAT-7 , the leading Christian media brand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn from Rami Al Halaseh , Executive Director of Arabic Channels and Digital Media, how SAT-7 has become a crucial spiritual lifeline for Christians in the region, many of whom are unable to attend physical churches. SAT-7 is a media-based ministry that provides faith-based programming t...

In this episode, we delve into how unwavering faith can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. Dr. Greg Carlson shares insights on how Christian higher education is adapting to seismic cultural shifts while holding onto timeless principles. With his wife, Donna, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Dr. Carlson discusses their commitment to lifelong learning and service, high...

In this episode, learn about the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel , the region's largest network of evangelical churches. Rani Saba , the Executive Director, shares about the rich history, unique challenges, and impactful ministries of these churches nestled in the heart of biblical landscapes. Discover how they navigate the complexities of its geographical and cultural context to foster...

In this episode, we delve into an intriguing conversation with Cecil Taylor, a multiple award-winning author. Cecil founded Cecil Taylor Ministries , which is focused on teaching Christians how to live a seven-day practical faith. His latest book is From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone. Cecil shares his lifelong struggle with the human desire for comfort, a challenge that resonates deeply with many Chr...