Worthless Servants

This week's passage paints a powerful image of the Kingdom of God. What truths jump out, and what did we notice? How do our personal experiences help us to apply these verses? We wrestle with these questions, even exploring what good can come from exile and how the chapter propels us in mission, as well.

Scott and Emily have recently spent a week with the missionaries sent in 2019 to plant churches in Monterrey, Mexico and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. They have heard some amazing stories of God’s faithfulness and of community impact, and they now convey those to us. What were some of the missionary strategies that worked or didn’t work? How was it somehow possible to plant churches during a pandemic...

As we enter the new year, what do we want to take into 2022? The cast has definitely been thinking about transition, calling, risk, and the smallest mammal in the world.

As we look back on 2021, we want to recognize how we’ve seen God at work. This week we share some stats from the past year and also what God has been doing in our ministries, even in the midst of a pandemic. We share exciting stories from Mission Without Limits, the School of Leadership, and much more!

As we start the Advent season, we want to share an older episode that we still find relevant today. Enjoy! (Episode originally aired November 30, 2017)

This week’s passage holds some uncomfortable truths. Who are we as Christ-followers and what should our actions look like as such? The Worthless Servants discuss the differences between being saved by works and being saved for works. Can faith be divorced from action? Can we even “get into heaven” if we do not do good to others? What are some examples of churches effectively ministering to “the le...

We’re back with more stories from the mission field! Grab a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and relax while we share about wedding culture, sawdust carpets, and impromptu tours.

Ever wonder how to pray for a missionary more specifically? Do you ever fall into a rut as you pray for their protection and health over and over? This week we offer some tips on how to be more focused and creative in your prayer life for missions. We share a list of seven specifics to pray for or against including pride, stagnation, loneliness and more. Also, how can the acronym “BLESS" be used a...

This week we share about what’s been on our minds, including Strengths Finders, grape vines, the call to serve, and more. Don’t miss out - this one went in some very interesting directions!

Fresh off their time in the U.S., Scott and Emily share their perspectives on home assignment. What is it? What was it like for their kids? How did the pandemic influence this specific year? Chelsea interviews the Armstrongs and uncovers some funny and thought-provoking stories along the way.

This year, the Mesoamerica Region of the Church of the Nazarene has been engaged in intentional mentorship training. What does mentoring look like? What has been the impact already in our Region? What are some effective ways to mentor?

This week The Worthless Servants shine new light on a familiar passage. What does this passage teach us about children in ministry, God’s limits (as if he had any), and mentoring?

How does your church view your pastor? We’ve identified three types of relationships between church and pastor. Which one is more healthy? Which one is more prevalent? We share examples of how we grew up thinking about a pastor’s duties, as well as examples of healthy church/pastor dynamics. How do you view the role of your pastor?

Have you ever wondered how the Church of the Nazarene evaluates and develops missionaries? Eight areas have been identified where candidates all over the world can grow. In this episode the Worthless Servants share practical examples and stories of how this assessment is used in our region and beyond. Why are the 8 C’s important? Why are they used for both evaluation and development?

This week we reflect on mentoring, fulfilling a call, and "discovering" culture. We also remember what new missionaries think and feel in their first months in ministry.

This week is jam packed with goodies! There is so much in this passage that we don’t even know where to start. We talk about many of the applications of this text to our lives today, the power of being made "new creations," and how to be ambassadors. What stands out to you? What do you take away from this classic passage?

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for (maybe)! This week we tell some of our stories from the mission field. Listen as we share some funny moments as well as some impactful experiences. Our memories include gifts in other cultures, skydiving guinea pigs, and much more.

This week we share some thoughts about whales, fasting, adoption and more. What have you been thinking about?

This week's Scripture Spotlight hits the mark for several Worthless Servants. Even though it’s just 3 verses, it is packed with counter-cultural implications and a very pointed job description for Christ - and, therefore, those who follow Him. How does this relate to the Church today? How does this characterize our mission as Christians?

The General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene annually give a report regarding milestones and challenges that the denomination has faced. This year Dr. Carla Sunberg characterized 2020 as a “year of grace.” People around the globe have been serving and giving and being the Church! In the face of such adversity, how have things been filled with God’s grace in 2020? How have we remained...

The Church of the Nazarene recently shared the results of an in-depth study on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted Nazarene pastors around the world. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how many leaders and churches are feeling. How has the past year impacted giving? Have local churches found new meaning and purpose in midst of the stress? How could God be working in the Church even during a such a...

Every leader has keys. Some are literal keys on a keychain, others are metaphorical and represent the many responsibilities one has as a leader. In this episode we talk about some articles written by Dominican youth leader, Esteban Juan Alcántara, on what is “Keychain Leadership”, how to be a good keychain leader, and the importance of handing over keys time and again.

The global pandemic has hindered a lot of things. But it will never stop God from working. This week we’re sharing stories from all around the region about what God was able to do through His people during an event called “Mission without Limits”. This initiative sent missionaries to dozens of nearby communities to participate in a “glocal” movement. What is “glocal”? What did God do during the tw...

We’re continuing our blast from the past, this week revisiting some great moments from episodes 51-99. Once again, thanks to all who have been on this journey with us, and we hope you enjoy these episodes with us. If you’re just joining us, we hope these episodes will give you a brief glimpse into what the Worthless Servants are all about.

After celebrating 100 episodes two weeks ago, we want to take a look at some of our best moments from episodes 1 - 50. We don’t have time to highlight everything, but if you’re new to the Worthless Servants, here are some key episodes to get you started. If you’re a long listener, enjoy taking this trip down memory lane with us!