The Orchard Podcast

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...

As we start a new year, join Mike, Michelle and Brian as they take a deep dive into Jesus' vision for the "least of these." In Matthew 25, Jesus shared a compelling vision with his followers that radically changed the way they thought about the poor, oppressed and vulnerable of the world. Whether you are a mission's leader or someone who wants to make an impact in the world, this episode will help...

For this final episode of 2021, we talk about the life, ministry and leadership lessons we learned from this past year. We each prepared 2-3 lessons we learned from 2021 and shared them for the first time with each other while on the podcast. Join us at the table as we reflect on our personal and organizational development during the last 12 months.

You may have heard the saying that if you lose your why, you lose your way. In this episode of the Orchard Podcast, we will talk about Orchard's "why" and how that why has fueled our response to poverty and injustice in Southern Africa. We will also talk about how that "why" not only affects how we lead, but gets to the very heart of God's call and our our opportunity to cultivate spiritual maturi...

In this episode of the Orchard Podcast we are going to talk about the single most important principle in creating long-term sustainable missional impact. Jesus modeled it and Paul instructed others to follow it. We call it developing Sunday morning preachers into community leaders and it is central to the work Orchard: Africa does in Southern Africa.

Sometimes fueled by compassion and a desire to good, we do the right thing, but in the wrong way. Without knowing it, our desire to do good can devalue the people we serve and compromise the impact of our missions. In this episode of the Orchard Podcast we will share how you can make a meaningful impact in the world while also guarding the dignity of those you serve?

Is outreach a necessary part of the church? How much time and focus should we give outreach when there are people to disciple, worship to plan and ministry to lead. In this episode, we will talk about the role of outreach in the church and have a conversation to weigh the value of it in the whole scope of our lives and ministry. 

How do you stay engaged in global missions throughout the year? How do you help your church stay connected with what God is doing around the world, especially in a time when traditional methods of engagement like mission trips are more challenging. Jodi Petersen, the Director of Serve at Cornerstone Church in Chandler, Arizona, joins us for this conversation to share some of the methods she has us...

The most effective way to make an impact in the world for Christ are through global partnerships. However, choosing the right partner can be a daunting task. Whether you lead missions at your church or want to personally invest in a ministry in another country, it can be challenging to find the right fit. In this episode, we will talk about what it takes to select a partner where you can make a lo...

Jesus spent so much of his time healing the sick, caring for the downtrodden and responding to human suffering. Why did he do that and what can we learn from Jesus' example about caring for the needs of people. Was Jesus a humanitarian? There is often a divide in Christian circles about the relationship between evangelism and more humanitarian responses to human suffering. How should Christians re...

Too often mission strategies focus on creating moments of impact rather than movements that bring long term change. In this episode, we will talk about what it takes to create long term generational change. You will hear from Mike and Michelle Tessendorf and Brian LaMew as they talk about the meaning, value and requirements of true sustainability in global communities.

In this episode, we will be discussing a very important question for those engaged in the work of global compassion. The question is, "Whose need are you serving and is it the real need?" Even with good intentions, we can do a lot of harm if we respond to needs in an uninformed way. You will learn how to identify what is and is not the real need. Also, we will give you a framework to find a health...

Learn about what it takes to lead in a time of uncertainty. Hear about how Orchard: Africa continued to make an impact in some of the most vulnerable communities in Southern Africa during lockdowns, food shortages and ever changing realities across the globe.  In this episode, we will share the three most important questions to ask when leading through uncertainty as well as share stories of...