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It can be easy to assume that a meaningful relationship with someone from a different country, living in a different culture, speaking a different language, is just not really possible. But when the only thing that’s actually necessary for a meaningful relationship is one shared vision, you find that it’s totally possible to connect with people that might seem ‘too different’ to relate to. And it’s encouraging, and it’s good, and it’s fun. And, in the context of international ministry, it’s important. In this episode, we’re talking about why it’s important and we’re asking questions like: what role does friendship play in ministry and international missions? What are the risks of involving personal relationships with ministry, and are they worth it?

Join us at 7:30pm CDT on November 17 for Global Day: Embark. This is a webcasted event for the Uncharted family to learn about and participate in global missions. Watch live for updates from our Field Partners and join the community of believers in lifting up and encouraging the workers around the world who boldly advance the Kingdom of God. Sign up today: unchartedinternational.org/globalday

Short-term trips can be great, but they're often made of a large group of people who spend a week volunteering and then just leave. While that might help address a community’s immediate needs, it rarely leads to deeper connections for anyone involved. At Uncharted, we started implementing Vision Trips: an experience oriented towards learning about our international Locations, meeting people, and establishing what will become long-last relationships with people around the world who are all working toward the same goals. In this episode, we’re talking about Vision Trips and we’re asking questions like: what is a Vision Trip, and how is it different from a regular, service-oriented trip? And how do they help unify the church so we can work together to fulfill the Great Commission?

Partnering with a missions or international organization can bring a lot of opportunities to a church, and help introduce people to Kingdom-work happening all over the world. But there are good and bad ways a church can enter into a partnership, and good and bad consequences that can come from it. On this episode, we talk to James Grout from One Child and we’re asking questions like: why should a local church look for an international partner? Where should we start when we want to ‘get into missions’? And how can we make sure we are entering into a healthy, fruitful partnership? One Child: onechild.org Outpost: outpostnetwork.org

What is the Bible for? How do we engage with certain passages that have been used to harm people? What can we do to be better students of the Word? Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with partner church pastor Will Barnes on how to read, interpret and apply Scripture. RESOURCES: Flexible Faith by Bonnie Kristian - www.amazon.com/Flexible-Faith-Re…low/dp/1478992093 Slaves, Women and Homosexuality by William J Webb - www.amazon.com/Slaves-Women-Homo…ics/dp/0830815619 How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee - www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-Al…%2Dcentury%20life. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham - www.amazon.com/Jesus-Eyewitnesse…ony/dp/0802863906

The Bible is necessary to understanding our faith as Christians and our history as the Church. But it’s also a complicated book and full of stories that are difficult to wrap your head around. Especially as you’re told it’s somehow a historical document, a poetry collection, a self-help guide, an instruction manual, and also includes everything you could possibly need to know in order to live a good life. And it's hard to have frank conversations about any of this, because it is an incredibly touchy subject for most people. But we're talking about with partner church pastor Will Barnes, and we’re asking questions like: What do we need to know about the Bible in order to understand it? Does God contradict himself in his Word? And are there questions we should be asking, but aren’t? RESOURCES: Flexible Faith by Bonnie Kristian - https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Faith-Rethinking-Means-Follow/dp/1478992093 Slaves, Women and Homosexuality by William J Webb - https://www.amazon.com/Slaves-Women-Homosexuals-Exploring-Hermeneutics/dp/0830815619 How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee - https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth/dp/0310517826#:~:text=The%20Bible%20is%20accessible.,twenty%2Dfirst%2Dcentury%20life. Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham - https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Eyewitnesses-Gospels-Eyewitness-Testimony/dp/0802863906

It’s hard to pin down exactly what we mean when we talk about the ‘soul.’ It's more of a philosophical question than a linguistics question. Maybe the times when we most keenly sense our soul, is when it’s weary. Most of us know what it means when the psalms say things like, “My soul is downcast. My soul waits for you. My soul longs for you.” In this episode, we talk with our friend and Uncharted board member Jill Randall and we’re asking questions like: What does it look like to be taking care of your soul? How do you balance taking care of yourself with living, sometimes sacrificially, for others? And how can we start practicing it today? RESOURCES: Ruth Haley Barton: Sacred Rhythms - https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Rhythms-Arranging-Spiritual-Transformation/dp/0830833331 Henri Nouwen: The Way of the Heart - https://henrinouwen.org/read/the-way-of-the-heart/ Ruth Haley Barton: Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership - https://www.amazon.com/Strengthening-Soul-Your-Leadership-Crucible/dp/083083513X Bill Randall: Jesus Made Possible - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Jesus-Made-Possible-Embracing/dp/1493717235

We’re constantly seeing the worst of the worst, from every corner of the world. And we respond in a lot of different ways, ranging from despair, to compassion, to cynicism, to apathy.But then, the news cycle moves on as the injustice and tragedies continue. At Uncharted, we’ve dealt with this a lot in the past year, with war and tragedy in 2 of the countries where we work dominating the news cycle, stirring up support and sympathy and criticism, and then getting dropped for the next big story. So, what are we supposed to do about it? Is there a ‘right’ response to have when people overseas are suffering? How can you stay informed without being overwhelmed? And what is there to do, other than offer thoughts and prayers? Resources: Praying for Peace when it Feels Useless w/ Fr. James Martin: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/02/24/prayer-ukraine-242464 Write to Uncharted Partners: https://www.unchartedinternational.org/write Give to Uncharted ministries: unchartedinternational.org/give Organizations helping Ukraine: https://novo.org/ https://www.omusa.org/

For a lot of people, the idea of ‘global missions’ can seem big, vague, and distant. Especially when there is so much need to be connected to a local church and community. It can feel like you have to choose one over the other, local vs global. In this episode, we’re talking to Jeremy Lalk, Uncharted’s new Engagement Director, which is a new role for him and for us. And we’re going to be asking questions like: Is there actually a choice to be made between local and global? And how can you be engaged in both at the same time?

The second part of our conversation with Scott Klaudt from Zootown Church, where we talk about the day-to-day implications of different beliefs of hell. Recommended Resources: “Across the Spectrum” by Gregory A Boyd and Paul R. Eddy “Flexible Faith” by Bonnie Kristian “Her Gates will Never be Shut” by Brad Jersak “Jesus Undefeated” by Keith Giles “Christ the Conquer of Hell” by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev Zootown’s Hell Series: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hell…i=1000512171399

Hell is an incredibly evocative and divisive topic, and what we believe about it can impact our lives in surprising ways. On this episode, we’re talking with our friend Scott Klaudt from Zootown Church and we’re asking questions like: what does the Bible actually say about hell? How do our views of hell impact the importance of international missions? And if universal salvation is possible, why does anyone bother with missions? Resources: “Across the Spectrum” by Gregory A Boyd and Paul R. Eddy “Flexible Faith” by Bonnie Kristian “Her Gates will Never be Shut” by Brad Jersak “Jesus Undefeated” by Keith Giles “Christ the Conquer of Hell” by Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev Zootown’s Hell Series: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hell-ology-episode-1-a-history-of-hell/id910329390?i=1000512171399 Resource on John Stott’s views: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/documents/death/judgement-hell.php#.YbYJe_HML0o

It’s an adjustment to go from seeing ‘short-term mission trip’ as a youth group service project to seeing it as an opportunity for learning and relationships. It takes another adjustment to think of mission trips in developed nations, in modern cities and more comfortable places. One of Uncharted’s Communities is Belgrade, Serbia, which is beautiful and fun and a genuinely lovely place to visit. The Orthodox church has a strong presence. So what do we do there? On this episode, we talk to Ben and Shelby about their recent visit to our partners in Belgrade, and ask questions like: What is the point in doing missions in a place that appears to be reached? What do you ‘do’ when you do a trip like this? And why should you get involved in a place like Belgrade, Serbia? Resources: The Future of World Religions - https://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/

For our first international recording Ben talks to Danko, our friend and partner working in Belgrade, Serbia. We get a look into his ministry, hear updates on what life has been like through the pandemic, and start getting excited for Global Day 2021!

The idea of ‘raising up strong leaders’ has become a prominent part of western, Evangelical culture. Everyone gets invited to leadership training and summits, everyone is encouraged to read all the books. But the political climate of the past few years, as well as abuse allegations and scandals of prominent Christian leaders, have started to change the conversation. What is ideal leadership, and what is just idealistic? Is it possible to overemphasize the importance of one person’s sense of ‘calling?’ In this episode, Dr. Carlo Serrano returns for a conversation on healthy organizations, how leadership can be inherently traumatic, and why The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast may not be as discouraging as it seems. Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Keep On by Isaac Joel All music licensed through Soundstripe.

In this episode, Emily gives us an update on communities we're partnered with, how our organization is responding, and the future of Perspectives Unsettled. Music in this episode: Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Meet at the Cafe by Falls Beach Nap by Midnight Daydream Midnight Memory by Chelsea McGough All music licensed through Soundstripe.

In the evangelical world, the idea of ‘women in leadership’ can be pretty controversial. But when we look internationally, and especially in the mission field, women throughout have been martyrs, saints, missionaries, apostles, and leaders. Women around the world are making disciples and reaching unreached people, and not waiting for permission to do it. So what unique challenges do women face when it comes to working in missions? How much should concern for personal safety impact our decisions? And how are women around the world taking it upon themselves to make disciples and advance God’s Kingdom? On this episode we’re talking to Amanda Brown, Global Outreach Coordinator from Flatirons Church in Colorado, and Sarah Bourns, Uncharted Board Member and Pastor of Mission and Formation at Hope Church in New York City. Relevant Links- Pew Research Study on religious gender composition: https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/gender-composition/ Barna Group - Decline in Church Attendance Among Women: https://www.barna.com/changes-behind-the-scenes/ Tara Beth Leach - Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry: https://www.amazon.com/Emboldened-Vision-Empowering-Women-Ministry/dp/0830845240 Life in Abundance: https://lifeinabundance.org/ Perspectives Course: https://www.perspectives.org/ Helping Without Hurting Resources: https://chalmers.org/resources/books/helping-without-hurting-in-short-term-missions/ (Flatirons takes all of our mission teams through this) The Pursuit of His Calling – Florence Muindi https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/193745536X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Fade by Nu Alkemi$t All music licensed through soundstripe.com

How do people and organizations have effective and safe missions practices in closed or hostile countries? Do missionaries actually increase danger for local believers? And when is it okay for Christians to lie or break the law for the sake of gospel-access? RELEVANT LINKS- Creative Access Platforms: https://missionexus.org/creative-access-platforms-what-are-they-and-do-we-need-them/ Undercover Rabbi: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/jerusalem-rabbi-accused-of-being-undercover-christian-missionary Ethical Considerations: https://missionexus.org/business-as-mission-in-creative-access-countries-ethical-implications-and-challenges/ Daniel, A Biblical example of living in CAC: https://missionexus.org/daniel-as-a-model-for-godly-living-in-creative-access-countries/ Uncharted International: unchartedinternational.org Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Sluggish by Ghost Beatz All music licensed through soundstripe.com

One of the most prominent critiques of international missions is that faith-based organizations get in over their heads with children’s welfare programs, causing a lot of harm to local communities and individual children. So what do we do? How can someone engage in ministries for at-risk children in ethical, helpful ways? What are the mistakes that have been made? And how do we look past our own good intentions to make sure we are actually doing good work? For this episode, we’re excited to welcome an expert in the field: Scott Todd. Scott is the president of One Child - an organization that serves and develops children in poverty around the world, and helps those children reach their God-given potential. Uncharted International: unchartedinternational.org Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls
The Ballad of M And T by Sam Barsh All music licensed through soundstripe.com

Expecting perfection of anyone is unfair and will lead to more disappointment than it will to anything helpful. Grace can be extended after sin, forgiveness can be offered after repentance. But there’s a distinction between a good man who sinned, and a bad man who created opportunities to take advantage of others. No one can lead perfectly, but how low should our expectations be? Why do we as Christian communities continue to fall into the trap of celebritizing and even idolizing our leaders? What kind of leaders are we supposed to be looking for? And what should we realistically and ideally expect from them? RELEVANT LINKS- Carl Lentz: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/02/carl-lentz-and-the-trouble-at-hillsong Jean Vanier: https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/02/23/jean-vanier-once-talked-about-nobel-or-sainthood-candidate-is-accused-abusive-sexual-relationships-with-six-women/ Ravi Zacharias: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/february/ravi-zacharias-rzim-investigation-sexual-abuse-sexting-rape.html You Have Permission interview with Dr. Paula Swindle about Ravi Zacharias: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-have-permission/id1448000113 You Have Permission Varieties of Religious and Spiritual Abuse: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-have-permission/id1448000113?i=1000498837671 Out of the 4th Place: https://outofthe4thplace.com/ PHD dissertation by Dr. Paula Swindle: https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/Swindle_uncg_0154D_12186.pdf Nomad Podcast: Surviving Spiritual Abuse: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nomad-podcast/id301419170?i=1000499919903 The Universal Christ, by Richard Rohr https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Christ-Forgotten-Reality-Everything/dp/059323832X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2N3ZYHSTTYT1R&dchild=1&keywords=the+universal+christ&qid=1616439119&s=books&sprefix=the+universal+christ%2Caps%2C1368&sr=1-1 Uncharted International: unchartedinternational.org Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Meet at the Cafe by Falls All music licensed through soundstripe.com

In this episode, we dig into the history of Uncharted International; how and why it was started, and how it has evolved. We also have a frank discussion about the mistakes we made in our past, the pitfalls of running a non-profit organization, and what we’re doing to create a healthy culture of missions within our organization. RELEVANT LINKS- Uncharted International: unchartedinternational.org -Music in this episode- Smoke and Mirrors by Falls Violet Collybia by Isaac Joel All music licensed through soundstripe.com