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Welcome to the Mission City podcast. Mission City is a podcast that explores the role of global cities in missions. We will be sitting down with a diverse group of people to discuss their work in the urban context, so that we can be equipped to better engage our cities.
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Episode 25 – Asian Urbanism and the Church

In this episode we talk with Dr. John Cheong, an associate professor of World Religion and Intercultural Studies at Grand Canyon University, about how cities in Asia are developing and how the church is responding. Dr. Cheong spent more than a decade as a senior lecturer and consultant in Missiology throughout Asia, and has written extensively on religion, contextual theology, globalization, diaspora missiology, and urban mission.

Time stamps

  • 1:59 So let’s just start off by hearing a little bit about who you are, how you came to know Jesus and, uh, tell us about your family as well.
  • 14:44 I would love to hear your thoughts on Asian cities and Asian urbanism. What’s unique? What would you want to say about cities in Asia that maybe help us understand cities differently, or might be contrasted with a Western city?
  • 22:33 You hinted at, in your early story, that when you went back to Malaysia the first time and were working in a church context, that there were some lessons learned there in terms of how do we engage well?
  • 26:01 You noted that churches attracted a lot of young professionals and students and young people, seventies, eighties, nineties. Um, does that now mean that the church is shifted to be become a middle-aged kind of church? Do they need to shift gears again to reach the, the next generation of young people?
  • 28:23 You have done some thinking, a lot of thinking, I would say, just regarding city space and the church and how the church thinks about space, uses space, anything you want to throw into the conversation there?
  • 35:04 what are some places you would point people to for just understanding cities well? And then where can people access some of your thinking and writing?

    • Links

  • The Urban Knowledge Network Asia (YouTube) UKNA
  • Dr. John Cheong’s book

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher. It was edited by Kristen Sosebee

    Episode 24 – Multicultural in Paris

    What good is an English-speaking multicultural church in Paris? This week we talk with Parker Windle, senior pastor of Emmanuel International Church, about how his church has found vital ministry serving and engaging English speakers from all around the world in this global city.

    Time stamps

  • 1:29 So tell us a little bit about yourself and your family and how you met Jesus.
  • 2:25 And so then how did you end up, you know, overseas or even end up going to Beeson Divinity school? How did that calling to ministry develop in you?
  • 3:38 And now you are pastoring an international church. Fill us in a little bit on that.
  • 4:18 Now how old is this church? And then I think, you know, you and I have, uh, had some conversation, you mentioned something about planting as well. So take us through the history of the church you’re currently in. And then what what’s this pant planting look like?
  • 6:41 Take us through the potential planting or the planting.
  • 9:04 Tell us about Paris, but tell us kind of the unmedia-oriented Paris. What’s suburban Paris like?
  • 11:34 How have you processed, cause I think you have maybe gone on a journey here, right? In terms of the Great Commission and what that calls Christians in the church to do, um, how have you processed the, the role of the international church in that mix?
  • 16:21 So I think when people start to think about 32 nations and you’re preaching on a regular basis, how do you engage all of those people? How do you think through worldviews and cultural context and application points? And I mean, the list could go on and on how do you angle a sermon for that kind of diversity?
  • 18:04 How do you love the city well, how do you fit in as somewhat of an outsider, but still wanting to partner and collaborate with the French church to engage the city?
  • 22:16 What have you, what have you learned about ministry in the city? The nature of an urban church? How would you now reflect on the challenges and opportunities that an urban church may face that may be different than, you know, Carrollton or Aliceville?
  • 25:58 What have you learned about urban church planting since you’ve been, been in Paris?
  • 28:34 What else have you learned through this process and in particular, maybe the urban context, what are some things that, you know, for those listening that are thinking about planting a church in the city, what are some things that you’ve, you know, you’ve said you’ve done feasibility studies, what are some things to consider?
  • 31:34 As we’re thinking about these things, what resources would you direct listeners to, specifically you mentioned a podcast that you’re doing, I would love for you to highlight that for us.

    • Links

    Parker’s Podcast:
  • The International Church
  • Center Church by Tim Keller
  • City to City Europe
  • What is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti M. Anyabwile

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher. It was edited by Kristen Sosebee

    Episode 23 – Ukraine: Serving Those in Need

    In this episode we talk to Dr John White who has lived and worked in Ukraine for more than 20 years. Dr White gives us insight into the rich history of Ukraine’s cities and shares with us how the evangelical seminary where he teaches in Kiev is serving those in need during the war with Russia.

    Time stamps

  • 1:33 Tell us a little bit about who you are and your background, your family, how you met Jesus.
  • 3:39 Tell us some of the things that maybe we don’t get in the media. Maybe, in particular, something about the cities of Ukraine and then also maybe about the state of the church there.
  • 8:41 About Kiev and maybe some of the other cities that we’re hearing a lot about in the news, but – particularly with your urban missions hat on – some thoughts there, just the nature of the cities and the needs of the city.
  • 11:36 How would a more Russian city and a more Ukrainian city differ?
  • 14:46 So tell us a little bit about the seminary that you’ve been teaching at.
  • 18:01 Tell a little bit about how that program seeks to engage the city, particularly cities in that part of the world.
  • 23:45 I think I’ve seen some of your communication about the seminary since the war began, that the seminary has been pretty active in, in a variety of ways in trying to serve the people, but also continue with the seminary activities?
  • 31:34 For those listening how can the church be praying during this time for Ukrainians and for the church in Ukraine or for the seminary in Ukraine? What are your thoughts there?
  • 36:35 What about if there are listeners that want to, to help in some way, give in some way, are there ways they can give to the seminary or give in another way?
  • 39:16 Tell us a little bit about how anyone interested can access your work or learn more about who you are. Are you on social media in any way?

    • Links

  • Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary, with links both for Ukrainian refugee work and for the school itself (both through United World Mission)
  • United World Mission for Ukrainian refugee work
  • John’s FB account
  • Robert Linthicum’s book Building a People of Power
  • John White’s Book Factors Behind the Ukrainian Evangelical Missionary Surge from 1989-1999

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 22 – Rubik’s Cubes and Urban Diversity

    In this episode Michael talks to Saba Vasquez about diverse cities, how to equip church planters to reach these cities, and how he uses a Rubik’s cube to describe and tackle the diversity of a city.

    Time stamps

  • 1:23 “Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you met Jesus.”
  • 5:10 “Tell us a little about Toronto the city…pull back the covers a little bit”
  • 7:51 “There’s no way to go to a city like that and not rub shoulders with all of these different cultures, and as you said, histories, and then that begins to shape you, right?”
  • 8:30 “Sometimes people talk about a city having a personality, how would you pin that on Toronto?”
  • 10:49 “Would you say Toronto’s post-Christian newness is sort of on level with Canada in general? Or would you say that diversity has contributed?”
  • 12:21 “So then describe the state of the church in Toronto, what did you find when you went there?”
  • 15:16 “You’re there with a desire to really reach those that are not engaged with the gospel”
  • 18:41 “You sometimes use a Rubik’s cube to describe and tackle the diversity of a city…”
  • 23:41 “So you know you’ve got this hyper-diverse city and you’re seeing kind of the multicultural or multiethnic church not necessarily engaging the city…how do you tackle it? How do you get at all of this diversity all at once?”
  • 27:37 “When you talk about networks though it’s really hard, or I found its really challenging, to build trust, to build buy-in, and for it not to begin to create some new division lines, whatever those may be along, theological lines, denominational lines….how do you navigate some of that?”
  • 30:05 “What would you say to, I speak to a lot of folks that are trying to engage cities that struggle because they’re not finding any of those types of partners?”
  • 34:03 “Tell us about something cool that you’ve seen happen that expresses maybe an innovative approach to engaging a group in the city.” 37:57 “What advice would you give to an urban church planter or someone who wants to see bunches of churches starting coming into a city?”

    • Links

    No links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 21 – Antioch

    This week we join the staff of a young church plant in Birmingham, AL to hear how they aren’t landing with a big plan, but instead working it out as a church community to cultivate a presence of intentionality and service in the urban core of their city.

    Time stamps

  • 2:00 Share a little but about your background (staff)
  • 3:07 Tell us a little but about the background, the story of Antioch
  • 6:23 Just out of curiosity church planting in your brain and church planting in real life, what were a couple kind of shocking differences with real life church planting?
  • 8:28 Gloria what drew you to Antioch
  • 10:23 Katie, what about you? What brought you to Antioch?
  • 13:07 Talk us through the shifts in address and what that has done for Antioch.
  • 15:40 Did you notice any shifts when you moved into the church space as opposed to the park space?
  • 16:53 How does Antioch seek to engage and disciple college students?
  • 17:56 In terms of the diversity that Katie you already expressed in the church, and you talked about it from different angles, age and maybe even national origin and some other things, is that an intentional effort from Antioch? How, how has that come about would you say?
  • 20:16 The Antioch staff looks a little bit different. Talk about that.
  • 24:14 What are you guys thinking in terms of Antioch ministering well to the city and serving the city?
  • 25:20 You’ve got a social work background, training. How does that add to kind of the way that you see Antioch ministering? How does that add a lens to what you see in the city?
  • 26:53 How would you respond to the person that thinks they need to have a whole bunch of resources or assets to be able to serve the poor in the city? How does Antioch think about this?
  • 29:00 What’s been the biggest challenge that you’ve faced and then what gives you excitement or hope going forward?
  • 34:16 Resource suggestions? Books, inspirations in terms of church planting, international student ministry, or student ministry, or engaging with the city, or the urban poor?

    • Links

  • Antioch Community Church
  • Ethnos Network
  • Episode 14 with Ethnos Network

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 20 – The Legacy of Roger Greenway in Urban Missions

    This week join Kevin Baggett, former IMB missionary in Buenos Aires, and host Michael Crane as they discuss the legacy of Roger Greenway in urban missions.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 19 – Catalyzing Urban Communities in Kuala Lumpur

    Our guest this week is passionate about discipling young professionals in Kuala Lumpur. Massimo is co-planter and elder and Gospel City Church. He is also the Executive Director of Gospel City Network.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 18 – Multi-generational Mission in South Asia

    In this episode we hear from John Dongerdive. He is part of a multi-generational Christian ministry in south Asia. Over the the last five decades his ministry has been committed to leading an indigenous, Christian mission by saving one child at a time, and training and sending one native missionary at a time. They operate children’s homes, Christian schools, train national pastors and serve the poorest of the poor.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 17 – Global Challenges to Resourcing the Church

    Are global cities all the same? We know the answer is a firm “no,” but then we often attempt to use the same templates and tools to train church planters in cities all around the world. Join us as we welcome Brandon J. O’Brien to the podcast. Brandon (Ph.D, TEDS) is the Senior Director of Content Development and Distribution for Redeemer City to City.

    Time stamps

  • 1:28 – Tell us a little about yourself
  • 3:30 – What is City to City?
  • 6:40 – Where are doing well resourcing the global church?
  • 9:15 – Can you give us an example of how resources developed in the West can be problematic globally?
  • 10:42 – What does it look like to plant an indigenous church?
  • 16:44 – How do even begin resourcing such global diversity?
  • 19:35 – How does reproducibility happen when particularity is needed?
  • 26:17 – What are a few examples of where you’ve been surprised?
  • 31:52 – In your role, how do you find, encourage, equip resource development when you can’t be in those places?
  • 37:15 – What resources would you recommend to listeners for engaging cities well?

    • Links

  • Brandon J. O’Brien personal page
  • IVP Author Page
  • Redeemer City to City
  • Social Identity Complexity Theory
  • Sign up for Brandon’s newsletter

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 16 – Urban Church Planting Models

    As we seek to plant churches in cities around the world, do we go fast or do we go deep? What models of church are most appropriate to the city context? Join us for this live session we recorded during a conference on global cities.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Mexico City, the Urban Unfathomable

    Mexico City has been dubbed the urban unfathomable. Rick serves with the International Mission Board as the city team leader for Mexico City. In this role, his challenge is to have a broad understanding of the spiritual and physical needs of the city, and work with churches, agencies, and believers from around the world to respond to those needs. A major part of this task is to create and implement strategies, as well as helping others do the same. In this episode, Rick Martinez is focused on serving in this urban unfathomable.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    The University and the City

    Cities and universities have long been points of convergence for people with diverse backgrounds. Urban universities are, in some ways, a glimpse of our urban future; to impact these spaces with churches is to impact the cities, which is to impact the world. Our guest on this episode is doing just that.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 13 – Simplifying the Complex: Comprehensive City Strategy

    How do we think about engaging a city in a comprehensive manner? Cities, by definition, are complex human settlements. Jacob Boss shares ways to embrace the complexities of a city without getting bogged down by the complexity.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 12 – Know Your City through Research

    In order to love your city well you must know your city well. How does an urban pastor or ministry leader learn more about the city to which he or she is called? Minh Ha offers tools and practical tips in researching cities.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 11 – Smart Cities

    What is a smart city? EJ Smith is a Smart City Engineer based in South Eastern United States but works with organizations throughout the United States as well as South East Asia. He was raised in a rural environment where he came to appreciate simplicity and ingenuity but became fascinated with what a well-planned city can provide to its residents.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 10 – Shepherding in Global Cities

    Dr. Matthew Watson is the pastor of teaching and outreach at Christ City Church in Washingon D.C. Listen in as he share his experience shepherding a mobile congregation in a global city. Matthew has worn a varety of ministry hats that has had him serving in Fresno, CA; Memphis, TN; Jos, Nigeria.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 9 – Responses Among the Urban Poor

    A conversation with Dr. Ash Barker who has been serving in underserved urban neighborhoods for nearly three decades. He is co-CEO of Seedbeds, an organization committed to developing leaders in Birmingham, England.

    Time stamps

  • 2:00 – Tell me a little about yourself
  • 6:15 – Can you tell us a little about “Urban Neighbors of Hope”
  • 9:20 – Why is the “common rhythm” you spoke of important?
  • 13:49 – Can you tell us a little about Newbigin House?
  • 22:00 – Can you talk through the realities of living in slums?
  • 31:00 – What type of monetary investment is necessary?
  • 36:08 – Can you talk about the issues of mental health challenges?
  • 38:20 – What can the church do in response to the vulnerable?
  • 40:57 – Tell us about your writing and books.
  • 42:50 – Other resources

    • Links

  • Seedbeds
  • Make Poverty Personal
  • Slum Life Rising

    • Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 8 – Starting Churches in the San Francisco Bay Area

    When Dr. Linda Bergquist came to faith as a young adult, she naturally began planting churches. She has been doing so ever since and has been mobilizing and mentoring church planters in San Francisco. Dr. Bergquist combines her years of experience and sharp, insightful thinking for the sake of the kingdom.

    Time stamps

  • 1:30 – Tell us about yourself
  • 4:20 – Tell us about the city where you live
  • 5:50 – How do people relate to their city?
  • 9:35 – What are some commonalities that you see planting in urban contexts?
  • 13:48 – Can you describe the challenges of planting in a post-Christian city?
  • 19:00 – Urban church models
  • 23:00 – Books related to church models
  • 24:00 – What have you learned about culture and church planting?
  • 27:50 – What advice would you give to people just getting started in church planting?
  • 30:00 – What are some resources that you would recommend?

    • Links

    Guest Bio

    Linda has been involved in church planting for 38 years, 36 of which have been in urban areas. She is currently a church planting catalyst for the North American Mission Board and has served as an adjunct professor in several seminaries. She co-authored the following books:

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 7 – In the Slums of Kibera

    It is estimated that Kibera has a population ranging from five-hundred thousand to two million people. Travel with us as we go into the heart of one of the world’s largest slums to talk with church planters and local pastors about the challenges they face ministering among the urban poor.

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 6 – Diaspora Peoples in a Global City

    In many cities, the church is engaging a portion of the population while neglecting smaller population segments. Brad shares from his work with the many different ethnic enclaves of New York City.

    Time stamps

  • 2:00 – Tell us a little about yourself
  • 3:12 – Can you tell us how you came to faith and about your family?
  • 4:35 – How did you go from small town SC to a city like New York?
  • 6:34 – Take us to Queens, what is the NY you experience?
  • 8:03 – Why such diversity in Queens?
  • 9:44 – What you so focused on those resistant to the gospel?
  • 13:40 – Why is diaspora mission important for the church to think about?
  • 16:42 – Why have you chosen this specific strategy?
  • 21:45 – How do you go about reaching people from different backgrounds?
  • 26:45 – So what is your goal in New York?
  • 28:50 – How do you see people divide themselves?
  • 30:43 – How do you identify gaps in cities?
  • 32:00 – How have you started using social media?
  • 34:45 – What’s been the most unexpected way you’ve seen God work?
  • 38:16 – Can you describe what church planting has looked like during COVID?
  • 40:07 – What are the biggest challenges you face?
  • 42:30 – What is Global Gates up to around the world?
  • 43:49 – What would you want to highlight to those in cities around the world?
  • 45:00 – Recommended resources

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 5 – Engaging North African Cities

    God is at work in cities that are traditionally seen as resistent to Christianity. Eddie Pate, Professor of Evangelism at Gateway Seminary and Pastor of FBC Barstow, shares his experiences in a couple of major cities in North Africa.

    Time stamps

  • 1:50 – Eddie’s Bio & background
  • 6:00 – How and when did cities come on your radar as significant for Christian ministry?
  • 9:35 – Describe Khartoum
  • 14:05 – How do you approach/engage cities of this size?
  • 23:50 – How did you see the challenge of people groups play out in cities?
  • 27:50 – What does church planting look like in cities that are primarily non-Christian?
  • 30:23 – How do you get churches started in cities like this?
  • 34:30 – With exponential growth, how do you address leadership capacity?
  • 36:28 – What are a couple of lessons you wish you knew?
  • 38:00 – Future plans?

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 4 – A Watershed Moment

    A watershed moment in human history is the migration of populations to global cities. John Brady has served as the VP of Global Engagement with the International Mission Board and has observed many shifts in missions history. Listen in as he discusses the impact of cities in the missions landscape.

    Time stamps

  • 1:37 – What are some trends you see happening?
  • 4:10 – What kind fo impact does that have for us as we think about engaging the world with the gospel?
  • 7:00 – How do people relate in cities?
  • 7:50 – What are some of the potential strategic advantages that cities bring?
  • 15:00 – Where in the Bible do we see cities as a paradigm?
  • 20:35 – How can the urban/rural tension work?
  • 28:51 – What are some gaps that you see of things that we need to be doing?

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 3 – Movement at the Margins

    A movement of new churches in the Greater Los Angeles area have begun in an unlikely way. Kirk Overstreet tells the story of ex-convicts, addicts, and homeless being redeemed and transformed by Jesus, beginning a movement of new churches.

    Time stamps

  • 1:13 – Can you tell us a little of your story?
  • 2:01 – How did you meet Jesus?
  • 3:16 – Describe the LA area
  • 6:22 – Where’s a place in LA that you love to go?
  • 6:56 – Thoughts on church planting and Set Free churches
  • 15:13 – Set Free Church ministries
  • 19:49 – Set Free Church locations
  • 20:18 – International location description
  • 21:35 – Set Free Church values
  • 24:53 – What are some of the most difficult aspects of the work?
  • 28:07 – What advice do you have for people working in cities?
  • 31:32 – What a few other church planting tips for those in cities?
  • 34:53 – Any resource recommendations?
  • 35:41 – Where we find more info

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 2 – Informal Settlements and Church Planting

    Research suggests 1 out of 7 people in the world lives in an urban informal settlement (slum). Dr. Viv Grigg has been a pioneer in church planting in informal settlements through his own ministry experience and in mentoring many others to do the same.

    Time stamps

  • 1:30 – Tell us a little about yourself
  • 4:48 – Can you describe the process of going to live in the slums?
  • 6:50 – What did you find the most challenging moving to a slum?
  • 12:30 – A story of being confronted with violence
  • 13:48 – The development of your organization
  • 21:40 – Community dynamics in slums
  • 23:13 – Church polity issues and three models of church in slums
  • 26:56 – What have you been involved in recently?
  • 30:41 – Urban poverty and how the church can step in
  • 32:22 – What’s need to address systemic poverty and injustice?
  • 35:47 – What are some resources you would recommend

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.

    Episode 1 – City Spotlight: Johannesburg

    Johannesburg is a leading city in Africa, the continent with the highest rate of urbanization in the world. Kurt Holiday shares from his 20 years in the city seeking to love the people of the city and serve the needs of the church there.

    Time stamps

  • 1:22 Kurt’s Story
  • 2:06 Tell us a little about Joburg
  • 4:43 Joburg’s influence
  • 9:50 What changes have you seen in Joburg?
  • 10:35 What is the spiritual climate of the city?
  • 12:20 How are you working to make a difference in your city?
  • 20:45 What have been some key challenges in your work?
  • 26:18 How do you minister to a closed-after-dark city?
  • 27:45 How have you seen God work unexpectedly?
  • 29:53 What lessons have you learned over the past two decades?
  • 32:22 What have you learned from experience, not in books?
  • 35:11 How is relationship essential to ministry in the city?
  • 40:25 What has sustained you over 20 years in Joburg?

    • Links

    Credits

    This episode was hosted by Michael Crane and produced by Radius Global Cities Network and Scott Slucher.
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