Perspectives Unsettled

In this episode, we unpack Uncharted's theme for 2024: Cannot be Hidden. What does that mean? Why does an organization have an annual theme? And how does it relate to the stories of our Field Partners in North Africa, Central Asia, and beyond? Also, get an update on Myanmar from our friend and Partner David Lian.

Burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged mental, physical, or emotional stress. While everyone goes through seasons of stress, the relational aspect of ministry heightens its difficulty. And when you are also shouldering the burdens of a community or dealing with culture shock or caring for desperately needy people on top of your own personal life, tiredness can lead to exhaustion pretty quickly. In this episode, we’re talking to James Grout from One Child and we’re asking questions like: What are things specific to ministry and missions that can cause burnout? What happens when something we feel we’re called to seems impossible and overwhelming? And when is it okay to walk away from ministry? NOTES: Outpost: https://outpostnetwork.org/ One Child: https://onechild.org/ 2021 Barna study: https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-well-being/ Tim Bolsinger on disappointing people:: https://bolsinger.blogs.com/weblog/2010/04/disappointing-leadership-the-core-competency.html

According to the World Watch List from Open Doors, more than 360 million Christians are persecuted for their faith, which is one in seven believers. At Uncharted, 3 out of 6 of our Locations are rated as experiencing either Very High or Extreme levels of persecution. And the experiences of our Field Partners there ranges from being rejected by friends and family, difficulties finding work or acceptance in a community, to even threats of violence or death. The boldness and courage of these Christians is admirable, but they also need support. And we, as their family, need to stand with them. In this episode, we’re asking questions like: What actually is real persecution? How do we stand alongside our brothers and sisters experiencing it? And where can we find hope? RESOURCES: -Exponential article on multiplication amidst persecution: exponential.org/multiplication-face-persecution -Send a message to Uncharted Field Partners: unchartedinternational.org/write -Support Uncharted’s 2023 end of year fundraising campaign: unchartedinternational.org/give

Part of Uncharted’s vision as an organization is to continue to grow and come alongside new Partners in more Locations. This year, we’re launching our fifth Location and taking steps on identifying regions in which to pursue more partnerships. It takes a lot of work, and a lot of discernment, and we want to bring you guys into the process with us. In this episode we’re talking to our VP of International Programs and asking questions like: how are our Partners in low-access Locations dealing with the increased persecution? Why does Uncharted continue to go to these kinds of places? And where might Uncharted go next?

We can see the process of discernment as having a choice between A and B, and doing everything we can to figure out which one is the right choice and which is the wrong choice. And while discernment can include seeking guidance in a specific situation, but it’s much broader than that. In this episode, we talk with with Sara Walsh, Uncharted’s Director of Intercession and Care, and we’re asking questions like: what actually is discernment, and how does Scripture tell us to pursue it? What does it mean to practice discernment, and how do we do it in community? RESOURCES: Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton: https://bookshop.org/book/9780830835669 Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton: https://bookshop.org/book/9780830846450 practicingtheway.org

When it comes to vocational ministry, and especially global missions, you hear a lot about whether or not someone has been 'called.' And it can pretty quickly become something that feels weighty, especially if you aren't sure you'll be called to something you want. In this episode, we’re talking with Uncharted’s Development Director Colleen Cooper, and we’re asking questions like: how do you know when God calls you to something? Does he call us to do things we don’t want to do? And is a call to missions always a call to be a missionary?

In terms of identity, Gen Z is the least religious generation yet. More than one-third of them consider themselves ‘religiously unaffiliated’. But young adults and teenagers who do consider themselves to be engaged Christians, are way more likely to be involved and open to service than older generations. In this episode, we’re talking to Steven Pettus from Highlands College and asking questions like: what barriers to ministry do young adults face, what kind of encouragement do they need, and how is the next generation changing the mission field? Resources: The Future of Missions, Barna group: https://shop.barna.com/products/the-future-of-missions Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America: https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/generation-z-future-of-faith/ CNN article on demise of the church: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/08/us/christianity-decline-easter-blake-cec/index.html

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!