Our Urban Voices

Dr. Alfonse Javed
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Deep conversations with diverse voices about urban ministry and Christian narratives. In "Our Urban Voices with Dr. Alfonse Javed," we will cover everything from churches and church planting efforts, missions and missions organization, evangelism and unreached people groups, emerging movements and initiatives, justice, current events related to faith and the persecuted church, to author interviews and reviews.

  1. Sep 22

    #162. When Communication Gets Hard: Conflict, Forgiveness, and Following Jesus

    Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesn’t always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good. In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us. Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Living Out Authentic CommunicationBiblical Forgiveness and CommunicationCommunication Reflects Discipleship ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) in La Mirada, CA. He is the senior director of the Winsome Conviction Project that seeks to open lines of communication, not close them. His newest book, Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture, written with Todd Lewis, blends biblical wisdom with communication research to help Christians become better listeners, wiser speakers, healthier peacemakers, and more faithful witnesses. RELATED LINKS:Dr Tim Muehlhoff's websiteDr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola UniversityDr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPressBook: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Tim Muehlhoff 01:48 - Living Out Authentic Communication 02:22 - ...destructive conflict vs conflict that helps relationships grow 03:06 - ...compromise 03:55 - ...latent conflict 04:22 - ...setting ground rules 04:36 - ...it will take time 04:50 - Conflicts Within the Church 05:16 - ...expect conflict 06:06 - ...advancing Jesus' kingdom 06:39 - ...the danger of choosing not to engage in conflict 09:23 - Biblical Forgiveness & Communication 10:00 - ...authentic forgiveness 10:19 - ...giving up your right to get even 10:39 - ...not the same as reconciliation 13:12 - ...not forgiving is not an option 14:33 - Being persuasive without manipulation, marketing, and winning arguments 16:00 - ...the most persuasive thing is your reputation 16:45 - Christians Engaging in Popular Culture 17:29 - ...being part of the community 18:17 - ...help our enemies 19:43 - Communication Reflects Discipleship 20:15 - ...Jesus only overturned the tables once... 21:02 - ...but what did Jesus mostly do? 22:06 - A Few Habits to Incorporate Authentic Communication 22:27 - ...talk is cheap 23:14 - ...how you start a conversation 23:39 - ...believe the best about a person 24:02 - Finding Dr Muehlhoff - winsomeconviction .com DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #162. When Communication Gets Hard: Conflict, Forgiveness, and Following Jesus

  2. Sep 8

    #161. Why We Keep Talking Past Each Other: Finding Christ in the Middle of Difficult Conversations

    Every day we give and receive communication. But good communication doesn’t always come naturally. Strengthening our skills is vital not only for those who specialize in communication but for everyone who wants to have healthy relationships, love our neighbors, and shape the world around us for good. In Authentic Communication, educators Tim Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a wealth of resources from both communication studies and the Bible. This textbook unpacks the essential elements of communication and applies them to common challenges, offering a unique look at biblical principles of communication such as loving our enemies and blessing those who insult us. Dr Tim Muehlhoff's website Dr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola University Dr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPress Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Communication is Harder Than We RealizePerspective-TakingThe Way We Communicate Reflects Our Spiritual Maturity ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola) in La Mirada, CA. He is the senior director of the Winsome Conviction Project that seeks to open lines of communication, not close them. His newest book, Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture, written with Todd Lewis, blends biblical wisdom with communication research to help Christians become better listeners, wiser speakers, healthier peacemakers, and more faithful witnesses. RELATED LINKS:Dr Tim Muehlhoff's websiteDr Tim Muehlhoff at Biola UniversityDr Tim Muehlehoff on IVPressBook: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:42 - Introducing Dr Tim Muehlhoff 03:06 - Communication is Harder than We Realize 03:25 - ...isolation, negative attitudes, stereotypes 03:56 - ...let people self-identify 04:48 - ...often we focus on ourselves and not on others 05:52 - Book: Authentic Communication, Christian Speech Engaging Culture 06:12 - ...monologue conversations 06:51 - ...authentic conversations 08:08 - ...agenda anxiety 09:11 - Perspective-Taking 09:22 - ...step into the other person's perspective and feelings 11:12 - ...walking with the person 12:15 - A Better Framework in an Argument Culture 13:01 - ...connectiveness makes conflict go easier 14:08 - ...we do not talk to each other 15:05 - Communication in Social Media 15:53 - ...do you really want to engage or just unload? 16:58 - ... what's the goal of posting? 17:20 - ...opportunity to be Christian communicators 17:46 - The Way We Communicate Reflects Our Spiritual Maturity 18:24 - ...responding in love and gentleness 18:50 - ...speaking in the right frame of mind and heart 19:39 - Communication Research Aligns with Scripture 22:04 - Encouragement When You May Have Not Communicated Authentically 22:34 - ...love wins 25:21 - ...start by hearing the other person's perspective 25:59 - Communicating More Like Christ DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #161. Why We Keep Talking Past Each Other: Finding Christ in the Middle of Difficult Conversations

  3. Aug 25

    #160. More Than a Moment: Moving from Spiritual Experiences to Lifelong Faith

    God invites you to love him with all of who you are for all time. How do we remain steadfast in our love and faith? Dr Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Dr Lina Abujamra's Website Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress Book: All Your Life WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Emotional Spiritual Experiences Are Not EnoughWhat Jesus Really Wants for His DisciplesHelping Ourselves and Others to Love Jesus and Follow His All Our Live ABOUT THE GUEST: Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. RELATED LINKS:Dr Lina Abujamra's WebsiteDr Lina Abujamra on IVPressBook: All Your Life TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Dr Lina Abujamra 01:38 - Questions and challenges that Gen Z Have About Faith 02:50 - ...Shift in the last five years - revival pockets 04:03 - ...social media is not spiritual formation 07:20 - Emotional Spiritual Experiences Are Not Enough 07:52 - ... conferences are a reset 11:26 - The Role of Discipleship 12:13 - ...to become more Christlike 13:05 - ...not an individual sport, but a group experience 15:07 - ...foundational practices 15:41 - ...the goal of a Christian life 20:32 - What Jesus Really Wants for His Disciples 20:45 - ...Matt 28 20:52 - ...John 15 20:56 - ...John 17 21:06 - ...vertical and horizontal elements 21:23 - ...spiritual giftedness 21:26 - ...your story 22:35 - ...must result in changed people 23:09 - Highlighting Chapters in Book: All Your Life 24:01 - ...does God have your heart? 25:35 - ...the calling 27:23 - ...emotions 29:25 - Helping Ourselves and Others to Love Jesus and Follow His All Our Lives 29:50 - ...desire to follow Jesus 30:17 - ...ask Jesus 31:42 - ...obedience 31:50 - ...practical aspects 32:22 - ...engage someone; mentorship 33:36 - Lina's Heart's Desire 34:35 - Getting in Touch with Dr Lina Abujamra DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #160. More Than a Moment: Moving from Spiritual Experiences to Lifelong Faith

  4. Aug 11

    #159. Faith That Lasts: Following Jesus When Life Gets Hard

    God invites you to love him with all of who you are. But what does that actually look like when following Jesus feels hard, and the questions you face are overwhelming? Dr Lina Abujamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Dr Lina Abujamra's Website Dr Lina Abujamra on IVPress Book: All Your Life WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Relevancy of Book, All Your Life, for Gen ZDr Abujamra's Faith JourneyManaging Disappointment with God ABOUT THE GUEST: Lina AbuJamra is a pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she’s passionate about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life’s hardest questions. When she’s not speaking or creating content, she’s providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. RELATED LINKS:Dr Lina Abujamra's WebsiteDr Lina Abujamra on IVPressBook: All Your Life TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Lina Abujamra 06:30 - Book: All Your Life 07:04 - ...a resource for Gen Z 07:53 - ...encompass aspects of life in Gen Z age group 08:21 - ...deconstruction of Millennials 08:29 - ...compensation of Gen X's 08:55 - ...Gen Z's experiencing revival 09:13 - ...and when life doesn't turn out as expected 09:30 - ...everything that happens culturally should not be a surprise 10:13 - ...pour into the next generation to stand strong in faith 11:28 - Lina nearly loosing her faith 21:12 - Managing Disappointment with God 21:49 - ...in the trial 22:28 - ...community in the church 23:18 - ...non-negotiables 23:53 - ...warning and informing the next generation 25:02 - Life's disappointing moments are defining moments in our faith DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #159. Faith That Lasts: Following Jesus When Life Gets Hard

  5. Jul 28

    #158. Can We Still Talk About God?: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Faith Conversations

    Dr Louis Markos' new book, My Apologetics Dinner Party, presents a method of talking about Christian faith that is not based primarily on propositional logic or the defense of truth claims (though these features do show up). Instead, he aims to clarify what Christians actually believe through a winsome and engrossing narrative in the tradition of Socratic dialogue. Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue Dr Markos' Bio Dr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The Importance of a MealInterrogations or Conversation?Common & Difficult Questions That People Have ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Markos Louis Markos is a professor of English and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University, where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. He has written many books on topics including the intersection of the classics and Christian faith and apologetics. His most recent book is My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialogue. RELATED LINKS:Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic DialogueDr Markos' BioDr Louis Markos at Houston Christian University TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Louis Markos 02:51 - Christian Apologetics in the Friendship Evangelism Model 04:29 - ...join my group first, see love and authenticity, accept Christ 04:53 - ...see lived out in community and want to be part of the community 05:21 - Book: My Apologetics Dinner Party: A Real-Life Socratic Dialog 06:13 - ...difference between apologetics and evangelism 07:00 - ...apologetics is pre-evangelism 07:56 - ...lays a foundation for the gospel 08:51 - What is the Socratic Method and Why is it Effective in Discussing Fatih? 09:30 - ...listen to the full question 10:01 - ...better definitions (what does it mean?) 11:15 - The Importance of a Meal 11:27 - ...open to sharing when eating 11:37 - ...little / separate dialogues 11:51 - ...hospitality 12:31 - What is the Goal of Inviting Someone to Dinner? 12:38 - ...get to know, respect, learn about the culture of a person 13:09 - ...prepare by reading John 3-4 14:05 - ...what struggles and desires does the person have? 15:30 - ...avoid "gotcha" moments 16:03 - ...you don't have to close the deal 17:25 - ...kronos vs chairos 18:11 - ...be the Chrisitan friend who can explain 19:23 - Interrogation or Conversation? 19:38 - ...let them come to the understanding themselves by encouraging 20:12 - ...draw them out and understand the references and contexts 22:07 - Common Questions that People Are Really Asking 24:46 - Difficult Questions on People's Minds 29:24 - Role-Play Exercise About the Virgin Birth 38:33 - Getting Started in Having an Apologetics Dinner Party 41:03 - Be Patient 43:34 - Finding Dr Louis Markos and His Work DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #158. Can We Still Talk About God?: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Faith Conversations

  6. Jul 14

    #157. From Sunday to Monday: Closing the Gap Between Faith and Work

    Many Christians experience vocational restlessness and anxiety, unsure or unaware how their faith can guide them in their workplaces. What would it look like for your church to affirm, equip, and commission your congregation to embrace a sense of calling and mission in their everyday labor? In Dr Matt Rusten's new book, Pastoring for Monday, he helps you lead your church to form Christians who follow, represent, and commune with Christ amid their daily work. This book equips you to bridge the divide between the sacred and secular, transforming how your church disciples people for the workplace. Dr Matt Rusten Bio Book: Pastoring for Monday WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Sunday-to-Monday GapWork is Central to God's MissionBeing Effective at Work for God's Mission ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Matt Rusten is president of Made to Flourish and editor in chief of Common Good magazine. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in faith, work, economics, and vocation from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr Rusten regularly speaks and writes in the areas of faith, work, and economics. He has served in churches in North Dakota, the Chicago area, Kansas City, and Madison, Wisconsin. RELATED LINKS:Dr Matt Rusten BioMade to FlourishBook: Pastoring for Monday TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Matt Rusten 02:52 - Sunday-to-Monday Gap 03:46 - ...difficulty in integrating faith life and work life 04:34 - ...no affirmation from the church about work and profession 09:54 - Real-Life Experiences that Separate Spiritual Life and Work Life 10:41 - ...vocational restlessness 12:26 - ...vocational woundedness 13:49 - ...vocational disillusionment 17:11 - Work is Not Secondary, But Central to God's Mission 17:49 - ...pattern of work and rest 19:38 - ...work is a part of glorifying God in the world 20:12 - ...story of Joseph in Genesis 21:34 - Helping People Connect Sunday to Monday 22:05 - ...make disciples 22:27 - ...teaching disciples to obey what Jesus has commanded 22:36 - ...work will be where most people are following everything that Jesus commanded and the Gospel is applied 23:17 - ...in the Epistles, the topic of work comes up 24:51 - ...practice the presence of God in our work 28:51 - Discipleship & Mentorship to Be Effective at Work for God's Mission 29:10 - ...connect your story of work to God's story 34:54 - Ways to Bridge the Sunday-to-Monday Gap 38:13 - Contacting Dr Matt Rusten - madetoflourish.org DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #157. From Sunday to Monday: Closing the Gap Between Faith and Work

  7. Jun 30

    #156. Sharing Jesus with Confidence: Practical Steps for Authentic, Fearless Evangelism

    Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? Dr Mark Teasdale shares insights and tools for sharing Jesus. Dr Mark Teasdale's Website Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:"I want to share Jesus, but I can't."Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's WorldMisconceptions about Evangelism ABOUT THE GUEST: Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism. RELATED LINKS:Dr Mark Teasdale's WebsiteBook: Socially Awkward Evangelism TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:14 - Encouragement and Advice for Those Who Say, "I want to share Jesus, but I can't." 02:47 - ..."I'm introverted and not gifted for evangelism." 03:57 - ......quiz: where are you personality-wise and how to engage in evangelism 07:29 - ..."My life isn't perfect." 11:43 - Sharing Jesus is Countercultural in Today's World 12:54 - ...not hostility, but indifference 13:22 - ...Is God is not necessary for morality? 15:04 - ...faith is irrelevant 15:20 - ...social anxiety & cancel culture 18:04 - Misconceptions about Evangelism 19:00 - ...that evangelism has to be confrontational 19:52 - ......overcoming the hurt from confrontational experiences 26:44 - Why Isn't Information Enough? 27:08 - ...psychological barrier 27:44 - ...spiritual formation 30:27 - Steps and Tools 30:39 - ...ivpress.com/socially-awkward-evangelism 32:49 - Evangelism Starts with Our Claiming Jesus as Good 33:08 - We are Beloved and Valuable to Jesus 33:47 - Finding Dr Mark Teasdale and his Books DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #156. Sharing Jesus with Confidence: Practical Steps for Authentic, Fearless Evangelism

  8. Jun 16

    #155. Why Sharing Jesus Feels So Hard Today: Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and the Hidden Barriers to Evangelism

    Are fear and anxiety holding you back from sharing your faith? Does the thought of evangelism make you uneasy or leave you concerned about making others uncomfortable? The biggest barrier to evangelism, Mark Teasdale argues, is not lack of training or information—it’s fear. Dr Mark Teasdale's Website Book: Socially Awkward Evangelism WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World?Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with OthersResponding to Anxiety ABOUT THE GUEST: Mark R. Teasdale (PhD, SMU 2010) is the President of United Theological Seminary and the former E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and an adjunct professor of evangelism at Emory University and the Methodist Theological Institute in Yangon, Myanmar. He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and served for 12 years in local churches. He is the author of several books and articles on evangelism, missiology, and Methodist studies, including Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, Participating in Abundant Life, and most recently Socially Awkward Evangelism. RELATED LINKS:Dr Mark Teasdale's WebsiteBook: Socially Awkward Evangelism TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:32 - Introducing Dr Mark Teasdale 02:28 - How Well Are We Sharing Jesus in a Dark World? 04:08 - ..."WE" is inconsistent across the global church 04:40 - ...recognize that the gospel is the supremely Good News 05:10 - ...inconsistent formation of Christians 05:23 - ...Book, Socially Awkward Evangelism, is focused on the western context 06:26 - ...struggling with formation and our claiming of just how good the gospel is 06:50 - ...follow-up question 1: evangelism outside of the western hemisphere 07:07 - ......much high priority and conviction 07:54 - ......even with freedom of religion in the west, it is socially uncomfortable 10:20 - ...follow-up question 2: what is the best global practice? 12:00 - ......there is not a single best practice because of distinct contexts 14:57 - ......relational engagements 17:10 - ...Organic Non-Western vs Planned Western Church Planting 18:01 - Why Feeling Anxious or Awkward in Sharing Jesus with Others 18:56 - ...seminarians are anxious in sharing their faith publicly 19:42 - ...wired to feel anxious 21:13 - ...allows us to act 22:21 - ...problem of anxiety 23:15 - ...cancel culture 23:56 - ...what is life about and what to believe 25:26 - Responding to Anxiety 28:13 - ...intellectual: understand the gospel better to articulate it 29:05 - ...emotional, social, physical: tools from behavioral psychology therapy 31:34 - ...build a new example of what evangelism looks like DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    #155. Why Sharing Jesus Feels So Hard Today: Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and the Hidden Barriers to Evangelism
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About

Deep conversations with diverse voices about urban ministry and Christian narratives. In "Our Urban Voices with Dr. Alfonse Javed," we will cover everything from churches and church planting efforts, missions and missions organization, evangelism and unreached people groups, emerging movements and initiatives, justice, current events related to faith and the persecuted church, to author interviews and reviews.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Alfonse Javed
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024, Our Urban Voices
  • Show Website
    Our Urban Voices