Grace at the Fray

Serge
  • 4.8 (46)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The gospel is a profound paradox – God's grace shines brightest not in our moments of strength, but in our darkest struggles and weaknesses. Join Pastor Jim Lovelady for conversations with missionaries and ministry leaders from the US and abroad, as they share moving stories and teaching about God's grace working at the frayed edges of life. Be encouraged by their personal stories of how God uses weak and grace-resistant individuals, renewing them, and leading them to a life on mission. Whether you are interested in global missions or longing to experience the transformative power of God's grace in your own life – we invite you to join us for Grace at the Fray!

  1. 6d ago

    S8:E4 How Shame Fuels Rejection and How Grace Frees Us From It

    Rejection can feel like a single, stinging moment, but it often points to a lifelong script for managing pain: be impressive, be useful, avoid failure, and maybe people won't leave. Pastor Bobby Suh shares how abandonment, shame, and the longing for approval fueled an exhausting pursuit of perfection—even in ministry. His story takes us into places we often try to hide: rejection, church hurt, spiritual trauma, and shame. But Jesus knows rejection, too. Bobby shares how the gospel of grace freed him from having to prove himself and gave him an identity rejection cannot take away: a beloved child of God, fully known and deeply loved. In this episode, they discuss… Abandonment, Approval, and Achievement (07:08)A Call To Ministry and a Father’s Rejection (16:04)Marital Strain (26:35)Divorce, Rumors, and Church Fallout (34:10)“You Will Never Be Rejected” (43:00)Breaking the Cycle of Rejection (01:06:22) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳: 𝘓𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 and 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵Sign up now for our Gospel-Centered Life Weekend in McLean, VABible references: Psalm 129, Isaiah 53, Matthew 3:17 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Bobby Suh, Community Life Pastor at Christ Central Presbyterian Church and an associate with Life on Life Ministries. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S8:E4 How Shame Fuels Rejection and How Grace Frees Us From It

  2. Sep 15

    S8:E3 The Burdens We Carry: How Mission Reveals What We Really Need

    What happens when you go on mission to serve others—and discover just how much you need Jesus yourself? Fresh off an eight-week internship in Prague, Serge interns Alyssa, Grant, and John share how grief, loneliness, cultural discomfort, and the exposure of their own heart idols became invitations to deeper dependence on Christ. Their stories reveal the surprising gift of mission: Jesus meets us in our weakness, frees us from burdens we were never meant to carry, and gives us Himself. In this episode, they discuss… Adjusting to Czech Culture (10:50)Lasting Team Bonds (24:16)Experiencing Jesus in Hard Moments (31:57)Returning Home with a New Story (43:35)Hope of Slower Living (48:23) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Learn more about and sign up for the Serge Internship ProgramRead Life-Changing Mission: Devotions for Your Short-Term Trip edited by Patric KnaakBible references: Psalm 121, Psalm 42 Credits: Our guests for this episode were Alyssa, John, and Grant, three Serge interns who have just returned from Prague. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S8:E3 The Burdens We Carry: How Mission Reveals What We Really Need

  3. Sep 1

    S8:E2 You Are Not Alone: Finding Grace in the Ache of Loneliness

    Loneliness touches all of us—but it often comes with shame, leaving us wondering what our aloneness says about us. In this episode, Jim talks with author and pastor Bill Smith about our deep desire to know and be known, and the God who refuses to leave us alone. Jesus enters our alienation, bears it at the cross, and rises again so that separation will never have the final word. Their conversation explores how grace meets us in loneliness and shame, brings us into genuine belonging, and frees us to risk moving toward others in love. In this episode, they discuss… Loneliness vs Aloneness (09:50)Shame Creates Hiding and Blame (14:14)Jesus Was Misunderstood Too (24:26)Suffering Well (34:47)Resurrection Makes Love Unbreakable (44:52) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Bill’s new book 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘐𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴Sign up for a GCL Weekend in Pittsburgh, PA or McLean, VARead 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭-𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 by Bob Thune and Will Walker and accompanying blog post “Created for Community, Redeemed for Community”Bible references: Philippians 2:6-11, Psalms 68:6, Romans 8:38-39 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Bill Smith, pastor, author, and retreat speaker who is regularly captured by the unexpected ways that God engages people in scripture. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S8:E2 You Are Not Alone: Finding Grace in the Ache of Loneliness

  4. Aug 18

    S8:E1 Grace for the Long Road

    Why do we keep going when the road is long? In this opening episode, pastor Ajay Thomas reminds weary believers that endurance doesn't come from trying harder—it comes from the strengthening grace that is ours in Christ. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2, he fixes our eyes on Jesus, the risen Savior who endured the cross and now leads His people through every trial with the promise of resurrection. Because Christ is alive, our suffering is never the end of the story. If you're tired, discouraged, or wondering whether to quit, this episode is a fresh invitation to receive the grace that carries us all the way home. In this episode, they discuss… A Foggy Swim and a Warning (08:13)Paul Telling Timothy Do Not Quit (14:29)How Grace in Christ Strengthens Us (18:13)Soldier Athlete Farmer Pictures (21:31)Jesus Risen from the Dead (35:36) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read 𝘈 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 by Eugene PetersonExplore options for Mentored SonshipSign up for Discipleship LabBible references: 2 Timothy 2:1-13, Psalm 120-134 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Ajay Thomas, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Advance Initiative. He serves with the goal of seeing a global movement of gospel-centered, multiethnic church plants by or among South Asians. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, Ashlie Kodsy, Hudson Marsh, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S8:E1 Grace for the Long Road

  5. May 12

    S7:E9 Just Show Up: Finding Grace in the Midst of Doubt

    What if you feel called to serve—but aren’t sure you believe what you’re saying? Tommy, a Serge missionary in London, shares how stepping into mission didn’t erase his doubt—it exposed it. In the midst of imposter syndrome and quiet cynicism, he discovered that Jesus isn’t threatened by our unbelief. Faith isn’t having it all together—it’s showing up. And as we do, God meets us with grace, revealing His beauty and reminding us that the gospel is still good news for us and for the world. In this episode, they discuss… Calling, Music, and a Crash Landing (07:35)Feeling Like a Fraud (13:07)Doubt Grows on the Field (22:19)The Best Moments You Cannot Control (32:41)Keep Showing Up with Your Unbelief (40:41) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Visit the brand new Serge StoreImpact a Generation - donate before the end of May to have your gift matchedBible references: Revelation 21, Mark 1:14-15,1 Corinthians 15 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Tommy L, a church planter and musician. He serves alongside his wife, Lindsay, on Serge’s Hounslow team. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S7:E9 Just Show Up: Finding Grace in the Midst of Doubt

  6. Apr 28

    S7:E8 Little Things with Great Love: How Grace Transforms the Ordinary

    In a world that feels loud, urgent, and overwhelming, God’s grace often meets us in small, seemingly unimportant moments. That’s where Parker’s story takes us—into the ordinary rhythms of life and ministry in West London, where faithfulness looks like entrepreneurship, coffee, and a willingness to repent when everyday moments reveal what’s going on in our hearts. Through it all, we see a God who is patient, present, and gently transforming us. This episode invites us to re-engage with the ordinary through a gospel lens, trusting that even the smallest moments can become places where His love reshapes us and flows to others. In this episode, they discuss… Why London and Why Coffee (04:52)Refugee English Classes and Roasting (15:46)Five-Minute Prayer Drill (22:09)Busyness Control and Delegating Well (26:58)Serge Giveaway (43:54) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Practice our 5-Minute DrillParticipate in the new Serge giveawayBible references: Ephesians 2:10,  Psalm 139:23-24 Credits: Our guest for this episode was church planter Parker M., who has served with Serge since 2017 along with his wife, Natalie. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S7:E8 Little Things with Great Love: How Grace Transforms the Ordinary

  7. Apr 14

    S7:E7 How to Grow in Grace by Grace

    How do we actually grow in grace—by grace? In this episode, we explore how real transformation doesn’t come from trying harder, but from trusting more deeply. Jim and guest Patric Knaak unpack the counterintuitive nature of sanctification—and how the Christian life isn’t about becoming less dependent on Jesus, but more. Through everyday stories and biblical insight, we’re reminded that faith receives what grace provides. When Christ becomes the true object of our faith, even our weakness becomes the place where His grace meets us and leads us into freedom. In this episode, they discuss… Faith Has an Object (08:18)Why Jesus Is Trustworthy (14:24)Faith as the One Essential Work (28:23)Misplaced Faith (46:16)Discouragement, Repentance, and Assurance (52:43) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Deepen your understanding of faith with Mentored SonshipRead Repentance: A Daring Call to Real Surrender by Jack MillerDownload our free e-book on Everyday Repentance or watch Stu Batstone's webinarListen to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵Bible references: John 6:22-38, Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 2:20, Romans 7:13-20 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Deputy Director of Mission Patric Knaak. Patric is an author and ordained minister with the PCA, and has been with Serge since 2007. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S7:E7 How to Grow in Grace by Grace

  8. Mar 31

    S7:E6 The Gracious Invitation of a Loving God

    Watching someone take a real risk for Jesus can stir our hope—and gently expose the places where we hold back. In this episode, we follow Sydney’s story of small, honest steps of faith, marked by real fear and a deepening trust in a gracious God. As she prepares to step into cross-cultural ministry, we see a Father who meets us in our weakness, invites us to follow, and holds us fast when we begin to sink. If you’re discerning your next step, consider this: Are you able? Are you willing? Could this be His invitation? In this episode, they discuss… A Trip that Changed Everything (06:04)Prayer that Pushes Past Fear (15:01)Wrestling with Calling (27:47)Support Raising (35:13)Tools for Your Next Step (45:52) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Learn more about LEAPExplore Apprenticeship opportunitiesRead 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘵 by Nathan Sloan and 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘌𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 by John C. MillerVisit our blog for "3 Questions to Uncomplicate your Calling" by Matt Allison and “A Living Sacrifice” by Josiah BancroftWatch Nathan Sloan’s webinar You are Sent: Finding Your Place in God’s Global MissionBible references: Romans 8:1, 1 John 4:18 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Sydney B., who recently returned to London after a short-term trip to the city with her church. She is now serving as an apprentice in a multicultural church plant. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.  𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us!  Instagram: @graceatthefrayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFrayTik Tok: @graceatthefrayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    S7:E6 The Gracious Invitation of a Loving God
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4.8
out of 5
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About

The gospel is a profound paradox – God's grace shines brightest not in our moments of strength, but in our darkest struggles and weaknesses. Join Pastor Jim Lovelady for conversations with missionaries and ministry leaders from the US and abroad, as they share moving stories and teaching about God's grace working at the frayed edges of life. Be encouraged by their personal stories of how God uses weak and grace-resistant individuals, renewing them, and leading them to a life on mission. Whether you are interested in global missions or longing to experience the transformative power of God's grace in your own life – we invite you to join us for Grace at the Fray!

Information

  • Creator
    Serge
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grace at the Fray
  • Show Website
    Grace at the Fray

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