Grace at the Fray

Serge
  • 4.8 (45)
  • 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. S7:E8 Little Things with Great Love: How Grace Transforms the Ordinary

    2D AGO

    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.

    45 min
  2. S7:E7 How to Grow in Grace by Grace

    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.

    1h 8m
  3. S7:E6 The Gracious Invitation of a Loving God

    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.

    59 min
  4. S7:E5 The Living God Who Speaks: Grace and Power in a World of Silent Idols

    MAR 17

    S7:E5 The Living God Who Speaks: Grace and Power in a World of Silent Idols

    What if the ache beneath our routines is actually worship searching for a worthy object? In the West, we often look to politics, success, appearance, sports, or approval for what only God can give. In the mountains where our guest “Carl” serves, idols are carved from wood and stone and tower over villages. The forms differ, but the human heart is the same—restless and easily captured by false gods. Yet the gospel reveals the living God who speaks, hears our prayers, and rescues us by grace. Tune in to hear how Jesus frees people from silent idols and invites us into the joy of knowing Him. In this episode, they discuss… Idolatry at Home and Abroad (9:36)Confronting Unbelief with Prayer (18:21)Gentle Evangelism: Questions that Reach Hearts (25:01)Loneliness, Presence, and Daily Grace (32:40)God’s Nearness and Holy Fear (38:16)Spotting Idols And Finding Freedom (45:47) 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 Path of Loneliness by Elisabeth ElliotSign up for Mentored SonshipLearn more about Business for TransformationExplore options for Short Term TripsRead “The Difference Between Workaholism and Walking in Good Works”Bible references: Ephesians 2:8-10, Colossians 2:15 Credits: Our guest for this episode was “Carl”, a Business for Transformation field worker with Serge. 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.

    53 min
  5. S7:E4 Risk or Rust: Vocation as Mission

    MAR 3

    S7:E4 Risk or Rust: Vocation as Mission

    In places where the name of Jesus is rarely spoken, ordinary work becomes a doorway for extraordinary grace. In this episode, Jim sits down with Matt Allison, Serge’s Executive Director, to explore Business for Transformation—real businesses in hard places that embody the gospel through dignity, beauty, and risky obedience. Amid struggle and unseen faithfulness, one truth steadies it all: our hope is not in success, but in Christ’s steadfast love. Listen in and hear how God is at work—making all things new through grace-filled risk and everyday vocation. In this episode, they discuss… Kingdom Work Beyond Evangelism (06:10)A Justice Business that Endures (12:05)Young Builders with Long Runways (18:00)Catalysts for Risk and Repentance (24:52)Invitation to Consider B4T (35:05) 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: Explore B4T opportunitiesRead From Sex Trade to Freedom: The Transformative Power of Business for TransformationBible references: Revelation 21 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Matt Allison, Executive Director of Serge. Matt leads our efforts to mobilize the US church into global missions and support the work of Serge all around the world. 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.

    48 min
  6. S7:E3 False Intimacy and True Covering: Sex, Shame, and the Gospel

    FEB 17

    S7:E3 False Intimacy and True Covering: Sex, Shame, and the Gospel

    Shame tells us to hide. The gospel tells us we are already covered. In this powerful episode, Ruth Ann Batstone invites us into the tender pursuit of a God who sees our deepest exposure and responds not with rejection, but with mercy. Drawing from Genesis, the Psalms, and the cross of Christ, she shows how shame distorts intimacy, fuels false substitutes for love, and keeps us running from God and one another. But Jesus enters our hiding places, bears our shame, and clothes us with His righteousness—freeing us to live radiant, known, and deeply loved. In this episode, they discuss… Intimacy Beyond Sex (8:57)Addictions and Empty Cisterns (15:25)The Birth of Shame (25:46)Defining Shame and Its Faces (33:16)Marriage as Exposure and Vulnerability (38:02)The Cost of Contempt (47:15)Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation helpful, please share this it or leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Mike Mason’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦, Ed Welch’s 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥, and Dan Allender’s 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴Check out our blog post: Grace for the Second Fall Sign up for Mentored Sonship Read Ruth Ann Batstone’s book 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘯: 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵Bible references: Gen 1-3:1, Romans 1:25, Malachi 2:3, Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 34:4-5Credits: Our guest for this episode was author and educator Ruth Ann Batstone, who joined Serge in 1990 and devoted decades to gospel renewal. 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.

    54 min
  7. S7:E2 A Safe Place for Struggling Teens: Mental Health and the Mercy of Christ

    FEB 3

    S7:E2 A Safe Place for Struggling Teens: Mental Health and the Mercy of Christ

    When someone you love is hurting, knowing what to say can feel impossible. We invited authors Monica Kim and Danny Kwon to help us find a way forward that combines deep gospel hope with practical, compassionate care for teenagers dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and more. Their wisdom comes from decades in youth ministry and clinical counseling, and our hope is that it reaches where your family truly lives: messy bedrooms, late-night texts, school meetings, and the everyday moments where fear and grace meet. In this episode, they discuss… Gospel Foundation Meets Psychology (09:37)How Churches Act as First Responders (18:40)Compassionate Care Over Quick Fixes (23:45)Peer Support and Youth Leadership (31:10)Exercises for Anxiety and Presence (39:20)Identity, Scars, and Resurrection Hope (44:10)Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging, please share this episode or leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Danny and Monica's book Revisit Debbie Harrell’s podcast episodeWatch Debbie Harrell’s free webinarRead 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭-𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭-𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵Visit our blog: Four Steps for Parenting by Grace, 3 Ways to Become a Praying ParentBible references: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalm 47:1-6Credits: Our guests for this episode were Monica Kim and Danny Kwon, co-authors of Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. 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.

    56 min
  8. S7:E1 Disenchantment to Delight: How the Gospel Restores Weary Hearts

    JAN 20

    S7:E1 Disenchantment to Delight: How the Gospel Restores Weary Hearts

    Disenchantment runs deep—for weary believers, pastors, and churches alike. In this conversation with Pastor Jerry Fourroux, we explore how the gospel restores wonder by turning our eyes again to the kindness of God in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, story, and lived experience, this episode reframes repentance not as dreary self-improvement but as a joyful return to grace. When God’s kindness leads the way, repentance becomes an invitation into beauty, freedom, and renewed imagination. If your faith feels tired, flattened, or disenchanted, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: Christ is still at work, tenderly drawing weary hearts from disenchantment to delight. In this episode, they discuss… A Life of Repentance (16:10)Repentance as Running Toward Joy (26:45)Vivification, Sacraments, and Beauty (32:55)Revelation Pulls Back the Curtain (39:12)Beyond Deconstruction to Re-Enchantment (45:20)Providence, Politics, and Humility (51:20)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 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 by Scotty Smith and 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 & 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 by Jack MillerDownload our free e-book 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘰𝘺Revisit The Life-Giving Power of Christian Mentoring with Scotty SmithExplore more at serge.org/renewalExplore all that we have to offer and how you can participate at serge.orgBible references: Romans 2:4, Hebrews 13:2Credits: Our guest for this episode was Jerry Fourroux, pastor of Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church (ECO) in Williamsport, PA. 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.

    1h 3m
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4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

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
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grace at the Fray
  • Show Website
    Grace at the Fray

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