Our Urban Voices

Dr. Alfonse Javed

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

    7h ago

    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

    35 min
  2. #154. When Faith Feels Dry: Rediscovering Delight in God

    Jun 2

    #154. When Faith Feels Dry: Rediscovering Delight in God

    What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances—and even how you see yourself. Stephanie Rousselle is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul's Longing for God, releasing with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Book: Awaken Delight Stephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Believers Struggle to Experience Joy in GodDelighting in God is Foundational to Spiritual GrowthDelighting in God During Painful Seasons FEATURED BONUS: Stephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice ABOUT THE GUEST: Stephanie Rousselle is a Bible teacher, speaker, host of the Gospel Spice podcast, and founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. She is the author of "Awaken Delight", a book that will release with IVP in July 2026. Born and raised in France, Stephanie is a former atheist whose life motto is now “God’s glory, our delight.” Having lived in four different countries on three continents, she currently resides with her family in Pennsylvania. SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Psalm 37 : 4 RELATED LINKS:Book: Awaken DelightStephanie Rousselle's Website: Gospel Spice TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Stephanie Rousselle 03:24 - Believers Struggle to Experience Joy in God 03:57 - ...identity and longing 04:42 - ...why their faith is not working when they are trying so hard to please God 04:55 - ...need to cultivate delight in God 05:43 - Delight in God definition 06:52 - ...combine the experience and the intellect 09:14 - Reading through the lens of delight and deliciousness 10:30 - Knowing About God vs Truly Knowing God 11:45 - ...head knowledge 12:17 - ...heart knowledge 13:13 - ...OT: 95% "to know" is head knowledge 13:20 - ...NT: 95% "to know" is heart knowledge 13:54 - Delighting in God is Foundational to Spiritual Growth 14:02 - ...Psalm 37:4 15:20 - ...God is implanting in our hearts the desire to want more of Him 16:26 - Delighting in the Lord Transformed Stephanie's Life 19:26 - Delighting in God During Painful Seasons 20:47 - ...know God more through afflictions 21:43 - ...compassion for fellow sufferers 23:22 - ...thorns and pruning 27:22 - God's Delight in Us 28:17 - ...God's Favorite Hangout Spots 31:16 - Encouragement for the Spiritually Weary 35:53 - From Stephanie's Heart (and Website: gospelspice.com/awakendelight ) 39:05 - gospelspice.com | Awaken Delight book | podcast DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    41 min
  3. #153. When Pastors Need Rest: Inside the Silver Bay Respite Program

    May 19

    #153. When Pastors Need Rest: Inside the Silver Bay Respite Program

    Dr Chris Coppernoll, Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, has a heart for pastoral ministry and spiritual care. He invites pastors and ministry workers to the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their PastorsEarly Signs that a Respite Would Be BeneficialEligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Chris Coppernoll is the Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education and pastoral ministry to this role. His expertise lies in spiritual formation and pastoral care, honed through work with students at Princeton University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and as a pastor in upstate New York. His emphasis is pastoral and clergy care. This is expressed through the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondacks of upstate New York where Spiritual Life Center staff welcome more than 1,000 pastors and their families each year. RELATED LINKS:Silver Bay YMCA Respite Program TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Chris Coppernoll 01:38 - How Congregations and Leaders Can Support Their Pastors 02:22 - ...things to keep in mind 02:29 - ...one-two weeks for respite breaks per year (not vacation) 04:24 - ...encourage your pastor to set boundaries around their time 05:26 - ...encourage congregations to volunteer to serve in ministry 07:33 - Early Signs that a Respite Would Be Beneficial 07:47 - ...emotional indicators 09:11 - ...behavioral indicators 11:57 - ...differences in relationships and interactions 15:41 - ECFA and caring for pastors 18:00 - Idea and Vision for Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA 21:17 - Eligibility and Application for the Pastoral Respite Program 23:03 - Value of a Respite Stay 25:33 - Favorite Ways to Enjoy Silver Bay 28:52 - Silver Bay Loves to Welcome Respite Guests 29:53 - ...silverbay.org 30:08 - Books on Amazon, ChristianBook DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    33 min
  4. #152. Called to Care— But Who Cares for the Pastor?

    May 5

    #152. Called to Care— But Who Cares for the Pastor?

    Dr Chris Coppernoll, Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, has a heart for pastoral ministry and spiritual care. He invites pastors and ministry workers to the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Pastoral Ministry & Spiritual CareImportance of Pastoral and Self CareUnique Stresses that Pastors Encounter ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Chris Coppernoll is the Director of Spiritual Life at Silver Bay YMCA, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education and pastoral ministry to this role. His expertise lies in spiritual formation and pastoral care, honed through work with students at Princeton University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and as a pastor in upstate New York. His emphasis is pastoral and clergy care. This is expressed through the Pastoral Respite Program at Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondacks of upstate New York where Spiritual Life Center staff welcome more than 1,000 pastors and their families each year. RELATED LINKS:Silver Bay YMCA Respite Program TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Dr Chris Coppernoll 03:49 - Starting in Pastoral Ministry & Spiritual Care and Current Role 04:07 - ...radio host 04:45 - ...care volunteer at a megachurch 05:43 - ...hosted weekly Bible study 06:24 - ...church plant 06:51 - ...training pastors in seminaries 07:33 - ...family tragedies 08:13 - ...Silver Bay YMCA 09:12 - ...God's hand 11:47 - Importance of Pastoral and Self Care 12:11 - ...research on ministry burnout 12:50 - ...demands on ministers have changed and increased 13:04 - ...Covid pandemic accelerated challenges 13:43 - ...corollaries 14:12 - ...cultural division and polarization spilling into churches 16:51 - ...ministers feel their ministry lives are less sustainable 17:49 - Unique Stresses that Pastors Encounter 19:20 - ...unique profession 19:29 - ...increased loneliness and isolation 20:03 - ...significant workload - 55-75 hours per week 21:18 - ...a sense of failure 21:45 - ...residual stress 23:14 - ...recommendation for regular respite break 24:42 - ...flight or flight mode - survival focus DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    27 min
  5. #151. Can I Trust God? What Gen Z Is Really Asking

    Apr 21

    #151. Can I Trust God? What Gen Z Is Really Asking

    In What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God, veteran youth worker and Gen Z expert Tanita Tualla Maddox presents a thoughtful and powerful guide for ministry practitioners striving to connect with this generation. Dr Maddox' Website Dr Maddox' Bio Book: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Gen Z Cares and ConcernsMajor Questions Gen Z-ers Ask About GodTraditional Ministry Methods Not Working So Well with Gen Z ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr Tanita Maddox is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region. With an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z, Tanita has been featured on The Holy Post podcast and has been published in The Great Commission Research Journal, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and more. She has served as Young Life leader with adolescents for over twenty-six years and serves as a volunteer Young Life leader in her local community. RELATED LINKS:Dr Maddox' WebsiteDr Maddox' BioBook: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Tanita Maddox 03:00 - Major Characteristics of Gen Z Different from Generations Before 03:24 - ...technological change created another culture 04:00 - Gen Z Cares and Concerns 04:11 - ...authenticity, justice, creation, stewardship of the earth 05:10 - ...high value for trust 05:37 - ...care about mental health 06:49 - Two Major Questions that Gen Z Ask About God 07:32 - ...Am I Safe with God? 10:28 - ......Where is the idea of safety coming from? 11:06 - ......Gen X is primarily raising Gen Z 12:28 - ......Protectiveness may have taken away confidence 15:20 - ......Teach how to be safe 16:29 - ......We raise children to prepare them to be in the world 18:24 - Traditional Ministry Methods Not Working So Well with Gen Z 18:31 - ...generations are also cultures 19:04 - ...answering questions that Gen Z were not asking and ignoring what they were asking 20:03 - ...the response to gentle correction is being contrary 22:19 - ...what can we do or change when it comes to God? 22:56 - ......uncover miscommunication places 23:42 - ......allow Gen Z ask questions and have doubts 24:11 - ......Gen Z do not see authority as hierarchy as valuable; it is flattened 25:14 - ......Gen Z-er want to see how God impacts every area of your life 26:15 - ......it's discipleship - open your life 28:46 - ......show how we rely on Jesus in all circumstances 29:55 - Example: How Generations See the Parable of the Prodigal Son 30:08 - ...why did the Prodigal Son starve? 31:12 - ...we focus on one point and missing other points that may hit hearts better 32:01 - ...what is most relevant to the listener? 32:08 - Leading Gen Z to God 32:47 - ...people view through a lens that make sense to them 33:11 - ...pray for the young people 33:20 - ...move slower 34:10 - ...humility - "Help me understand." 35:12 - ...the previous generation never experienced the things that Gen Z have gone through 35:56 - ...sovereignty of God 36:13 - Action Steps Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Parents Can Take 36:38 - ...ask: on a scale of 1-10, how is your mental health today? 38:45 - ...language differences 39:37 - Non-face-to-face Conversations 41:45 - Getting in Touch: tanitamaddox.com , Dr Tanita Maddox DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Check out previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    44 min
  6. #150. The Quiet Ambition: 4 Practices That Change Everything

    Apr 7

    #150. The Quiet Ambition: 4 Practices That Change Everything

    What does following Jesus looking like when you want to do great things for God but feel like you're falling short? In The Quiet Ambition, pastor and theologian Ryan P. Tinetti unpacks the rich spiritual wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, showing how it can help you reimagine what following Jesus looks like: Live Quietly, Tend Your Own Business, Work with Your Hands, and Walk Gracefully. Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website Book: The Quiet Ambition Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Four Sections Based on 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12Encouragement for the Discouraged or Burnt OutThink Little ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan P. Tinetti is a pastor who now serves as an assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis. He is the author of the books “The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives” and “Preaching by Heart.” Prior to his call to Concordia Seminary, Ryan served for 14 years in parish ministry. Ryan lives with his wife, Anne, and their four children in St. Louis on the campus of the seminary. SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12Ephesians 2 : 10 RELATED LINKS:Dr Ryan Tinetti's WebsiteBook: The Quiet AmbitionDr Ryan Tinetti's IVP BioDr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:43 - Introducing Dr Ryan Tinetti 01:13 - Four Sections Based on 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12 02:16 - ...Live Quietly 02:48 - ......gift of grace; posture of trusting faith in God's action for us 03:47 - ......we are surrounded by noise 04:24 - ......carve out space to rest in the Lord 06:14 - ......managing ministering to people vs full schedules 08:01 - ...Tend Your Own Business 08:29 - ......tend and attend to what God has given YOU to do; don't do God's work for Him 09:18 - ......it's not all up to you 10:19 - ......work from rest - "my calendar won't allow it" 18:12 - Work with Your Hands 18:21 - ...manual labor is not menial labor 19:18 - ......God can and will work through you for the benefit of others 20:26 - ......call to creativity 21:40 - ......Ephesians 2 : 10 - we are God's handiwork 24:01 - ......actively productive, not just passively consumptive 26:03 - Walk Gracefully 26:12 - ......so that-- you might walk gracefully toward outsiders -- witness 27:26 - ......look for the outsiders 29:26 - ...people are often a pain because they are in pain 30:20 - Encouragement for the Discouraged or Burnt Out 30:47 - ......not to be served, but to serve 31:18 - ......posture of receptivity 32:08 - ......serve with the strength that God provides 32:42 - Think Little 33:23 - Getting in Touch - ryantinetti.substack.com DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    35 min
  7. #149. When Your Life Feels Small: Rediscovering Quiet Faithfulness

    Mar 24

    #149. When Your Life Feels Small: Rediscovering Quiet Faithfulness

    Do you desire to do great things for God but feel like you're falling short? Does your life feel small, filled with endless demands, seemingly insignificant work, mundane responsibilities, or challenging relationships? If your desire to make an impact for God's kingdom collides with the limits and disappointments of everyday life, it's easy to feel restless, resigned, and discouraged. Scripture offers a better way. In one of Paul's letters, there's an unexpected, paradoxical call: "Make it your ambition to live quietly . . ." In The Quiet Ambition, pastor and theologian Ryan P. Tinetti unpacks the rich spiritual wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, showing how it can help you reimagine what following Jesus looks like. Dr Ryan Tinetti's Website Book: The Quiet Ambition Dr Ryan Tinetti's IVP Bio Dr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Quiet Desperation vs Quiet AmbitionThe World's Perspective vs God's PerspectiveCan Quiet Ambition Be Impactful? ABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan P. Tinetti is a pastor who now serves as an assistant professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St Louis. He is the author of the books “The Quiet Ambition: Scripture's Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives” and “Preaching by Heart.” Prior to his call to Concordia Seminary, Ryan served for 14 years in parish ministry. Ryan lives with his wife, Anne, and their four children in St. Louis on the campus of the seminary. SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:1 Thessalonians 4 : 11-12 RELATED LINKS:Dr Ryan Tinetti's WebsiteBook: The Quiet AmbitionDr Ryan Tinetti's IVP BioDr Ryan Tinetti's at Concordia Seminary TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Ryan Tinetti 02:44 - Book: The Quiet Ambition 03:14 - ...the paradox 03:26 - ...two kinds of ambition 04:27 - ...help Christian lead meaningful lives shaped by the Gospel 05:34 - Is Living in Quiet Desperation God's Vision for Us? 06:31 - ...a slow seeping of hope 07:59 - ...God's pulled us out of quiet desperation into quiet ambition 08:37 - The inspiration: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 08:54 - Quiet Ambition Contrasted with the World 09:09 - ...the World's Perspective 09:25 - ......restless & burnt out 09:31 - ......resignation 10:10 - ......the rotten fruit of trying to establish out identity on our own merits 10:22 - ...Profound AND Straightforward 10:38 - ......peace in resting in Christ 10:50 - ......restlessness 11:17 - ......tension in the struggle of activity 12:26 - ......reality of desire to do great things for God and not having things work out 13:24 - ...We Don't Have to Make a Name for Ourselves 13:42 - ......we have had God's name placed on us 14:07 - ......attend ourselves to quiet ambition (refill the hope tank) 14:36 - Can Quiet Ambition Be Impactful? 15:54 - ...Jesus walked out of the grave on the third day 16:35 - ...in the Lord, your labor is not in vain 17:12 - ...the Parable of the Talents 18:09 - ...what we think of as very little is very large in the sight of our Lord DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    20 min
  8. #148. What Makes Someone Feel at Home? The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality

    Mar 10

    #148. What Makes Someone Feel at Home? The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality

    Christian hospitality is about people and relationships, not just spaces. It goes beyond opening our homes or extending invitations—it’s about cultivating a posture of welcome that reflects God’s presence and generosity wherever we go. Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others. Dr Laura Murray - Fuller Seminary Dr Laura Murray - IVPress Book: Becoming a Person of Welcome WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Extending the Welcome and Hospitality that We Have Receive from GodEmbodying Hospitality and Being an ExampleHospitality in Different Context ABOUT THE GUEST: Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others. RELATED LINKS:Dr Laura Murray - Fuller SeminaryDr Laura Murray - IVPressBook: Becoming a Person of Welcome TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Laura Murray 04:35 - Book - Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality 05:11 - Definition of Hospitality 05:32 - ...welcome, internal and external 07:36 - ...external protected space 08:13 - ...internal protected space 08:26 - ...God calls Israel to remember her stranger status 10:56 - Growing Up in a Culture of Hospitality 11:47 - ...fluid in hospitality / expectation of visitors 12:58 - ...generosity / guests receives more 13:15 - ...as a child growing up, hospitality can be difficult 14:31 - Product of Two Cultures 17:34 - Extending the Welcome and Hospitality that We Have Receive from God 19:30 - Feeling Welcome and Belongingness in Church 20:38 - ...feeling seen and wanted 20:57 - ...feeling safety and security 21:18 - ...being connected to other people's stories and be themselves 24:56 - How Church Leadership Can Embody Hospitality and Be an Example 25:31 - ...leadership needs to be secure in their own welcome that God has for them 27:07 - ...remembering stranger status 27:20 - ...protections and holding values of the church 27:41 - ...difference between belonging and fitting in 29:31 - Hospitality in the Digital Space 33:36 - Hospitality in the Workplace, While Running Errands, or With Strangers 34:07 - ...slowing down 34:54 - ...noticing 35:43 - ...being curious about people's stories 36:20 - Doable Steps to Becoming More of a Person of Welcome 37:13 - What did the Holy Spirit tell you? 38:10 - Getting in touch with Dr Laura Murray and Finding her books DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

    41 min

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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.