Let Nomads Move You!

Ron, your nomad guide

“Let Nomads Move You!” takes you on a journey into the lives, cultures, and wisdom of nomadic peoples around the world. Discover their deep connections to Scripture, their unique heritage of mobility, and the lessons they offer for faith, community, and modern life. Whether you’re curious about global nomads or seeking fresh insights into biblical themes, this podcast will inspire you to see the world—and your faith—through nomadic eyes.

Episodes

  1. Why WEIRD Christians Don’t Realize What They’re Missing in the Bible

    JAN 28

    Why WEIRD Christians Don’t Realize What They’re Missing in the Bible

    🎙️ Episode 9 Why WEIRD Christians Don’t Realize What They’re Missing in the Bible Most modern Christians don’t realize they are reading the Bible through cultural lenses that are very recent, very Western, and very unusual in human history. In this episode, we explore how WEIRD culture — Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic — quietly shapes how many believers understand faith, church, identity, and even Scripture itself. And here’s the surprising part: When WEIRD assumptions become “normal Christianity,” we don’t just misunderstand nomads… We start misunderstanding the Bible. This episode marks a shift from learning about nomads to learning how nomadic realities help us read Scripture more clearly. ⸻ 🌍 In This Episode You’ll discover: • Why most Christians today belong to one of the most culturally unusual populations in history • How WEIRD thinking trains us to see faith as individual, private, and place-based • Why the Bible assumes a world of tribes, movement, shared identity, and relational belonging • How we accidentally replace biblical community with voluntary attendance • Why mobility, kinship, and interdependence are not “background details” in Scripture — they are structural • How nomadic and clan-based societies still instinctively understand things the Bible assumes ⸻ 🧭 A Big Idea to Take With You The Bible was not written to modern individuals managing personal spiritual lives. It emerged in a world where: • People belonged to extended families and clans • Identity was shared, not self-created • Movement was normal • Survival depended on relationships • Faith was lived together, not chosen alone When we read Scripture through WEIRD lenses, we don’t just miss cultural details. We miss how life actually worked for Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and the early followers of Christ. ⸻ 🐑 Why This Matters If we don’t recognize our cultural blind spots: • We may assume nomadic peoples are “behind” instead of seeing they preserve older human patterns • We may reshape church into something Scripture never describes • We may think the Bible supports radical individualism — when it actually challenges it • We may preach “Good News” that sounds foreign to the very kinds of communities Scripture speaks from But when we begin to see through a NOMAD lens, something shifts. The Bible starts to feel less abstract… and more like it came from a real, lived world of movement, loyalty, and shared life. ⸻ 🔥 This Episode Launches a New Phase Earlier episodes introduced the NOMAD framework: Networking • Organized by clan • Mobility • Autonomy • Distinctiveness Now we begin asking: 👉 What happens when we read the Bible through that lens? 👉 What have WEIRD Christians been trained not to see? This episode opens that conversation. ⸻ 🏕️ Want to Go Deeper? If this episode stirred something in you, Let Nomads Move You! is designed to help you: • Rethink Scripture through nomadic realities • Understand the deep cultural assumptions behind your own faith background • Learn from communities that still live closer to the social world of the Bible This isn’t just information. It’s an invitation to let your worldview shift. 🔗 Learn more about the course and community: https://courses.nomadicpeoples.net/let-nomads-move-you ⸻ ⭐ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode helped you see the Bible differently: • Share it with a friend who loves Scripture • Leave a review • Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next Because we’re just getting started. Next episodes will explore how nomadic perspectives illuminate key biblical themes you may have read for years… without ever seeing them this way. ⸻ Ron, your nomad guide

    23 min
  2. Let Nomads Move You! Episode 8 - The Biblical Story Is a Nomadic Story (and We Forgot)

    12/15/2025

    Let Nomads Move You! Episode 8 - The Biblical Story Is a Nomadic Story (and We Forgot)

    What if the Bible wasn’t written primarily for people who stay put—but for people who move? In this episode, Ron explores a simple but often overlooked reality: from Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is shaped by movement. God forms His people not through comfort and permanence, but through journeys, shared risk, and relational belonging on the road. This conversation invites us to rethink how faith, discipleship, and community are formed—and what may have been lost when Christianity became largely sedentary. ⸻ 🧭 In This Episode, We Explore: • Why mobility is not a background detail in Scripture, but a central method God uses to shape identity • How Genesis, Exodus, David, the Prophets, Jesus, and the early church all reflect a nomadic worldview • What changes when discipleship is lived as a journey rather than a classroom experience • The difference between belief-centered faith and belonging-centered faith • How movement builds community through shared risk, labor, and memory • Why many modern expressions of Christianity struggle with isolation and disconnection • A personal story from life among Gujjar nomads—and what shared grief taught about belonging ⸻ 🐪 Key Takeaways: • God forms identity through journey, not comfort • Belonging is shaped on the road, not in a room • Nomadic faith is embodied, relational, and story-based • When faith stops moving, discipleship risks becoming a product instead of a pilgrimage ⸻ 🤔 Reflection Questions: • Where might God be inviting you to “move”—physically, relationally, or spiritually? • Who are you walking with in your journey of faith? • How has your understanding of discipleship been shaped more by sitting than by journeying? • What stories have formed you—and who have you shared them with? ⸻ 🌍 Why This Matters Today: Nomadic and mobile peoples—migrants, refugees, diaspora communities—are not exceptions in today’s world; they are increasingly the norm. At the same time, Western societies face deep crises of belonging and identity. Recovering a more mobile, relational, story-shaped faith may not only help us engage nomadic peoples more wisely—it may also help heal what is broken in our own communities. ⸻ 🧡 Continue the Journey: This episode sets the stage for future conversations about NOMADs, NO-ADs, mobility, belonging, and how the biblical story challenges many modern assumptions about faith and church. If this episode stirred questions or curiosity, you’re invited to explore the Let NOMADs Move You! course and community, where these ideas are unpacked more deeply and lived out together.

    40 min
  3. NOMADs, NO-ADs, and Us: Why These Biblical Cultures Are Nothing Like Ours.

    06/30/2025

    NOMADs, NO-ADs, and Us: Why These Biblical Cultures Are Nothing Like Ours.

    Podcast: Let Nomads Move You! Host: Ron, your nomad guide 🤠 Length: [Insert duration here] ⸻ Episode Description: What if we told you the cultures of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were far closer to today’s nomads than to most modern societies? In this episode, we wrap up our N.O.M.A.D. series and take the conversation one step further. Ron introduces the concept of NO-ADs—people groups who are not nomadic but still share many cultural traits with NOMADs, like tribal organization, collectivism, and clan loyalty. You’ll discover why both NOMADs and NO-ADs often struggle to connect with Western models of church—and what that means for mission, community, and your own understanding of Scripture. ⸻ What You’ll Learn: 🟡 The key differences between NOMADs and NO-ADs 🟡 How modern Western culture is a poor lens for reading the Bible 🟡 Why the early church thrived in nomadic and NO-AD settings 🟡 What happens when we rediscover the Good News through nomadic eyes 🟡 How this insight can shape your calling, community, and mission strategy ⸻ Mentioned in this Episode: ✔️ Our working definition of a NOMAD ✔️ The story of Lot, Sodom, and Abraham’s tribal rescue mission ✔️ Melchizedek as an early NO-AD leader in Scripture ✔️ The lead magnet: 5 Reasons Nomads Think Church is a Bad Idea (and what to do about it) ✔️ The Nomad Connect training journey ✔️ Upcoming digital course: Let Nomads Move You! ⸻ Call to Action: ✅ Subscribe to Let Nomads Move You! wherever you get your podcasts ✅ Download the free resource: 5 Reasons Nomads Think Church is a Bad Idea ✅ Join the Nomad Connect Community and prepare to walk alongside NOMADs and NO-ADs around the world ✅ Visit: nomadicpeoples.net for blog posts, training, and more ⸻ Quote from the Episode: “We’ve learned to read the Bible like Westerners—but the people in it didn’t think that way. They were tribal. They were mobile. They were communal. They were nothing like us—and that changes everything.”

    18 min
  4. A-Autonomy: They Don’t Need You! | The Power of Nomadic Autonomy

    02/06/2025

    A-Autonomy: They Don’t Need You! | The Power of Nomadic Autonomy

    They Don’t Need You! | The Power of Nomadic Autonomy What if the people we assume need our help are actually the ones with wisdom we need to learn from? For nomadic peoples, autonomy isn’t just a preference—it’s a way of life, a matter of survival, and a deeply held identity. The biggest mistake outsiders make? Coming in with solutions instead of respect. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why nomads resist outside control—and why that’s a strength, not a weakness ✅ How their autonomy is tied to trust, survival, and community identity ✅ The costly mistakes outsiders (including myself!) make—and how to avoid them ✅ How understanding nomadic autonomy can change how we approach Jesus’ message Are You Called to Walk With Nomads? Maybe this episode stirred something deeper in you. Maybe you’re not just curious about nomads—you want to walk with them, learn from them, and help introduce Jesus as the Good Shepherd among them. If that’s you, Nomad Connect is your next step. 📍 This isn’t just a course—it’s a launching point. It includes an immersive 5-week journey in Kenya (16 June – 20 July 2025) where you’ll live among nomads, experience their world firsthand, and gain the tools to start a career serving nomadic peoples. Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Visit NomadicPeoples.net and explore Nomad Connect today. 🎧 Listen now and rethink what it means to serve among nomads.

    16 min
  5. 01/13/2025

    M-Mobility: Freedom, Survival, and Identity: How True NOMADs See Mobility

    What does it really mean to be a nomad? Spoiler: it’s not about working remotely from a trendy café in Bali. In this episode, we explore the “M” in NOMAD—Mobility. For true nomads, mobility isn’t just about moving from one place to another—it’s a community lifeline, deeply connected to survival, identity, and freedom. You’ll learn why nomads see mobility as a sacred resource, how it ties into their relational and communal identity, and why digital nomads fall short of embodying these values. By the end of this episode, you’ll be challenged to rethink your own understanding of movement and connection in light of what nomads can teach us about resilience, interdependence, and following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in community. Welcome to today’s episode, “Freedom, Survival, and Identity: How True NOMADs See Mobility.” If you’ve ever thought being a “nomad” was as simple as working remotely and traveling for fun, this episode might surprise you. Today, we’ll dive deep into what mobility really means for nomadic communities—how it’s not a personal lifestyle choice, but a communal resource tied to survival, identity, and even freedom. Along the way, you’ll discover how true NOMADs view the world and why their perspective can challenge us to rethink not just how we live, but how we follow Jesus together. Let’s get started! Key Points Covered in This Episode • What Sets True NOMADs Apart: Mobility isn’t about convenience or adventure—it’s about survival, livelihood, and maintaining a community’s way of life. • Generational Identity: How nomads identify as “people on the move,” even when external pressures keep them in one place for years or decades. • Relational Mobility: Unlike digital nomads who move for personal goals, true NOMADs move as a community, with mobility benefiting everyone—whether it’s finding grazing land, earning income, or gaining knowledge. • Freedom Through Mobility: Why nomads see movement as a statement of independence and resilience. • Lessons for Us: How a nomadic mindset can challenge Western notions of stability and individualism. In this episode, I also introduce Nomad Connect. Here is the link to learn more: https://www.nomadicpeoples.net/nomad-connect-2025.html

    14 min
  6. 01/07/2025

    O-Organized by Clan: How Nomads Model Biblical Community

    What does it mean to be “organized by clan”? For nomads, the concept of clan goes far beyond extended family—it forms the foundation of identity, security, and community. Yet, for many of us shaped by an individualistic worldview, the richness of this relational structure is unfamiliar. In this episode, we’ll uncover how clans operate in nomadic cultures and how these insights reveal biblical truths that are often overlooked. Join me, Ron, as we explore: • A Navajo perspective on how clans connect to God’s design. • Why the Bible celebrates clan and tribal structures—and why modern Christianity sometimes misses it. • Stories from nomadic peoples who live out these values daily. • What the nomadic mindset of mutual responsibility can teach us about faith, family, and community today. Discover how God’s Word affirms the value of interconnected relationships and challenges our tendency toward isolation. Whether you’re curious about global nomads, interested in biblical culture, or seeking to strengthen your own sense of community, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to belong. Challenge for the Week: How can you intentionally strengthen bonds with your extended family or community? What would it look like to reflect the values of Micah 6:8—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly—in your relationships? I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Please reach out through nomadicpeoples.net to share your feedback or ideas for future episodes. Until next time, keep with the Shepherd!

    15 min
  7. 12/28/2024

    N-Networking: Outsiders and Allies: The Surprising Lessons From Abraham’s Battle

    What can Abraham’s bold rescue mission teach us about networking with outsiders? More than you might expect! In this episode, we dive into the ancient world of alliances, battles, and blessings to uncover lessons that are surprisingly relevant today. When Abraham’s nephew Lot is taken captive, the patriarch doesn’t act alone—he rallies a coalition of outsider allies, fellow nomads, to go into battle. What’s fascinating is how these relationships were forged, maintained, and called upon in a time of need. This story isn’t just an ancient account—it’s a window into the way nomads build and sustain external relationships across generations. Discover why alliances are critical to nomadic life, how nomads determine who to trust, and what makes these networks so unique. Learn how these deeply communal and reciprocal values contrast with the individualistic, short-term mindset many of us bring to relationships today. We’ll also explore the spiritual dimension of Abraham’s alliances—why he gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, refused riches from the king of Sodom, and what this teaches us about discerning loyalty and independence in our own connections. Whether you’re fascinated by the wisdom of nomads or seeking practical lessons for your own relationships, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you engage with others. Key Takeaways: • Abraham’s battle: A vivid example of nomadic networking in action. • How and why nomads form alliances with outsiders for survival and flourishing. • The importance of mutual trust and respect in building lasting relationships. • Why loyalty and discernment matter in forging partnerships. • Lessons on humility and relational authenticity for your own life and faith journey. Questions for Reflection: 1. Who are the “outsiders” in your life, and how do you engage with them? 2. How can you build meaningful, long-term alliances in your community or work? 3. What does Abraham’s alliance with Melchizedek reveal about spiritual and relational discernment? Invitation to Action: Spend some time this week reflecting on your own relationships. Are there areas where you’ve focused more on short-term gain rather than long-term trust? Consider practicing humility and presence in your interactions—whether with coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers.

    15 min
  8. NOMAD: Why the Nomadic Life Might Hold the Key to Your Faith Journey

    12/27/2024

    NOMAD: Why the Nomadic Life Might Hold the Key to Your Faith Journey

    Why the Nomadic Life Might Hold the Key to Your Faith Journey What if understanding the nomadic way of life could unlock new depths in your faith? In this episode, we’ll explore how walking alongside nomads has reshaped how I see God, Scripture, and even my own identity. Through their lives, we can uncover powerful lessons about freedom, community, and what it means to follow the Good Shepherd. I’ll share personal stories of building trust with nomads, their unique values of mobility and autonomy, and how they see themselves as distinct from sedentary societies. You’ll also hear how nomads watching the Jesus Film connected deeply with Jesus and His disciples—people on the move, living simply, and relying on community. The nomadic life may seem foreign to us, but it offers profound insights into the way of faith. Could the key to your spiritual growth lie in adopting a nomadic mindset? In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Why nomads value mobility as more than movement—it’s their identity. • How their communal mindset challenges Western individualism. • The role of shepherd imagery in the Bible and how it resonates with nomadic life. • What it means to live lightly and embrace freedom in your faith journey. Key Questions to Reflect On: • What does the Good Shepherd look like through nomadic eyes? • How could nomadic values, like living lightly and thinking collectively, transform your faith? • What steps can you take to adopt a nomadic mindset in your own life? Join the Journey: This episode is more than a story—it’s an invitation to rethink your faith journey. Let the lessons of nomads challenge and inspire you as we explore how their way of life mirrors the call of Scripture. Share This Episode! If this episode opens your eyes to new perspectives, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends, family, or church community, and let’s rediscover the Good Shepherd together.  Learn more at www.nomadicpeoples.net and check out our upcoming courses at  https://courses.nomadicpeoples.net.

    9 min

Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

“Let Nomads Move You!” takes you on a journey into the lives, cultures, and wisdom of nomadic peoples around the world. Discover their deep connections to Scripture, their unique heritage of mobility, and the lessons they offer for faith, community, and modern life. Whether you’re curious about global nomads or seeking fresh insights into biblical themes, this podcast will inspire you to see the world—and your faith—through nomadic eyes.