Throwback: Mission Then and Now | Dr. Mike Rodewald

For this episode of Essentially Translatable, the celebration of 60 years of Lutheran Bible Translators ministry continues with this insightful throwback from 2020. Rewind to the first episode of the podcast and listen as current CEO Rich Rudowske interviews Dr. Mike Rodewald, the former Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators.  

Spanning over 33 years of service, Dr. Rodewald details his journey from a high school band teacher to becoming a dedicated missionary in the countries of Liberia, Botswana, and later a regional director in South Africa. The conversation dives into the evolution of mission work, the impact of Bible translation, and the essential role of missiology in effective ministry.  

Dr. Rodewald discusses the challenges and joys he has faced over the decades. Through these experiences he has learned to recognize the importance of relationships and having good cultural understanding in pursuit of spreading God’s Word. This podcast also touches on the strategic relocation of the organization headquarters to Concordia, MO and the direction Lutheran Bible Translators has taken in empowering local communities for self-sustaining missions.