Shows / Missionary Minds
Missionary Minds
Hear from the mind of a real-world missionary of over 20 years. From the rural village of Mbhokota in South Africa, Paul Schlehlein–or "Boti Paul / Mfundisi" (Brother Paul / teacher) as he is addressed in the podcast, hails from America, but has crossed the world, a culture, and a language group to minister to the Tsonga people of northern South Africa. His knowledge of the Scriptures, passion for church history, and lessons from the field shed light on issues of the faith, the family, and the…
Episodes
Missionary MindsThoughts on the Africa Statement on Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith Theology (TARIF 225)
Is the prosperity gospel the greatest threat to the church in Africa today? In 2025, church leaders from across the continent released the Africa Statement on…
Missionary MindsShould God Bless Africa? (TARIF 224)
What does it actually mean for a nation to be blessed? The Bible ties blessing not to wealth, politics, or progress, but to righteousness—true righteousness…
Missionary MindsMM: 5 Great Books on Masculinity
Doing the right job without the correct tools can be frustrating. In this episode, we seek to equip men with useful tools to develop a rugged, godly…
Missionary MindsModesty: A Lost Virtue (TARIF 223)
Summer brings sunshine—and with it, an uncomfortable question for Christians: how should we respond to the rising tide of public immodesty? From Hollywood’s…
Missionary MindsA Practical Way to Find a Mission Field (TARIF 222)
How does a Christian know if he’s truly called to missions—and once called, how does he decide where to go? In past centuries, the options were limited and…
Missionary MindsFree Speech and the Murder of Charlie Kirk (TARIF 221)
The shocking assassination of Christian activist Charlie Kirk has left the world reeling. At just 31 years old, with a young family and a powerful voice for…
Missionary MindsWhat’s True About the Blood Moon? (TARIF 220)
A fiery blood moon lit up the skies this past Sunday—stirring wonder, fear, and even superstition across the world. Should such celestial events lead us to…
Missionary MindsThe Sin of African Time (TARIF 219)
Is lateness just “African culture,” or is it a deeper moral issue? While many defend “African time” as valuing people over tasks, Scripture calls Christians to…
Missionary MindsMM 121: Cultivating Good-Mannered Young Men
In this episode, we explore how to raise young men who stand out for their respect, humility, and integrity in a world that often values the opposite. What…
Missionary MindsA Husband’s Role in His Wife’s Physical Beauty (TARIF 218)
The beauty industry is booming—South Africa alone spent $6 billion on products in 2023—but how does Scripture shape our view of beauty? Is physical attraction…
Missionary MindsMM 120: How to Teach Young Men Respect and Humility
In a day when so many young men are told to love and exalt themselves, we need more men who are taught how to be humble. In this episode we tackle practical…
Missionary MindsAbolishing Bride Price and Traditional Sexual Teachings (TARIF 217)
Should Christians embrace cultural traditions like bride price and premarital sexual rituals, or are these practices rooted in idolatry and abuse? What happens…
Missionary MindsBitcoin: Blessing or Temptation? (TARIF 216)
Bitcoin has soared past $120,000, leaving traditional markets far behind. But what should Christians make of this? Could Bitcoin have solved Africa’s financial…
Missionary MindsGeneva Meets BELA—Calvin's Take on Our Education (TARIF 215)
What can 16th-century Geneva teach 21st-century South Africa about education? As the controversial BELA Bill threatens to erode parental authority and promote…
Missionary MindsWomen’s Rugby? A Christian Perspective (TARIF 214)
Should Christian women take part in violent sports like rugby, boxing, or cage fighting? Does promoting these activities ignore the God-given design and…
Missionary MindsThe Surprising Scarcity of Self-Supporting Churches (TARIF 213)
Foreign aid has poured into Africa for decades, yet the continent remains the poorest. This mindset, unfortunately, has also trickled down to the church, with…
Missionary MindsHow to Evangelize Unbelievers Who Are Different From You (212)
How can we overcome these cultural gaps and truly connect? Discover why our evangelism might be missing the mark and what foundational truths must be…
Missionary MindsThe “Big Man Syndrome” in Today’s African Churches (TARIF 211)
The "Big Man Syndrome" plagues many African churches, where a single leader holds absolute control, making unquestioned decisions and stifling potential…
Missionary MindsShould Christians Own Guns (TARIF 210)
In a world where safety is a constant concern, especially in high-crime areas like South Africa, how should Christians navigate self-defense? The command to…
Missionary MindsShould Believers Desire the Death Penalty? (TARIF 209)
When heinous crimes occur, our natural instinct is to cry out for ultimate justice. But in the face of brutal acts, should believers desire the death penalty?…
Missionary MindsJohn MacArthur’s Legacy in Africa and Beyond (TARIF 208)
Discover the profound impact of John MacArthur’s ministry on Africa and beyond. In this episode of The Africa Review in Five, we explore the incredible ways…
Missionary MindsMM 119: How to Discipline Your Children
Children are a blessing only when they are obedient and godly. It takes a lot of effort to enjoy the fruit of godliness in children, and part of that effort…
Missionary MindsFamily Overreach in Marriage (TARIF 207)
While communal living is a valued aspect of African culture, when does familial involvement cross the line into undue pressure and expectation for new…
Missionary MindsReading the ANC’s ‘Bible’: A Christian Response to the Freedom Charter (TARIF 206)
On its 70th anniversary, the Freedom Charter is still hailed by many as South Africa's "Bible" for liberation. But how does this influential document stand up…
Missionary MindsMarriage Thoughts on Polygamy, Virginity, and HIV Tests (TARIF 205)
Feminism, the Prosperity Gospel, and Westernization have significantly impacted African homes, leading to a four-fold theme: women prioritizing careers…
Missionary MindsFour Principles for Overcoming Prejudice and Racism (TARIF 204)
In a world quick to label any disagreement as "bigotry," how can we truly understand and overcome prejudice and racism? This episode of The Africa Review in…
Missionary MindsThe Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 2) (TARIF 203)
South Africa faces one of the world's highest unemployment rates, a persistent challenge demanding urgent solutions. In "The Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 2)," we…
Missionary MindsMM 117 - What Makes a Good Missionary Wife?
The mission field can bring unique challenges for the missionary. To make a lasting impact for the Lord a man needs a wife suited to the call. What does such a…
Missionary MindsMM 116: Finding a Wife—A Checklist
Ditch the dating app swiping and get ready for a game-changing perspective on finding your future wife! This isn't your average "how-to." Based on 1 Peter…
Missionary MindsWokeism: When the Cure Is Worse Than the Disease (TARIF 202)
In a world where solutions often bring more problems, some American ideologies have found their way to Africa, promising cures but delivering deeper ailments…
Missionary MindsIndependence—A Call for African Churches to Support African Missions (TARIF 201)
Is Africa truly independent? Dive into this episode of The Africa Review in Five as we explore the complex relationship between African nations, foreign aid…
Missionary MindsThe Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 1) (TARIF 200)
Are minimum wage laws really the answer to economic fairness? In this episode, we dive into "The Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 1)," exploring the complexities…
Missionary MindsMM 115: How to Make Big Decisions in Marriage
Making decisions in marriage can be hard. Some people do it thoughtlessly and others bulldoze through it. Listen to this episode to learn how to make good…
Missionary MindsFanon Still Fanning the Flames: Exposing the Lies of Marxism (TARIF 199)
Uncover the surprising influence of a 1961 book on today’s leaders and the ideologies driving current events. Delve into "Fanon Still Fanning the Flames…
Missionary Minds10 Theses on Helping the Poor (TARIF 198)
With Africa facing significant economic challenges, what does true help for the impoverished look like? Does simply giving money solve the problem, or are…
- Missionary Minds
MM 114: Are All Mission Fields Equal?
When it comes to doing missions and evaluating missions fields, can we consider all fields to be equal?
Missionary MindsThe Scandal of the African Church (TARIF 197)
Is the African church truly as Christian as it seems? In this episode, we delve into the surprising reality of Christianity's presence across Africa. Numbers…
Missionary MindsThe Contours of Godly Speech: A Biblical Evaluation of “Kill the Boer” (TARIF 196)
Explore the heated debate surrounding struggle songs in South Africa, particularly the controversial “Kill the Boer.” This episode dives into the global…
Missionary MindsMM 113: Practical Ways Fathers Can Teach Their Sons
Have you tried these methods when raising your sons?
Missionary MindsBiblical Medicine for Moms & Miscarriages (TARIF 195)
In this episode of The Africa Review in Five. With miscarriage rates high in Africa, many face this painful reality. Why does this loss bring such deep…
Missionary MindsSome African Traditions Must Die (TARIF 194)
In "Some African Traditions Must Die," Lennox Kalifungwa challenges the clash between cultural traditions and Christian beliefs in Africa. What happens when…
Missionary MindsHow Government Hurts Business and What to Do About It (TARIF 193)
Is government overregulation stifling business and hindering growth? In this episode of The Africa Review in Five, Charles Russell explores how government…
Missionary MindsA Judas of a Mother: When Greed Masquerades as Opportunity (TARIF 192)
In today's edition of TARIF, we delve into the shocking case of a South African mother convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her own daughter. Witness the…
Missionary MindsAbortifacients and the Church’s Alarming Silence on “Christian Abortion” (TARIF 191)
Today, we delve into a controversial topic: abortifacients and the church's silence on "Christian abortion." Is hormonal birth control a hidden form of…
Missionary MindsShould Christians Celebrate Ancestor's Day? (TARIF 190)
As traditional leaders in South Africa push for its recognition, how should believers navigate this cultural and spiritual crossroads? What compels many…
Missionary MindsTen Types of Hypocrisy Parents Should Look for in Their Kids (TARIF 189)
Concerned about your child's faith? Are you noticing inconsistencies between their words and actions? This episode delves into ten types of hypocrisy parents…
Missionary Minds‘Whites Only’ in this Town—A Christian Response (TARIF 188)
Explore a thought-provoking discussion on a town with a "whites only" policy and the Biblical response. Can a community prioritize their values and heritage…
Missionary MindsIs Abortion Ever Justified? (TARIF 187)
Is abortion ever truly justified? Today’s episode of TARIF dives into this complex question, exploring the differing views on when, if ever, termination of a…
Missionary MindsThe Fair Works of False Prophets (TARIF 186)
Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet, is known for his charitable acts. But what lies beneath these displays of generosity? Is all charity truly…
Missionary MindsZimbabwe Shuts Down – Yet Again! (TARIF 185)
In today's episode, we delve into the heart of Zimbabwe's ongoing crisis, exploring the reasons behind the recent nationwide shutdown and the deep-seated…
Missionary MindsSullivan’s Kidnapping and a Lesson on Risk (TARIF 184)
American missionary Josh Sullivan was kidnapped in South Africa. How should the church respond to such a tragedy? Should fear paralyze missionary efforts, or…
Missionary MindsSouth Africa’s National Sin & Stain of Abortion (TARIF 183)
South Africa grapples with a grave issue: the scourge of abortion. This episode delves into the alarming statistics and moral implications of this national…
Missionary MindsBlack Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 5) (TARIF 182)
The "Black Tax" weighs heavily on many Africans. How should Christians care for ageing parents? Is financial support the only way to honour them? What if you…
Missionary MindsLiteracy, Reading, and Missions (TARIF 181)
What happens to a church when its members are not literate? How can a faith grow and spread without a focus on written words? In today's episode, we explore…
Missionary MindsSouth Africa’s Sovereignty: Rage or Repentance? (TARIF 180)
Is South Africa’s stance on sovereignty a righteous defense or a defiant rage? In today’s TARIF episode, we delve into the biblical mandate for government…
Missionary MindsAfrican Media: The Flight From Truth (TARIF 179)
Is truth in the eye of the beholder? Why do we cling to convenient interpretations over hard facts? South Africa finds itself in the international spotlight…
Missionary MindsBlack Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 4) (TARIF 178)
Ever felt the weight of the "black tax"? What does the Bible say about supporting ageing parents? Is it the children's duty to provide financially, or the…
Missionary MindsMoney Games in the Church (TARIF 177)
In this episode of TARIF, we delve into a controversial event: What happens when a religious leader offers a million-dollar challenge? Are such spectacles…
Missionary MindsBlack Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 3) (TARIF 176)
In today's episode, we delve into the complexities of caring for ageing parents, especially within the context of "Black Tax." Why does South Africa have such…
Missionary MindsMM 112: Should You Pray Using the Names of God?
How should we approach God in prayer?