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 MindsThe Tyranny of Titles—What to Call Your Pastor (TARIF 175)
Are ministerial titles truly honoring to God, or do they feed human pride? In today's episode of The Africa Review in Five, we explore the "Tyranny of Titles"…
Missionary MindsBlack Tax: How Christians Should Care for Aging Parents (Part 2) (TARIF 174)
"Black Tax" weighs heavily on many African adults, especially when it comes to supporting aging parents. But what are the realistic expectations for adult…
Missionary MindsMM 111: An Easy Ten Step Pattern for Family Worship
Ten easy steps to conducting Family Worship.
Missionary MindsThe European Union Pays to Kill Africans (TARIF 173)
Is the European Union funding the unthinkable in Africa? Today, we delve into a controversial issue that raises unsettling questions. What exactly is meant by…
Missionary MindsBlack Tax: How Christians Should Care for their Aging Parents (Part 1) (TARIF 172)
In Africa, the "black tax" weighs heavily—children feel obligated to financially support their parents, but where do you draw the line? Is it an endless…
Missionary MindsMM 110: How to Make Family Worship Helpful for Everyone
Some tips for the head of the family on Family Worship.
Missionary MindsThe State of Society is the Résumé of the Church (TARIF 171)
Is the church a powerful force or a fragile institution? What if the chaos in the world is not an accident, but a mission field? When Christians and…
Missionary MindsMM 109: Why You Should Read 'Come Ye Children'
Embark on a journey with "Come Ye Children," Charles Spurgeon's timeless treasure published in 1897. Spurgeon's profound affection for children offers fresh…
Missionary MindsHow Should South Africa Respond to American Sanctions? (TARIF 170)
Has South Africa finally gone too far? The US has responded to SA's Expropriation Act and other "egregious actions" with sanctions and a call for Afrikaners to…
Missionary MindsMM 108: An Overview of the Life of Tiyo Soga
Explore the life of Tiyo Soga, a remarkable 19th-century figure who transcended cultural boundaries to become a pioneering Christian leader. How did Soga, a…
Missionary MindsMM 107: Recommended Reading on Family Worship
If you feel stuck with where to start with family worship, here are a couple of resources that we discuss which could help you get equipped.
Missionary MindsIs Witchcraft Real? (TARIF 169)
Do you believe in witchcraft? In this episode of The Africa Review, we discuss a reporter's interview with a witch doctor about a recent murder and the dark…
Missionary MindsSix Ways to Shame Your Mother (TARIF 168)
What does the Bible say about the best and worst places to be a mom? Hint: It's not about socialized healthcare or paid parental leave. This episode explores…
Missionary MindsMM 106: Excuses People Give for Not Doing Family Worship
We're all guilty of coming up with different excuses when it comes to getting important things done. Sadly, those excuses have serious ramifications when they…
Missionary MindsAre ‘Points of Contact’ Biblical? (TARIF 167)
Have you ever heard of "points of contact"? It's a prosperity gospel tactic that some pastors use to connect faith with God. Pastor Mboro recently made…
Missionary MindsAre Same-Sex Desires Sinful? (TARIF 166)
Storms are brewing in the African church over homosexuality. Scripture condemns homosexuality, but is it the act or the desire that is sinful? We'll unpack…
Missionary MindsFrom Kings to Courts: Does the Bible Support Any Government System? (TARIF 165)
Is there such a thing as a Biblical blueprint for good government? What does God's Word say about the role of authority, and how should it be wielded? From…
Missionary MindsMM 105 : Why It's Important for Missionaries to Learn the Language
For ages, missionaries have had to cross-cultural barriers. Few things on the journey are as difficult as learning a new language to reach the people one is…
Missionary MindsMM 104 - What is The Directory for Family Worship
Many families struggle to gather around God's Word together and enjoy a time of singing, prayer, and encouragement. This discussion of the Directory for Family…
Missionary MindsSymptoms and Treatment of Political Idolatry (TARIF 164)
Have you ever defended a politician as if they were a saint? Or maybe you only associate with people who share your political views? In this episode of The…
Missionary MindsDid You Cross Over into the New Year? (TARIF 163)
Many African Christians prioritize "Crossover Services" to usher in a new year filled with blessings and prosperity. These services often involve declarations…
Missionary MindsMM 103: The Fate of the Unevangelized
As we go about our lives it is easy to get caught up in our little worlds and forget about the millions who are living in darkness. In this podcast we discuss…
Missionary MindsShould Churches Be Self-Supporting, or Even Talk About Money? (TARIF 162)
How should they respond to financial crises? Should they speak about money, or just trust God to provide? Does the Bible teach that we must tithe? How much…
Missionary MindsThe Two Worlds in Africa (TARIF 161)
Ever felt the world is divided into two realities? We're exploring that stark contrast in Africa today. One world has high-speed internet and readily available…
Missionary MindsNigeria, a Muslim Catechism and Boise State Linebacker (TARIF 160)
Why is Nigeria the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian? What does the Qur'an say about violence toward Christians? How should Christians respond to…
Missionary MindsHow We’re Dying Fast and What to Do About It? (TARIF 159)
What is the right age to die? Does it matter whether we live longer or not? How much effort should we put into making sure we have a long life if life is going…
Missionary MindsMM 102: Should I Take Advice From My Unbelieving Parents?
When faced with issues as an adult Christian, how much counsel should you seek from your unbelieving parents?
Missionary MindsUnique Christmas Traditions in Africa: How Christianity Changed the Continent (TARIF 158)
Do you know how Christmas is celebrated in Angola, Botswana, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo? What about Egypt or Ethiopia? Africa is a large and…
Missionary MindsMM 101: 12 Practical Ways to Evangelize
Boti Paul gives us 12 unique and practical ways with which we can go and evangelize friends, family, and strangers today.
Missionary MindsBringing Biblical Balance To A Climate Of Extremes (TARIF 157)
Time to tackle the complexities of climate change. Join us as we explore the delicate balance between Biblical principles and environmental action. Should…
Missionary MindsMale Circumcision Schools: Why You Should Steer Clear (TARIF 156)
Male circumcision schools are a rite of passage for many young men in Africa. But are they safe? Are they right? In this episode of TARIF, we explore the…
Missionary MindsHow Merry Should Your Christmas Be? A Christian View of Drinking (TARIF 155)
As the holidays approach, many Christians grapple with the question of alcohol consumption. Is moderate drinking acceptable, or should believers abstain…
Missionary MindsConcern Over Christianity’s ‘Growth’ in Africa—5 Common Marks of Rural Churches (TARIF 154)
Is Christianity really growing in Africa? What does that growth look like? In this episode of Missionary Minds, Seth Meyers dives deep into the complexities of…
Missionary MindsThe Problem with Grandmothers as the New Mothers (TARIF 153)
Why are so many African grandmothers raising their grandchildren? Is this a cultural blessing or a sign of a deeper societal issue? In this episode of The…
Missionary MindsFor Richer or Poorer—Should We Sign Prenuptial Agreements (TARIF 152)
Should Christians consider prenuptial agreements? Are these contracts a practical safeguard or a sign of distrust? In this episode of The Africa Review in…
Missionary MindsBusted for Selling A Baby—The Reason These Women Did the Unthinkable
In a shocking turn of events, a Zimbabwean mother and grandmother are accused of selling their newborn baby for a mere $180. What drives a family to such a…
Missionary MindsClimate Cults and Cash Cows: Is There Really A Climate Crisis? (TARIF 150)
Is climate change alarmism a genuine concern or a cleverly disguised power play? Are we witnessing a clash of science or a clash of worldviews? In this episode…
Missionary MindsDecades of Depravity: What to Learn from Smyth’s Sexual Scandal
The Anglican Church is reeling from yet another sexual abuse scandal. This time, it's the late John Smyth, a man who used his position to abuse boys for…
Missionary MindsTrump Wins the White House: What This Means for Africa (TARIF 148)
What does the recent US election mean for African Christians? While reactions to Donald Trump's victory are polarized, this episode explores the implications…
Missionary MindsMM 103: How to Teach Your Children Excellence
ver heard the saying, "Excellence is not an act, but a habit"? This episode dives deep into the life of a young King David, drawing powerful lessons on how to…
Missionary MindsWhatever Happened To The Lord’s Day (TARIF 147)
In a bustling city like Harare, Zimbabwe, Sunday mornings are no longer just for church. The streets are filled with shoppers and traders, raising a critical…
Missionary Minds"Unequally Yoked" in Business (TARIF 146)
Should a Christian go into business with an unbeliever? What does the Bible say about being "unequally yoked"? In this episode of TARIF, Tim Cantrell explores…
Missionary MindsMM 102: How to Teach Your Children Gratitude
How can you instill gratitude in your children in a world that often breeds entitlement? Do you worry that your children might be developing a victim…
Missionary Minds11 Wives and a Fiancée Half His Age — What It Means to Hold Marriage in Honor (TARIF 145)
Can a king with 11 wives truly honor the covenant of marriage? Does tradition ever justify deviating from Biblical principles? In this episode of The Africa…
Missionary MindsMurder Rate on the Rise: What's the Solution? (TARIF 144)
South Africa's murder rate is a staggering crisis. Every day, countless lives are lost, leaving communities shattered and families grieving. But what if the…
Missionary MindsMM 101: The Doctrines of Grace in Missions - Limited Atonement
The third edition of the Doctrines of Grace and how they affect missions.
Missionary MindsThe Breakdown of the Family in Africa: A Christian Perspective on Migration, Marriage, and Parenting (TARIF 143)
Why are families breaking down across Africa? In this episode of TARIF, we explore the impact of migration for work on marriages and parenting. We'll discuss…
Missionary MindsThe Africanisation of Theology: Rightly Handling the Word within the African Context (TARIF 142)
The push to "Africanize" theology by blending African culture with Christian doctrine raises concerns. While contextualization is important, reinterpreting…
Missionary MindsMM 100: Doctrines of Grace in Missions - Unconditional Election
The second edition of the Doctrines of Grace and how they affect missions.
Missionary MindsAfrica’s Love Affair with Tyranny (TARIF 141)
"As Abraham Kuyper once said, “In any successful attack on freedom, the State can only be an accomplice. The chief culprit is the citizen who forgets his duty…
Missionary MindsOn Parenting: Are You Bribing Your Way Through? (TARIF 140)
Tired of bribing your kids into behaving? This article explores the pitfalls of reward-based parenting and how it creates entitled, manipulative, and abusive…
Missionary MindsMM 99: Doctrines of Grace in Missions - Total Depravity
The first edition of the Doctrines of grace and how they affect missions.
Missionary MindsCapitalism and Christ-like Competition (TARIF 139)
"Think about how competition works to make better products. Take headphones, for example. Companies compete against each other to please their customers…
Missionary MindsDo African Churches Send Missionaries? (TARIF 138)
"Obedience to the Great Commission is one of the hardest commands of Christ because it demands a united, group commitment of money, prayer, and men. But…
Missionary MindsMM 98: A Prophet Has No Honour In His Home?
Pastor Ryan Wade discusses what it is like for him to return to his hometown and start a church there.
Missionary MindsThe African Supreme Being: How Syncretism Sullies Christianity (TARIF 137)
This article explores the impact of African Traditional Religion (ATR) on Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses how ATR's belief in a distant…
Missionary MindsCalvinism: The Cure for Racism, Not the Cause (TARIF 136)
"Believing in human depravity and inability shatters our hopes of producing an earthly utopia by political means. Accepting this biblical doctrine of sin fuels…
Missionary MindsWhen Are Two People Really Married? (TARIF 135)
Maintaining, therefore, an exceptionally high view of marriage, and an appropriately high view of human government, here are the Biblical requirements for…
Missionary MindsWhat Should We Think About HIV/AIDS? (134)
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is a disease that destroys the body’s immune system, greatly lowering its resistance to infection. This…
Missionary MindsXenophobia and the Christian (TARIF 133)
"The church's role is not to police immigration, nor to adopt immigration as a political position. It may provide counsel to believers struggling with this, or…