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 MindsMM 84: Can Pastors Appoint Themselves?
We live in a time of self-appointed 'men of God'. Is it ever right for a pastor to appoint themselves? How should the ordination process go? Where should a…
Missionary MindsTARIF 85: A Christian View on Plagiarism and ChatGPT
Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else’s ideas or work and passing them off as one’s own. For centuries this has been a worldwide problem and…
Missionary MindsTARIF 84: Will Your Vote “Fix the Country”?
The determining factors in voting can easily be cast into three categories; liberation, services, and morality. Though not completely mutually exclusive, the…
Missionary MindsMM 83: Can You Predict a Good Spouse Before Marriage?
Every Christian man wants to wed a virtuous woman, but how can he know? Is it possible for a man to predict who will be a godly wife? When a young man pursues…
Missionary MindsMM 82: Childless, Yet Content - A Story of God's Faithfulness_ft. Joel Wegner
What should we do when God does not answer our prayers? Another conversation with Joel Wegner in which he tells of God's faithfulness through the trial of…
Missionary MindsTARIF 83: Illegal Immigration: Is it ever right to do wrong?
The issue of illegal immigration is a persistent problem affecting many nations around the world at the present moment. South Africa has long been impacted by…
Missionary MindsTARIF 82: Marching to Zion? An Overview of Southern Africa’s Largest AIC Church
The Easter trip to Zion City Moria is part of the spectacular pilgrimage that over a million ZCC members make each year. This Easter run is similar to the hajj…
- Missionary Minds
MM 81: Training, Fit, and Focus of Prospective Missionaries_ft. Joel Wegner
A conversation about some considerations that should be made about missions before sending a potential missionary out into the field.
Missionary MindsMM 80: Growing Up Christian: The Testimony of Joel Wegner
Listen as Joel speaks about the blessings and challenges of multi-generation Christianity in his family.
Missionary MindsTARIF 81: A Survey of Slavery and Salvation
With slavery being such a blight on human history and being prevalent in the 21st century, how should Christians think around the issue?
Missionary MindsTARIF 80: A Biblical Guide to Voting
When Christians vote, they are exercising a right given to citizens of a democratic state: they are requesting certain persons to be their government. And…
Missionary MindsMM 79 - Give and Take - How a Missionary and Partnering Church Worked Together in Joy for Two Decades
A conversation about boti Paul and the church that supported him from before he was married. All about missions.
Missionary MindsMM 78: Life After Loss - Traversing the Tide of Tragedy ft. Darren Rock
In this episode, Darren Rock, of Colonial Baptist Church details his experiences in the Fire Department and teaches us how to go through life after loss.
Missionary MindsTARIF 79: How to Serve Before Kings in an Age of Unemployment
South Africa is facing a dire shortage of skilled workers, according to a recent article published by Antony Sguazzin on Bloomberg. As businesses attempt to…
Missionary MindsTARIF 78: Institutionalised Envy: How the 10th Commandment Can Make or Break a Country
Socialism (and its end goal, communism) is rooted in envy, greed and covetousness. It has bred all kinds of theft and trampling over private property rights…
Missionary MindsTARIF 77: How to Teach Your Children Hard Work
Child labour is the illegal employment of children in business in order to exploit them. Many of the countries most guilty for child labour are found in…
Missionary MindsMM 77: Overcoming Addiction - The Testimony of Jono Klimek
We live in an overmedicated world that teaches that the problem is without and the solution is within. From scripture we know that the problem is…
Missionary MindsTARIF 76: A Biblical Perspective on Witchcraft
Witch hunting is a serious problem in Africa. If locals suppose their neighbour is a witch or engaged in witchcraft, they may injure that person, or even kill…
Missionary MindsTARIF 75: Should Churches Use Anointing Oil?
Selling sacred oils has become big business in Africa. Not uncommon are stories of pastors who bring children back from the dead by anointing the deceased with…
Missionary MindsTARIF 74: A Guide to Government and Godliness
It is important that we as Christians consider our role within the political sphere of our Country. Our faith is not confined to the pews of our church…
Missionary MindsTARIF 73: When an Evil Nation Does Right
In February of 2024, the Government of Zimbabwe sent out a press statement strongly rejecting the efforts that foreign nations have made to ensnare its…
Missionary MindsMM 76: How Should Christians do Engagement? (Part 1)
... Since engagement isn't marriage and all sexual activity is reserved for marriage (1Cor. 7:1-9; Hb. 13:4; Mt. 5:28), then engaged couples should refrain…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Christian Duty in the Wake of Infanticide
Where lies the most perilous domain on Earth in our time? Is it within radical Islamic states or amidst gang-ridden urban communities? No, the womb, intended…
Missionary MindsTARIF: On Godly Men and Picking Fights
Godly men are called to fight, but they must pick their fights prudently. “Fight the good fight of the faith,” Paul said (1Tm. 6:12). “I have fought the good…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Biblical Food For Thought Before Voting
Christians have an awesome responsibility to vote according to Christian principles derived from God’s word. For democracy to work effectively it relies on an…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Church Planting Methods, St. Paul's Or Ours?
I have often said that Africa has so many churches that you can buy two for a penny. Despite the numerous churches we see around us, it seems to me that there…
Missionary MindsMM 75: "I'm Wealthy and Interested in Missions. Should I Go or Stay?"
You can determine God’s calling by asking three questions. First, what are your desires? What do you long to do? The first qualification of a pastor is that he…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Gay Weddings & The Christian
Many have been asking lately, ‘Should a Christian attend a gay wedding?’ The biblical answer is extremely nuanced and highly complex: Never, no, not under any…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Are Boycotts Biblical?
Recently Nigerians considered boycotting a milk company for insensitive remarks they made about the death of Christ. Boycotting is not new to Africa. During…
Missionary MindsMM 74: How Does A Husband Protect His Wife?
One of the central roles to which God calls men is to protect women. Husbands and fathers should protect their families spiritually. God told “the man” not to…
Missionary MindsTARIF: The Commercialisation of Lobola (the bride price) in Zimbabwe
The way different cultures approach the bride price varies, however the concept across the board is generally the same. The intent is to pay the…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Is “My Body, My Choice” a Good Argument?
“My body, my choice” is a feminist slogan used to defend a woman’s right to autonomy over her choices. Women often employ this phrase to defend their right to…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Voting in Hope: Do Elections Solve Crime?
For those living in Africa, crime is an unrelenting reality that significantly impacts life through the constant threat of violence. Despite the promises of…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Is Africa Really Christian?
While Northern Africa is predominantly Muslim, Sub-Saharan Africa is quick to claim Christianity. But has Africa really been Christianized? What if we used a…
Missionary MindsMM 73: Ministry and Mosques in Malawi – A Conversation With Pastor Malamulo
Enjoy the conversation between boti Paul and pastor Malamulo in Malawi as they discuss aspects of ministry and the Christian life.
Missionary MindsMM 72: Talking About Sex With Sons (Tips for Fathers)
Having 'The Talk' with your son can prove to be quite challenging for most men. Sadly, this results in many fathers abdicating the responsibility. In this…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Is Cash Really King?
Whether we like it or not, technology is moving us to a more cashless society. The Payments Association of South Africa is currently implementing strategies to…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Praying to Ancestors for Guidance
Despite the influence of Christianity and Islam on the continent, Africans still attach tremendous honour to their ancestors. Ancestor worship is deeply…
Missionary MindsMM 71: Six Lessons from One of the Darkest Regions in Sub-Saharan Africa
We thank those that prayed for us during our latest missionary survey trip. It was successful in every way, all of this due to God’s grace and the prayers of…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Resolved to Rejoice in Sunday Evenings
As we prayerfully plan for 2024, with our long lists (actual or mental) of goals and resolutions, where does Sunday night church fit in? Thanks to American…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Followers of the Fallen
Ousted from the South African presidency in 2018 because of corruption, Jacob Zuma regained great political fame this past December in his announcement of…
Missionary MindsTARIF: South Africa Needs More Good Guys with Guns
Applications for firearm licenses in South Africa have quadrupled over the past decade, according to a recent report written by William Brederode on News24…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Carbon Credit or Carbon Con?
the COP28 Climate-Change Conference is underway in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai. Every year for the last 28 years, at this time of the year, the…
Missionary MindsTARIF: UP IN SMOKE: Exposing the Smog of Pro-Pot Logic
It has been said that the first casualty of war is truth. Many confuse the issue of cannabis (“dagga”, etc) by co-mingling two different aspects of the debate…
Missionary MindsMM 70: Is There Hope for Single Mothers?
A godly father can never fully be replaced as the leader and shepherd of the home. But should the father be deceased or absent, single mothers mustn’t despair…
Missionary MindsTARIF: The Battle for Bible-Based Education
Parental authority in training and bringing up their children has faced attacks in most parts of the Western world, yet we are now beginning to see this tidal…
Missionary MindsTARIF: The Dangers of Gaming
Worldwide, the gaming industry makes more money than the film and music industries combined. In 2021, the gaming world brought in over $180 billion. Companies…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Responding to Cancel Culture
The Egyptian pyramids have yet to be cancelled. If Cancel Culture has its way, the Great Sphinx may be next. Ramses II, father of more than fifty sons and…
Missionary MindsMM 69: Addressing Objections to Polygamy
When we look at the text of Scripture, there isn't a single verse that explicitly rebukes polygamy. Does this mean that one can be a Christian and a polygamist?
Missionary MindsTARIF: Should we celebrate Christian holidays?
Christmas is a month away, and already the range of emotions, sentiments, and opinions about celebrating Christmas are filling the conversations and plans of…
Missionary MindsTARIF: The Greatest Defense Against Poverty
Is there a correlation between broken homes and poverty? Do the two go hand in hand? Can the strengthening of the home decrease poverty in a society? The…
Missionary MindsMM 68: What Should A Husband Do If His Wife Is Against His Desire To Go To Into Missions?
It is true that husbands must teach their wives. It is also true that husbands mustn’t use the Bible as a crowbar to force his wife to comply, as Amnon forced…
Missionary MindsMM 67: What Should a Christian Couple Do If Their Parents Disapprove Their Marriage?
When we consider a question like this, our first question should be: “Is this union honoring to God?” This is not the same question as: “Is this union honoring…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Dating Apps and the Christian
Should Christians use dating apps? One study claims that 1 in 3 South Africans uses online dating and that only 11% do it to find a marriage partner, while 48%…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Our Dire Debt Dilemma
Proverbs 22:7 declares the following truism: “The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” This truism extends to individuals…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Why Caster is Faster: A Christian Response to Transgenderism
If you think the transgender debate hasn’t reached Africa, think again. Trans ideology has been gaining ground in Africa for decades. Take, for example, Caster…
Missionary MindsMM 66: Six Marks of a Good Missionary Newsletter
Missionary newsletters (sometimes called Updates or Prayer Letters) help missionaries communicate with their sending churches and individuals supporters back…
Missionary MindsMM 65: Six Excuses Parents Use for Not Disciplining Their Children
The thinking goes, since my child is suffering, his sin is less severe. Sickness. Divorce. Poverty. Learning disabilities. Let us be patient with them. But…
Missionary MindsTARIF: Is Israel Guilty of Apartheid?
Apartheid is an Afrikaans word meaning separation. It refers to a system of segregation based on race, popularized by the white South African government from…
Missionary MindsMM 64: Should A Christian Man Pay Lobola / Bride Price (Part 4)
The final instalment from the 4-part mini-series on lobola. Enjoy.