

Missionary Minds
Paul Schlehlein
From the rural village of Mbhokota in Limpopo, South Africa, hear from the mind of a real-world missionary of almost 20 years. Paul Schlehlein–or "boti Paul / mfundisi" (brother Paul / teacher) as he is addressed in the podcast–hails from Wisconsin, America but has left to cross the world, a culture, and a language group to go and minister to the Tsonga people of northern South Africa. With his knowledge of the scriptures, a passion for church history, and lessons from the field he seeks to speak on issues of the faith, the family, and the fog of worldview confusion that plagues our day.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 7min
Should a Husband Take His Wife’s Surname? (TARIF 226)
South Africa’s highest court has ruled that husbands may now legally take their wives’ surnames—a decision hailed as a win for feminism and framed as undoing “colonial” and “Christian” influence. But what does Scripture say about headship, submission, and God’s design for marriage? Does a surname really carry spiritual and cultural significance, or is it just a modern tradition? In this episode, we unpack the biblical vision for marriage roles, examine how feminism reshapes culture and law, and explore why God’s design for husbands and wives matters far more than shifting societal norms.

Sep 26, 2025 • 31min
MM 123: Should We Celebrate Our Culture and Nation?
In the providence of the LORD, we have been born into different tribes and nations, which are characterised by varying sounds, tastes, clothes, and customs. How should the Christian think through being a citizen of heaven, but belonging to different cultures and nations on earth?

Sep 25, 2025 • 7min
Thoughts on the Africa Statement on Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith Theology (TARIF 225)
The discussion dives into the significance of the Africa Statement on Prosperity Gospel, emphasizing its role in defining true biblical Christianity. It highlights the prosperity gospel as a major threat, contrasting its promises of wealth and health with the reality of suffering. The podcast explores the protective power of ecclesiastical statements throughout history. Key issues like pastoral abuse, magical tithing, and misinterpretations of scripture are critically analyzed, reinforcing the need for clarity and accountability within the church.

Sep 23, 2025 • 7min
Should 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 that comes only through Christ. This article explores why outward morality is not enough, why the Gospel is the foundation for a righteous nation, and what society might look like if rulers and citizens alike lived under God’s righteousness. Could this vision reshape the future of a nation?

Sep 19, 2025 • 24min
MM: 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 masculinity.

Sep 18, 2025 • 6min
Modesty: 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 influence to shifting fashion trends, the church is increasingly reflecting the world instead of standing apart from it. But is modesty really just about clothing, or is it first a matter of the heart? And what happens when church leaders stay silent for fear of losing members or being labelled judgmental? This episode wrestles with Scripture’s teaching on modesty, its impact on discipleship, and why holiness—not cultural trends—must define the people of God.

Sep 16, 2025 • 7min
A 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 often chosen by circumstance, but today the opportunities seem overwhelming. Should a missionary simply follow desire, or are there clearer biblical marks of calling? And with thousands of unreached people groups worldwide, how can one wisely narrow the field? This episode explores the essential questions every aspiring missionary must ask and offers a framework for discerning both calling and location in light of Scripture, history, and global need.

Sep 11, 2025 • 6min
Free 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 truth, his life was cut short on live television. Why would God allow such a tragedy? What lessons can we draw from a man so devoted to free speech, faith, and biblical convictions? This episode reflects on the brevity of life, the cost of courage, and the Christian roots of freedom of speech.

Sep 9, 2025 • 7min
What’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 worship the Creator or worry about impending doom? Are blood moons truly apocalyptic signs, or simply reminders of God’s order in creation? From Hindu temples closing their doors to Christians speculating about judgment, reactions vary widely. But what does Scripture actually say about eclipses and the natural world? And how should believers view science, nature, and the majesty of the cosmos through a biblical lens?

Sep 2, 2025 • 8min
The 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 treat time as a precious gift from God. If tardiness is stealing, lying, and un-Christlike, what does that say about cultures that normalize it? And what can believers do to break free from this destructive habit? This episode challenges the excuses we make for lateness, traces the roots of punctuality to a Christian worldview, and offers practical ways to honour God—and others—by being on time.