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
Oct 17, 2024 • 7min
Capitalism 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, making their products better, sleeker, faster, and cheaper. Corded headphones led to Bluetooth, then noise cancelling and on and on. Cars, hammers, shoes, mattresses, and thousands of other products work the same way." The effect is the same in other areas of life.
Oct 15, 2024 • 7min
Do 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 Jonathan Edwards said in The Religious Affections that true faith and true love are best seen by a lifestyle of obedience. When we see decade after decade pass, with very little concern about the evangelization of the world, what does that say about the faith of millions who claim to be Christian?"
Oct 14, 2024 • 42min
MM 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.
Oct 10, 2024 • 8min
The 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 Supreme Being and reliance on human mediums has led to syncretism, where Christians blend these beliefs with their faith.
Oct 8, 2024 • 12min
Calvinism: 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 us with zeal for evangelism, knowing the gospel alone can transform human hearts and societies. If we saw how united we are as humans in our depravity, the sins of other people and cultures would surprise us less, knowing the same seeds lie within our own hearts; and we would be slow to judge and quick to show mercy. "
Oct 3, 2024 • 10min
When 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 getting married. May all those pursuing marriage consider these very carefully.
Correct Persons, covenant promises, clear publicity, and celebration party.
Listen to learn more.
Oct 1, 2024 • 7min
What 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 disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV, which is transferred in blood and sexual fluids.
While there are treatments to slow the damage of AIDS, currently there is no known cure.
Sep 26, 2024 • 7min
Xenophobia 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 assist believers to obey the law (financially or otherwise). "
Sep 24, 2024 • 10min
The Pitfalls of Paternalism: Why Foreign Funds Kill African Churches (TARIF 132)
"I am not promoting a new strategy. Many of the great missionaries of the past feared the results that came from paternalism. Western churches would raise funds to send out cross-cultural evangelists, but they rarely used this money to assist in local works and ministerial projects."
Sep 19, 2024 • 7min
The Redeeming Value of Rugby – How Strenuous Sport Helps Boys Become Men (TARIF 131)
The Springboks have inspired our nation because they have marched onto the rugby field to represent South Africa against the rest of the world. They have shown that South African men can work as a team to defeat adversity. They have been courageous, strong, skilful, and manly, and our young men would do well to imitate their example in these areas.
