Christian Ambition

SUMMARY (with general timestamps):Growing up in Papua New Guinea:talks about his childhood as a missionary kid, epic dirt bike rides, and life in Goroka (00:01:07–00:11:06).Formative Faith & Trials: Coming to faith, family tragedy, and a government official causing chaos—plus a courtroom drama that tested his trust in God (00:04:38–00:08:10).Missionary Life in “the Bush”: What it’s really like living off the grid—traveling by four-wheeler, treating illnesses with bush medicine, and teaching in grass huts (00:13:13–00:17:28).Supernatural Encounters & Stories: From spirit attacks and witchcraft tales to dodging tribal warriors on mountain trails (00:27:28–00:33:17).Career Path & Missions Calling: Journey from business/computer major to missions director and how clarity in calling comes at the right time (00:33:36–00:46:15).Partnering with Nationals & Evolving Missions Models: The shift from “bring everyone to the US” to empowering local believers to start their own mission movements and businesses (00:51:01–00:58:24).Agency Collaboration & Team Dynamics: Navigating partnerships, exit strategies, and the realities of working together on the field (01:00:18–01:08:11).BAM (Business As Mission) and CAM (Careers As Mission): What BAM is, why the retreat started, and how business/career can be a tool for the Great Commission (01:09:43–01:24:03).Pitfalls & Best Practices for BAM: Avoiding dependency, keeping churches indigenous, and letting the locals lead—even when starting ministries and businesses (01:35:41–01:43:24).Missionary Goals & Accountability: How missionaries set spiritual, personal, and ministry goals—and how leaders evaluate fruitfulness (01:43:53–01:50:11).Favorite Books and Verses: Missionary bios, leadership classics, and Proverbs 3:5-6 wisdom (01:50:33–01:52:29).GUEST BIOPastor Dave Smith is the director of Open Door Baptist Missions (ODBM), with roots as a missionary kid growing up in Papua New Guinea. Born in Philadelphia, his earliest memories are of building cribs in the jungle, learning to drive in tribal mountains, and navigating the joys and heartbreaks of life on the field. After enduring profound family loss and explosive trials, Dave’s journey took him through college as a business and computer major, a career in software, and ultimately back to missions—where he’s helped pioneer new models for empowering local believers, launched retreats to encourage “business as mission,” and has served as missions pastor at Morningside Baptist Church. He’s known for his real-world wisdom, vivid stories from the field, and his heart for raising up the next generation of Christian professionals to live out their calling globally.SOCIAL LINKS AND RESOURCESResources Mentioned:Open Door Baptist Missions: opendoorbaptistmissions.orgBooks:Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert ColemanTo the Golden Shore (Adoniram Judson biography)Let the Nations Be Glad by John PiperJohn Payton: Ministry to the Cannibals by Paul SchlalinEvidence Not Seen by Darlene Diebler RoseYouTube: https://youtu.be/LQLsZw4E7_I

Ever met the “most interesting man in a wheelchair” who can convince you that your disability might actually be your greatest asset—and who’s mentored over 200 clients while never walking a single step?SUMMARY:James’ life overview: Born with muscular dystrophy, youngest of four, never walked, always driven to cheer others on (00:01:18 - 00:03:08)Unique perspective: How disability shaped James’ values—authenticity, resiliency, courage—and deepened his faith (00:03:25 - 00:04:54)On internal vs. external locus of control: Can ambition and drive actually be taught? (00:05:11 - 00:06:56)Helping others build resilience: Changing your mindset vs. circumstances, trusting in God to anchor your peace (00:07:27 - 00:10:01)Therapy vs. coaching: The real difference, why James moved to coaching, and how Christian perspective alters typical therapy (00:17:35 - 00:20:12)Lies Christian men believe: “You need cash to be a good provider,” “You’re not worthy,” and uprooting negative core beliefs (00:20:50 - 00:24:02)The power of intentional scheduling: Gospel rocks before sand, building lasting habits by putting family and God first on your calendar (00:36:01 - 00:38:32)GUEST BIOJames Wogan is a personal coach, licensed therapist, and entrepreneur based in Arizona, whose life and leadership journey is profoundly shaped by living with muscular dystrophy. Born the youngest of four boys (three affected by the condition), he’s never walked—yet his story is one of relentless empathy, creativity, and faith. James holds a Master’s in Counseling, nearly completed a Master of Divinity, and spent years mentoring youth, guiding high-achievers, and building healthy accountability in Christian men. Known for his humor and authenticity, James specializes in helping Christian men uproot limiting beliefs, reframe their mindset, and pursue courageous, purpose-driven lives.SOCIAL LINKS & RESOURCESBook recommendations:Tim Keller’s ‘Walking with God through Pain and Suffering,’Lord of the RingsAtomic HabitsRich Dad, Poor DadWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6nnczFHH66AEverything at christianambitionpod.comShare with a friend & follow! Thx!

“What would you have to do to look back at the end of the year and consider it a success“”“What would you do this year if your goal was to make your 85-year-old self absolutely miserable?“Are you living your life, or just watching other people live theirs—before remembering you could do more than swipe candy all day?”Summary[00:00:00] New year energy: reflections on goal setting and how to make 2026 truly meaningful.[00:01:03] Defining success for the year—how spiritual growth outranks all other achievements.[00:04:06] The power of quality and intentionality—how aiming for excellence drives life change.[00:06:19] Habits, morning routines, and the myth of perfect consistency.[00:09:00] Word of the year: why naming your focus sharpens your ambition.[00:12:33] Crafting your mission and vision to make meaningful decisions every day.[00:13:50] Practical habit formation tips (including the notorious “never miss two days in a row” principle).[00:18:09] The danger of being a passive consumer vs. becoming a creator—on and off social media.[00:22:20] Replacing “brain rot” with life-long learning and how school can sometimes kill curiosity.[00:24:03] Fighting back the deterioration of attention spans and embracing intentional silence.[00:27:00] Maximizing those “lost” gaps of time—small moments add up![00:32:22] The importance of celebrating every win, no matter how small.[00:34:27] Using “forcing functions” and external commitments for real accountability.[00:37:22] Balancing digital necessities with analog joys—escaping mindless screen time.[00:43:48] The why behind your goals: vision, intention, and living with purpose.Guest BioKevin Bumgardner is a young professional with a heart for growth—both personally and spiritually. Currently in seminary at BJU, Kevin is not afraid to discuss his struggles with consistency, digital distractions, and the challenge of being a creator rather than just a consumer. His journey is relatable to anyone aiming to live intentionally, pursue quality, and build habits that last, all while putting God at the center of his goals.Social Links and ResourcesResources Mentioned:Atomic Habits by James ClearModern Wisdom Podcast – Chris WilliamsonJim Rohn Goal Setting WorkshopWillpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin HardyWatch on Youtube:Everything at christianambitionpod.comShare with a friend & follow! Thx!

Are you selling your time for money? Why this powerful realization made Asa quit his good accounting job and move to an old Soviet training camp in Germany!Timestamps:Big Leap: Quitting Accounting for Mission Work (1:00-4:12):Asa explains the deeper value of time over money.Decision to invest time in people and eternal things, not just finances.Accounting Skills at Camp (4:12-5:26):Using Excel/database skills for Bible reading plans.Communications in German—the real MVP skill.Previous Mission Experience & Why Camp Matters (5:26-8:31):Past summers as a missionary/intern in Germany.The immersive camp environment exposes personal weaknesses and builds teamwork and Christian service.Lessons from Camp Life (8:32-12:17):Sports & team-building: it’s about collaboration, not competition.Relationships formed through shared experience are key for spiritual impact.Evangelism in East Germany & Beyond (12:18-24:29):Challenges of sharing the gospel in a highly secular/agnostic environment.Relationship-first evangelism; testimony as a written tool.Story of offering a ride to a drunk man and gifting personal testimony.New Evangelism Frameworks from Conferences (24:29-35:10):Long-term relational disciple-making, rather than quick converts.Strategies picked up from missionaries in FranceThe Parable of the Unrighteous Steward & Generosity (35:11-40:01):Shrewd use of resources (money, time, energy) to "buy friends for heaven."Generosity toward unbelievers isn't bribery—it's a gospel opportunity.Practical Encouragement & Final Thoughts (44:37-end):The “generosity muscle”: Start early, don’t wait for perfect circumstances.Guest BioAsa Cropsey is a former accountant with a heart for missions. After studying accounting at Bob Jones University and working in the field for two years, Asa felt convicted that his time was too valuable to keep trading solely for money. In 2025, he took a leap of faith, moving to East Germany to serve at the region’s largest conservative Christian camp—built on an old Soviet training ground. Asa brings practical skills in communications and database management, but he’s most passionate about serving others, building relationships, and sharing the gospel in a secular context.Social Links and ResourcesMentioned in this episode:Camp Impact (Germany): Camp Impact WebsiteGFA Missions (Gospel Fellowship Association): gfamissions.orgLuke 16:9 – The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward: Bible Gateway – Luke 16:9EndingWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Bcrk3_h2BkIEverything at christianambitionpod.comShare with a friend & follow! Thx!

India is closing its doors to the gospel—and opening them WIDE to business. What if starting a marketing agency is the new way to become a missionary?Shifting missions funding from foreign donations to local, self-sustaining businesses (01:46)How missionaries (not just entrepreneurs!) can use business to stay on the field (06:24)The importance of discovering your WHY before your WHAT (12:19)Tips on starting a business in college—including failing, freelancing, and referrals (29:31)Guarding your heart and ambition: KPIs for redemptive profit, mentorship, and accountability (41:35)Practical advice on finding mentors and building godly partnerships (44:36)GUEST BIO:AJ Cherian grew up between ministry and business, learning firsthand from his grandfather, a missionary and Bible college founder in India, and his father, a businessman. Now based in the US, AJ runs four main businesses spanning apparel, BPO, and marketing—with a strong vision for leveraging business as a tool for Kingdom impact, especially in countries where traditional missions work is becoming more difficult. He’s the president of the Entrepreneurship Network, focused on mentoring and equipping “entrepreneurs for the Master’s use,” and loves finding ways to weave faith purposefully into every venture.SOCIAL LINKS AND RESOURCES:ThreefoldAJ’s Linked InENDING:Watch on [Youtube]Everything at christianambitionpod.comShare with a friend & follow! Thx!

Brandon True, an AI automation builder and systems specialist, shares insights on navigating ambition and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of skills over degrees, highlighting how marriage has refined his priorities. Brandon discusses the dangers of filter fatigue from excessive content and offers advice on learning AI through hands-on projects. He presents a biblical perspective on money, advocating for stewardship and generosity, while encouraging listeners to focus on present actions rather than future dreams.

Welcome to episode zero of the Christian Ambition Podcast! Sven shares the why, the vision, and the unique space it hopes to fill. Recognizing that today's world is full of loud voices and advice often coming from different worldviews, join the journey to explore what it looks like to integrate faith and ambition.Throughout the year, you can expect weekly episodes featuring powerful conversations that dive into the motives, stories, and decision-making behind faith-driven leadership. Subscribe, share with a friend, and remember: it's not what you do, but why.