Episodes
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Ministry often includes the unexpected, as Pastor Dan Pelletier recounts in this episode of On Mission podcast. Having served from the East Coast of the United States to a tiny island in Micronesia, Dan’s heart is entrenched in youth and Christian camp ministries. However, when a conference center he directed closed, the Lord provided lodging in the steeple of Hamilton Square Baptist Church in the heart of San Francisco. Then, through a series of events, the steeple became home, and Dan became the pastor. “It was never my plan,” he adamantly states in recounting how God’s plan unfolded. When asked his mission, he initially focused on youth ministry and readily responded, “Touching the future.” Now the scheme is broader. It is “touching the future” through the church, made up of affluent members as well as the homeless encamped around them, and of multi-ethnic people of all ages in the Bay area. “Touching the future,” as host Dr. Matt Davis summarizes, “with truth from the past.”
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Dr. Matt Davis welcomes Jon Bladine, Director of Longview Camp in Arcade, New York, as his guest on this episode of On Mission. Jon discusses how the Lord guided him to camp ministry, the skills that have been beneficial, and those he had to acquire, as well as the challenge of revitalizing a struggling ministry. Out of college, Jon had plans to be a missionary pilot; his journey may resonate with those who have undergone training for a specific purpose only to be guided in a different direction by God. Dr. Davis and Jon swap memories of Northland in Dunbar, WI, where Jon grew up, and of various camp ministries Jon has been a part of. You will be encouraged by Jon’s passion and testimony of God’s hand in their lives through the camp ministry, and admonished to never second guess what God has done in a place where little fruit is visible. Ministry’s value is eternal because it is about people.
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Missing episodes?
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Join Dr. Matt Davis as he talks with retired chaplain Lt. Col. Scott Nupson on this episode of On Mission. Mr. Nupson represents the Associated Gospel Churches Chaplaincy, a tool of the local church to endorse and send chaplains into limited access institutions (all branches of the military, Civil Air Patrol, Veterans Affairs, police, fire, federal prisons) in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Besides his career as a chaplain, he has been a pastor, husband of 35 years, and father of four, all whom serve faithfully in their local churches all over the world. Dr. Davis and Mr. Nupson provide context on chaplains in the American military, discussing their history and the spiritual needs of military personnel. They also address the legitimacy of the chaplain’s role and Mr. Nupson’s deployment experience and lessons learned. You will be encouraged by his faithful testimony of God’s grace, and learn how to encourage and support the work of chaplains in our military.
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In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis gets to know 2010 graduate and MBU's new assistant athletic director and soccer coach, Jarid Lawson. In the fourteen years since graduating college, the Lord has kept the Lawson family on the move: from student teaching and meeting his wife in Missouri, to teaching, coaching and starting a family in Arizona, to Montana to be near family for a time, to his current role at MBU. In each place, God had remarkable coaches to mentor him: Gary Garrison as a youth, Jeff Pill in college, Paul Brown and Lynn Hesuinger in Arizona. Coach Lawson and Dr. Davis find common ground over the great need for godly teachers and coaches to disciple student athletes, and discuss the connection between teaching and coaching. Coach Lawson draws his personal mission from Psalm 31:1-3, to be the kind of believer that teaches and coaches those who want to be taught and coached, multiplying the biblical character and leadership God has so graciously been molding in him.
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Dr. Matt Davis talks with Maranatha’s own nursing faculty member, Dr. Sarah Urban, on this episode of On Mission. With years of experience as a nurse, Dr. Urban has dedicated herself to nursing education, driven by the goal of training nurse leaders. Dr. Urban talks about the satisfaction of teaching and the excitement of watching her students succeed in the healthcare field. She discusses the many paths available to students after graduation, debunking the idea that nurses only work in hospitals or clinics—some may work in community settings such as schools or public health departments, the military, healthcare leadership, case management, education, or even as a legal nurse consultant. And, Dr. Davis and Dr. Urban openly address the challenges of compassion fatigue, and of practicing faith in nursing—highlighting its holistic impact on patients’ lives. “Nursing is a unique ministry that makes a difference in the lives of patients not only physically but also psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually.” -Sarah Urban, PhD, RN, CNE
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In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis sits down with Dr. David Canedy, Deputation Director of Baptist World Mission (BWM). A former accountant, Dr. Canedy’s professional skills and pastoral gifts have been faithfully utilized by God in his current position to assist local churches in sending out missionaries. He discusses the process of missionary deputizing and board appointment, with a focus on BWM’s criteria for candidates. Dr. Canedy and Dr. Davis then delve into the importance of being faithful servants and how it relates to our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure—and the solace there is in God’s record-keeping. It is that eternal hope that protects us from the discouragements of life in today’s grievance-driven culture, and what motivates Canedy to remain faithful in the smallest aspects of life.
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On this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis speaks with Pastor Ron Perry of Faith Baptist Church in Folsom, California. Pastor Perry shares poignant life lessons from his experience as a pastor, police chaplain, husband, and father. One key he shared is the involvement of his wife and their entire family in church ministry. Pastor Perry shares his unique gifting of relational shepherding, and how it has played a large role in how he and his family experience the burdens and joys of ministry.
Pastor Perry discusses his “seasonal” approach to living on mission, detailing what it looks like to "Put your Yes on the table for the Lord” and keep it there. Saying Yes represents the idea of surrendering to God’s will, trusting in God’s character—His goodness, love, and sovereignty—even before knowing the specifics of what He wants. As trust deepens with God, it gets easier to fully surrender; and the better we know God, the simpler it becomes to trust Him with our decisions. -
In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis speaks with Mark Cover, Co-CEO at Hines in Houston, Texas, where he has spent his career overseeing real estate acquisition, development and operations for Hines’ Southwest Region. Mr. Cover shares insights from working across cultures to build everything from community apartment complexes to billion-dollar stadiums; and how his unique skill set and personal mission to please the Lord translates to mentoring young people on the investment side and is funneled back to ministry in his discipleship of men in his local church. Mr. Cover is transparent about his plan for retirement, which is to steward his time, talent, and treasure long into the future by supporting church planting in inner cities through his family’s 501(c)(3) Great Commission Properties. Dr. Davis and Mr. Cover also discuss the challenges of stewarding personal and organizational assets well, and the cultural differences and risks of doing business or missions in foreign communities. While you may never manage a multi-billion-dollar real estate portfolio, this episode vividly illustrates the biblical truth that faithfulness in stewardship begins with the “little things” of life. As we demonstrate faithfulness, God rewards us with greater opportunities as He sees fit. (Luke 16:10) In eternity, believers will be ultimately rewarded for careful stewardship of the Master’s resources.
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In his second appearance in the On Mission podcast, Randell Gillespie, chief production officer for Thrive Mortgage and member of the Maranatha Board of Trustees, sits down with Dr. Matt Davis to talk about how his mission in life has evolved after parenting nine children, and the different ways the Lord has led as he and his wife plan for an empty nest. Gillespie shares heart-warming stories of his family’s travels and music ministry, and how he became committed to supporting missions—after one vacation in Orlando, of all places! He is transparent about his shortcomings, and how the Lord has graciously intervened at many checkpoints to teach perseverance, trust and obedience. This is an episode that will encourage every believer, and prove that no matter one’s vocation, you will never regret investing your time and money in things of eternal value.
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In the vibrant and dynamic world of sports, the role of a coach extends far beyond mere game tactics. Dr. Lane Hansel, also known as Dr. Coach in the soccer community, exemplifies a profound dedication to nurturing not only athletic skills but also a strong team spirit and personal discipline among his players. His affectionate moniker reflects the respect and admiration he has earned through his multifaceted role at Maranatha, both as coach and the chair of the Department of Applied Science.
For Dr. Hansel, soccer is not just a game but a vital tool for teaching valuable life lessons. He describes his coaching journey as thrilling, interspersed with moments of joy as he watches his players grow over their four-year college careers. His involvement extends into engaging games like "crossbar," where precision and a bit of friendly competition among coaches reign supreme. Such activities, while seemingly trivial, play a crucial role in team bonding and fostering a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere.
Interestingly, Dr. Hansel's approach to coaching is deeply intertwined with his own personal and professional experiences. From his teenage years working in dining services to his diverse roles in academia and athletics, each phase of his life has been about embracing teamwork and setting an example of resilience and adaptability. Whether it's overcoming injuries or adjusting to new roles, Dr. Hansel's journey underscores a key message: the importance of perseverance and managing challenges with grace. To him, success is collaborative, whether on the field or in the classroom. This ethos is not confined to theory but practiced actively through games and training exercises that promote unity and shared goals.
Beyond the field, Dr. Hansel’s approach offers a blueprint for effective leadership and teamwork in any professional setting. By fostering an environment where each player’s—or employee’s—strengths are recognized and nurtured, he demonstrates how collective efforts often result in achieving lofty goals that seemed unattainable individually. By blending his coaching role with his academic responsibilities, he underscores the parallel between excelling in sports and succeeding in academic or professional endeavors. His leadership courses and roles within the academic community at Maranatha further showcase his commitment to building leaders of tomorrow, who are as adept at handling life's challenges as they are at strategizing on the soccer field.
As we delve into the nuances of Dr. Hansel's coaching techniques and philosophies, it becomes evident that the realms of sports, education, and personal development are not as compartmentalized as they might seem. Instead, they enrich the other dynamically. This holistic approach not only prepares students and athletes for immediate challenges but equips them with the resilience and team-centric mindset essential for long-term success.
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In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis and Jonathan Sheeley host Watertown, Wisconsin police chief Dave Brower, a man tasked with the protection and safety of their own community. With over twenty years in law enforcement, Chief Brower shares his three-pronged approach to living life and being an effective workplace leader—integrity, hard work, and competence—and provides practical ways to live them out. Dr. Davis asks Chief Brower hard questions: Should Christians be involved in public service? What do you say to people who don’t want your Christian values imposed on them? What’s the role of emotion and time compression regarding integrity? How does someone in the criminal justice system raise a family and not let the negative outcomes affect a marriage and kids? Chief Brower answers these questions and more, emphasizing the need to support officers for their sacrifice, as being prepared to end a life to safeguard the public is a constant and heavy burden, and how officers bear the strain willingly in order to be in a profession that is profoundly meaningful.
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In this episode of On Mission, Dr. Matt Davis and Pastor Bob Loggans, an MBU graduate and senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, talk candidly about his lifetime of ministry, how he stays motivated by delighting in God’s will (Psalm 40:8), and his passion for mentoring young people. Pastor Loggans shares how it was possible to transition to various roles throughout his life: as pastor of a rural church on a gravel road to traveling evangelist, to college administrator, and now pastor of an established ministry with many outreaches. Dr. Davis and he discuss Calvary’s distinctive internship program, created to address the demand for more skilled pastors. He advises college students who are undecided about their life path to seize the opportunities available and witness how God opens doors when they use their gifts and abilities.
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Beckie Manley is the founder and Idea Chief at Fierce Strategy + Creative, a successful agency with expertise in strategy, branding, marketing, advertising, and media. Dr. Davis and Ms. Manley discuss their missional approach to life and work and how that alignment creates long-term success. They also discuss the importance of articulating a university's identity and mission through branding, each sharing their experiences in building successful identities, and emphasizing the necessity of a clear strategic plan and fostering a culture of personal responsibility among team members.
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Dustin Shevy, an MBU graduate and library media specialist, has a front row seat to the impact technology is having in his school district, and is passionate about helping teachers and students adapt to technological advancements. In this episode, Shevy recounts his journey from college to public education, delving into the ethical and practical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Host Dr. Matt Davis and Shevy discuss the innovative uses that personalize learning experiences, agreeing with its potential to diminish genuine human interactions, which are vital for effective learning and emotional development. The evolving role of educators in this AI-driven landscape has challenged Shevy to champion its use as a tool to enhance empathy, understanding, and personal connection rather than replace those human elements—and he firmly sees how AI can support, not substitute, the teacher’s role in fostering a nurturing learning environment.
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David Hoffeld is the CEO and chief sales trainer of Hoffeld Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Harvard Business School graduate, and author of The Science of Selling. He is passionate about serving God and giving Him glory through his ability to train and invest in people. His groundbreaking methods employ the latest scientific research to teach salespeople better and more transparent methods of influencing buying decisions. In this episode, Dr. Matt Davis and Hoffeld discuss decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty; sales tactics and pressure with insights on training and customer service; transitioning from ministry to business coaching; and both find common ground in the shared values of pursuing excellence, and of ministering the gospel and worshipping beyond church walls.
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Brendan and Sydney discuss their roles in law and accounting, and the joy they find in creating value for clients and colleagues, both through the technical minutiae of their expertise, and how it leads to opportunities for mentorship and ministry. They discuss work/life balance, and how invigorating it is to work with smart people—beginning with their “masterful” undergraduate professors at MBU, and continuing in careers that give incredible exposure to experienced colleagues.
As the conversation turns towards their training at MBU, they each share what had the most impact on them during their college experience: 1.) their relationships with professors—who have remained close as mentors and friends—which is markedly different to their counterparts’ experience at secular schools; 2.) how they learned to balance pride and drive at MBU, which prepared them for the choices they would have to make later; 3.) and, missions trips and business internships at MBU that led to lifelong friendships.
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Mike Saunders, president of Marketing Huddle, is an authority positioning coach and author of the book, Authority Selling. Saunders sees his purpose as honoring and glorifying God in all aspects of life: personal, professional, and family. He discusses how a focus on teaching others leads to opportunities for service, and how an others-oriented mindset is not solely from personal kindness but for pointing others towards spiritual fulfillment.
Dr. Davis and Mr. Saunders also discuss BAM (Business as Mission), a concept that distinguishes between simply being a Christian in business and fully integrating faith into one's professional life by being “two feet in" the kingdom rather than simply attending church on weekends. An approach to life and business that views purpose not as a specific, fixed destination, but an ongoing commitment to honor and glorify God in all aspects of life provides a flexible platform for pursuing goals while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the ultimate purpose of honoring God. -
In this heartening episode of “On Mission,” Dr. Matt Davis warmly welcomes Maureen Vandenberg, a distinguished policy analyst and devoted homeschooling mother, shedding light on her multifaceted life and mission.
Maureen’s testimony beautifully blends her professional endeavors and personal joys, particularly emphasizing the profound influences of motherhood and music in her life. She reflects on balancing her demanding roles while staying rooted in her faith, guided by the biblical principle of living to please God articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:9. This spiritual foundation not only shapes her daily interactions but also reinforces her advocacy for Christian values in education and policy, particularly during her transformative shift from a teacher in Indiana to a governmental influencer in Washington, D.C.
Maureen's involvement in D.C. highlights her courageous step into significant legislative battles, defending religious freedoms amidst a cultural tide shifting against traditional values. Her journey is marked by encounters with influential politicians and urgent discussions on national identity and the broader integrity of legislation, viewed through the lens of faith.
Furthermore, the narrative gracefully addresses broader societal concerns, such as the increasing challenges to religious liberties under various administrative policies, and contrasts these with the founding fathers’ intentions of establishing a balanced governance system. The episode does not shy away from critiquing the contradictions within the socialist agenda and underscores the essential role of Christian-led institutions in nurturing future leaders adhering to Christ-centered values.
The episode culminates with poignant reflections on the intersection of personal faith, professional integrity, and public service. Maureen’s story is a testament to the endurance of faith through societal shifts and personal milestones, urging listeners to embody a mission-centric life, steadfast in divine purpose and grace.
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In this episode of On Mission, discover the profound insights of Pastor Mark Minnick of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Pastor Minnick reveals his personal mission, highlighting his dedication to mentoring men in ministry, a commitment shaped by his seminary experiences and early pastoral roles.
Davis and Minnick do not shy away from addressing challenges Christian communities face from modern societal ideologies that often conflict with traditional Christian values. Issues such as identity-based movements, the theological understanding of grief, and the continuous presence of sin and temptation emerge as central themes.
This far-ranging episode underscores the complexities of living a Christian life in modern times, stressing the importance of adherence to biblical principles, engaging with the world while maintaining a Christlike response, and the spiritual empowerment that enables believers to confront challenges and live victoriously in expectation of Christ's return.
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Subscribe to Maranatha On Mission on YouTube.
Learn more about Maranatha mbu.edu.
For more episodes, visit mbu.edu/podcast.
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Wilson covers topics such as what a camp director does, how he got into ministry, and how he approaches his ministry philosophy. We hear about his dedication to camp ministry and why it's still relevant to today's youth.
Find out more about Camp CoBeAc here.
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Follow @maranathaedu on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Subscribe to Maranatha On Mission on YouTube.
Learn more about Maranatha mbu.edu.
For more episodes, visit mbu.edu/podcast.
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