Ministry Deep Dive

Join Travis as he has a deep conversation w/true storyteller Audrey Frank. She is a daughter of God, wife, mother, friend, poet, and true storyteller. She is a voice giver to those who have been silenced by shame. She is a storyteller guide who leads us through the art gallery of God's grace decorated with God’s great masterpieces—created in the lives of people around the world who have been given honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, and hope instead of despair.Audrey has a degree in intercultural studies and theology and more than 25 years of experience living among different world views, but her greatest credential is that her picture hangs in His gallery, streaked with the contrasts of deepest darks and brightest lights. This is a conversation of heart, laughter, conviction, and above all, true and lasting hope for all who listen. Check out the second part: #65 | Finding Hope, Shedding Shame, Pt. 1 | Audrey FrankLearn more about shame: #34 | Rediscovering Hospitality: A Lesson from Eastern Cultures | Jayson Georges#69 | The Insanity of God, Pt. 1 | Nik Ripken#70 | The Insanity of God, Pt. 2 | Nik Ripken#71 | The Insanity of God, Pt. 3 | Nik Ripken#112 | Truth, Trauma, and Transformation, Pt. 1 | Jami Staples#113 | Truth, Trauma, and Transformation, Pt. 2 | Jami Staples#117 | Defending Shame, Pt. 1 | Te-Li Lau#118 | Defending Shame, Pt. 2 | Te-Li LauLearn more about her.You can purchase her book, Covered Glory. Learn more about the Truth Collective. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!The discourse between Travis Michael Fleming and Audrey Frank embarks upon a profound exploration of the nuanced distinctions between guilt and shame, pivotal themes that resonate deeply within the human experience. As they delve into the essence of these emotions, Audrey, a seasoned expert in the realms of honor and shame, elucidates how these feelings manifest differently across various cultures, particularly within collectivist societies. She argues that guilt is often perceived as a behavioral issue, one that can be addressed through actions and reparations, while shame is an identity crisis, where the individual internalizes a sense of worthlessness. This dichotomy is critical for understanding not only personal struggles but also the broader societal implications these emotions have in shaping human interactions and relationships.The conversation further illuminates the practical implications of these concepts, particularly in the context of Christian faith. Audrey emphasizes the significance of recognizing one’s identity in Christ, which transcends the debilitating effects of shame. Through compelling anecdotes and her own life experiences, she demonstrates how the transformative power of the Gospel offers a path to redemption and honor, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of worth and dignity. The episode serves as a clarion call for individuals to seek liberation from the chains of shame, fostering a deeper understanding of their intrinsic value as beloved creations of God.In the latter part of the discussion, the duo touches on the cultural ramifications of honor and shame, particularly within the Muslim community. Audrey shares stories of women who have found their voices amidst oppressive paradigms of shame, highlighting the vital need for compassion and understanding in cross-cultural interactions. The episode underscores the importance of dialogue and education in bridging the gaps between differing worldviews, ultimately advocating for a message of hope and healing that resonates across cultural boundaries. This engaging exchange not only enriches the listener's understanding of guilt and shame but also inspires a movement towards dignity, honor, and the radical grace found in the teachings of Christ.Takeaways: The distinction between guilt and shame is crucial for understanding personal identity and healing. Audrey Frank emphasizes the importance of recognizing honor and shame in various cultural contexts. The podcast explores how understanding guilt and shame can lead to freedom in Christ. Shame often silences individuals, while understanding one's identity can restore their voice. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in conveying theological truths. Audrey's personal journey illustrates the transformative power of God's grace in overcoming shame.

What makes someone a follower of Jesus? Can you identify the characteristics? How can you identify a Jesus' follower? What is your test? Is it because they say they are? Can someone claim to be a Christ-follower and not be a Christian? What if they are baptized? What about those who look and sound like Jesus' followers, but upon further inspection, we can see that they are simply trying to use God to get what they want? Join Travis as he walks through one of the most difficult passages in all of Scripture (Acts 8:9-25) and shows us what a true Christ-follower looks like and what God really wants from us. Happy listening! Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

The Chosen has taken the world by storm. It enables us to see things from the perspective of those who knew Him. We can find ourselves in the story and see how their stories make sense. Dallas has tapped into our imagination and desire to see and know more. How did they start to follow Jesus? What was it about Him that would make them follow when He gave the invitation? Dallas has created a world that is not far removed but is close up. What is it that draws us in? What is special about it? How is God using it? What are the critics saying? Join Travis as he speaks with Dallas Jenkins about The Chosen and how he crafted it the way that he did. Listen in as they talk about why people love it, the challenge of expanding on the greatest story ever known, the criticisms that come, and Dallas superpower! Happy listening! Check out The Chosen.Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of Apollos Watered.

Join Travis and Os Guinness as they discuss religious liberty in the West and how Christians should respond. Western Christians are often ignorant of history and can't see the forces that are slowly eroding away their faith and religious freedoms. It's the spirit of the age operating as a cultural carbon monoxide of sorts, slowly lulling people into a spiritual stupor by pleasures and distractions. They talk about Os's new book, “The Magna Carta of Humanity,” as well as modernity and its effect on the modern evangelical church. Rather than despair, Os shares his hope of a revival because only God can save us from the cultural morass we are in. Check out The Magna Carta of Humanity and many other of Os' books and learn more about Os.Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of Apollos Watered.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Os Guinness, an author and social critic with a storied lineage as the great-great-great grandson of the Dublin brewer, dives into existential questions about religious freedom and Western civilization. He discusses the dangers of viewing revolutions as solutions, especially contrasting American ideals with the tumult of the French Revolution. The conversation humorously navigates cultural differences while emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage with societal issues, underscoring the significance of integrity and a biblically grounded revival in today’s challenging landscape.

There are things in life that fly at us that we didn't expect-trials, troubles, and traumas--things we have done as well as things done to us that we do not like, but God has a way of taking them and turning them into unexpected blessings. As Travis continues walking us through the books of Acts, we find a church growing and persecution growing along with it. Join Travis as he walks through Acts 8:4-8; 26-40 and looks at Philip the evangelist's unexpected cross-cultural ministry to Samaritan's. In doing so, we see that persecution enabled thrust him out, but it resulted in people coming to Jesus in ways that he probably didn't imagine. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

When I was a kid, I remember my mother saying stuff like, "Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold." And "See a penny pick it up, all day long, you will have good luck." When we were walking on a sidewalk she would warn me to not step on the crack because it would break her back! My mom was a little superstitious and by teaching me some of those little sayings, I became a little superstitious too. But when I gave my life to Jesus and started reading the Word of God, I slowly saw how superstitious and wrong some of those ideas were. I exchanged the little diddy's my mother taught for some better words to live by--the words of God.We all have little expressions we have been taught over the years by parents, grandparents, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, coaches, etc. But if we want to find peace, live a life of purpose, then we need to abandon old ways and replace them with that which is truly dependable -the Word of God. In this week's episode, Travis explores another episode from the life of the early church with Stephen's sermon. He recites Israel's story passed down from previous generations. They were words that he had lived by and he was showing his fellow Jews, and us today, how we can live and order our lives by Jesus, the one true Son of God. Listen in and see his words and how his words can become the words you live by. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Islam is on the rise. More than ever we are interacting with Muslims, but most of the time what we know about Islam is only what the media tells us. Join Travis as he has a Deep Conversation with Fouad Masri. Fouad is the founder of the Crescent Project which seeks to train Christians to build bridges with Muslims so that they too may know who Jesus really is. He is more than a prophet, but the incarnate Son of God who is the only means of salvation. They discuss many of the training opportunities that the Crescent Project has to help train you to water your world with the Good News of Jesus. They talk about Fouad's growing up in Lebanon, Lebanese cuisine, and shwarma. And the need for a good Middle Eastern restaurant in your neighborhood! Check out The Crescent Project, Fouad's books, Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

We all need examples to follow. From the time we are young, we need people to show us different things. Whether it is how to shoot a basketball, how to run a business, how to cook, clean properly, we all are looking for examples to follow. Biblically speaking, we have one of the greatest examples in the ministry of Stephen. He shows us what it means to be a Christ-follower, to be people of conviction, service, courage, fortitude, and trust. He stood for truth, helped people, but also made some enemies in the process. If you need encouragement today, then join Travis as he explores another episode in the early church in Acts 6:8-15 and shows us how we might fulfill God's purpose for our lives in the midst of a sinful world. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis and Irwyn continue their conversation about Irwyn's book, The Beautiful Community, and how we have a tendency to ghettoize ourselves. Yes, "ghettoize" is a word! They also talk about their children, obstacles to being part of God's beautiful community, and the blessings of God when people pursue it. Hint, the world sees Jesus through it (John 17:21). Learn more about Irwyn and his work at the Grace DC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!Takeaways: The podcast delves into the theological implications of ethnicity and race, highlighting the importance of unity in diversity as a reflection of God's desire for His people. Travis Michael Fleming and Irwyn Ince, Jr. engage in a profound discussion about the concept of Beautiful Community, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and authentic relationships across cultural divides. Listeners are encouraged to explore the challenges inherent in creating a truly diverse church environment, addressing issues such as minority fatigue and the sacrifices made by individuals from minority cultures. The conversation underscores the necessity of understanding the cost of belonging for ethnic minorities in predominantly majority culture churches, advocating for deeper awareness and genuine hospitality. The episode references the divine dance of the Trinity to illustrate the beauty of mutual support and glorification in community, inviting listeners to appreciate the richness of diversity. Practical tools, such as the Intercultural Development Inventory, are discussed as means to assess and enhance intercultural competence within church communities, promoting effective engagement across cultural differences.