Mission Lab

Episode 022 - Why Do We Gather?

There is a lot of church practice that we participate in without examining our underlying assumptions. In this episode, we take a step back and talk about the purpose and reasons for gathering as God's people, first touching upon why we refer to such events as "gatherings" rather than "church," and then laying a foundation for how gathering as God's people might look. 

Episode 021 - How Do I Start a Missional Community?

We've talked in the past about what a missional community is and how important they are. Now we talk about some of the ins-and-outs of starting one. What are the first steps to starting a missional community and how do we choose our mission? These are a few of the questions we tackle in this very relevant conversation!

Episode 20 - Tales from Down Under

While speaking in Australia recently, Shawn caught up with two young church planters who are on fire for mission. Meet Francis Pule and Lachlan Campbell, who started LifeSwich Community Church in Goodna, Queensland, Australia. Enjoy their passion and glean some ideas. Hear how regular pastoring just wasn't cutting it for them.

Episode 019 - Dad, On 40 Years of Ministry, Retirement, and How to Reach Beacon Hill

Shawn's dad stops by and shares reflections from over 40 years of ministry. He talks about the positives from his ministry and what he may have done differently - implicitly revealing that you can teach an old dog new tricks. We reflect on how to reach people from Beacon Hill in Boston - the epitome of those from the upper class - and how our traditional evangelistic efforts likely won't reach people of that ilk (and how they haven't). Lastly, we reflect for a few moments on what it's like to be retired, and what is keeping him busy these days.

Episode 018 - Camille's Story

Camille picks up the baton and shares her story. 

Episode 017 - Shawn's Story

You've heard other people's stories on the podcast, now spend the next two weeks hearing ours. Shawn kicks off this two-part detour sharing his story - admitting that his story is quite ordinary and boring - but also recognizing that that's where its power resides.

Episode 016 - Pudge!

You've heard us mention his name a few times, now meet him yourself! Shawn sits down with our friend Pudge to talk about his zig-zagging life - from growing up as a military brat, to having the fear of God scared into him by his childhood pastor, to bouncing in and out of marriage - and church. Discover why he's felt a pull back into the missional life.

Episode 015 - The Power of Story

One of the most powerful things we can do while being on mission and making disciples is to listen to one another's story. We explain how this has been so important in our missional community life and how it gives dignity to those we are blessing and serving.

Episode 014 - What About Us Introverts?

Approximately half the population of the world considers themselves to be "introverts." What does mission and community mean for them? Do they get a free pass from making disciples and being on mission? Acknowledging that we are both extroverts, we discuss how introverts may actually have an advantage when it comes to making disciples and being in missional communities.

Episode 013 - Mike DeVito, on Going to Hell - and other Missional Musings

Shawn sits down with his good friend - NFL veteran and stay-at-home Dad, Mike DeVito. We talk about Mike's story of coming to Christ in college, how that naturally translated into sharing his faith with his family, but how his missional fervor has admittedly waned since then. We also dabble in a brief conversation on the relation of culture and Christ - how to walk the fine line of trying to redeem the culture for Christ while not being changed by it.