Mission Central

Pastor. Missionary. Activist. Organizer. Mother. Professor. The Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra has done it all. That’s fitting for someone who’s dedicated her life’s work to misión integral, or holistic mission. She’s passionate about being on mission with Jesus in a way “that doesn't separate the body and soul but loves the whole person in the whole family in the whole community in the whole neighborhood in the whole society.” Dr. Salvatierra teaches aspiring scholars and church leaders about putting holistic mission into practice as a faculty member of the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary. Alison Freeman interviews Dr. Salvatierra and finds out how she came to faith after an atheist upbringing, how she sustains her life with God amidst the demands of a busy ministry, and why a dark view of human nature actually helps sustain us in the work of justice.

Social action is not an optional aspect of Christian life; it’s an essential component of love for our neighbors. Dr. Ron C. Potter offers his analysis on how Jesus presented this social aspect of his mission. A holistic vision of the Gospel brings together the life of the mind, spiritual formation, and social action. Dr. Potter is a scholar of African American Christianity in the U.S., having served at the Center for Urban Theological Studies in Philadelphia and Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, Pennsylvania. He also happens to be son-in-law to Christian community development pioneers John and Vera Mae Perkins. Dr. Potter is joined by Bishop Henry Joseph, pastor of Zion Church in Ridgeland, MS, to discuss a theological framework for racism—and how to repent from it.

“I was like an alcoholic who got a job at a bar. It was not a good recipe for my health.” That’s how Lance Witt describes his years as an executive pastor. While he’s thankful for that season of ministry, he has also changed his approach to leadership. In this episode, Lance shares how he learned to pay attention to his soul, practicing healthy rhythms of time with Jesus, free from compulsive hurry and ego-driven ambition. After many years serving at Saddleback Church (home to Rick Warren and The Purpose Driven Life), Lance now leads Replenish, helping others discover a way to lead where the results come from a healthy, God-centered, humble life.

What if God was doing in your heart was so solid that it made a difference in the lives of everyone around you? That's the promise of "spiritual formation"—a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. But how does that process really work? So often when we pursue spiritual growth, we get stuck. Progress eludes us. Looking at our own shortcomings can feel laborious and leave us feeling guilty. Is there a way to lean into this process that's joyful and emotionally healthy? What does the Bible really say about it? Bethany Allen, Pastor of Spiritual Formation & Leadership Development at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon lives these questions every day as she helps volunteers, leaders, and ordinary Christians put their faith into practice. She offers warm and welcome guidance for those who want to take a step toward wholeness.

Chris and Alison introduce Mission Central, a new podcast for emerging Christian leaders. Our coming micro-season will feature five thoughtful guests who embody the elements of a faithful leader we focus on this spring: Effective Leadership Spiritual Formation Emotional Health Multi-ethnic Community