Shawn has a conversation with one of his new church members, Lori Day, who, along with her husband, Weston, showed up to his church a year ago, after making an unlikely move from Texas to Maine to join up with God's mission. Listen in as Lori shares her journey from atheism to grace, and from Texas to Maine.

Shawn has a conversation with one of his new church members, Lori Day, who, along with her husband, Weston, showed up to his church a year ago, after making an unlikely move from Texas to Maine to join up with God's mission. Listen in as Lori shares her journey from atheism to grace, and from Texas to Maine.

Episode 111 - A New Day: From Texas to Maine, on Mission With God

Shawn interviews a long-time friend he's known since childhood - a friend from the boonies of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, where Shawn's family has a vacation home. Jimmy tells his remarkable story of coming to Christ - going from a context where there are very few Christians, and mostly just Catholics if anyone is, to one that is learning what it means to follow Jesus. 

Shawn interviews a long-time friend he's known since childhood - a friend from the boonies of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, where Shawn's family has a vacation home. Jimmy tells his remarkable story of coming to Christ - going from a context where there are very few Christians, and mostly just Catholics if anyone is, to one that is learning what it means to follow Jesus.

Episode 110 - From Cape Breton to Christ, with Jimmy Bungay

Shawn shares about an experience he had recently doing a sort of "public" evangelistic meeting, asking if it was, perhaps, the most successful one ever conducted. Of course, there is a twist to the whole experience, and he asks the question a little tongue-in-cheek.

Shawn shares about an experience he had recently doing a sort of "public" evangelistic meeting, asking if it was, perhaps, the most successful one ever conducted. Of course, there is a twist to the whole experience, and he asks the question a little tongue-in-cheek.

Episode 109 - The Greatest Evangelistic Meeting Ever?

Don't be too scandalized by the title: Shawn unpacks some recent realizations he's had about how to look at the idea of disciple-making. When understood in this way, he proposes it has a chance to elevate its significance. To subscribe to his new weekly newsletter, Reimagining Faith, go to shawnbrace.substack.com.

Don't be too scandalized by the title: Shawn unpacks some recent realizations he's had about how to look at the idea of disciple-making. When understood in this way, he proposes it has a chance to elevate its significance. To subscribe to his new weekly newsletter, Reimagining Faith, go to <a href="http://shawnbrace.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shawnbrace.substack.com</a>.

Episode 108 - Disciple-Making as Love-Making

After a long, long hiatus, Shawn drops by with an update and a promise of future episodes.

After a long, long hiatus, Shawn drops by with an update and a promise of future episodes.

Episode 107 - Hello.

Kessia Reyne Bennett

Shawn has a really stimulating conversation with Pastor Kessia Reyne Bennett, pastor for discipleship at the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, as they talk about her journey into faith, the community that drew her in, and whether or not we have to convert people to modernism in order to convert them to Christianity. 

Shawn has a really stimulating conversation with Pastor Kessia Reyne Bennett, pastor for discipleship at the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, as they talk about her journey into faith, the community that drew her in, and whether or not we have to convert people to modernism in order to convert them to Christianity.

Episode 106 - Converts to Modernism, With Kessia Reyne Bennett

Kevin Wilson

Shawn has a conversation with his new pal Kevin, who became an overnight TikTok star, reflecting on what that's been like personally and missionally - and how it relates to incarnational ministry. 

Shawn has a conversation with his new pal Kevin, who became an overnight TikTok star, reflecting on what that's been like personally and missionally - and how it relates to incarnational ministry.

Episode 105 - Kevin Wilson, "The Chai Guy," on TikTok Discipleship and Mission

Chad Stuart

Shawn has a conversation with his old friend Chad Stuart, pastor of the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is a large "institutional church" in Maryland. Chad talks about transitioning his church to focus on small groups, and what it's been like to do it with his whole family, prioritizing his children.

Shawn has a conversation with his old friend Chad Stuart, pastor of the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is a large "institutional church" in Maryland. Chad talks about transitioning his church to focus on small groups, and what it's been like to do it with his whole family, prioritizing his children.

Episode 104 - From Institutional Church to Small Groups With Chad Stuart

The title is pretty self-explanatory: as a part of a major recruitment effort, where Shawn's church is trying to bring in 5-10 families to help with their missional work, Shawn provides seven reasons why you should consider moving to Bangor!

The title is pretty self-explanatory: as a part of a major recruitment effort, where Shawn's church is trying to bring in 5-10 families to help with their missional work, Shawn provides seven reasons why you should consider moving to Bangor!

Episode 103 - Seven Reasons You Should Move to Bangor

We do something different: we cross-post an interview that Shawn was on the receiving end of a while back on a podcast called Disruptive Adventism. Though much of the content will probably sound like much of what we've shared on this podcast in the past, having someone else interview Shawn elicited a slightly different take than what we've heard before. Listen in as Jose Briones grills Shawn on what it means to be missional.

We do something different: we cross-post an interview that Shawn was on the receiving end of a while back on a podcast called Disruptive Adventism. Though much of the content will probably sound like much of what we've shared on this podcast in the past, having someone else interview Shawn elicited a slightly different take than what we've heard before. Listen in as Jose Briones grills Shawn on what it means to be missional.

Episode 102 - Killing Church With Disruptive Adventism

Missional musings and advice on church, the gospel, missional communities, and discipleship - from the front lines of secularism.

Great podcast discussing the practical ways to live life on mission!

Missional Living

Good inspiration and ideas for missionary living and sharing!

MissionLab

Mission Lab

Shawn goes solo and offers a telling of "The Story of God," showing the big picture of the Bible's overarching narrative. He shares a few thoughts on how one can organize gatherings for an ongoing telling of the story, how it can be shared with those who don't know anything about God, and a few resources in learning the story better.

Shawn goes solo and offers a telling of "The Story of God," showing the big picture of the Bible's overarching narrative. He shares a few thoughts on how one can organize gatherings for an ongoing telling of the story, how it can be shared with those who don't know anything about God, and a few resources in learning the story better.

Episode 040 - The Story of God

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.

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 014 - What About Us Introverts?

We recruited a cast of thousands to break down this timely question brought up by a reason Barna study: why do Millennials apparently think it's wrong to share their faith with the hopes that others will one day join their faith? Actually, eight of us sit around a living room for a fireside chat for a lively and riveting discussion about what it means to share one's faith and how one might do it in an age of pluralism. 

We recruited a cast of thousands to break down this timely question brought up by a reason Barna study: why do Millennials apparently think it's wrong to share their faith with the hopes that others will one day join their faith? Actually, eight of us sit around a living room for a fireside chat for a lively and riveting discussion about what it means to share one's faith and how one might do it in an age of pluralism.

Episode 074 – The Big Show: Why Do Millennials Think It’s Wrong to Share Their Faith?

Pretty simple: we reflect on what scares us about mission, discipleship, and the church. 

Pretty simple: we reflect on what scares us about mission, discipleship, and the church.

Episode 036 - What Scares Us

Shawn sits down with his good friend Jim Mello to discuss the importance of safe communities, emotional intelligence, and his faith journey - which has had many twists and turns. We discuss Jim's experience with church and being drawn into our missional community.

Shawn sits down with his good friend Jim Mello to discuss the importance of safe communities, emotional intelligence, and his faith journey - which has had many twists and turns. We discuss Jim's experience with church and being drawn into our missional community.

Episode 010 - Forming Safe Communities

Back in episode 25, we discussed whether we should "go rogue" when it comes to mission and community in our churches if others don't get it. In this episode, we circle back around to this idea after receiving a question from our friends who seem to be facing this very issue in their own church experience. Is there a place to cut the chord and launch out on our own? We share some surprising insights from older Adventist sources and how they might apply today.

Back in episode 25, we discussed whether we should "go rogue" when it comes to mission and community in our churches if others don't get it. In this episode, we circle back around to this idea after receiving a question from our friends who seem to be facing this very issue in their own church experience. Is there a place to cut the chord and launch out on our own? We share some surprising insights from older Adventist sources and how they might apply today.

Episode 051 - What to Do When Your Church Doesn't Get It

Greg Jamrog

Shawn sits down with Greg Jamrog, who recently embraced Christianity and Adventism, to talk about what his journey into faith looked like. They discuss how Greg is an example of what Camille and Shawn talked about in Episode 57 - where leaning into faith will often come primarily through attractive relationships and not necessarily because a person has an unsatiable appetite for "truth." 

Shawn sits down with Greg Jamrog, who recently embraced Christianity and Adventism, to talk about what his journey into faith looked like. They discuss how Greg is an example of what Camille and Shawn talked about in Episode 57 - where leaning into faith will often come primarily through attractive relationships and not necessarily because a person has an unsatiable appetite for "truth."

Episode 058 - Greg Jamrog, Proving Our Point

Hard conversations are, well, hard, but they are so critically important. We talk about the importance of dialogue - both when it comes to life in community as well as discipling others who don't know Christ, offering a few pointers.

Hard conversations are, well, hard, but they are so critically important. We talk about the importance of dialogue - both when it comes to life in community as well as discipling others who don't know Christ, offering a few pointers.

Episode 071 - The Art of Dialogue

We answer a few more of your questions, discussing what we would have done differently in the past, knowing what we know now; how we can approach Scripture with the proper hermeneutical lens; and how tithe would work if pastors served more as planters and equippers.

We answer a few more of your questions, discussing what we would have done differently in the past, knowing what we know now; how we can approach Scripture with the proper hermeneutical lens; and how tithe would work if pastors served more as planters and equippers.

Episode 046 - Questions, Questions - Part 2

After "re-launching" our Sabbath gathering service on September 15, we share some reflections on what went down and how it went. 

After "re-launching" our Sabbath gathering service on September 15, we share some reflections on what went down and how it went.

Episode 065 - Restart Reflections

We go an unconventional route, sharing a sermon that Ty Gibson recently preached. But cut us some slack: we're on vacation!ff Be encouraged, challenged, and stimulated by this thought-provoking sermon by Ty as he grapples with the question of whether people who have never heard of - or seemingly rejected - Christ can be saved.

We go an unconventional route, sharing a sermon that Ty Gibson recently preached. But cut us some slack: we're on vacation!ff Be encouraged, challenged, and stimulated by this thought-provoking sermon by Ty as he grapples with the question of whether people who have never heard of - or seemingly rejected - Christ can be saved.

Episode 060 - No Other Name

It may sound like a cliche, but we talk about the importance of prayer when it comes to mission and discipleship, sharing a few stories about how it has impacted our own lives and mission. Since we cannot control other human beings, we discuss how only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction, speaking to people's hearts. At the same time, we share a huge caveat about how prayer cannot be used as an excuse for inaction. Don't forget to get questions in for our special episode on April 2. Get them in by March 29 by emailing shawnbrace@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter @mlabpodcast.

It may sound like a cliche, but we talk about the importance of prayer when it comes to mission and discipleship, sharing a few stories about how it has impacted our own lives and mission. Since we cannot control other human beings, we discuss how only the Holy Spirit can bring conviction, speaking to people's hearts. At the same time, we share a huge caveat about how prayer cannot be used as an excuse for inaction. Don't forget to get questions in for our special episode on April 2. Get them in by March 29 by emailing <a href="mailto:shawnbrace@gmail.com">shawnbrace@gmail.com</a> Follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/mlabpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mlabpodcast</a>.

Episode 043 - The Secret Missional Weapon

We knew this day would come: we've been having conversations lately with people who are interested in officially joining our church. But their interest doesn't necessarily follow traditional Adventist evangelistic lines. So we discuss questions about baptism, membership, and discipleship - noting how historically Adventists have opted for membership over discipleship. 

We knew this day would come: we've been having conversations lately with people who are interested in officially joining our church. But their interest doesn't necessarily follow traditional Adventist evangelistic lines. So we discuss questions about baptism, membership, and discipleship - noting how historically Adventists have opted for membership over discipleship.

Episode 057 - The One About Baptism, Membership, and Discipleship

Shawn goes solo and preaches a "sermon," examining scripture to determine if church buildings contain "sacred space." He then applies the implications to mission, discipleship, and ecclessiology, and addresses common objections to his conclusions. 

Shawn goes solo and preaches a "sermon," examining scripture to determine if church buildings contain "sacred space." He then applies the implications to mission, discipleship, and ecclessiology, and addresses common objections to his conclusions.

Episode 056 - Has God Left the Building?

The word "discipleship" is such a buzzword today. It is populat to talk about its importance. We also mention it frequently. But what does it mean? And how do we do it? We grapple with this important and significant question, offering our take on what it means to make disciples and how we do it.

The word "discipleship" is such a buzzword today. It is populat to talk about its importance. We also mention it frequently. But what does it mean? And how do we do it? We grapple with this important and significant question, offering our take on what it means to make disciples and how we do it.

Episode 037 - What We Talk About When We Talk About Discipleship

Shawn goes solo in this episode to talk about something that - in his opinion - a church should never, ever do. 

Shawn goes solo in this episode to talk about something that - in his opinion - a church should never, ever do.

Episode 054 - Community a la Carte?

Ted Huskins

Shawn sits down with Ted Huskins, the Executive Secretary from the Northern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (the governing body that oversees churches in his region), to discuss the challenges of spreading the gospel in New England. Ted reflects on his experience moving from the "Bible Belt" to secular New England, and how his understanding of church planting and evangelism has changed as a result. He explains the church planting initiative that he is leading, and invites listeners to come join the movement at ground zero of secularism in the United States. To email Ted Huskins, email thuskins@nnec.org.

Shawn sits down with Ted Huskins, the Executive Secretary from the Northern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (the governing body that oversees churches in his region), to discuss the challenges of spreading the gospel in New England. Ted reflects on his experience moving from the "Bible Belt" to secular New England, and how his understanding of church planting and evangelism has changed as a result. He explains the church planting initiative that he is leading, and invites listeners to come join the movement at ground zero of secularism in the United States. To email Ted Huskins, email thuskins@nnec.org.

Episode 059 - Something's Gotta Give in New England, with Ted Huskins

Meet Jose. He's a friend of Shawn's. The two met while Jose was serving Shawn and his book club at a Mexican restaurant in Bangor. From there, the friendship blossomed - and now Jose sits down with Shawn and shares his reflections on his disbelief in God, growing up in Mexico, living as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, and his experience at Shawn's restarted church.

Meet Jose. He's a friend of Shawn's. The two met while Jose was serving Shawn and his book club at a Mexican restaurant in Bangor. From there, the friendship blossomed - and now Jose sits down with Shawn and shares his reflections on his disbelief in God, growing up in Mexico, living as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, and his experience at Shawn's restarted church.

Episode 066 - An Undocumented Mexican Atheist in Maine Goes to Church

There seems to be a growing sentiment among Christians in general, and even Seventh-day Adventists in particular, which says that we shouldn't "steal sheep" from other denominations. Is this a correct attitude? We grapple with this important question, asking whether there is any room for introducing others to our "truth" and whether the goal of discipleship is to get everyone - whether they're Christians already or completely unchurched - to become Adventist.

There seems to be a growing sentiment among Christians in general, and even Seventh-day Adventists in particular, which says that we shouldn't "steal sheep" from other denominations. Is this a correct attitude? We grapple with this important question, asking whether there is any room for introducing others to our "truth" and whether the goal of discipleship is to get everyone - whether they're Christians already or completely unchurched - to become Adventist.

Episode 041 - Are We Trying to Make Everyone Seventh-day Adventists?

Though we have never planted a church from scratch, we offer some very practical advice on what we would do if we did. Or at least how we would start the process. 

Though we have never planted a church from scratch, we offer some very practical advice on what we would do if we did. Or at least how we would start the process.

Episode 073 - If We Were Planting a Church From Scratch (In Seven Steps)

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!