Unconventional Ministry

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/], where we explore innovative approaches to sharing the Gospel. In this episode, Dennis interviews Todd Michaels [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miechiels/], the founder of the Story Stewardship Initiative [https://www.stewardingstories.com/]. Todd makes a bold claim: that over 95% of believers will take their stories to the grave. He calls this “the greatest missed Kingdom opportunity of our time.” In a church culture saturated with sermons, promotions, and devotionals, he points to the quiet absence of something essential, the stories of ordinary believers, bearing witness to the extraordinary grace of God. This episode challenges leaders to move beyond content creation to story cultivation, intentionally creating space where testimonies are not only celebrated but also stewarded. Through presence, prayer, and practice, Todd invites churches to equip believers to share their stories vulnerably and authentically, captured on video and shared online for Kingdom impact. This conversation will awaken a new vision: a church where no story of God’s grace is wasted and every testimony becomes a tool for spiritual formation, community building, and digital outreach. Click HERE [https://www.stewardingstories.com/]to get your free book and take the 2-minute survey.

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast with host Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/]. In this thought-provoking episode I visit with Dr. Kent Haralson, [https://www.facebook.com/haralson] author of The Martial Arts: A Christian Perspective and Philosophy [https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Christian-Perspective-Philosophy/dp/B0F9L71QV2], to tackle several surprising questions: Can Christians practice martial arts with a clear conscience? Can Martial Arts be a platform for ministry? Dr. Haralson unpacks the three most common objections believers raise about martial arts and offers biblical, historical, and practical responses. * Does martial arts promote violence? Kent explains how proper training prevents violence by equipping individuals to de-escalate and manage conflict. * Isn’t martial arts rooted in Eastern mysticism? He addresses the spiritual history of some systems while clarifying that many modern styles are free from such influences—and that martial arts have diverse global origins. * Is self-defense biblical? Drawing from Scripture, Kent makes the case that the Bible not only permits but values the defense of oneself and others. This episode challenges assumptions and invites believers to consider how physical discipline and spiritual conviction can work together in today’s world. Learn more at www.masterswarriors.org [http://www.masterswarriors.org]  ... Enjoy this previous podcast episode: Closing the Special Needs Ministry Gap [https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/closing-the-special-needs-ministry-gap-with-russ-ewell-ep184/] with Pastor Russ Ewell. While 99% of pastors and 97% of churchgoers say people with special needs are welcome in their churches, only 29% of churches have actual programs to support them. Why the disconnect?

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] of SAT-7 USA [https://www.sat7usa.org/]. In this episode, we explore eternal returns on investment through strategic philanthropy and biblical stewardship. Dennis is joined by Dr. Jim Bakke [https://barnabasfoundation.org/our-team/], President of the Barnabas Foundation [https://barnabasfoundation.org/], to discuss how Christians can effectively steward their resources for lasting kingdom impact. Delve into practical strategies that balance reducing tax burdens with making meaningful charitable contributions, and learn how inviting God into your business or personal finances can transform outcomes. Gain insights into leveraging assets beyond cash gifts for greater impact, using tools like donor-advised funds to manage your giving effectively. Whether you are a business owner or an individual seeking to enhance your philanthropic efforts, this episode offers valuable perspectives on maximizing the use of God-given resources for eternal significance. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock the potential within your stewardship journey. To learn more about giving non-cash assets to make God’s love visible in the Middle East and North Africa, download a free copy of Gifts that Reduce Taxes – Stock, Real Estate, and Other Non-Cash Assets [https://www.sat7usa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gifts-That-Reduce-Taxes-IS21-SAT-7.pdf].

Join host Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] on the Unconventional Ministry Podcast as he challenges the common perspective on ministry donations. Discover how SAT-7 [https://www.sat7usa.org/], a broadcast media ministry in the Middle East, offers a kingdom-focused return on investment, reaching millions in regions closed to traditional outreach. Through innovative broadcasting in Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish, SAT-7 breaks barriers and impacts lives by delivering the gospel where churches are often illegal, and Christian workers are banned. This episode unpacks the powerful values of giving to SAT-7, highlighting transformative outcomes, sustainable ministry, and quantifiable reach. Learn how even modest donations can introduce the name of Jesus to new hearts, build a spiritual legacy, and support persecuted churches across the region. Explore actionable reasons for local churches to partner with SAT-7 and be part of a global movement that brings light to the darkest places without leaving home. ... Please tune in to a previous Unconventional Ministry episode with Dr. Paul Hoffman explaining AI, Human Flourishing, and Spiritual Discernment [https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/ai-human-fourishing-and-spiritual-discernment/]

Join host Dennis Wiens as he welcomes Joshua Whitehouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-whitehouse/], the visionary behind Go Chatter Studios, on this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast. Discover how Joshua transforms Bible stories into engaging Lego stop-motion animations designed to captivate viewers of all ages. Learn about the creative journey from lockdown beginnings to a fully operational charity, producing short, vibrant animations that creatively convey the stories of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Joshua shares the powerful vision behind Go Chatter Studio [https://gochatterstudios.org/]: using colorful plastic bricks to build something that lasts forever – lives transformed by the Gospel. Picture the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling, or the resurrection of Jesus – all told in a way that draws people in with joy and awe. This episode will remind you that no tool is too small, and no idea is too unconventional when it’s placed in the hands of the Master Builder. Be ready to see children’s ministry, digital evangelism, and even your next box of LEGOs with brand-new eyes.