Unconventional Ministry

The Cost of Faith in Iran with SAT-7 PARS EP#206

Behind the headlines of protests, government crackdowns, and deepening economic crisis in Iran, a quieter story is unfolding – one rarely told. It is the story of a resilient and growing community of Jesus followers who live under constant pressure, isolation, and surveillance, yet continue to cling to hope. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, we go beyond the news cycle to hear what everyday Iranians are truly facing and how faith endures when public worship is impossible and gathering as the church can be dangerous. You’ll discover how SAT-7 PARS, a 24/7 Persian-language Christian multimedia ministry, is responding with courage and creativity. Through satellite television and digital platforms that cannot be censored, SAT-7 PARS beams worship, biblical teaching, pastoral counseling, and live prayer directly into homes across Iran and the wider Persian world. For many believers, this is not just encouragement; it is their only “church,” a lifeline of community and spiritual nourishment when meeting openly is not an option. Host Dennis Wiens is joined by Reza Jafari, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rezajafari7/] SAT-7 PARS Multimedia Senior Manager, and Nazanin Ashari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazanin-ashari-43042553/], SAT-7 PARS Programming Manager. Together, they share firsthand insights into the spiritual hunger they are witnessing, the risks Iranian believers face, and how God is powerfully at work through unconventional ministry approaches. This episode will challenge your assumptions, strengthen your faith, and invite you to stand in prayerful solidarity with a Church that shines brightest in the darkest places. Read more on SAT-7 USA's website: "Satellite Programs Offer Lifeline of Hope to Iranians [https://www.sat7usa.org/stories/satellite-programs-offer-lifeline-of-hope-to-iranians/]."

Empowering Ability: Redefining Education for Adults with Disabilities EP#205

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/]welcomes Brian Canright [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-canright-b9857453/], President of Shepherds College Foundation, [https://shepherdscollege.edu/] a pioneering post-secondary institution for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Discover how this pioneering institution is transforming education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a Christ-centered approach. Discover how their unique programs foster independence and prepare students for meaningful employment. Don't miss Brian's insights on expanding their mission globally and the incredible impact on communities. A previous Episode You Will Learn From: 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? Closing the Special Needs Ministry Gap [https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/closing-the-special-needs-ministry-gap-with-russ-ewell-ep184/]with Russ Ewell EP#184 Uncover the barriers that keep churches from truly including people with disabilities, and how to break them down.

Transforming Leadership Transitions with Matt Davis EP#204

What if your next leadership transition could multiply your ministry instead of tearing it apart? Is your church prepared for its next leadership change? What if a resignation, termination, or succession didn’t create chaos, but instead became a catalyst for growth? In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] and guest Matt Davis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-davis-online/] discuss the complexities of leadership transitions in ministry. Ministry Transitions [https://ministrytransitions.com/] is helping churches and organizations navigate change, not with fear or fallout, but with grace, clarity, and unity. Learn how to manage these transitions to foster growth rather than chaos, emphasizing the importance of succession planning and community support. Matt shares his personal experiences and insights from his work with Ministry Transitions, highlighting the need for clear communication and resources for both leaders and organizations during these challenging times.

Pixels with Purpose: Animation as a Ministry Tool with Joshua Vennetti EP#203

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] talks with Joshua Vennetti, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-vennetti/] animator of Saul of Tarsus Film [http://www.sauloftarusfilm.com], about how animation can powerfully serve the church and ministry. Joshua shares how his passion for stop-motion videos, sparked by a gift from his parents of LEGO at age 13, evolved into a creative tool for sharing biblical truth in fresh, engaging ways. Discover how animation captures attention, communicates complex ideas, and connects with younger audiences in today’s digital world. This conversation inspires ministry leaders to embrace creativity and see how God can use art, motion, and imagination to reach hearts with the Gospel. Have you seen animation or visual storytelling used effectively in your church or ministry? How do you think animation could help your church connect better with younger audiences? Why or why not? If you could animate one Bible story, which would it be and why? A previous podcast episode you may enjoy: Music, Marriage, Media, and Ministry: A Story of Faithful Impact [https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/music-marriage-media-and-ministry-a-story-of-faithful-impact-with-rawad-and-marianne-daou-s5-ep196/] with Rawad and Marianne Daou (EP#194). Rawad and Marianne Daou, a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 years of experience, offers insight into the creative and spiritual impact of SAT-7's broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Covering the Last Mile in Missions with Steve Russell of JAARS EP#202

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] talks with Steve Russell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-russell-b771545/], President of JAARS [https://www.jaars.org/] (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). Learn how JAARS utilizes aviation, technology, and transportation to overcome barriers and share the gospel with remote, hard-to-reach communities. Steve shares how equipping and training missionaries to serve in their remote languages transforms the impact of Bible translation and ministry around the world. From rugged airstrips to isolated villages, hear inspiring stories of innovation, courage, and faith in action, showing how God’s Word continues to reach the ends of the earth through creative and unconventional means. Previous episode: Most people know they should have a will. However, more than half of Americans don’t. In this Unconventional Ministry episode, Dennis Wiens [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniswiens/] tackles one of the most overlooked yet life-changing acts of stewardship – estate planning. Listen Now [https://sat7usa.podbean.com/e/estate-planning-so-important-yet-underutilized-with-dennis-wiens-s5-ep196/]