Advancing the Mission

Episode 255: Bradley Bell, Upstream Collective

What does it mean for the church to truly live on mission—both in our neighborhoods and among the nations? This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Bradley Bell, Executive Director of Equipping with Upstream, to talk about the role missions should play in the life of every local church. Bradley shares how God shaped his passion for reaching the nations and why equipping believers to live on mission is central to the church’s calling. In this thoughtful conversation, we explore the biblical foundation for missions and where we see God’s heart for the nations woven throughout Scripture. Bradley helps us understand how the Great Commission shapes both local outreach and global engagement—and why the church was never meant to choose between the two. We also talk about the impact missions has on a church’s spiritual health, what happens when one side of the mission is neglected, and how organizations like Upstream are helping churches equip everyday believers to participate in God’s global story. Whether you’ve always had a heart for missions or are just beginning to wonder how God might use you, this episode offers practical encouragement and a renewed vision for living with gospel purpose. It’s a conversation about calling, obedience, and the joy of joining God in His mission to reach the world. For more information about Upstream, visit: https://upstreamsending.org [https://upstreamsending.org] We invite you to subscribe to Advancing the Mission on your preferred platform to stay connected with each new episode: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/advancing-the-mission/id1675164009]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6gdDPBz2P4SbUC2S7LpZfd?si=689c3b3b5efc42c3]Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e524479-1b33-48e1-9e00-d4ca5e8989e7/advancing-the-mission]

Episode 254: Mason Snider, Auburn Campus Pastor

What does it look like to step into a new season of leadership and trust God to move in a fresh place and community? This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Mason Snider, Campus Pastor at our Auburn campus, to hear his story and heart for ministry. From his first few months on campus to the journey that led him into pastoral leadership, Mason shares how God has been shaping his calling and preparing him for this role. In this episode, Mason reflects on the people and moments that have influenced his faith, the decision to say “yes” to Auburn, and where he’s already seeing God at work. We also talk about what makes the Auburn campus unique and the vision for what God could do in the years ahead. Mason opens up about his heart for people, what he longs for them to experience spiritually, what a healthy church community looks like, and the kind of environment he hopes to cultivate every time someone walks through the doors. He also shares how this role has deepened his understanding of who God is and how He moves through everyday faithfulness. It’s a conversation about calling, community, and stepping forward with faith into what God is building. We invite you to subscribe to Advancing the Mission on your preferred platform to stay connected with each new episode: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/advancing-the-mission/id1675164009]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6gdDPBz2P4SbUC2S7LpZfd?si=689c3b3b5efc42c3]Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e524479-1b33-48e1-9e00-d4ca5e8989e7/advancing-the-mission]

Episode 253: Michelle Schoenefeld, A Hope Center

What does it look like to step into someone’s moment of uncertainty and offer hope, truth, and compassion when they need it most? This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Michelle Schoenefeld, Executive Director of A Hope Center in Fort Wayne, to talk about how God is meeting women and families in moments of deep uncertainty and vulnerability. Through compassionate care, practical support, and a commitment to the dignity of every life, A Hope Center walks alongside those facing unplanned pregnancies with hope, truth, and grace. In this powerful episode, Michelle shares stories from the front lines—of women finding support when they felt alone, of families discovering unexpected strength, and of lives being changed through simple acts of compassion. We talk about the courage it takes to serve in emotionally complex situations, the importance of meeting people without judgment, and how faith motivates the work of offering both truth and love. We also explore how the local church can partner in this mission, creating a community where women and families know they are not forgotten. This conversation highlights the impact of presence, listening, and practical care in moments that can shape an entire future. It’s a conversation about courage, compassion, and the kind of faith that steps into difficult spaces with the hope of Christ. For more information about A Hope Center, visit: https://ahcfriends.org/ [https://ahcfriends.org/] We invite you to subscribe to Advancing the Mission on your preferred platform to stay connected with each new episode: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/advancing-the-mission/id1675164009]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6gdDPBz2P4SbUC2S7LpZfd?si=689c3b3b5efc42c3]Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e524479-1b33-48e1-9e00-d4ca5e8989e7/advancing-the-mission]

Episode 252: Tammy Crane, Four:10 Ministries

What does it mean to follow Jesus into the hardest places—to look suffering in the eye and choose love instead of turning away? This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Tammy Crane of Four:10 Ministries to hear how God is moving in some of the most painful and overlooked places in our world. Through rescue, restoration, and relentless compassion, Four:10 is bringing hope to survivors of trafficking, abuse, and deep brokenness. In this powerful episode, Tammy shares stories of lives being reclaimed—of women discovering their worth, of children finding safety, and of God’s grace breaking through even the darkest chapters. We talk about the courage it takes to step into trauma, the power of faith-filled community, and how healing becomes possible when love refuses to give up. We also explore how County Line partners in this mission, helping extend the hands and heart of Jesus to those who desperately need both. This conversation will challenge you to see some of the women in their ministry with renewed empathy.   It’s a conversation about obedience, compassion, and the kind of faith that runs toward the hurting instead of away from them. For more information about Four:10 Ministries, visit: https://four10ministries.org [https://four10ministries.org] We invite you to subscribe to Advancing the Mission on your preferred platform to stay connected with each new episode: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/advancing-the-mission/id1675164009]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6gdDPBz2P4SbUC2S7LpZfd?si=689c3b3b5efc42c3]Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e524479-1b33-48e1-9e00-d4ca5e8989e7/advancing-the-mission]

Episode 251: Bridge of Grace

What does it look like when hope takes root in a neighborhood—and begins to change everything? This week on Advancing the Mission, we sit down with Chris Minier, Director of Development, and Zach Speith, Director of Operations, of Bridge of Grace Ministries to hear how God is at work on the southeast side of Fort Wayne through a mission built on HOPE: Housing, Opportunity, Progress, and Education. In this encouraging conversation, Chris and Zach share how Bridge of Grace is walking alongside individuals and families as they move toward stability, growth, and a renewed future. From providing safe and affordable housing to creating pathways for opportunity and education, their work reflects what it looks like when the love of Christ is lived out in practical, life-changing ways. We also talk about how real transformation happens through relationships—when people are known, supported, and empowered to take their next step forward. And we explore how County Line and listeners like you can partner with Bridge of Grace to help bring lasting hope to a community God deeply loves. It’s a conversation about restoration, faith, and the kind of hope that doesn’t just inspire—but rebuilds. For more information about Bridge of Grace Ministries, visit: Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/advancing-the-mission/id1675164009]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6gdDPBz2P4SbUC2S7LpZfd?si=689c3b3b5efc42c3]Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e524479-1b33-48e1-9e00-d4ca5e8989e7/advancing-the-mission]