Advertise on podcast: Thy Kingdom Pod

Our New Show - Kingdom Journeys Travel the world through immersive stories of TMS Global cross-cultural workers and witness faith in action bringing hope, redemption, and reconciliation. Jenifer Jones - Host and Creator Jon Ramsay - Artwork Jonathan Duncan - Producer Holland Webb - Executive Producer Kingdom Journeys is a production of TMS Global. Learn more about us here.

In this conversation, Max Wilkins and Jim Ramsey discuss the staying power of TMS Global and the challenges and opportunities of a non-static mission context. They highlight the importance of embracing ambiguity, learning, and contextualizing the work of mission. They also emphasize the commitment to God's mission and the connection within the TMS Global community. The conversation touches on the need for cultural competency in mission leadership and the significance of understanding the movement of peoples in global migration. Both Max and Jim express their excitement for the future, with Max looking forward to embracing what's next and Jim eager to lead the organization forward with a fresh team and new opportunities. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and 40 Years of TMS Global (02:07) Embracing Ambiguity and Contextualizing the Work (04:49) Challenges of a Non-Static Mission Context (07:31) Massive Changes in the Last 40 Years (08:00) Preparing for Leadership in a Changing World (11:10) Engaging Local Churches in Mission (16:33) Observations on Trajectories and Shifts in Missions (19:53) Perceptions and Challenges in Mission (24:13) Responding to Changing Perceptions (26:44) Understanding the Meaning of the Gospel (29:36) The Call to Make Disciples (32:04) Addressing Missionary Attrition (39:21) Missionary vs. Cross-Cultural Worker (42:45) Transitioning Leadership (47:33) Looking Forward to the Future

Our final sit down about the concept of Train, Mobilize, and Serve (TMS) we discuss the importance of training in cross-cultural work and how it helps in sharing the Gospel and transforming lives. We also highlight the role of raising up leaders within the local church. The facilitators in training program is mentioned as a way to pass on knowledge and experiences to the next generation. The conversation also touches on the use of experiential learning and participatory activities to promote growth and teamwork. The value of being a humble learner and walking alongside others in service is emphasized.

In this episode, we sit down for a conversation with a worker who serves in a closed country to discuss how the three distinct aspects of TMS (train, mobilize, serve) ccreate healthy workers prepared for long-term service. The training provided by TMS is characterized by compassion, joy, fun, reality, grace, and truth. The concept of mobilization at TMS is not limited to the front office but ingrained in the DNA of the organization. Serving is seen as the core purpose of TMS, and training helps in mobilizing and serving better. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Background (01:40) Meaning of Train, Mobilize, Serve (02:37) Impact of Training on Field Work (05:07) Serving and Mobilizing in Specific Contexts (07:35) Faith Forward and Faith Neutral Communities (08:28) Empowering Communities and Exiting

Season four of Thy Kingdom Pod begins by breaking down TMS' name, which stands for Train, Mobilize, and Serve. The participants discuss how training, mobilizing, and serving look like in their context. They highlight the importance of training and development in their office, with employees passing on their knowledge and skills to others. They also talk about how they have been mobilized to reach out to their community and serve others. The concept of incarnational ministry is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of crossing barriers and being present in the lives of others. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Background (01:45) Training, Mobilizing, and Serving (05:51) Understanding Incarnational Ministry

In Dory’s final episode with us, Jon and her discuss the rollercoaster ride that is experiencing teen angst and dive into the $10 word: contextualization. It’s actually much simpler than you think.

Jon & Dory are joined by Tyler Foster, a cross-cultural worker (CCW), who serves in Misahuallí, Ecuador at the Antioch school alongside his wife and young son. Located in the jungle, Antioch regularly receives short-term teams every summer, and Tyler is heavily involved in the process. If you would like to learn more about Antioch and the work Tyler does with Jungle Kids for Christ, log on to junglekidsforchrist.org. Remember, to visit TMS-Global.org to check out our Short-Term Team Training Manual, an excellent guide developed to prepare folks from all walks for their short-term experience.

In this episode Jon & Dory discuss the pros & cons of short-term missions; how sometimes they can actually do more harm than good. But if done well, these trips can serve as powerful discipleship and cross-cultural tools for the local church. Visit TMS-Global.org to check out our Short-Term Team Training Manual, an excellent guide developed to prepare folks from all walks for their short-term experience.

This week Jon & Dory discuss the best & worst Jolly Ranchers, the pitfalls of focusing too much on "God's Plan," and how The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 describe a way of Jesus that often is at odds with the reality of our culture, yet we are called to engage with the people in our culture. Join the conversation. When you sign up to give monthly at TMS Global, you get the opportunity to engage with our online community via our Discord server. Give monthly, and you won't just be supporting the work, but getting to know the community around it. Click here to join.

In this story from the field, Jenifer talked with some friends who are living and serving in Selma, Alabama. Selma was the site of many important events in Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's, perhaps notably the march Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led across Edmund Pettus Bridge. Back in January, the town was devastated by a tornado. TMS Global workers shared what it was like to serve the people of Selma after such a disaster, as well as the long term challenges that have been faced by the community.

This week, the mind picnic with Jon and Dory continues! This week, Dory wrestles with the unknown and how we address questions with no clear answers. Jon, having come back from attending several conferences, has been contemplating the diversity of Christian thought in the world, and what Jesus truly meant when told us to enter through the narrow gate. Jon and Dory examine Matthew 7 in addressing the latter question, and also take some anecdotes from the Chronicles of Narnia. Join the conversation. When you sign up to give monthly at TMS Global, you get the opportunity to engage with our online community via our Discord sever. Give monthly, and you won't just be supporting the work, but getting to know the community around it. Click here to join.

We're back with a new format and new hosts! Join Dory & Jon for a "mind picnic" as they share & discuss some of what they've been thinking about regarding discipleship & church multiplication. In this episode, Dory & Jon chat about lent, Jon's trip to the Exponential Conference in Orlando, FL, and TMS Global's Who is My Neighbor small group curriculum. For more information on Who is My Neighbor, a sample lesson, or to purchase it for your crew, click on the "Who Is My Neighbor" button here. Join the conversation. When you sign up to give monthly at TMS Global, you get the opportunity to engage with our online community via our Discord server. Give monthly, and you won't just be supporting the work, but getting to know the community around it. Click here to join.

A group of cross-cultural witnesses serving in the Balkans regions of Europe have been using the beauty of the countryside as a tool for ministry. Originally, they began taking weekend hikes to have fun with their neighbors but these excursions gradually took on a deeper purpose as spiritual matters came up in conversation. This evolved into an outdoors program aimed to equip young people with leadership skills and teach valuable life lessons. In this feature, you'll also hear about the common ground they have been able to find with their Muslim neighbors over the beauty of creation, the hope and excitement young people have discovered through these hiking trips, and the opportunities for discipleship that emerged from these adventures.

In this edition of Stories from the Field, Jenifer talks to Amanda Davis (pseudonym), a cross-cultural worker who is learning South Asian language and music in preparation for overseas ministry. Davis is very passionate about worship, music, and the South Asian culture, and is combining these passions to help South Asian people worship God in their own language and cultural background.

Jenifer Jones talks to Tyler Foster, a TMS Global cross-cultural worker in Ecuador. Tyler and his wife, Kaylan, lead Jungle Kids for Christ, a ministry empowering children who live in the Ecuadorian jungle so that they can break the cycle of poverty and abuse and share a message of transformation with their family, community, country, and world. In this conversation, Tyler shares his philosophy and strategy hosting short-term mission teams, how he and Kaylan are helping develop STEM programs (science, technology, engineering, math) for schools in Ecuador, and what life is like living near the Amazon rainforest.