Unconventional Ministry

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens, where we explore innovative approaches to sharing the Gospel. In this episode, Dennis interviews Todd Michaels, the founder of the Story Stewardship Initiative. 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,...

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast with host Dennis Wiens. In this thought-provoking episode I visit with Dr. Kent Haralson, author of The Martial Arts: A Christian Perspective and Philosophy, 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...

Welcome to the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, hosted by Dennis Wiens of SAT-7 USA. In this episode, we explore eternal returns on investment through strategic philanthropy and biblical stewardship. Dennis is joined by Dr. Jim Bakke, President of the Barnabas Foundation, to discuss how Christians can effectively steward their resources for lasting kingdom impact.

Delve into practical strategies that balance reducing tax burdens wi...

Join host Dennis Wiens on the Unconventional Ministry Podcast as he challenges the common perspective on ministry donations. Discover how SAT-7, 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 c...

Join host Dennis Wiens as he welcomes 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 th...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. James Davis, a global leader in Christian networking. Dr. Davis shares wisdom passed down from the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary, encouraging listeners to pursue unique ventures that break new ground and bring unparalleled satisfaction.

Listeners will discover the essence of the Great Commission as their personal ...

In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we welcome Dr. Paul Hoffman, co-author of AI Shepherd and Electric Sheep, to explore the crucial need for a biblical lens in the ethical use of artificial intelligence. As AI rapidly integrates into daily life, how do we ensure it promotes a biblical view of human flourishing rather than distorting God’s design? Dr. Hoffman unpacks AI’s role in transhumanism and the spiritual dangers of o...

This episode explores how media isn’t just a tool, it’s a mission field. Guest Danielle Gudgal from Deidox shares how their innovative storytelling approach captures real moments of divine intervention and turns them into compelling, impactful narratives. From short films to immersive audio experiences, Deidox is pioneering a fresh way to bear witness, reaching hearts in places where traditional ministry might never go. Along the w...

Money isn’t just practical – it’s spiritual. The way we handle our finances reflects the state of our hearts. In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, author Heather Day from Barnabas Foundation shares how surrendering our money to God leads to true financial wellness.

Too many people live in an endless cycle of financial stress, feeling trapped by anxiety, emptiness, and broken relationships caused by misplaced priorities. Whil...

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?

In this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, pastor of Bay Area Christian Church and founder of Digital Scribbler, to uncover the barriers that keep churches from truly including people with disabilities, and how to break them down. Russ and his wife...

Are you ready to transform the way you think about fundraising? In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we welcome Rebekah Basinger, co-author of Growing Givers' Hearts, to share how faith-based organizations can turn fundraising into a powerful ministry. Whether you're a development professional, pastor, executive, or board member, you'll discover how to make faith-building opportunities for donors your first priority. Rebekah...

In this episode, Dr. Jared Looney, founder of Global City Mission and author of Crossroads of the Nations, joins us. Dr. Looney shares about an invaluable workshop designed to equip local churches to engage their diverse communities through meaningful, Spirit-led conversations. With a focus on cross-cultural ministry, disciple-making, and the power of everyday dialogue, this workshop offers practical tools to help churches connect ...

In this episode, we explore how Ruth Thomas, SAT-7 USA VP for Finance and Administration, transformed her career frustration into a pursuit of meaningful work. Now serving in a leadership role with SAT-7 USA, Ruth shares her passion for excellence, accountability, and transparency, which she sees as vital for building trust and support among ministry partners. She reflects on her journey of aligning her professional life with her p...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Becky Lucas, Senior Development Director at SAT-7 USA, sharing her calling to make a difference in some of the world's most challenging places. Becky shares how her career began with an international aid agency supporting persecuted Christians, eventually leading her to the world of Christian publishing. However, her heart for the Middle East and the unique testimonies of women i...

In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, we are joined by Dr. Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA, a groundbreaking international nonprofit media ministry broadcasting hope and the Gospel across the Middle East and North Africa. With over 34 years of academic experience, Dr. Rogers shares his journey from the halls of higher education to the frontlines of faith-based media outreach. Discover the unique vision and calling that led...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kim Wriston, Mid-Level Development Officer and Project Manager at SAT-7 USA, as she shares how God has been faithfully working in her life, preparing her for His purposes long before she realized it. Kim recounts how her past experiences with diverse cultures laid the foundation for her current role in SAT-7’s mission to bring Christ’s love to the Middle East and North Africa.

Discover ho...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with John Frick, a leader who has spent over 34 years navigating the crossroads of faith and leadership in financial-related and non-profit organizations. As the Vice President of Development for SAT-7 USA, John shares how a biblical perspective on stewardship can transform not only ministry impact but also personal legacy. His insights challenge conventional thinking, offering a refre...

In this powerful episode, I sit with Ray Heinen, the Senior Director of Ministry Partnership for SAT-7 USA, to explore his inspiring journey of faith and service. Originally from Egypt, Ray shares his experiences of living across several Arab countries for over two decades before moving to the United States with his wife, Sue, in 2010. Being an early viewer of SAT-7’s broadcasts, Ray brings a unique perspective on how this satellit...

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, Andrea Harrison, the Donor Relations Coordinator and Accounting Assistant at SAT-7, shares insights from over 20 years of serving as the "voice of SAT-7." Known for her warmth and gentle spirit, Andrea has become a trusted presence for ministry partners, answering questions, praying with callers, and encouraging them in their journeys. Her role goes beyond traditional customer...