Summary
In this episode, Zach Leighton interviews Joshua Johnson, the co-executive director of All Nations Kansas City. They discuss the origins and mission of All Nations, which is to plant churches among unreached people groups and raise up local indigenous leaders. They also delve into the importance of cross-cultural ministry, the role of storytelling in disciple-making, and the balance between structure and flexibility in their approach. Joshua shares powerful stories of transformation and the impact of storytelling in their ministry.
Guests
- Joshua Johnson: Co-executive director of All Nations Kansas City
Topics discussed
- The origins and mission of All Nations Kansas City
- The importance of cross-cultural ministry and raising up local leaders
- The role of storytelling in disciple-making and sharing the Gospel
- Balancing structure and flexibility in ministry approach
Key takeaways
- All Nations Kansas City exists to plant churches among unreached people groups and raise up local indigenous leaders.
- Cross-cultural ministry is important because it allows the Gospel to be shared in places where Jesus is not known.
- Every relationship is cross-cultural, and it is important to learn and understand different cultures to effectively share the Gospel.
- All Nations Kansas City focuses on training and equipping cross-cultural missionaries and coaching them to raise up local leaders.
- The “person of peace” concept from Luke 10 is central to their approach, as they look for individuals who are open and hungry for Jesus.
- The kingdom of God is about holistic transformation and restoration of relationships in all areas of life.
- Microchurches, or small simple churches, are a key part of their disciple-making strategy.
- Effective disciple-making requires a balance between structure and flexibility, with the Holy Spirit leading the way.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool in disciple-making, both in sharing Jesus’ stories and personal testimonies of transformation.
- Being a good guest, asking questions, and listening to others are key ways to engage in cross-cultural ministry.
Notable quotes
- “We exist so that Jesus will be worshiped by all the peoples of the earth.” – Joshua Johnson
- “We want to go where Jesus is not known and nobody is making him known.” – Joshua Johnson
- “Every relationship is cross-cultural.” – Joshua Johnson
- “People respond best in their heart language and the language that they know.” – Joshua Johnson
- “As we lift the veil, we can start to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Joshua Johnson
- “We want active participation in their faith, being able to love one another, to teach one another, to listen to the Holy Spirit together.” – Joshua Johnson
- “Jesus is already at work in a certain area. The Holy Spirit is moving in a place and drawing people to himself.” – Joshua Johnson
- “Structure starts to build when there is life and movement happening.” – Joshua Johnson
- “In the West, we have to start to build community before we introduce that community to Jesus.” – Joshua Johnson
- “To engage in cross-cultural ministry, we have to be curious, listen, ask good questions, and be a guest in other people’s homes.” – Joshua Johnson
- “Storytelling is everything for us. It’s the most effective tool we have found for disciple-making and finding persons of peace.” – Joshua Johnson
Entities mentioned
- All Nations Kansas City
- YWAM (Youth With A Mission)
- Floyd McClung
- David Garrison
Keywords
cross-cultural ministry, disciple-making, church planting, storytelling, microchurches, person of peace, kingdom of God, structure, flexibility, testimonies, transformation, relationships, community, curiosity, good questions, guest
Call to action
Discover the power of storytelling in disciple-making and cross-cultural ministry. Listen to this episode to gain insights and hear inspiring stories from Joshua Johnson of All Nations Kansas City. Learn how to engage with people from different cultures and effectively share the Gospel. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of storytelling and the importance of raising up local leaders in building the kingdom of God.
FAQ
How does storytelling play a role in disciple-making?
Storytelling is a powerful tool in disciple-making as it allows people to connect with Jesus’ stories and personal testimonies. Stories resonate with people and can effectively communicate the Gospel message. Sharing stories of Jesus at work in one’s own life can inspire and encourage others to seek a relationship with Christ.
How can individuals participate in cross-cultural ministry in the Western context?
Individuals can participate in cross-cultural ministry by being curious, asking questions, and listening to others. It is important to honor other cultures and be a good guest, showing respect and learning from people of different backgrounds. Engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing personal stories can foster understanding and build relationships.
