Episodes

  • S4:E8 A Gospel-Shaped Identity in a Fragmented World
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode, Jim sits down with Steve Huber, pastor and author of a new small group study on the book of Colossians, to discuss the challenges we all face in staying grounded in our unshakeable identity in Christ. In a world that frequently encourages us to “follow our hearts,” many of us can feel fragmented and restless. Steve invites us to embrace a refreshing perspective on discovering our true identity—not through the ever-changing standards of society but in the unwavering love and grace of Christ.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • The pressure of self-defined identity (08:27)
    • Identity through Christ (16:00)
    • Belonging in community (27:28)
    • Dealing with church hurt (39:35)


    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • Check out 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴: 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘩o 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 by Steve Huber, part of our Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible studies
    • Explore serge.org/renewal, Liberti, Covenant Church
    • Bible references: Colossians 1, Colossians 2:16, Colossians 1:2, 2 Timothy 4, 2 Corinthians 1, Colossians 2:5-7


    Credits:

    Our guest for this episode was Steve Huber, who serves as Lead Pastor of Covenant Church in Doylestown, PA, and Director of the Liberti Communion of Churches. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    49 mins
  • S4:E7 Beyond Cynicism: Real Hope in Today’s World
    Nov 5 2024

    In today’s episode, Jim sits down with Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince to dive into his latest book, Hope Ain’t a Hustle, exploring how Christians can hold on to hope in a world where weariness and cynicism often feel overwhelming. Irwyn encourages listeners to face the pain and brokenness of life with an active hope, grounded in faith and lived out through sacrificial love. Tune in to discover how gospel hope can transform our lives—no matter what challenges come our way.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • Experiencing cynicism (08:09)
    • Hope as a decision grounded in the gospel (11:06)
    • The role of community (19:12)
    • Hope beyond elections (27:58)
    • Faith through loss and persecution (36:35)
    • Sacrificial love (45:46)

    Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share or leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • Bonus conversation with Rev. Ince
    • 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘈𝘪𝘯'𝘵 𝘢 𝘏𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 by Irwyn Ince
    • Explore Sonship and Discipleship Lab
    • Bible: Hebrews 4, 6, 12, 13:5, 13:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Luke 24:13-35, Acts 26:6-8, 28:20, 28:31

    Credits:

    Our guest was Serge board member Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    58 mins
  • S4:E6 Leaning into Grief and Finding Jesus
    Oct 22 2024

    In this heartfelt episode of Grace at the Fray, Jim welcomes “John,” a longtime pastor and current member of Serge’s Missionary Care team. Together, they explore the profound intersections of grief, ministry, and God's sustaining grace in the face of immense loss. With wisdom, vulnerability, and deep faith, John shares how leaning into grief brought him closer to the Lord and shaped his ministry. If you or someone you know is navigating grief, allow this episode to offer comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that God's grace meets us in our sorrow.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • Reflections on the grief journey (9:26)
    • Grieving a spouse (17:45)
    • Journaling to process grief (24:37)
    • The role of community in grieving (35:56)
    • The profound hope of heaven (42:00)

    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • Learn more about Serge’s Missionary Care
    • George Herbert’s “Grief”
    • Grief Share
    • 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘺 and 𝘈 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 by C.S. Lewis, 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯: 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦...𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 by Joni Eareckson Tada
    • Shane and Shane’s “I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)”
    • Bible references: Colossians 3:2-4, Psalm 126


    Credits:

    Our guest for this episode may be a missionary or ministry leader, whose identity is anonymous in order to protect their safety and the safety of those they serve. At Serge, we have many workers serving in closed-access countries around the world and we prioritize security, which is essential for the success of their mission. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    50 mins
  • S4:E5 Trusting Jesus When Suffering Doesn’t Make Sense
    Oct 8 2024

    In this deeply moving episode, Jim sits down with George and Susan Watts, who share their harrowing story of betrayal, violence, and faith. With raw honesty, these longtime missionaries discuss their struggles to make sense of suffering, the weight of betrayal by trusted friends, and the profound presence of God in the midst of it all. This episode is not just about processing trauma; it’s about learning to trust in our Good Shepherd as we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Whether you're going through your own season of suffering or supporting someone who is, this conversation will encourage you to lean into the mystery of God's grace.
    Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence and may be difficult for some listeners. We invite you to care for your heart as you engage with this episode.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • Unexpected moves and new beginnings (6:00)
    • Wrestling with suffering and faith (15:50)
    • Betrayal and confusion (21:38)
    • Finding God in the midst of trauma (41:12)

    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • 𝘓𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘯 by Nicholas Wolterstorff; 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 by Eric McLaughlin
    • Explore Mentored Sonship
    • Bible references: Psalm 27, Luke 18:18-30, Job 38:4, Job 13:15, John 11, Exodus 13:21


    Credits:

    Our guests for this episode were Susan and George Watts, who spent nearly a decade working with Serge in East Africa. They recently returned to Canada, where George is a business professor at Trinity Western University outside Vancouver. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    54 mins
  • S4E4: Where is God in My Suffering?
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode, Jim and Serge Renewal team member Marc Davis tackle the profound question, "Where is God in My Suffering?" Together, they delve into the complexities of walking with God through grief and burdens, using the book of Job as a lens to invite listeners into an honest dialogue with God. Offering space for deep pain and hard questions, their conversation points us toward the transformative presence of God and the ultimate innocent sufferer—Jesus. Whether facing personal hardship or seeking deeper faith, this conversation illuminates our gospel hope and the mystery of God’s love and nearness in our darkest times.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • The broader context of suffering (08:44)
    • Job’s desire to speak directly to God (30:27)
    • Jesus as the answer to suffering (39:13)
    • Living through trouble as a child of God (47:07)

    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation helpful, please share or review this episode—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • Keep the conversation going with 𝘑𝘰𝘣: 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨? by Marc Davis
    • Check out one of our upcoming events
    • Bible: Ephesians 5:1, John 20:24-29, Job, Job 3-5, Job 9:32-33, Mark 2:1-12, John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12

    Credits:

    Our guest for this episode was Marc Davis, Associate Area Director for Renewal at Serge. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    58 mins
  • S4E3: How to Become a Missionary
    Sep 10 2024

    In this episode, Jim sits down with Patrick and Alexis McClure, educators who unexpectedly found their calling as missionaries in East Africa. They share their journey from Washington classrooms to the mission field, and how their skills as educators became vital in their ministry. They also open up about following God’s call, the moments that have shaped their path, and the joy of seeing their work impact lives. Whether you’re considering mission work, passionate about education, or simply curious about how God can use anyone, anywhere—this episode is for you. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about faith, obedience, and the surprising places God’s grace can lead.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • The call to mission (06:37)
    • Their decision to move to Kenya (17:18)
    • The challenges of mission life (35:07)
    • Advice for educators considering mission work (43:00)

    Thank you for listening! If this conversation encouraged you, please share this episode or leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
    • ACSI Africa
    • Read for Life
    • Read Jennifer Myhre’s blog post about Christ School in Uganda
    • Listen to Derek and Lauren Webber’s Grace at the Fray episode
    • Discover Serge’s Sonship
    • Learn about becoming a Missionary Kid Teacher
    • Bible references: Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 11:1-5

    Credits:

    Our guests for this episode were Patrick and Alexis McClure, who have worked with Serge for the past five years. After serving as Director of Christ School Bundibugyo in Uganda, Patrick now partners with ACSI - Kenya in Nairobi. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    50 mins
  • S4:E2 How the Gospel Creates Space for Hospitality
    Aug 27 2024

    In this episode, Jim journeys into the heart of hospitality with Serge missionaries Stephen and Karis Rigby. Discover how true hospitality goes beyond a perfect meal to welcoming others into the beauty and mess of everyday life. The Rigbys invite us to see hospitality as a taste of God's Kingdom, where embracing the unexpected moments can create spaces for others to experience grace and connection. Join us for a heartwarming conversation that will inspire you to make room at your table, both literally and figuratively, for those in need of community and love. There's always space for one more in this ever-expanding table of grace.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • The art of hospitality in missionary life (04:33)
    • Intentional hospitality and building community in Nairobi (15:04)
    • The gospel’s influence on authentic hospitality (27:21)
    • Balancing hospitality and personal expectations (33:12)
    • The healing power of hospitality and community (36:33)

    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘺 by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
    • Listen to The Power of Story with Ben Nihart
    • Explore Serge’s Internships and Apprenticeships today!
    • Support Stephen and Karis Rigby in their work
    • Bible references: John 4:1-45

    Credits:
    Our guests for this episode were Stephen and Karis Rigby, Serge missionaries based in Nairobi, Kenya. They serve as leaders on a Serge team that works in theological and Christian-based education, Chronological Bible Storying, and sports ministry. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.


    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕
    is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    1 hr
  • S4:E1 How Grace Transforms Our Conversations About Race
    Aug 13 2024

    In this episode, Jim sits down with author and pastor Irwyn Ince to discuss race, racism, and the gospel's power to bring healing and unity. Jim and Irwyn explore the reasons for our racial and ethnic divisions and how the gospel challenges and invites us to see every person as an image-bearer of God. As Irwyn shares his journey, he offers practical guidance on fostering gospel-centered conversations about race and turning to the triune God–our Hope for wholeness and reconciliation. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, grace, and a vision for a more unified church transformed by God’s astounding grace.

    In this episode, they discuss…

    • Confronting racism in media and church segregation (10:44)
    • Pursuing community through gospel-driven love and humility (15:07)
    • Exploring racial identity and historical contexts in America (28:28)
    • The ever-expanding table of grace (39:33)

    Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

    Referenced in this episode:

    • 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺: 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 by Irwyn Ince
    • 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘺 by C.S. Lewis
    • 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 by Isabel Wilkerson
    • 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘈𝘪𝘯'𝘵 𝘢 𝘏𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦: 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘈 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 by Irwyn Ince
    • Bible references: Mark 8:22-26, Colossians 3:11-14

    Credits:

    Our guest for this episode was Serge board member Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince, who also serves as Coordinator of Mission to North America. He is the author of two books, The Beautiful Community and Hope Ain’t a Hustle. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.


    𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕
    is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

    Connect with us!

    • Instagram: @graceatthefray
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray
    • Tik Tok: @graceatthefray
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/

    Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe

    Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

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    1 hr