Michael McDonald on Authentic Evangelism, Vision for Global & Local Missions, and Playing the Supporting Role
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In this episode Jason connects with Michael McDonald.
Evangelism is a taboo topic in our culture and even devoted followers of Jesus feel intimidated at the prospect of sharing their faith. Despite our trepidation, McDonald’s perspective on telling others about Jesus is fresh, non-threatening and costly — involving a deep commitment to listen, learn and live with people who have different worldviews.
The conversation also explores the value of finding mentors, creating a culture where vulnerability is prized not punished and where people are set free to take risks, fail and learn from their mistakes.
The surging popularity of the BibleProject — its reach, its mission, its fruitfulness — are touched on. Jason and Michael launch into an insightful back and forth on the remarkable staying power of the Bible in a culture riddled with skepticism about some of its central claims.
The episode ends with Michael sharing personally about the freedom he has discovered by embracing a supporting role, killing off comparison and saying ‘no’ to meaningful opportunities that don’t fit his personal calling or skill-set.
Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald is Director of Global Focus and Strategic Relationships for The BibleProject, a crowdfunded non-profit creative studio dedicated to communicating a single, powerful message to the world: the Bible is one unified story that leads to Jesus.
Prior to joining The BibleProject his work included community empowerment projects focused on educational, micro/macro financing projects, conflict resolution, and economic development.
McDonald also leads thousands of Christian leaders on more than 200 trips around the world. He has also served on a number of boards—including Remember Nhu and Fly Fishing Collaborative—with a focus on ending child sex trafficking.
Mike lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Melissa.
“We need to, as leaders, model the safe place to ask questions and not have all the answers.”
Show Notes
YouTube Links
We have also posted some of our favourite sections of this interview on our YouTube Channel - here is one of them:
Coming Up Next
Matt Tapley
Matt Tapley has been a part of the Senior Leadership at Lakemount Worship Centre since 2003, and the Lead Pastor since 2008. He serves the Church by developing leaders in a culture of dependence on the Spirit with full devotion to the unchanging Word of God.
Matt is an insightful preacher, gifted worship leader and a valuable contributor to various leadership environments. Matt’s commitment to the Manifest Presence of God and the healing gifts of the Holy Spirit are a catalyst for stirring renewed hunger for God.