Urbana

• How is Urbana's legacy being built? With Andy Kim & Mark Matlock

  SummaryIn this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske sit down with Andy Kim, Associate Conference Director and upcoming MC for Urbana 25. The conversation centers around Andy’s journey in Christian leadership, the profound impact Urbana has had on his life, and the surprising way he joined the Urbana leadership team.Andy shares how his first Urbana experience as a college sophomore in 2003 transformed his faith from “two-dimensional to three-dimensional,” giving him a fresh vision for global missions and the breadth of God’s kingdom. Growing up in a Korean American church, Andy reflects on learning to appreciate diverse worship styles and global perspectives, experiences that have continued to shape his faith and ministry.A major focus of the episode is the backstory of how both Andy and Mark applied for the Urbana Director role. Andy candidly shares about feeling a strong calling to apply, his initial disappointment when Mark was selected, and the unexpected process of healing and partnership that followed. Mark created the Associate Director role specifically for Andy, recognizing his passion and gifts. Both speak openly about how God’s orchestration turned initial disappointment into a fruitful and joyful collaboration, illustrating themes of trust, surrender, and resilience in the face of closed doors.The episode ends with reflections on Urbana’s unique legacy, the importance of adapting to each new generation, and the excitement for Urbana 25 as a space where students can connect deeply with God’s work around the world and discern their own roles in His mission!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(03:08) Introducing Urbana’s New MC(11:33) Discovering Diverse Prayer Traditions(19:39) Future Vision for the North American Church(27:35) Honoring Legacy While Embracing Innovation(34:05) InterVarsity’s Global Student Movement(40:20) Urbana’s Fresh Legacy(44:12) Closing ThoughtsLinksMark MatlockUrbanaUrbana YouTubeAndy Kim

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• What trends are shaping the future of missions? With Dr. Nicole Martin & Mark Matlock

  SummaryIn this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske are joined by Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Christianity Today, for an insightful discussion on the changing landscape of missions and the emerging generation’s role in the church. Nicole shares her personal experience attending Urbana as a college student and how it became a direction-setting event, deepening her sense of calling and introducing her to the broader context of global Christianity.The conversation explores the profound impact of technology—especially artificial intelligence—on how young adults engage with faith and community, as well as the anxieties and complexities of modern life. Nicole highlights the increasing accessibility of global connection, the significance of storytelling, and the challenges posed by social media algorithms that tend to create echo chambers and reduce empathy.A key topic addressed is the concerning trend of young women leaving the church, contrasted with a newfound engagement among young men. Nicole examines potential reasons for women’s disengagement, including limited leadership opportunities, church hurt, and cultural shifts. Additionally, Nicole discusses the complexities of missions in the context of colonialism and cultural intelligence, emphasizing the need to share the gospel both locally and globally without imposing cultural forms. The episode concludes with Nicole’s encouragement for resilience rooted in the gospel—highlighted in her new book—and her hope that Urbana can catalyze genuine encounters with Christ and renewal for young leaders!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:38) Deepening Relationships Through Shared Faith(11:50) Future Uncertainty from AI’s Impact(15:47) Women’s Critical Role in Ministry(22:28) Bridging Divisions Through Gospel Connections(25:21) Colonialism and Gospel Contextualization(28:58) Embracing Cultural Intelligence Locally(35:30) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Social Media(38:22) Christian Nationalism and Gender Exclusion(42:48) Balancing Mission and Cultural IdentityLinksMark MatlockUrbanaUrbana YouTubeNicole MartinChristianity Today

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• How can students prepare their hearts for worship? With Tracy Stingley, Alexandria DeJesus, James Paek & Mark Matlock

  SummaryIn this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske introduce listeners to the worship team for Urbana 25, featuring musician Tracy Stingley, Alexandria DeJesus, and James Paek. The discussion centers on the unique collaborative spirit and multicultural approach shaping this year’s worship experience. The team reflects on the profound impact of worship at Urbana, which includes singing in multiple languages and fostering a sense of global unity among attendees. The conversation delves into each worship leader’s personal journey and their commitment to both craftsmanship and spiritual authenticity. Tracy shares his story of overcoming early life challenges to become a musician dedicated to God’s service, while Alexandria highlights her current mission of connecting and equipping worship teams across the country. James discusses the intersection of culture, identity, and worship, emphasizing the importance of including underrepresented voices—particularly Asian American stories—in contemporary worship music.A key theme of the episode is the balance between musical excellence and openness to the Holy Spirit’s direction. The team describes the importance of humility, preparation, and mutual submission in fostering authentic, Spirit-led worship moments—including spontaneous, “God moments” that transcend planning and programming. Overall, the episode offers an inspiring look at how intentional collaboration and diverse experiences are shaping worship at Urbana 25, setting the stage for a dynamic, inclusive encounter with God!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(09:36) Exploring Cultural Influence on Worship Music(14:43) Unity in Worship Through Spirit(18:00) Embracing Improvisation in Worship Music(22:23) Embracing Life's Mystery(28:47) Worship Through Humble Obedience(32:39) Preparing Your Heart for Worship(42:03) Closing ThoughtsLinksMark MatlockUrbanaUrbana YouTubeTracy StingleyAlexandria DeJesusJames Paek

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• Coming in a Good Way: What can we learn from the mistakes of missions in the past? With Corey Greaves & Mark Matlock

  SummaryIn this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske welcome Corey Greaves, leader of Mending Wings—a prominent Native youth ministry in the Yakama Nation. This conversation is not just an interview; it’s a powerful reimagining of what cross-cultural missions can and should be.Corey shares his personal journey as a Native follower of Jesus, emphasizing the tension between embracing the beauty of Indigenous culture and navigating the often Eurocentric frameworks of Western Christianity. He opens up about the pain caused by historic missionary approaches that, rather than honoring Native identity, attempted to "save" Native youth by erasing their traditions and worldview.Instead of perpetuating the outdated model where outsiders come to “fix” or “save,” Corey challenges listeners to embrace a humble, learner’s posture. Through Mending Wings and their innovative SLAM Trips (Students Learning about Missions), visiting groups are invited not to run programs, but to listen, learn, and build genuine relationships. Corey envisions missions that are reciprocal—where Native and non-Native Christians learn from one another, experiencing fresh glimpses of the Creator through each other’s stories.This episode is a timely call to “decolonize” our faith—removing the barriers that have long hindered the gospel’s authentic, multicultural expression. Listeners will be inspired by Corey’s commitment to a theology of place and belonging, his vision for partnership, and his practical steps toward healing and reconciliation!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:52) Decolonizing Gospel for Native Youth(07:54) Mending Wings’ Backstory(11:51) Rethinking Short-Term Missions Impact(14:02) The Cultural Genocide of Indigenous Peoples(17:21) Cultural Erasure in Religion(20:14) The Value of Cultural Perspectives(28:04) Enriching Church Community with Indigenous Wisdom (34:39) Exploring Spirituality vs. Religion(43:34) Engaging in Jesus-Centered Dialogue(52:31) Closing ThoughtsLinksMark MatlockUrbanaUrbana YouTubeMending Wings

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• How should we define missions and missionaries? With Matthew Ellison & Mark Matlock

  SummaryIn this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske welcome special guest Matthew Ellison, author of When Everything Is Missions, to explore what it truly means to live out the Great Commission. The conversation reflects on the shifting definition of “missions” within the church—from the traditional understanding of cross-cultural evangelism to a broader, sometimes diluted application of the term to any kind of Christian service. Matthew also shares insights from his experience as a former missions pastor and now leader of 16:15 Outfitters, an organization dedicated to helping churches clarify and actively pursue their global mission in biblically grounded, strategic ways.A central theme is the importance of distinguishing between “living missionally” in daily life and the unique calling of cross-cultural missionaries. Ellison argues that while all Christians are called to live on mission and be witnesses in their own communities, not everyone is a missionary in the New Testament sense; missionary is a specific role, much like pastor or deacon. He cautions against the well-intentioned but problematic view that “everyone is a missionary,” noting that such thinking can inadvertently minimize the necessity and challenge of reaching unreached people groups worldwide.The discussion also highlights practical obstacles churches face, including leadership challenges and shifting cultural priorities, and encourages leaders to return to prayer, discernment, and focused evaluation of current mission involvement. The episode concludes with Ellison’s encouragement that deep joy comes from participating in God’s global mission and an invitation for all listeners, whether or not they feel called overseas, to actively seek their role in God’s work.Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:32) Transforming Churches’ Missions Strategies(08:27) Defining the Purpose of Missions(11:31) Unintended Consequences of “Everyone's a Missionary”(19:41) Tracing Faith Back to Apostle Thomas(21:31) Pastors' Role in Church Missions(24:11) Analyzing North America’s Mission Landscape(30:18) Reevaluating Church Missions(33:27) Experiencing Joy Through Active Participation(35:19) Rethinking Missionary Roles(39:05) Closing ThoughtsLinksMark MatlockUrbanaUrbana YouTubeMatthew Ellison16:15

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