In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Rawad and Marianne Daou , a dynamic couple serving with SAT-7 ARABIC in Beirut, Lebanon. Marianne, a longtime media presence and the Viewer Support Manager, shares how her early start as a child TV presenter eventually led her to minister to couples and families through media. Rawad, a veteran TV director with 25 years of experience, offers insight into the creative and spiritual impact of SAT-7's broadcasts acros...
Jul 22, 2025•24 min•Ep. 195
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, promotions, and devotionals, he points to the quiet absence o...
Jun 24, 2025•14 min•Ep. 194
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 arts and offers biblical, historical, and practical responses....
Jun 13, 2025•21 min•Ep. 193
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 with making meaningful charitable contributions, and learn how i...
May 27, 2025•16 min•Ep. 192
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 churches are often illegal, and Christian workers are banned. Thi...
May 17, 2025•8 min•Ep. 191
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 the stories of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Joshua shares...
May 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 190
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 'Mount Everest,' and learn how to actively participate in fulfil...
Apr 22, 2025•23 min•Ep. 189
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 outsourcing too much of our moral and spiritual discernment to ...
Apr 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 188
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 way, we uncover a powerful but often overlooked truth: a healthy p...
Apr 02, 2025•19 min•Ep. 187
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. While worldly advice focuses on spending less, saving more, and work...
Mar 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 186
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 have developed the Spiritual Resource Ministry Manual , a FREE...
Feb 25, 2025•17 min•Ep. 185
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’s insights will challenge you to move beyond transactional gi...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 184
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 with their neighbors in impactful ways. Discover how your churc...
Jan 28, 2025•16 min•Ep. 183
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 personal values and her mission to create a greater impact throu...
Dec 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 182
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 impacted by SAT-7's programming ultimately drew her to join this...
Dec 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 181
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 him to step into leadership at SAT-7, a ministry leveraging t...
Dec 10, 2024•22 min•Ep. 180
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 how a pivotal trip to the Middle East deeply impacted her heart an...
Dec 03, 2024•19 min•Ep. 179
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 refreshing approach to aligning financial decisions with eternal val...
Nov 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 178
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 satellite ministry has transformed lives across the Middle East, offeri...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min•Ep. 177
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 service; she treats every call as an opportunity to provide supp...
Nov 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 176
In this episode, hear from Brian Nelson , SAT-7 USA Ministry Development Director, as he shares his journey from Christian radio hosting to producing a NASCAR race coverage program for a national radio network and ultimately joining SAT-7 USA in 2022. Learn about Brian’s perspective on stewardship and fund raising, and discover how his past prepared him for his work with SAT-7 USA. Don’t miss Brian’s impactful Holy Land story. Learn more about SAT-7 USA leadership at www.sat7usa.org/about-us/#st...
Nov 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 175
In this episode, Dirk Smith with EEM explains how their innovative heart-language Bible distribution ministry is making Bibles and Bible materials available to the nations of Eastern Europe and beyond. Learn what it means to be a collaborative, coming alongside ministry that is empowering their ministry partners. “When someone reads the Bible for the first time in their language, they realize just how much the God of the universe loves them,” continues Smith. “This is how God’s Word transforms u...
Oct 29, 2024•20 min•Ep. 174
In this episode of Unconventional Ministry, Dr. Ivan Filby discusses the spiritual journey and his "spiritual tool kit." With forty years in ministry and higher education and as a former business professor, business school dean, university president, and now the president and CEO of Seedbed, Dr. Filby has experienced much success in his career. Yet, despite his deep dive into the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit, he candidly admits that he continues to struggle with knowing exactly what the S...
Oct 17, 2024•20 min•Ep. 173
In this episode, our topic is human trafficking. My guest is Marilyn Arnold , CEO of Success by Design. Learn about the harsh realities of human trafficking. Did you know that 90% of trafficking victims come into contact with healthcare workers while they are actively being exploited, but less than 5% are identified? Learn what the symptoms are to look for. An estimated 50,000 people are trafficked into or within the country each year, though exact figures are difficult to determine due to the h...
Sep 24, 2024•22 min•Ep. 172
In this episode, Juliana Sfeir, Arabic Public Engagement Manager with the Middle East and North Africa's media ministry, SAT-7 , shares her inspiring journey. SAT-7 is a groundbreaking Middle East broadcast media ministry that has been transforming lives in the Middle East and North Africa for 28 years. Starting with a vision to create a new media model and narrative for the region, the ministry now offers an innovative, multilingual, video-on-demand platform, SAT-7 PLUS – the first of its kind ...
Sep 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 171
In this episode, Dr. Matt O'Reilly , author of Free to Be Holy and pastor of Christ Church Birmingham, reflects on his experiences as a church-going teenager who felt deeply frustrated with his Christian faith. Despite his active participation in church activities, he felt something essential was lacking. He began to question whether there was more to Christianity than the rituals and teachings he had grown accustomed to. This led him on a journey of discovery, where he realized that he had only...
Aug 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 170
In this episode, you will learn from the remarkable journey of Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch , Founder and CEO of Altered Stories . Mischelle is dedicated to helping Christian women across the globe heal from past trauma and brokenness through the power of faith-filled God stories. In this episode, Mischelle shares her own transformative experience with a cult during her early childhood years. She opens up about how this traumatic event became a pivotal moment in her life. Through her personal test...
Aug 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 169
Research shows that 70% of inmates' children will end up incarcerated. In this episode, guest Mike Broyles, Executive Director of Lifeline Global Ministries , shares what he has learned visiting over 90 prisons in America and around the world. In all the prisons Mike has visited, he has only met one male inmate who had a father who was a good role model at home. Crime follows from generation to generation. Learn how Lifeline Global is working to end intergenerational incarceration. Learn how you...
Aug 01, 2024•19 min•Ep. 168
In this episode, the significance of estate planning is emphasized. Dr. Clay Perkins , the Executive Vice President of the Financial Planning Ministry , discusses the widespread neglect of this crucial task, noting that procrastination is the primary reason many people, including those within the Church, delay or avoid estate planning. He highlights that estate planning extends beyond mere paperwork; it represents an essential act of love, faith, and stewardship. Learn 5 ways SAT-7 USA can help ...
Jul 19, 2024•19 min•Ep. 167
This episode focuses on SAT-7 , the leading Christian media brand in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Learn from Rami Al Halaseh , Executive Director of Arabic Channels and Digital Media, how SAT-7 has become a crucial spiritual lifeline for Christians in the region, many of whom are unable to attend physical churches. SAT-7 is a media-based ministry that provides faith-based programming to foster and sustain its viewers' spiritual lives. Rami elaborates on SAT-7's strategic role in bols...
Jul 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 166
