What happens when the Church shows up—not just with programs, but with people—in the lives of children growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods?

This week, Dan is joined by guest co-host Caroline Curry (Development Specialist, Tyndale House Foundation) and two leaders from By the Hand Club for Kids: Peter Hanson, VP of Volunteer Development, and Stephen Fernandes, Chief Development Officer.

By the Hand Club for Kids has been walking alongside children in some of Chicago's most challenged communities for over two decades—offering not just after-school programming, but something rarer: the sustained presence of caring adults who refuse to let a child's zip code define their ceiling.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why diverse social connections matter enormously for kids growing up in geographic and economic isolation
• The irreplaceable role of adult presence and attention in forming a child's sense of value and purpose—especially in our distracted, screen-saturated world
• How By the Hand helps students see their own neighborhoods through the lens of God's abundance rather than human scarcity
• What By the Hand's work says to the broader Church about what we truly value

Learn more about By the Hand Club for Kids:
By The Hand History and Stories
Giving to By The Hand
Volunteer Interest Form
ByTheHand.com
Facebook
LinkedIn

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In this episode, Dan Ehrman sits down with Steve Macchia and S.K. "Suz" Skinner to explore their new book, Praying the Parables of Jesus: A 40-Day Devotional Journey in Word and Image (NavPress/Tyndale). Steve is the founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (LTI), an author of 17 books, and a leading voice in spiritual formation and discipleship for Christian leaders. Suz is an artist and spiritual director who serves on LTI's Emmaus faculty and helps others encounter Christ through Scripture and art.

Together, Steve and Suz discuss their unique collaboration — pairing written devotional reflections with original artwork — and how the ancient practices of Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) and Visio Divina (prayerful reflection on sacred art) can open fresh encounters with the parables of Jesus. They share about LTI's broader mission of cultivating vibrant spirituality and attentive discernment among Christian leaders and churches, and how this book grew naturally out of that discipleship work.

With 40 devotions perfectly suited for the season of Lent, this conversation explores how believers can use the parables as a framework for slowing down, recalibrating their hearts, and drawing closer to Jesus during the 40 days leading to Easter. Whether used individually or in a small group, Praying the Parables of Jesus offers a rich, multisensory path into the Kingdom stories Jesus told — and an invitation to let those stories reshape how we live, pray, and follow.

Lenten Prayer Experience
Steve Macchia
S.K. Suz Skinner
Godspeed Movie

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How do you lead a congregation into deeper engagement with Scripture—and sustain it together? Pastor Andrew Forrest joins Dan Ehrman on The Church Around the World to share how Asbury Church in Tulsa is guiding the entire church through The One Year Bible in 2026 with a “Year Through the Bible” initiative built around shared rhythms, joy-filled discipleship, and practical tools pastors can adapt in their own contexts.

Andrew also reflects on the difficult leadership transition of leaving the church he planted and pastored for over a decade to serve Asbury following its disaffiliation from a denomination. Along the way, he offers wisdom for shepherding people through change, grounding ministry identity in faithfulness rather than outcomes, and leading with love in an anxious and divided age. The conversation includes insights from Andrew’s book, Love Goes First, and practical ideas for cultivating spiritual habits that shape a church’s life together.

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Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Asbury Church - Tulsa
Andrew Forrest
Love Goes First: Reaching Others in an Age of Anxiety and Division

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In this episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman is joined by Alex McElroy—pastor, author, and founder of Proof For The Truth—for a thoughtful conversation on how apologetics strengthens local church ministry, shapes discipleship, and equips believers to engage culture with confidence and grace.

Alex shares how apologetics is not merely an academic exercise, but a pastoral tool that helps congregations address doubt, disciple the next generation, and remain grounded in biblical truth amid cultural pressure. The conversation also explores the landscape of African-American apologetics, highlighting its unique voice, historical context, and growing influence within the broader evangelical church.

In addition, Alex reflects personally on navigating vocational change, the challenges of redefining calling outside of traditional ministry roles, and the importance of rooting identity not in titles or platforms, but in who we are in Christ. His story offers encouragement to pastors, ministry leaders, and believers discerning new seasons of calling while remaining faithful to God’s purposes.

This episode will resonate with anyone interested in: • Using apologetics as a discipleship and evangelism tool in the local church • Understanding the role and contribution of African-American voices in apologetics • Walking through vocational transition with spiritual clarity and confidence • Finding lasting identity and purpose grounded in God, not role or profession

A timely and encouraging conversation for church leaders, educators, and believers seeking to lead faithfully in a changing world.

Learn more about Alex McElroy: • https://www.proofforthetruth.org/ • https://www.alexrmcelroy.com/ • https://www.facebook.com/pastoralexmcelroy/

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Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
New Living Translation
NLT Scholars

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In this week’s episode, host Dan Ehrman sits down with Dr. Eric J. Tully, Director of the PhD in Theological Studies and Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Dr. Tully joins us to explore why ancient languages matter deeply for the life of the local church, not just the academy — from deepening biblical interpretation to enriching preaching and discipleship.

We also dive into the significant transition unfolding at TEDS, as the historic seminary prepares to merge with Trinity Western University in Canada — a move that reflects broader shifts in theological education and mission in the 21st century. Dr. Tully shares insights on what this change means for faculty, students, and the global church community. Christian Post+1

Along the way we discuss: • The enduring value of studying the Bible in its original languages — Hebrew, Greek, and the ancient versions — for theological clarity and faithful ministry. Trinity International University • How ancient texts and language study equip pastors and lay leaders for deeper engagement with Scripture. Trinity International University • Dr. Tully’s academic work — including his books on prophetic literature, textual criticism, and biblical interpretation — and how these projects aim to connect rigorous scholarship with the life of the church. Trinity International University • The story behind TEDS’ evolving institutional identity and its future in Canada.

Whether you’re a pastor, student, or curious follower of Jesus, this conversation will challenge the way you think about language, Scripture, and the global future of theological education.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Dr. Tully LinkedIn

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In this episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman sits down with Dr. Jerry Hwang — Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and a member of the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible Translation Committee. Dr. Hwang shares how the NLT translation process works, how scholars collaborate, and why translation matters for a global and multilingual church. Together, they explore the challenges of communicating ancient Scripture in clear and accurate modern English, the importance of Old Testament theology, and the role of cross-cultural scholarship in shaping the mission of the church worldwide.

This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the Bible is translated and why it matters for pastors, missionaries, and believers around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how the NLT is created—or wanted insight into the intersection of theology, scholarship, and mission—this episode is for you.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
New Living Translation
NLT Scholars

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In this inspiring episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman speaks with Andrew Gorski of Evangelical Poland and the Lake EPIC Training Center. Together they explore how God is stirring hearts in Poland—a nation rich in history yet still deeply shaped by its Catholic tradition.

Andrew shares the bold vision behind Evangelical Poland: to see 1% of the nation come to a Protestant faith in Jesus Christ. Listeners will gain a glimpse into the country’s unique cultural and spiritual landscape and hear how local leaders are partnering with international churches and ministries to advance the gospel.

The conversation also highlights mission trips taken in summer 2025, when teams from Tyndale House Publishers joined the work at Lake EPIC. These trips helped renovate facilities to support leadership training, outreach, and community engagement that equip Polish believers to reach their neighbors for Christ.

Join us as we celebrate how God is moving in Poland—and how the global Church can stand alongside our brothers and sisters there in prayer and partnership.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations.

Episode Links:
Lake EPIC Christian Training Center
Evangelical Poland
Dawn Eaton’s Tyndale Mission Trip Experience

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In this special episode of The Church Around the World, host Dan Ehrman is joined by co-host Caroline Curry from the Tyndale House Foundation for an in-studio conversation with Dr. Jessy Jaison of Mesa Global, her husband Dr. Jaison Thomas, and nonprofit leader Chris Bos.

Mesa Global equips local church leaders in more than 50 nations, including across Asia—where Oxford-trained Dr. Jessy Jaison leads from India, a nation home to more than 800 seminaries and theological training institutions.

Dr. Jaison offers practical and spiritual insights on uniting leaders for the Gospel, the journey from leading peers to serving as a respected elder, and the challenges of merging diverse ministry organizations. The conversation explores:

- The Christian legacy and church diversity across Kerala and India. - Bridging the gap between the academy and the church so that thriving congregations have well-trained leaders. - God’s work in shaping her leadership as a woman in full-time ministry. - The ongoing call to discipleship and spiritual formation throughout life. - Engaging and mentoring younger leaders to bridge generational divides. - Leading effectively across cultures in the Global South.

This episode is a rich reflection on Gospel-centered leadership, humility in growth, and the global church’s shared mission to equip the next generation of faithful servants.

Church Connect

Church Connect – Access trusted resources from leading Christian publishers to strengthen your church. Enjoy everyday bulk discounts of up to 45%, free shipping on orders over $50, and more. Every purchase supports the Tyndale Foundation, funding Christian ministries and global mission organizations through leaders like Development Specialist Caroline Curry.

Episode Links:
Dr. Jessy Jaison
Dr. Jaison Thomas
Chris Bos

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