This week, we sit down with Dr. Elie Haddad, President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon. Elie is a theological giant — both figuratively and literally (he’s super tall!) — and a pioneering leader whose influence reaches far beyond the seminary walls.

In this conversation, Elie shares:

• How he’s reimagined theological education in times of crisis and change
• Why polycentric mission is essential for the future of the global church
• The innovative systems he’s implemented to empower leaders across the Arab world
• What it looks like to walk through succession with humility, wisdom, and hope

Elie’s vision, grounded in faith and sharpened through years of leadership, offers encouragement and challenge for anyone passionate about missions, ministry, and the future of theological training.

Website - Arab Baptist Theological Seminary

Blog Post - Passing the Baton: Theological Reflections on Leadership Succession

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

What do Peru, Panama, Portugal, and Paul have in common? They’re all part of the story of Rev. Luciano Pereira da Silva. 🇧🇷➡️🇵🇪➡️🇵🇦➡️🇵🇹

Originally from Brazil, Luciano has poured out his life across the globe - serving in Peru, now shepherding in Panama, and always carrying a deep love for Portugal. If it starts with a “P,” chances are Luciano has a story there!

But more than geography, Luciano has a heart like the Apostle Paul. He’s a church planter, pastor, Conference Superintendent for the Global Methodist Church in Panama, and a member of the GMC Commission on Kingdom Advancement. His vision? To see the Church multiply, disciples grow, and God’s Kingdom advance to the ends of the earth.

In this episode, Luciano shares his journey, his passion for planting churches, and how the Spirit is moving in Latin America and beyond. You’ll leave inspired by his joy, his faith, and his global heartbeat for the Gospel.

WATCH this Plainspoken Podcast Interview.

READ Luciano's new book, Rescued from Darkness: Helping Others Find Deliverance in Christ

VIEW the GMC Panama Website.

VIEW video from annual conference.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Luciano is called a “modern Paul” with an apostolic fire.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

What happens when the Gospel meets the airwaves across the Middle East and North Africa? You get SAT-7! And you get people like Ray Heinen making it happen.

Originally from Egypt, Ray has spent decades living and serving across the Arab world before landing in the U.S. with his wife, Sue. Today, as Senior Director of Ministry Partnerships at SAT-7, he’s helping the Church beam hope, truth, and the love of Christ into millions of homes in places many of us will never go.

In this episode, Ray shares his personal journey, the heart behind SAT-7, and powerful stories of how God is using satellite TV and digital platforms to reach the unreachable. It’s a reminder that the Gospel knows no borders — only opportunities.

Listen now and discover:

• How SAT-7 broadcasts the Good News in the heart languages of the Middle East and North Africa.
• Why media ministry can open doors in closed countries.
• Ray’s passion for equipping the Church to tell its story with boldness.
• And don't forget his favorite phrase: "Theology through technology!"

Learn more about SAT-7 at http://sat7usa.org.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com