Because the spring-like legs and powerful tail of kangaroos form a kind of tripod for balance and great forward motion, they cannot really move backwards. The males can shuffle or take small hops backwards when they are fighting, and Tree Kangaroos are able to move...

Episode Summary: In this final bonus episode of Jesus and Jet Lag, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman explore the theme of Apologetics through Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26. While Paul is technically on trial, the hosts discuss how he flips the...

Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman follow Paul from the “culture clash” of Acts 15 to the nuance of contextualization in Acts 17. Arriving in Athens—a city “living on its past glories”—Paul finds himself alone and distressed by...

Episode Summary: In this bonus episode of Jesus and Jet Lag, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman tackle the theme of “Culture Clash” through the lens of Acts 15. They explore the pivotal Council of Jerusalem, where the early church faced a “sharp dispute” over...

Episode Summary: In this third episode of the Jesus and Jet Lag bonus series, hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman conclude their look at Paul’s first missionary journey. Picking up in the second half of Acts 14 (verses 21-28), they discuss the “return trip” where...

Episode Summary: In this second episode of the Jesus and Jet Lag bonus series, hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman continue their journey through the mission themes of Acts. Focusing on Acts 14:8-20, they explore Paul and Barnabas’s dramatic encounter in Lystra....

Episode Summary: Welcome to a special bonus series of Jesus and Jetlag! Hosts Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman kick off a six-part deep dive into the mission themes found within the book of Acts2. In this first episode, Matt and Mike explore Acts Chapter 1, discussing...

Episode Show Notes This week we are joined by Professor Stephen Geiger, who teaches New Testament and education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He also hosts a YouTube channel called His Word 360. Professor Geiger shares how his ministry, whether...

Episode Show Notes In this episode, we welcome missionary Bounkeo Lor, who serves as a missionary in the WELS and as the president of the Hmong Fellowship Church in Vietnam. A fourth-generation Christian leader, Boun shares his powerful story of how the distinction...

Episode Summary In this episode, Matthew Doebler and Mike Hartman speak with Elise Gross, a "Third Culture kid" from Antigua. Elise shares her personal story and spiritual journey, including her frustration with the perceived lack of active roles for women in ministry...

God designed our brains with amazing capabilities. One of which involves the amygdala. This almond sized structure found near the base of our brain helps us respond to life threatening situations. It activates a sudden flight or fight response that overrides time...

In this episode of Jesus and Jetlag, hosts Mike Hartman and Matthew Doebler interview each other, diving into the ambitious yet humbling call to plant a church body rather than a single congregation. They share their experiences as missionaries in Australia and the...

What is the role of theological education on the mission field? Is there a tension between the "academic" work of a theological educator and the "practical" work of a missionary? In this episode, we are joined by Jon Bare, president of Asia Lutheran Seminary, who...

Here is the second half of my interview about Luke 9:51-62 and my new book More than Meh. Thank you to Mark Kjenstad at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI, for interviewing me, editing the episode, and publishing it. You can listen to PART TWO here at the...

In this episode of Jesus and Jetlag, Mike and Matt host a fascinating four-continent conversation with Matt Behmer and Guy Marquardt about the profound meaning of fellowship (Koinonia) and the practicalities of hospitality in international mission work. They delve...

There are many things I love about my Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ. One of them is how they speak the word “brothers.” In standard Chinese usage, the word for brother is “xiongdi” (pronounced kind of like “sheeyong-dee”). It’s actually two words mashed...

As I record and edit the audio for my upcoming release of More than Meh on Audible, I thought I would share the introduction. Purchase More than Meh here on Amazon. Find out more about my books on matthewdoebler.us. Subscribe now Share Leave a comment

I had the privilege of being interviewed about Luke 9:51-62 and my new book More than Meh. Thank you to Mark Kjenstad at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI, for interviewing me, editing the episode, and publishing it. You can listen to part one here at the...

In the 90s, several famous musicians performed “unplugged” concerts. Instead of huge auditoriums, sardined-packed with fans and vibrating to the boom of massive speakers, smaller groups snuggled around tiny MTV stages to hear the likes of Mariah Carey, 10,000 Maniacs,...

What is the right missionary attitude? How does a missionary move from a place of unintentional superiority to one of genuine, humble servanthood? In this episode, Mike and Matt are joined by Pastor Rob Siirila, who shares wisdom gathered from 36 years of missionary...

When they had crucified Jesus, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:35–37 NIV). I could tell it was a...

Is there a place for the long, slow work of relationship-building in modern missions? When we're eager to share the good news, the process of simply having coffee, sharing meals, or taking long walks can feel unproductive. But what if these activities are the...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Wendland, former president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, to discuss the profound value of the gospel message and how a deep understanding of core Christian teachings can equip leaders for effective cross-cultural ministry. Paul...

In this episode, Mike Hartman and Matthew Doebler welcome Pastor Asher William, who leads a church in South Asia. Pastor Asher shares his incredible journey and insights into gospel-centered missiology. Key Discussion Points: Asher William's Background: Pastor Asher...

Order your copy at Amazon.com. Here are a few more endorsements: This book captivated me by calling out the “meh” areas in my life and boldly leading me to Scripture—the true source of transformation. Professor Doebler made me laugh, kneel, and rejoice in Christian...

Order your copy at Amazon.com. Here are a few more endorsements: Although we might say that Jesus is the most important person in our lives, sometimes our faith can feel, well, “meh.” With raw honesty and his disarming sense of humor, Matt helps us identify where and...

Episode 15 of Jesus and Jetlag features Bill Meier, President and CEO of Kingdom Workers, a global Christian non-profit organization. This episode delves into the concept of holistic gospel ministry, emphasizing the integration of gospel proclamation and compassionate...

My book launches in four days. You can preorder the Kindle version on Amazon.com or purchase the paperback on Friday at the same place. Here’s another endorsement: If you have ever cared about someone drifting from their faith or struggling to move forward on their...

Hey friends, my new book More than Meh should release later next week. Take a look at these endorsements from some of my good friends and colleagues: “Jesus offers us so much more than meh.” Indeed he does, and Matt’s book explains why and empowers you with some...

In my forthcoming book, Gospel-Centered Mentoring, I encourage readers to prepare themselves for mentoring by becoming gospel-centered models. I write: As we fill up with the gospel for ourselves through regular time with God’s Word privately, with a few brothers or...

In this impactful article, Shawn addresses physical resiliency for public gospel workers because this realm of following Christ seems to be a particular challenge for that vocation in many situations. However, his words are extremely useful for everyone. They also...

Do your mentees truly understand their exalted status before God? How often do you remind them who they are? The biggest voices in Western culture continually tell us who they think we are: “You are special; you are unique; you can do anything you put your mind to.”...

In engineering design, tolerance refers to the acceptable limits of varying size while still ensuring proper function, fit, and performance. For example, a specific part for a machine may be designed for a length of 10 mm. But the acceptable tolerance may be anywhere...

I was intrigued by the following article written by my son, Sam, on his blog Dreaming Dragonslayer. I think mentors will find it useful for helping mentees not only talk about making changes, especially in areas plagued by automatic habits, but taking the important...

Personal change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the formula is beautifully simple: Small Deposits + Time = Incredible Results Here’s a thought-provoking illustration: If you had the choice between receiving $1 million today or a penny that doubles every day...

We had just moved to a large Asian city, our second in three years, and we were frazzled. It was our second time setting up house; our second time going through culture shock; our second time saying goodbye to cherished friends and favorite places. I thought I would...

I apologize to our listeners: the previous podcast episode was labeled “the Power of Groups” but the actual topic was “How to Have Healthy Conflict.” That episode has been corrected. This is the actual message entitled “the Power of Groups.” Thanks for your...

"Later" might be one of the most dangerous words in the English language. I’ve been working on a bathroom remodel project at home for over a year now. Coming from a construction family, it’s embarrassing how long it’s taking me to finish. I like to think I’m...

The following devotion was written by Professor William Zhu, my colleague at Asia Lutheran Seminary. It felt very appropriate for our times. I hope it is as comforting to you as it was to me. Isaiah 6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

Personal growth can sometimes feel selfish. Why invest so much time and money into spiritual disciplines, professional growth, eating healthy, exercising, or being coached? I have work to do, bills to pay, and a house full of people who depend on me. How can I justify...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

My first job, apart from babysitting, was working at Burger King--which is known as Hungry Jack’s here in Commonwealth nations. (Burgers might be distasteful to the monarchy?) For a “whopping” $2.20 per hour, I learned to run the broilers, work drive-through, and make...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

It’s finally coming together! My next book! I posted a first draft of the intro ages ago, but with oodles of rewrites and input from great friends, it’s ready for a draft 2.0 repost. Enjoy! And feel free to send me feedback. I wanted to be Spiderman. But my sensible...

I have yet to meet a called worker who does not recognize the importance of caring for their soul, mind, and body. However, I have met many who struggle to intentionally invest time in nurturing these essential areas. The list of excuses is long. So what gives? One...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

One of the best ways to maintain our three-legged stool—our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being—is by establishing personal boundaries. Saying “yes” to something always means saying “no” to something else. Too often, our “no” ends up resulting in neglecting...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

All organizations and movements adopt “insider language” throughout their lifespan. It’s part of human nature to create shortcuts for the sake of proficiency and/or the comfortable feeling that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Modern coaching and...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

One thing about being married to a missionary is that I get opportunities after big moves to reevaluate my gifts, see the new situations that God has graciously laid before me, and take an exciting step into something new. After recently moving to Africa, coaching was...

In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for...

Two practical skills that can optimize your life and ministry are organization and communication. Both can be improved with focus and intentional effort. Growth in these areas will reduce stress, improve relationships, and boost productivity. Take a moment to reflect...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. You will find Part 1 here. A little Preparation As mentioned above, Step 2 of the...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. You will find Part 1 here. Step 3: Prayer Once you have listened to the mentee’s...

Welcome to our three-part series introducing a simple gospel-centered mentoring method that can be used to give inquisitive Christians a powerful taste of the blessings of mentoring. I believe that the most effective gospel-centered mentoring develops through training...

In The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway captures a universal truth about decline. One character asks, “How did you go bankrupt?” The other responds, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” This doesn’t just happen with bank accounts—it also can happen with our...

When our children attended Texas public schools in the aughts, we were introduced to the “No Child Left Behind” program. The state government was committed to doing whatever it took to ensure that every child succeeded in school. Some teachers jokingly (and a bit...

"Follow your passion." "Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life." "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." These mantras are deeply embedded in modern career and life advice. They promise fulfillment through self-discovery and...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

In this 3-part series, I will address the feelings of meh, or spiritual blah, that mentors and mentees encounter on the path toward becoming wholehearted followers of Christ who rest in Him fully and reflect Him faithfully. Through Luke 9:51-62, I will highlight some...

Over my 50 years of public ministry, a mentor would have brought significant benefit. I, my family, and my ministry missed out, however, because I didn't have a mentor. I did have ministry brothers who were my go-to advisors, my encouragers, and my accountability...

In my forthcoming book, “Gospel-Centered Mentoring,” (and in this post and video) I address the somewhat sticky topic of God’s will. I write: Many Christian mentors believe their job is to help mentees listen for the Holy Spirit’s unique vision, or destiny, for their...

Daron is my professional coach and a gospel-centered, practical pastor. So, when he puts out an appeal to our church or coaching cohort, I take a second (and third and fourth) look, and I try my best to implement it when possible. His recent “5 Practical Questions to...

My wife, Christine, recently took on three new coaching clients, which has inspired us to update our “Get to Know You Form,” which mentors and coaches can send clients to fill out and return before their first session together. Such a tool helps build rapport so that...

If you ask my kids what my favorite Christmas Bible passage is, they’ll probably say, “Revelation 12; you know, the one about the dragon.” However, I’ve yet to visit any Christmas service where Revelation 12 is read (besides one that I organized in Texas many years...

Is it appropriate for a mentor to take notes during a mentor session, especially when mentees are sharing a lot of information?  It certainly can be.  Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash Here are a few considerations for taking notes:  Note-taking can be distracting to...

Ask Reframing Questions If mentees feel stuck at any time during the discussion, help them get unstuck by looking at the issue from various angles through reframing questions.  Think of reframing questions like this:  why does the Bible have four gospels that...

As you listen to mentees during this phase, you will unearth many issues that seem important to their development.  But how do you follow up on these issues and encourage them to explore what will lead toward developing goals and action steps for growth?  You do this...

See the previous article for part 1 of Listening Well. Now, as you begin to listen well, you might want to know, “What exactly am I listening for as the mentee shares?”  The Mentee’s Own Discernment or Insights Remember that the Holy Spirit has been working in...

In the movie Inside Out, the feelings of a little girl, Riley, are personified as different characters.  For example, there is “Joy,” “Sadness,” “Anger,” and “Disgust.”  The movie mostly takes place in her mind, as we see Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust interacting...

As two devastated disciples plodded toward Emmaus along the dusty road, a stranger approached and walked beside them.  He plied them with questions:  “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”  When they related that they were discussing recent events in...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a. Our Creator intricately and intentionally wove together every detail of your mentees’ beings.  They are blessed with...

When mentees are discouraged about lack of progress on a goal or action step, remind them first that these plans are not laws from God.  Mentees have not sinned just because they did not complete their action steps last week.  Be careful of giving the appearance of...

Many people believe the old American proverb:  “practice makes perfect.”  In other words, if you practice a skill long enough (e.g., learning to play the piano), you will eventually perfect that skill.   However, this proverb is partially incorrect.  Here is the...

My back is sore.   My knee aches.   And I’m tired.   I stare at my row machine, barbell, and bench.   I don’t want to lift.   Maybe I should go clean the toilets? Or how about getting a head start on my taxes? Anything but another backbreaking WOD (Workout of the...

You’ll find Part 1 of this brief essay here. The follow-up question might be, “Well, what does Paul mean by “with regard to yourself”? It only makes sense that he would be thinking back to his list of qualities for the overseer which he already gave in Chapter 3 of...

When instructing Timothy about how to conduct himself as a young pastor, Paul wrote, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)). The definition of the word “watch,”...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Because Koalas are reclusive, it’s a rare treat to glimpse one in the wild.  They also sleep up to 20 hours per day, usually tucked high up in the crook of a tree branch.  So, it’s quite difficult to spot them even when they are around. When we first arrived in...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Someone once made the distinction that counseling looks backward, and coaching/mentoring looks forward.  He was not speaking pejoratively of counseling and positively of coaching/mentoring; he was just distinguishing between the trajectories of the two.  In...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Sainted professor John Jeske liked to tell the story of a little boy who feared the dark.  Every night, he woke up in a panic and cried out for his parents.  Mom would rush in to soothe him and assure him that he was safe because God was there with him.  Finally, one...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Goodbyes We left Chiang Mai on June 10, bound for the UK wedding of our daughter Maddie to Ashley Garfitt.  Chiang Mai was a wonderful home for us: a friendly and affordable city that welcomed our ministry teams, along with friends that became like family through the...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

One important way to set a gospel-predominant tone for the mentor session is to share a devotional thought with the mentee.  There are a few ways to do this depending on the amount of time you have to prepare beforehand as well as your level of comfort with the...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

In these 18 brief videos we introduce you to the basics of Gospel-Centered Mentoring by explaining: 1) what Gospel-Centered mentoring is (7 videos) 2) how to prepare yourself and your mentee for the mentoring relationship (2 videos) and 3) how to facilitate a mentor...

Before the pandemic, I went in for a medical check-up.  It had been years.  You know—needles, peeing in a cup, prodding, jabbing—I had better things to do.  But it was time.  When you start your yearly check-ups at year 49, they upsell you on the Platinum Package—at...