Unconventional Ministry

Thirty years ago, many believed Christian ministry in the Middle East and North Africa faced insurmountable barriers. Churches were scarce, believers often isolated, and traditional ministry methods struggled. Yet a bold vision led by Dr. Terence Ascott gave birth to SAT-7, a pioneering satellite television ministry that would change the landscape of Christian ministry across the region. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens explores how SAT-7 became one of the most influential Christian media ministries in the Middle East and North Africa. Broadcasting 24/7 in Arabic, Persian, Dari, and Turkish, SAT-7 uses satellite television, digital, and social media platforms to bring biblical teaching, worship, discipleship, prayer support, and hope directly into homes across the region. Discover how culturally relevant programming created by Middle Eastern and North African believers is strengthening faith, connecting viewers to local churches, and providing encouragement amid conflict, persecution, and uncertainty. Learn how innovative media ministry continues to overcome barriers that traditional approaches often cannot. Whether you're a church leader, donor, missions advocate, or simply passionate about global outreach, this episode offers a compelling look at how courage, creativity, and technology are expanding access to the Gospel in some of the world's most challenging places. Previous Episodes to learn more about SAT-7: EP#207 Broadcasting Hope in a Changing Middle East and North Africa with Rami Al-Halaseh EP#194 Music, Marriage, Media, and Ministry: A Story of Faithful Impact with Rawad and Marianne Daou

In this episode, host Dennis Wiens sits down with Becca Spradlin, author of Lead on Mission and a trusted voice in the global faith-at-work movement. Together, they discuss how Christian leaders can weave faith, values, and excellence into the marketplace in ways that endure beyond their own leadership. Becca shares her personal journey and the vision behind Lead on Mission, celebrating the inspiring growth of the faith-at-work movement while also sounding a vital warning: without intentional planning, many organizations lose their Kingdom focus in just one leadership transition. Avoiding mission drift requires uncommon intentionality. The conversation addresses the urgency of today’s moment. As baby boomers retire and a new generation of leaders takes the helm, organizations are facing a “values stress test.” Becca offers practical strategies for building companies that achieve operational and financial excellence while also fostering spiritual growth, discipleship, and a lasting witness of God’s love in the workplace. Has your organization drifted? Take the Free Self-Assessment

On this episode of Unconventional Ministry, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Randy Grimm, Interim Chief Development Officer at Calvary University, a school ranked in the top 30% nationwide for lowest student debt and in the top 3% of Christian universities. Randy shares how Calvary is redefining Christian higher education through an unwavering commitment to biblical truth, academic excellence, and debt-free graduation. Discover how Calvary University equips students for Kingdom impact while removing financial barriers through strategic donor partnerships and innovative funding models. From the heart of the Midwest to global missions, Calvary is proving that faithful stewardship and forward-thinking Christian education can go hand-in-hand. Tune in to hear what makes Calvary’s approach to Christian education truly unconventional! Enjoy this previous podcast episode: Giving Principles and Strategies for Multiplying Impact with Dr. Jim Bakke, Barnabas Foundation

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 of something essential, the stories of ordinary believers, bearing witness to the extraordinary grace of God. This episode challenges leaders to move beyond content creation to story cultivation, intentionally creating space where testimonies are not only celebrated but also stewarded. Through presence, prayer, and practice, Todd invites churches to equip believers to share their stories vulnerably and authentically, captured on video and shared online for Kingdom impact. This conversation will awaken a new vision: a church where no story of God’s grace is wasted and every testimony becomes a tool for spiritual formation, community building, and digital outreach.Click HERE to get your free book and take the 2-minute survey.

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 inviting God into your business or personal finances can transform outcomes. Gain insights into leveraging assets beyond cash gifts for greater impact, using tools like donor-advised funds to manage your giving effectively. Whether you are a business owner or an individual seeking to enhance your philanthropic efforts, this episode offers valuable perspectives on maximizing the use of God-given resources for eternal significance. Don't miss the opportunity to unlock the potential within your stewardship journey. To learn more about giving non-cash assets to make God’s love visible in the Middle East and North Africa, download a free copy of Gifts that Reduce Taxes – Stock, Real Estate, and Other Non-Cash Assets.

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 the powerful vision behind Go Chatter Studio: using colorful plastic bricks to build something that lasts forever – lives transformed by the Gospel. Picture the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling, or the resurrection of Jesus – all told in a way that draws people in with joy and awe. This episode will remind you that no tool is too small, and no idea is too unconventional when it’s placed in the hands of the Master Builder. Be ready to see children’s ministry, digital evangelism, and even your next box of LEGOs with brand-new eyes.

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 algorithms. Listen to a thought-provoking conversation on navigating AI with a biblical lens, wisdom, faith, and a commitment to biblical truth. ... Enjoy a previous podcast episode "Theology, Technology, and SAT-7" with Ray Heinen. 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, offering encouragement and hope to Christians and seekers alike in challenging contexts.

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 working harder, these strategies alone won’t bring the peace and freedom we long for. True transformation happens from the inside out when we follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our finances. Heather draws from her own journey of financial struggles and shares practical steps to align our money with God’s will. As the author of Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit, she brings a message of faith, hope, and renewal for those ready to break free from financial burdens and experience God’s provision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on replacing greed with generosity, anxiety with peace, and worldly tactics with God’s wisdom. Let’s pursue financial freedom – God’s way! .... Please tune in to a previous Unconventional Ministry episode with SAT-7 USA staff Ruth Thomas "Accountability, Transparency, and SAT-7." Learn how she transformed her career frustration into a pursuit of meaningful work serving in a leadership role with SAT-7 USA.