Send us a text

In Season 4, Episode 4 of the Take Off Podcast, Thomas Clark continues his rich conversation with missional pastor and ICU nurse Nalisha Logan in Part 2 of “How a Disciple Making Movement Helps Meet the Needs of the Community.” Building on Part 1, this episode dives deeper into how we actually discern and address the real needs of the places where we live, work, learn, and play. Nalisha shares how simply being present, asking good questions, and listening well have helped her assess the needs of her neighborhood and workplace—from prayerful walks on her block to creative dog meetups that build social momentum with neighbors. Together, Thomas and Nalisha draw a powerful contrast between just “planting a church” and organically discovering what a community truly needs, so that we can show up in ways that are both culturally relevant and theologically sound.

The conversation then moves into the crucial difference between being ethnocentric and being ethnographic—not forcing our culture on others, but learning to see and serve people through their own stories, cultures, and experiences. Through examples from Nalisha’s work in a diverse hospital setting and everyday life in her neighborhood and local Starbucks, listeners see what it looks like to care for the whole person and cultivate genuine, mutual relationships where Christ’s peace is felt. Thomas frames all of this as developing a “local theology and testimony”—a glocal faith that reflects a global Christ in a very local context. As always, the episode ends with a challenge: How will you show up to meet the needs around you, and what is your “I will…” statement as you live out disciple-making in your community?

Please consider following this podcast so that you do not miss an episode. Also, please support the work we are doing with either a monthly or yearly subscription. Subscribers will receive early access to episodes along with other perks.

Support the show