"Just follow Scripture" sounds simple—until two sincere people read the same text and land in different places. Episode 5 wrestles with the hard work of harmonizing truth and humility: how to go without centering ourselves, how to help without performing, and how to build something through mutuality, instead of being one-directional. Through voices like Mekdes Haddis and Sarah Breuel—and a musician's ear for dissonance and resolve—this episode asks what it would take for missions to move in harmony again.

People featured in this episode

Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida.

Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Neil Shenvi — Writer and speaker known for apologetics and engagement with questions of faith, philosophy, and culture. Holds a PhD in theoretical chemistry (UC Berkeley) and studied at Princeton.

Mekdes Haddis — Ethiopian-born missiologist and author challenging "missions as usual" approaches in the Western church. Founder of The Mutuality Lab. Author of A Just Mission.

Sarah Breuel — Christian leader originally from Brazil and based in Rome. Founder/director of Revive Europe; has served with IFES and the Lausanne Movement.

Music

• Mira Ma / Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• El Equipo Del Norte / Sulco / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• El Equipo Del Norte / Bahia / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
• Blair McMillen, Conway Kuo / La Capricieuse, Op. 17 / courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Credits

Host: Imer Santiago

Produced by: Arrival Creative

Presented by: Missio Nexus